I don't know. Our meeting called to order. This is the December 9th, 2025 council meeting of Burough of Oakland. Would the clerk please read the statement of compliance? This meeting is being held in accordance with the open public meetings law duly
announced, advertised, and posted in the municipal building. The meeting will adjourn no later than 10 p.m. unless a majority of the council members that are present vote to extend the time. >> All rise for a pledge of allegiance. >> Council Pitell, would you lead the pledge, please? I aliance to the flag of
the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Remain standing for a quick moment of silence. >> Thank you. Clerk, please call the role.
Mayor Kamala >> here. >> Council President Finski >> here. >> Councilman McCann >> here. >> Councilman Pignatelli >> here. >> Councilwoman Rose >> here. >> Councilman Saliani >> present. >> Councilman Telamini >> here.
So we have a special uh recognition here today. We've got the uh fifth grade girls winners and congratulations to the fifth and sixth grade girls team for winning the Western Bergen County League Championships. We have all our
Good job. Good job. >> The team enjoyed a memorable undefeated season with eight wins in one tie, and they gave up the fewest goals of any team in the league. Very good, girls. The coaches are especially proud of their of the tremendous improvements shown by all the players. Each week, a different player stepped up with a key
play. You never know who it would be. It was a true team effort. The girls constantly gave 100% effort. Good job, girls. worked hard at every practice and game and showed remarkable remarkable heart. They should feel incredibly proud of everything they've achieved together. Special recognition goes out to our
volunteer soccer coaches for the dedication and commitment this season. Your service had a significant impact on the young athletes and the community. We also want to highlight the involvement of our high school volunteer coaches whose contributions were impactful and appreciated with the new addition to the
program. So, thank you all for representing Oakland and very proud of you. Congratulations. At this time, I'd like to ask head coach Frankfina. >> No, >> not here. >> Panel, I'm sorry.
>> Assistant coach Damio Confori, >> assistant coach David Cruz, >> not yet. >> Not here. And assistant coach Tommy Baba, come forward. So you guys should stand on this on this side. Mayor will stand over here. Okay.
>> So I want to congratulate you guys. Hey coach, >> congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Coach Confoy. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. And coach Father, congratulations. >> Evos. Look at that little finish there.
I want to thank you guys certainly for the fine job you did working with these young girls. At this time, coach, I'd like to present this to you so that you can pull your girls up one at a time. >> Start from this way. >> Do you want to talk, you want to give a little background on the season for? >> Um, sure. Sure. Um, super excited what
the girls did. Um, the one thing I asked the girls from the very beginning to do was just give your best. That's all I said. every game from beginning to from beginning of the season, from the first practice, every practice, every game until the end of the season, try your best. And and the idea was uh to learn
to try your best in anything you do, right? I mean, soccer, obviously, you were there for soccer, try your best for soccer. Um I'm not sure if you told your parents, but I said you should try your best as being a good daughter, right? You could try your best in in school. do your best. Do your best in in all
activities you do and and and just do always try your best in anything you do in life. Um and and it worked, right? I had a great group of girls. Uh we all played together. Super super proud of you. I put so many of you in positions you did not want to play and you guys
all played amazing. I mean, I was just we went undefeated. So, you should all be proud of that, right? Not everyone can play every position. You guys played every position, each one of you. That's pretty amazing. Um, so on that uh
>> let's give a round of applause. >> Arty Cruz right here. Good. You want to bring your trophy? >> Bring your trophy. >> Bring your trophy. >> Diana Spanella. Oh, they have names on it. I did not try my best. also
want to in the front actually. >> You got you got their unicorns here. >> Thank you. Just take his >> mine. >> Yeah. Grab any for the picture. You're not going to see it. Don't worry about
it. >> Both of them matched up. I was like, "How do you know?" >> Wait, can I come over? >> Can everybody see? >> Oh, wait. Trophy. Where's the trophy? Where's the trophy? Oh, yeah. We got to get the trophy. Give the trophy to the
mayor. Mayor's going TO HOLD IT. OH, YOU GOT to hold it. >> Hello, Mr. Pablo. >> All right, the fence will take over. >> Say cheese. >> Cheese. >> Let's give one more round of applause. Good job, girls.
Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Good job. Are you coming home with me? Okay. >> Yeah, they sent the link to it. >> Oh, they're going to do it. One time they it was a recount. I think they were
just counting ballots and they're like, "Oh, we're going to stream it." There's like a giant room where they were counting ballots and you couldn't see what was going on, >> right? So, they actually sent a link saying this is going to be it's like a live Zoom meeting almost where you could watch the recount starting at 9:00. Do you want me to send you the link?
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. That's it. Are you sending somebody down? Okay, we're up to the mayor's report. I have a couple things here. Number one, I'm happy to announce that the guide rail up
on Patriots Way was completed today. So, the Patriots Way job is now completed. Uh the west Oakland West Oakland water mane was also completed on Monday. That job is finally completed and and anybody lives down by Truman in Navajo. All the
flood by houses are down. They're currently just grading the properties at this time and they're going to be bringing top soil in in the next couple days. I want to just take a minute to acknowledge the the Christmas tree Hanukkah lighting and holiday stroll. I want to >> Mike, you got to leave that open. It's
not a closed meeting. It's illegal. Yeah. Yeah. Open it. >> I just want to acknowledge the holiday stroll and good work and Danny uh Dan Deia, thank you so much for putting together the holiday. >> Uh Dan, why don't you stand up real quick? >> Oh, you got to talk about it. Okay.
Yeah, it was a it was a wonderful event. I think it was say Dan, it's safe to say the most well attended event that we've had in the last 10 10 years, right? >> Got to be a couple hundred people. Yeah, it was a lot of people there. And also, I want to recognize Craig Popz for really working on the lighting and getting that done at Veterans Park. Uh
Truman Boulevard recfield. Uh the they were trimming the trees around the field and we're just waiting for the contractor to come in to install the lighting on Truman Field and that job should also be completed. A couple housekeeping things here. We've
got um holiday lights recycling uh which is going to uh do you have any strands of burned out holiday lights? You're replacing them with new ones, newer, more energy efficient, don't throw them out and recycle them. You can drop them off at Ace Hardware at 347 Rample Valley Road from now until January 31st. Also,
as many people are aware, we're Bergen is celebrating the 250th anniversary and one of the first speakers right now is Revolution War Roundtable Speaker Series at One Bergen Plaza. On December 10th, it's going to be Rob Haberman. Uh, and his topic is going to be surviving
through the community, Sergeant James Selkerk and the Morristown and Pumpkin Lakes Encampments. Also, Toys for Tots. Uh we will be uh Saturday, December 13th at 12:00 p.m. The train will stop across the street from the Krowers in Bush Plaza, the location of the old trade station.
Please park at the Copper Tree Plaza near JD's Deli and the Bank of America. Toy donations can also be dropped off that day. Arrive early to see Santa pull in on the train and have a chance to have your picture taken with Santa. Snacks and beverages will be provided courtesy of the Oakland Public Events
Committee and food by Mike's Dog House. And it's free to everybody who wants to attend. And last most important one is Santa is coming to town with the fire department. Santa's coming to town on Saturday, December 20th. Uh the information is going to be posted on the burough
website as well as the fire department website. So check on that for the schedule of where Santa is going to be and where Santa's going to be in town. And that's that's my report. Uh I actually the clerk, did you have a report you wanted to? >> Yeah. So, we just want to advise the public that the election recount is
scheduled for tomorrow, December 10th, the at 9:00 a.m. It'll be at the voting machine warehouse at 6 660 Gotham Parkway in Carlstat. And that'll be followed by the hand count at 10:00 a.m. at One Bergen County Plaza in room
460 on the fourth floor. So, anybody who would like to attend the recount, it is an open public meeting. You are willing to go. If you go to the Bergen County election website, there is a link there to watch a live count. You can watch it
on your computer. >> That's it. >> Thank you. All right. Uh, do we have a motion to open the public? >> Move. Second. All in favor? I >> from the public wish to address. >> All right. Danny Belier, Oakland Public Events. I just want to uh thank the
residents of town for coming out to our first annual holiday stroll with our tree lighting. It was well attended and was great turnout by residents, great turnout by you people. And the only thing we could do is make it bigger and
better next year. So, and we're always looking for volunteers with public events and give us a hand with all our events. >> Yeah. Dan, I just want to thank you. You and your committee did a wonderful job. I mean, it was so well attended and it was really it was a nice >> and thanks to the thanks to the vendors,
too. Local vendors that that came all the vendors and >> really great great. >> Everybody had a great time. Yeah. >> All right. Yep. Anybody else? Motion to close. So >> move a second. Second. All in favor? I
>> All right. We're up to approval of minutes. We have November 10th, 2025. There's a motion to approve. >> Remember which one I missed? Which one? >> November 10th. You were here. >> You weren't here November 10th. >> So motion to approve November 10th minutes.
>> Mr. Saliani, do I have a second? >> Second. >> Councilwoman, uh, do we have any change any discussion? We need a roll call because I have to abstain. >> Okay. All right. Roll call. >> Council President Slinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann,
>> abstain. >> Councilman Pignatelli, >> abstain. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> abstain. >> Okay, we're up to November 10th, 2025
executive minutes. Do we have a motion to approve? I'll >> move. Have a second. Second. Uh, >> if anybody has any discussion, these can only be discussed in executive session. Does anybody have any discussion? >> Not seeing any. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski,
>> yes. >> Councilman McCann, >> abstain. >> Councilman Pignatelli, >> abstain. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Council Ben Saliani, >> yes. >> Sorry. >> And Councilman Talamini,
>> abstain. Okay, we're up to November 20 November 25th, 2025 minutes. Move. >> Councilman, do we have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Saliani, does anybody have any discussion? >> Not seeing any. Roll call.
>> Council President Sinski, >> yes. >> Councilman McCann, >> yes. >> Councilman Pignatelli, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> Okay, we're up to November 25th, 2025. Executive minutes. Do you have a motion
to approve? >> Move. You have a second. >> Mr. Stalliani. Once again, if anybody has any changes to this or any discussion, I can only be done in executive session. >> Does anybody have any changes? Not seeing any. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski? >> Yes.
>> Councilman McCann? >> Yes. >> Council Pnatelli? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> Okay, we're up the following resolutions. 25315 resolution authorizing the reappoint of our acting
bureau clerk Wendy Sullen. 25316 authorize recreation refunds. 25317 resolution authorizing tax refund. 25318 amend labor attorney contract.
25319 award contract Van Allen House site work engineering. 25320 award Grand View and Acorn Storm Water Improvements. 25321 award contract for Oakland Nolles
STP hydraulic capacity study for that's for the uh sewer plant up here at Oakland Nolles 25322 authorized shared service agreement with parameters to repair fire vehicles for the year 2026 25323 authorized bulletproof vest partnership grant submitt
25324 authorized CDBG grant application 25325 budget transfer 25326 resolution opposing S state law ST736. We discussed that at the last meeting.
25327 resolution amending the non-UN salary resolution. 25328 resolution authorizing the hire of seasonal snowplow operator. 25329 resolution to amend CDBG grant
agreement for Grand View and a corn storm water site site improvements and 25330 authorized refund utility fees for 63 Chickasaw. Does anybody wish to point anybody any out or >> discussion salary resolution? >> What's that?
>> The non salary resolution 25 327. >> Okay. Anybody else? >> Uh 25 325 >> budget transfer. Okay. Anybody else? Can we get 318 too? >> 318. Okay. All right. And I also want to pull
out uh 25 329. All right. Uh Councilman Talamini 253 uh with you know let's vote on the the rest of them that we have not pulled out from so excluding 25 318 25 327 and 329. I have a motion to approve
>> and 325. I said 3 325. Okay. >> One, two, four. >> Yeah, correct. Have a motion. So move. Do have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Slinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pignatelli.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> Councilman Talamini. >> Yes. >> All right. 25 318. Councilman, >> I just can we explain what why we're over on the the contract. Mr.
>> Curt, >> yeah, it's not really a matter of being over uh per se, but this is a time and material contract. Uh given the amount of matters that the labor attorneys had to address this year, uh this is more of a projection to how much work effort is
still in place for really for part of November. Uh and they carry us through the end of the year. >> So, it's an adjustment based on that. So are they just like I mean they gave us a a normal projection for how much like
for a town are we are we are we exceptionally over are we like I mean is there compared to other towns do we know are like did they under bid and now now or or it's just there's a lot going on >> no it's based on workload
>> just based on >> so just thank you >> any further questions on 25318. Okay. Have a motion to approve 2518. >> So move. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Council President Slinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> Abstain. >> Councilman Pnatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> And Councilman Talini. >> Yes. >> All right. We're up to 25 325. Uh
Councilman Fatelli. >> Yes. Budget transfers. I'm I'm sorry, Rich. Could you >> Could you re u go over that again? Which ones were trans? >> Uh yeah, this is just a basically within police. It's uh we were a little short
on the funding for the SLO3 program for this year. So, it's just transferring some money into that budget uh to cover the expected salaries through the end of the year. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And that all gets picked up by the schools. >> It does. Yes. Yeah. So there there won't
be a an extra cost impact to the borrow for that. >> Any further discussion? Not seeing any. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Councilman Pnatelli, do I have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Talami. Roll call. >> Council President Stinski. >> Yes.
>> Councilman McCann. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> And Councilman Talini? >> Yes. >> Okay. We're up to 2527. Resolution amending the nonUN salary resolution. Council Potatelli.
>> No, I'm have to abstain. >> Oh, he's just abstaining. Okay. Uh, anybody have any questions? Cons, discussion? None. Okay. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Slinski? >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Pignatelli? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> abstain. >> Councilman Talamini? >> Yes. >> All right. All right, I pulled out 25321 329 resolution to amend CDBG grant agreement for Grand View and Acorn storm
water system improvements. Uh this is kind of a good news stories uh because Oakland is very efficient at getting these jobs done and this is some reprogram money. Mr. Coons, do you want to just kind of enlighten everybody on this? >> Uh yeah, so we recently received a grant for about $75,000 for the next phase of storm water system improvements in the
Pleasureand neighborhood. Uh that's going to be a section of Grand View, uh a section of Acorn Avenue. Uh that project is slated for early next year, uh into the early spring. Uh and the
early just now, you authorized a contract for the engineering work on that. We want to be out to bid uh by mid January on that. Um so the CDBG program at the county uh had some reprogrammed funds available. uh they're under constraints with the Department of
Housing and Urban Development where they have to spend down their allocations within a certain amount of time uh in order to meet what's called a time test. And so when they have these funds available, they look to towns that are successful in getting their stuff done on time, getting their grant
reimbursements in on time so they can charge this money off. So, um, because we have a good track record with these programs, we're the beneficiary of an extra $124,000 in grant funding, uh, which would substantially cover just about all of the cost of this capital
project. >> Great. >> Any questions? >> I'd like to hear. >> Thank you, Mr. Crimson. I do a motion to approve. >> So move. >> Mr. Potella, do you have a second? >> Second, Councilman Rose. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann.
>> Yes. Councilman Pigmentatelli, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> All right, we're up to ordinance. These are going to be up for introduction tonight. We've got 25 code 977, an ordinance amending chapter 5-12C
and chapter 5-4.3G for the burough code of the bureau of Oakland, Bergen County, state, New Jersey for dog and cat licensing to increase the renewal fee. As everybody knows, this was on workshop at the last meeting. >> It's the late renewal. The late renewal. Okay. Late renewal. This was under workshop last meeting. There was
discussion about this. Um at this time, do I have a motion introduced? >> So moved. >> Council Pnatelli. Do you have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Rose. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pignatelli.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> No. >> Councilman Talini? >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. The public hearing will be and final adoption will be at the December 23rd meeting. All right. We're
up to 25 Water Code 978 amending and supplementing chapter 8 section 10.2 and 10.3 of the Oakland Code regarding water fees. Once again, this was under workshop at our last meeting. Uh do I have a motion to introduce? >> Move. Have a second.
>> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. Councilman McCann, >> no. >> Councilman Pignatelli, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes.
>> Okay. Once again, the public hearing and final adoption will be on descent at the December 23rd meeting. We are up to 25 sewer code 979, amending and supplementing chapter 8, section 13.1 of the Oakland code regarding sew sewer fees. Once again, this was a topic of
discussion under workshop at our last meeting. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> So moved. >> Council Pigotelli Tiani. >> Roll call. >> Council President Slissinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> Councilman Talini. >> Yes. >> Okay. We're up to 25 code 980 ordinance updating recreation fees. Once again, this was under workshop at our last meeting. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> Oh, introduce. So moved. Do
>> have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Slissinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> Councilman Telamini.
>> Yes. >> Once again, 25 sewer code 979 and 25 code 980 are going to final hearing and public and final adoption will be on December 23rd. uh 25 code 981 update of salary ordinance for 2025.
>> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Once again, this was discussed at our workshop session or the last meeting. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski, >> yes. >> Councilman McCann, >> yes. >> Councilman Pignatelli, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> abstain. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. All right, we have no work session. Does anybody have any new business in front of the governor body? >> I um I have uh two two things new
business. Um the the first is the the voting location. I understand that um uh but this started I I had a conversation with Dr. Cafaro, the superintendent of the Oakland public schools. Um I I think we need to get the the polls
out of the school district. It's um it's it's silly that we have to worry about bomb threats. We have to worry we have to close close the school. It's another day that the kids are off. They they could be in school. Um and I I understand that um it was it's it's
always been u a thing about distance from the polls um from where you live. But I mean I I vote I've voted in Whiteoff three years in a row now. I I don't live in Wyoff. I live in Oakland. Um, and I I don't see how how distance
from the polls should should be a deterrent. So, I I think we should be able to put the rest of the voting polls in the library, and so we could have four polls in the library, four polls in uh the senior center, and we wouldn't we
wouldn't have to impact the school's schedule or or the kids kids safety, anything. There's no there's really no reason for us to to be having have having to shut down the schools for for voting. Um >> is this is it handicap accessible?
>> It's it's the it's the library. They have they have a elevator. >> Oh, that's right. Yeah, that's right. >> Um so, uh I think we really need to have a discussion with the with the county clerk. Um I you know, if we we could wait until the you know, if we want to wait till February, so whatever election
stuff they're still dealing with, they they can deal with. But I I just I I think it's ridiculous that that that that they're forcing us to to use the schools when when we have perfectly good library and and you get you could vote by mail. You don't you
don't even have to leave the house. You don't even you know so so distance to the polls is ridiculous. And and I they they have to come up with a better reason than than that for for for the location of the polls. I I just think it's it's time to move on.
>> Council T, you going to work with the clerk on that? >> Yes. Um and then the the other thing >> and mayor, if I may, so we had looked at this issue extensively 3 years ago or so, >> 22. um
came up with a whole plan, looked at the suitability of the library, looked at the suitability of other facilities the library I think would be suitable, you know, uh and we were making the same argument that you are now, right? That it's less impactful to the schools. Uh that there's no, you know, it's really
not that far. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to do it. And they said exactly what you said. Well, you know, they're relying on the statutory language that says it has to be within so many feet of a, you know, border of a district. Uh, and the statute even talks
about using schools as as polling locations. So, as much as we can talk with the county, uh, you know, they they came back and relied on the statute and said, "Hey, our hands are tied. You know, this is what the law requires." So, I I think we may need to engage our
assembly people and senator and there may need to be some change at the state level to affectuate this. >> I'd be happy to make a phone call. >> I mean, the library is right next door to the school. I mean, how how much further away are you going to be? >> But these are the schools that are up in
Heights and >> Yeah, >> it's we don't use the one here anymore. >> That's interesting. Um and then the the other issue um is um just just this uh the election with the the tie. Um
I you have a tie and and so we have a a recount. Let's have a recount. Let's see if it if it ends in a tie now. Now the town's going to be on the hook for for an election. Tens of thousands of dollars. Um, I don't I I don't think that's fair to the town because uh
neither one of our we didn't do a good enough job to get somebody elected. Um, so I think we should if if possible, we should come up with some kind of tiebreaker rule, whether it's a a flip of a coin, if it's beer pong, if it's
flip cup. Um, we could have, you know, uh, we could have a party and and and you know, if if we're not if we're not um organized enough to to to get a a winner in a in an election, I I don't
think the town should have to uh um be penalized for for with with a special election. So, um, if it's possible, I think we should look into some some sort of tiebreaker so if this does happen again. Well, that that kind of begs the question. I'm going to probably going to
present this to my attorney. I mean, isn't this still a continuation of the general election being that it's a tie? >> No. So, actually, the way that the statute treats this as a vacancy and if the if it's determined and this actually the county uh has sent the same
guidance, the conclusion that I came to, they would actually be treated as a new election and a vacancy. The Republican committee would be given a time period to select a candidate. The Democratic committee would be given a time period to select a candidate and anyone who wishes to file as independent needs to
file signatures uh 0.5% of the people who voted in the election which come out to about 32 signatures in this instance. So you're actually treating as a vacancy and it would not be you could actually have all new candidates based upon the way and that's statutory by the state law. There's
really nothing that Oakland can do about that. it. So, so we couldn't put any kind of ordinance in effect for for a tiebreaker. Nothing. >> No, it's governed by by the election law and title 19 and the >> because from what I understand, New Jersey is like one of the only states
that doesn't have a tiebreaker law. >> I I don't know how that works. I know I remember that there was in Virginia there was a state senate election was decided by a coin flip a few years ago. So, I know that some states do definitely have odd tiebreaker laws, but this is governed by New Jersey statute,
and it actually treats a tied election as a vacancy, as if the election never happened. It's not a doover election, right? >> Either. I mean, typically the way this has happened, Maywood, 2021, rather for 2009, it's usually the same candidates running again. But under the statute,
that's not even necessarily has to be the same candidates. It's actually treated as a vacancy as if the election never happened. But it's only one vacancy. I mean, it's only one position, right? >> Yes. But it's treated as a vacancy and as if nothing basically as if the election never happened.
>> Okay. >> Okay. I mean, it just seems like a big waste of money, >> Russ. Um, as it relates to it's it's statutory, right? >> Right. >> But what I think what you meant what you were referring to is New Jersey doesn't have an automatic recount law. There's
no automatic recount. you have to petition the court uh for any type of uh recount uh as we did uh uh in the last mayor race uh Linda Schwagger had
petitioned the court for for a recount. We went to court and if I remember correctly the justification for that was because there was something that may have happened at other towns that could have happened here. It was very it was
very loosely decided by the judge um in that that that they favor um you know recounts in certain situations but uh there's no statutory automatic recount based upon a percentage of uh of the win or loss.
>> I understand the recounts but it but it's it's the tie you know just it's it's you know >> well the tie as Matt said the tie is treated as vacancy but you can't get a recount unless you petition the court. Sure. Yeah. >> You know, and what better >> No, and it's a good thing we did tie because then if we didn't if I mean uh
ask for the recount because if we hadn't asked for the recount, we' we'd definitely be stuck with the >> we definitely be stuck with the 50 grand potentially. >> But now there's a chance that that we don't have to. But I just uh if if there's if there was a way that we could avoid it, I just as a town come up with
something. But >> I think this is another call uh your state legislator issue because this is definitely governed by title 19 and not by local organs. Okay, thank you. >> Anything else? >> That was it for me. >> Anybody else have any new business? >> Not seeing any. Anybody have any old
business? >> Not seeing any. We are up to committee liaison reports. >> Councilwoman. >> Okay. Thank you, mayor. Um shade tree committee met on December 1st. Um forester had issued 25 permits, 30 trees
removed, 15 were replaced. Um the shade tree would like to let people know that we have four open spots for volunteers. Um anyone looking to you know help help out with the shade tree committee. It is a good committee to be involved in. Um
and you know please we're we always need volunteers for most of our uh committees. Um and that's all I have. >> Thank you Councilman. >> Uh thank you mayor. No report for tonight. >> Councilman. Uh, briefly, mayor, today I
attended the funeral for the Bergen County surrogate, Michael Drestler. Michael Drestler was a surrogate for the last 27 years. Uh, he served on the Highlands Commission. So, in that regard, we we knew him a bit here in Oakland. Uh, if you don't know Michael
Drestler's story, it's inspiring. Michael uh in his senior class day down the shore went diving into the ocean and became a quadripolgic. He wasn't expected to survive the night
and he spent this is 1970 about 1970. No one ever heard of the American with Disabilities Act and um Mr. Dress was the youngest person in the history of the state of New Jersey to become a council person and he did so in Crescll went on to become their mayor. But more
importantly, he went to law school at a time when no one heard of the American Disabilities Act. He couldn't take his own notes. He couldn't write. He was a quadripolgic. Yet, uh he graduated amongst the top of his class in law school. went on to become councilman and mayor and then uh served as county
council in Bergen County uh for the for the Democratic party and then went on um and to run for the surrogates uh position and it was a very interesting campaign that year because everyone was whispering whether or not it was
appropriate for someone like Mike and Mike's condition to run for such a a position that had held a lot of responsibility. But Mike being Mike, uh, you know, taking no for an answer, including taking no for an answer when
it comes to dying, uh, put out one of the most unique political posters I've ever seen in my life. Instead of instead of hiding from his disability with a head shot, he put out posters on every telephone poll with him sitting in the wheelchair. and he embraced he embraced
his his disability and he became one of the more effective uh surrogates in the state in the state history. It his the respect for him is bipartisan. Obviously I'm a Republican. Mike was a Democrat. Uh this the funeral
today was attended by many dignitaries including the governor who gave appropriate uh and sincere uh comments but was mostly touched by um the judge of Bergenfield um who gave who gave a
beautiful eulogy to Mike's life and to to think about what this man has been through and what he's achieved. He didn't take no for an answer. He didn't whine when he didn't get his way. In fact, he never complained about anything and he was very inspiring. I had the um the pleasure of writing some speeches
for Mike. But when she but today when they were doing the eulogy of Mike, he actually wrote this. He wrote a letter to himself back in June. And I was listening. I was stunned at how well and how articulate he was. And I was wondering why the hell I ever got to
write anything for this guy because he was his his abilities were far beyond mine legally uh mentally uh in terms of his courage and what he faced. So it was really inspiring. It's a really sad day for me and for many people who knew Mike and uh I just want to say Godspeed to
him and God bless his family. Um as it relates directly to Oakland, I just want to put on the record, I'm not sure which meeting it was, Matt, someone said you got a pay raise. Um >> um no, there was no raise. I mean, similar to the amending the labor
contract, there was an amendment to the contract due to the uh amount of work that went on mostly related to the affordable housing litigation, but the scope of the contract and the the hourly rate has remained the same probably as long as I can remember.
>> Okay. But you didn't put in for a raise, right? >> No. Okay. Thank you. >> Uh that's it. No further report. >> Thank you, Councilman. I'll move on to Councilman Saliani. Thank you. So, um, fire chief asked me to pass along a few updates as the holiday season approaches
and make sure we're doing a reminder about some safety checks we need to do. First, please make sure you inspect your chimneys and smoke detectors. Also, please check your carbon monoxide detectors. Um, check the manufacturing date and most carbon monoxide detectors
need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. Um, as uh the mayor previously stated, the fire department will be driving Santa around on the 20th. Please check the Oakland Fire Department social media for times and streets to where where you can see Santa. Also, the fire department
will be collecting non-p perishable food to the to the pond's food pantry. There will also be a a toy drop off for the PBA toy drive. Chief Keenan asked me to put a quick report out. Um, just to mention that
there's DWIs patrolled this weekend and those DWI patrols are paid for by the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund. So, that is a fund and there will be no cost to the Oakland taxpayers for that for the the uh DWI patrols this weekend.
Um, public events, uh, everyone I was going to give the update, but I don't want to reiterate what everyone said. I do want do want to thank the committee. They did a great job. And uh Danny, you're not getting enough credit because I sat in some of those meetings with you and everyone was worried about what happened last year with some with some
potential concerns and yourself and Craig and the rest of the community just took it and did some great work and uh only expands from there. I think you did a great job. I actually think you're being undersold because I saw the work you did in the meetings and what what you brought out, how you made sure you included every organization, made sure
you included the access for all team. So, I really appreciate everything you put together and going to those businesses and getting the donations. All right, real quick. Last one. Last report. The OC report. The Oakland Television Committee thanks everyone who
was a sponsor uh in 2025. The good news is they had more sponsors including more donations in 2025 and are look and looking forward to a great 2026. So, if you want to be a sponsor of the Oakland of the Oakland television committee,
please reach out to to myself or to the OC and uh and find out how you can help support this great committee. Um the television committee also filmed the Dutch Christmas tree and manor lighting on Sunday. I want to thank all the volunteers that came out to these events
for the benefit of the entire Oakland community. The program is currently being edited together and should hopefully be available next week to view on Oakland TV and on YouTube. At the most recent meeting of the uh Friends of Oakland Communications
Nonprofit Fund, two new board members have accepted uh roles as treasur and and fundraising committee. It's eager to get to work to start some fundraising efforts. Anyone interested in volunteering to be part of the friends of oakland communications fundraising
committee, please contact info at friendsofocland.org or and visit their website at ww.friends of friendsofoc.org. The next meeting will be held January 26th in person at the Oakland Public Library. If you want to be a part of any
of the volunteer teams of the of the OC committees, a newsletter committee, television committee, welcome website, social media committee, please contact myself or email occlin new jersey.org to learn more. The next OC meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026.
One thing I do like to point out and um I apologize for going a little long. Oakland on Oakland TV. We will be seeing they will be running the U log every day at 2 PM, 5:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Miracle on 34th Street every day at 4:30
p.m. And then the Christmas tree lighting will be uh is not ready, but actually will be every day at 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Already got an update from my update 5 minutes ago. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you, Councilman. >> Yes. Thank you. Have a special announcement for all senior citizens out
there. Um, I don't know about you, but uh I don't think I've I don't think I've been awake at midnight for the past 15 years. 9:00 I'm usually between the sheets. Uh, but anyway, uh, if you do
want to celebrate, senior citizens have come up with a great idea. It's a noon New Year's Eve party December 31st from 11:30 to 300 pm in the afternoon. Um the fee
is $15. You have a great time. Uh party favors, etc. Um you really you really uh enjoy bringing in the the new year this this year if you come. um on the environmental commission. I had a meeting with the environmental
commission the other night and uh at the last meeting and I I'm sorry I forget the lady's uh name uh asked us to do something about the deer in town. Um the environmental commission um has information from another town from
Pumpton Lakes. Uh they recently received a grant. Um you know this you just can't say yeah go out tomorrow and and and do a call or whatever. you have to hire a company to come in and survey the population of the deer. Uh then you have
to apply for a grant. It it takes it takes about a year. So the environmental commission is going to come up with a count a timetable uh for next year for uh addressing the deer population here in town. So uh we look forward to them
submitting something hopefully by um our March meeting. Uh the environmental commission also is looking for volunteers. Uh come January 1, we're going to be short three at least three, maybe even four people. Uh
if you have an interested in in the environment about doing things here in Oakland, uh please come to Bur Hall leadership forum. And lastly, the first aid squad. You know, the the reason Oakland is is as as good as it is is
because partly because of the volunteers that we have. That's why we can offer so many programs. First Aid Squad, um you're you're going to be trained in the event something happens at your house or your neighbor or anybody in
town, you're going to be be able to possibly save someone's life. Uh and last week, uh the first aid squad, um responded to a terrible accident, uh on on 287. Uh you know, we're here to serve the
people, but we need people to help us. Uh you'll be trained. Every month we have training, and if you become an EMT, you you go and and you go to the county school and be trained. So, please, a great New Year's resolution would be to
volunteer for the first aid squad or even the fire department. Uh we both of us need volunteers desperately. Please please if you're thinking about it. New Year's resolution, join our our first aid squad or or fire department. And that's it. Mayor, thank you.
>> Thank you, Councilman Talamini. Uh just a a quick thank you to uh Danny Dia and the the public events for for the the manure and the Christmas tree lighting. It was it was really an amazing event. um see all those people there um on a on
a Sunday night. >> Cold. Um but uh you know uh it was really uh a testament to to what the public events committee does. But but really Dan Danny uh um every everything he does he uh he puts his whole heart
into everything and uh it really shows. Uh I had uh someone approach me that they they attend uh I won't say I don't want to I don't want to single him out but but he he goes to other events around other Chris the Christmas and
Monora events around town and he says he loves coming to the Oakland one because it's just it it's just such a town feel and it's just he says the other ones are very manufactured. Um the it it just he's like you feel at home when you're
when you're in Oakland. It's it's it's really uh it has a lot to do with with with Danny and and the and the public events committee and uh so so really Danny, thank you. >> Don't forget Chopper. >> And don't forget Chopper. But uh but no,
Danny, thank you. And uh and then um uh for recreation, uh nothing really going on except uh please uh uh coach your kids. I I I can't tell you. It's it's it's the greatest thing I ever did
coaching my kids. Um it's it's it's I'm not going to tell you it's not a lot of time, but it's but it's worth it. Um I I miss it. And um now my now my my son is coaching uh seventh grade basketball right now. He's he's a senior in high
school. So um it's really uh an amazing thing. Coach your kids. Coach your kids. Coach your kids. Thank you. All set. >> Mayor, may I may you recognize this for a second? Um, I want to just piggy back off of the discussion with regard to the special election. These little things
sometimes go unnoticed. And this is this is, you know, what a lot of members of the mayor and council do people don't see. But it's important to understand that I want to congre I want to thank uh uh
Councilman Susinski for asking for the recount. Uh because if you don't ask for that recount as pointed out a few minutes ago, it goes automatically to the town spending close to $50 million. >> $50 million. >> I'm sorry. Could be. Uh no, uh $50,000.
But but I I want to point out that I'm told that I think to ask for the recount that's a private act. Uh and is it true, Kevin, that you paid for that recount yourself? >> Yes, it is. >> Okay. So, I want to thank you for trying to save us money and you're putting it
on the line. You could win, you could lose, but you're the one who put up money and asked for the recount, right? Yes. >> The other side did not. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. I wanted to point that out. He did a good He good He did a good thing for the for the town. Thank you, Councilman. And just echo
what the other council people said. You know, as we're looking forward to the new year, it's really now it's time for the residents really, you know, fill out their citizenship citizenship leadership forms. And I encourage everyone who has an interest in local government, community activities, environmental stewardship, local businesses, art and
culture, and youth and senior programs to consider volunteering. Whether you're seeking a reappointment or just like to join for the first time, your involvement matters here in Oakland. Citizenship leadership forms can be found on the burrow website or by contacting municipal clerk and please
return the completed form as soon as possible so that points can be considered up for the upcoming year and I want to thank everybody uh for all the volunteers this year and serving on all our committees. I mean the work really shows whether it's recreation, public events, uh environmental commission,
planning, zoning. I mean there's you know the these volunteers really are the fabric of our community and really move us forward. Thank you. Uh, with that being said, do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Bills be I'm sorry. Bills to be paid. I'm out of order.
>> Bills is not 50 million. >> Bills to be paid. $337,4610. So moved. >> Do have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann, >> yes. >> Councilman Pigmatelli,
>> yes. Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> Now, do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Move. Second. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025,
7 p.m. right here at the Oakland Count Council Chambers. Have a good night, everybody. Meeting a journ.