Meeting called to order. This is the December 23rd Mayor Council meeting held at 10 Waller Drive, Oakland, New Jersey. Uh would the clerk 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 the majority of the council members that are present vote to ex extend the time. >> All rise for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. >> Council Potelli. >> Thank you. >> 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. May standing for a moment of silence, please. Clerk, please close. Call the role. >> Mayor Kamala, >> present.
>> Council President Slazinski >> here. >> Councilman McCann >> here. >> Councilman Pignatelli >> here. >> Councilwoman Rose >> here. >> Councilman Saliani >> here. >> Councilman Talini >> here. >> All right. We have a very special occasion here today. Uh we have uh we're going to be swearing in a new police
officer. Her name is Gianna Sullivan. Uh currently in front of the governing body there is a resolution 25337 to hire police officer Gianna Sullivan. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second by council Pella. Can I get a roll call?
>> Council President Slazinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> Councilman Talamini. Yes. >> At this time, I'd like to ask uh Giana Sullivan to come forward with her family, the chief or whoever would like
to attend. >> So, if you ma'am, can you stand here? Mayor will stand here with Chief next to him. And then the family is Is somebody going to hold the Bible? >> Put the family over here. Yeah, you can put the family. You stand here and then the family the family come around. Okay.
>> Next time >> you're taking pictures. >> Thank you. G >> Sivan >> I, Giana Sullivan, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and the governments >> and the governments >> established in the United States
>> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties
>> perform all the duties >> of the office of police officer >> of the office of police officer >> according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Welcome. >> Welcome to Oakland. Thank you.
Congratulations. >> Yeah. All right. At this time, uh, for those people that want to stay for the meeting can certainly stay. For those that wish to exit, now is your time to leave. Going to have some testimony. >> Thank you everyone. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank
you. Grand table space. >> Okay. Uh so uh right now obviously as everybody knows within the uh we have two resolutions here. One is to authorize round affordable affordable h
housing settlement roper and settlement Leone. Uh if you recall we had our planner here last year to discuss the process of affordable housing and where we are. We're also joined by Brian who's also our affordable housing attorney. Uh at this time I would like to turn it over to our professionals to kind of
just educate the public and the council of where we are within the process and why we're up against this deadline. >> Uh thanks mayor. Maybe I'll kick it off if that's okay. >> Sure. I think we should sit down though. >> Okay. Am I? >> Absolutely. Please.
>> As the mayor and council will recall, um the process of affordable housing in New Jersey was radically changed in uh March of 2024 when the legislature uh passed and Governor Murphy signed legislation
that took it out of the realm of the Council on Affordable Housing and gave it over to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Um as a result of that they developed what they call the program which is uh in the in the DCA uh
it's a number of retired judges uh who act as essentially as mediators in any disputes that come before um the the council um and as special adjudicators who are planners that are also assigned.
uh every town that wanted to seek to have uh immunity from developers uh lawsuits had to file a complaint by a certain period of time. Oakland chose to do that as did the overwhelming number of communities in New Jersey. We filed and we got four objections. One from uh
Fairshare Housing, which filed objections in over 400 communities, one from Roper, one from TDC Acquisitions, and one from Leone Brothers. So as a result of that we've had to negotiate as a part of the program what you sign up
for is that we have to negotiate with uh with all of them to try and come to terms. Um we have done that. It's been an arduous process over a number of months. Um they initially came in the developers with um projects that for
whatever reason the mayor and council we didn't think would be uh in favor of and we've gotten them to to modify them somewhat to make them more desirable. We now have and you have in front of you potential settlements with two of those developers. Ropper, which is actually a
development that was approved in your third round. Uh it's the same number of units. Uh it's just a little bit different how they're going to take care of their waste water. Um and Leone Brothers, we've we've managed to come to a tenative settlement with them. We have
not settled with U TDC acquisitions despite our best efforts. Um we just couldn't get there. Um I'm not at liberty to say mayor as you're aware what those differences are because it was part of confidential settlement negotiations but we try very hard to reach a settlement with them and we
couldn't uh fair share housing we also don't have a settlement with them but I think they just have decided they don't want to settle unless we settle with everybody else. Uh so that's where we are. Hopefully the mayor and council will approve those two settlements. Uh
we will be winding up going to court uh on the other two that we haven't settled and it'll go to superior court in Bergen County. Uh in all likelihood, Judge Padavano, he'll get a recommendation from the program judge that was leading the mediation as well as the special
adjudicator and he'll make a decision as to whether or not our plan is compliant with the fourth round affordable housing requirements. Uh if it's determined not to be, we're going to case developers lawsuits and I don't think the mayor
council or the people of Oakland are are looking for that. So that's we are in the process >> and this is all driven by state legislation. Correct. A >> absolutely which you know is as I said radically different now than it has been for the past more than 30 years. Yes. >> And what's important is not only is it
radically different for a variety of reasons, the legislation also imposed very stringent and aggressive deadlines. Um anyone remembers I was here a little over a year ago giving a presentation on the legislation and we >> talk a little louder please. >> Sure. So the leg I'm actually I can be
much louder. The legislation the legislation imposed very um uh aggressive and stringent deadlines. Um and if you recall I was here uh probably in springtime of 2024 right after the legislation was adopted. I gave a
presentation on the legislation and we had a whole slide with respect to the deadlines because they were so new and um compressed and it really has compressed this whole process into what used to be years into a matter really of
months. Um like for example um and I want to point out that the bureau has been very proactive. It's met all of its deadlines, but and we had to have a plan uh prepared and adopted by June 30th, which that was done. The planning board adopted it. The governing body endorsed
it. We really only had a few months after our obligation was uh negotiated to that point to prepare the plan. Then there were two months in uh two uh two months for uh any challenger to submit a challenge. As Brian indicated, we have
four challenges. So, By September one, we knew all our challenges and now they all need to be resolved or settled by the end of the end of the year, really just a few months. Um, or to Brian's point, there will be, you know, the next
steps of of a court process. It is all very compressed and then the plan will need to be revised and should we get to that point, that all needs to be done by March 15th. >> March 15. >> March 15th. Anybody from the council have any questions? Before we open up to
the public, I'd like to give the public an opportunity to ask questions of our professionals. >> I I would like some clarification. >> Um, can either one of you explain why the process is better to negotiate with the
developers as opposed to going straight to litigation. and ex and if you can explain how the process ultimately going back to the 1980s favors the developers. >> Yeah. Um essentially if we if we don't
settle a developer could file a builder's remedy lawsuit and if that happens and if they're successful in that essentially the court will throw out your zoning and you will have absolutely no control over the number of units uh the height the number of
stories. the court essentially undertakes all of those things instead of the mayor council and a planning board. Um in in the term of settlement, we're allowed to and we have throughout this process for four months, we've been
uh on this um every week, several times a week, most of the time uh with all of the burough professionals trying to get the developers to come back with projects that are more suitable to what's already been developed in Oakland. And this way we have some control over the prospect of what's
going to actually ultimately be developed. In addition to that, if we are not successful and there is a builder's remedy and a court were to ultimately find that we were trying to put up roadblocks, the same thing could happen here as happened in some other
communities like Anglewood Cliffs for example where they were ordered to pay millions of dollars in legal fees to the other side for trying to stop affordable housing. Is there fee shifting involved in this? >> Potentially there is. >> So, not only could we end up with a poor
decision? We can end up the taxpayers could be end up paying for the attorneys of these developers who I've s I've sat in you sat in on these meetings. I don't show up with one attorney. >> They show up at a few, >> five, six. Um Carolyn, can you speak to
the fact that this process that was put in place this year speak to the condensed timeline and how some of the rules that we were negotiating while some of the rules were not even finalized? >> Sure. So I did talk a little bit about the condensed timeline. I'll go through
it quickly again. So >> speak up. >> Oh, I'll go through the timeline again. Is this better? Can everyone hear me now? >> Microphone's up in the ceiling. >> So it's fine. So um So, the legislation was adopted in March of 2024.
In October of 2024, there were what was called draft obligations provided by the DCA, Department of Community Affairs. The each town that wanted to participate had until the end of January to declare what its affordable housing obligation for this
round, this time period was. then and that's what Oakland did in January. Then by the end of March, the obligations had to be um resolved and determined. So that's January to March. And remember, this isn't just Oakland alone doing
this. This is every town that's participating in the process. hundreds of towns going through these same steps with you know with their professionals with the adjudicators as Brian indicated and with this uh dispute resolution
program. Um then so our obligation was finalized in March. We had to adopt the plan which we did in June literally months later. Then the challenge the there was the opportunity for challengers to submit a challenge that was those were done by the end of
August. So September one, we knew our challenges. Those all had to be resolved by essentially next week, December 31. What the councilman's referring to, I believe, is although the legislation was adopted last year in March, there are
rules that determine and dictate the types of units, the number of bedrooms, the sizes, etc. Those those rules are referred to by their acronym of UHACK. and the so we have been negotiating with
challengers since September 1. However, the new U-Hack rules were just adopted last Monday, December 15th. So, it's impacting some of in multiple municipalities, some of the settlements, etc. So, we're we're all working against
the clock, so to speak. And we're sometimes you feel like you're on the bicycle going forwards and sometimes you feel like you're pedaling backwards and and for that reason in particular, >> it just I know speaking of working against the clock, I know you have something else to do, but can you
>> I have another meeting just like this I'm taking by Zoom. Yes. >> Right. So, but can you just talk about what's new with round four is the regional need on how we as a burrow when we're negotiating what what the what the state came
forward with our obligation how how that formula work if they take something away from Oakland it has to be added so can you talk about how the regional need is affects us >> so um
>> affordable housing affordable housing just as a general principle affordable housing when you're when a town affordable housing is on the municipal level. Oakland has an obligation. Wayne has an obligation. Franklin Lakes has an obligation. However,
it the obligations all emanate from the regional obligation and for decades there have been affordable housing regions. We are in affordable housing region one. Of all the regions, we had the greatest the largest
obligation. So that sort of trickles down to its municipalities. If you think about it in terms of if I have a pie pie I'm and we slice it up, maybe you're getting a bigger piece of pie. If I have one of those little little fancy pies
from some boutique bakery, only a couple people are getting bites of pie. That's how it works. So Oakland is in housing region one. you had the greatest obligation and I feel like it was in excess of 27,000 units that was distributed to municipalities throughout
the region. I can pull up which counties are in the region. Um I always I'll get that. Um but every municipality has an affordable housing obligation except for what is
called a qualified urban aid municipality. And of those I believe there were 48 47 and round four. So that's the very short answer to a really I could talk for two hours about how the obligations cut and there are three there are three
different factors uh income level uh land capacity and um uh non-residential uh tax assessments that go in that were averaged together that were then applied to a municip each municipality that
determined its obligation. Just finally, I just want to thank both of you. Uh you've been a real asset for the particularly for the last year, but just can you just tell us, you just indicated you have another Zoom meeting just like this by Zoom. Ryan, I know you represent a lot of town. I mean, how many of these
have you done? How many how many how many clients have you been working on uh each of you uh for this year in this in this area? I'm currently working uh I'm affordable housing council in eight communities where I'm doing the same thing with with the program and um it's
a very arduous process. It really is and for everybody. In fact, uh you know, one of the problems is the state initially hired nine retired judges for the whole state. There's 600 challenges out there, right? I mean, it's just no way that it was going to get done in time. As
Caroline said though, the various law firms have made motions to extend the timeline. They have all been thrown out. So, uh they're just they just want you to march ahead no matter what. >> You Carolyn, how many how many of these you've been doing? Uh >> I believe I was involved in the
preparation of either 11 or 12, uh housing elements. So, um and I have other staff members who have their own municipalities assigned to them. >> Remarkably, you all got back to us on email. There was never really a delay on any topic. Good job. Thank you.
>> Anybody else from the council? Uh because of this topic, I'd like to have this open to the public. There's a motion open for the public. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Anybody from the public wish ask questions of our professionals concerning this affordable housing?
>> Sure. Step step up by the table and we just need your name and address. >> Yeah, that's fine. Right there. That's good. My name is Greg Hughes, Richard Hughes. I live at 32 Oak Street here in Oakland. >> My property is adjacent to the property
that they're looking to develop. >> Uh, so far we have not received any notification as far as this affordable housing. I thought if you were within 200 ft of a proposed site, you needed to receive some kind of notification about it. >> Is this the roper?
>> Yeah, the roper property, >> right? So um so Roper just was actually in your round three plan. So affordable housing is deal dealt with in a series of years known as rounds. Then we're now we function in a 10 for better or worse
in a 10-year round. So your round three plan included the rope for property and um all the plans the housing elements when they're adopted by the planning board they have very specific notice requirements uh for that. But to your point, you're correct in that two there
is a 200 foot notice requirement for any Ford application. So when or should what when there is a point in time when the roper property is being developed, there'd be something called a site plan approval that the planning board would consider. And
you're correct. If you live within 200 feet or I should say if you own property within 200 feet that's adjacent to it, >> right, you you'd receive um a certified letter. >> All right. Um, can I ask uh you guys was there a change in zoning on that
property? It used to be B2 which was eight units per acre. >> Uh, yes. I believe that zoning was changed. Um, uh, the roper prop ropper that zoning was changed as part of your round three. I can try and get you the date of the change. >> I think it was 2020 211.
>> I thought it was 2021 as well. >> If your question is that the zoning changed from 2021? No, it's staying the same. It's staying the same as far as eight units per acre. >> No, >> whatever the zoning was in 2021, that's what it's as of this this challenge, >> this their challenge for this round only
had to do with how they were going to be getting sewer capacity. It it is not changing the zoning. >> Are we going to discuss here today what the sewer capacity I know it was an issue because of such a large development. We're going to be discussing that today.
Well, it um so because of we're of of the situation that we're in with with uh our obligation to to meet with these retired judges and and adjudicators. There's limited information that we can
talk about as it relates to trying to resolve certain issues. Um but the the burrow is very well aware of what's required in terms of movement of water
whether sewage or or portable. So >> I think this issue may >> Yeah, sure. >> This issue had been brought up the last time they wanted to develop their property, >> right? >> They were going to run a line down West Oakland, >> right? >> Um to Pompton >> with a pump house at uh Raveno Valley,
>> right? >> Uh Ramo River. >> God forbid that pump house failed. That's a pristine river. >> It would go into that river. It would go down into Pton. It would hit Pash Lake. >> And there was a deep concern about it at that time. The next thing is the size of
the building that was proposed the last time, right? >> You're saying it's still comparable to what they're proposing today. >> I think that's the answer to that question is yes. It's identical. Yes. >> All right. Because they had proposed a four-story building with parking underneath the building
and they had a very shallow, as a matter of fact, that was one of their variances. They were going for uh something about the road going into it. Should one of the cars because parking also was underneath the building catch on fire, there's no requirement for
sprinkler in the building. Should something happen like that, their egress for the fire department and medical and everything, emergency vehicles to come in crosses the only exit road for the people who live there. >> Yeah.
>> It's a recipe for disaster. the any uh any approval that that they get and even if it's um if the settlement is approved by the mayor and council, they're still going to be required to go through site plan approval before the planning board. They're going to be required to submit their plans to all of our agencies to
make sure the fire department signs off, the police department, etc. That can all be raised at the planning board. So they're they're no different. They're not treated any better than anybody. >> No, because I'm just looking at the size of the building as it was then. It is so not conducive to the houses around it.
>> If I will speak for myself in my official capacity, there is nothing about this >> since the 1980s when I when I first read about the Mount Laurel decision in law school that is remotely attractive inappropriate for a community like us.
At a at a joint meeting uh that Mr. Iowa was at, I spoke that this issue is not a Democrat or Republican issue. It's a community issue. >> Yes. And uh unfortunately the Supreme Court of New Jersey uh who are appointed by governors
um have selected judges that believe in social engineering and urbanizing our communities. That's what I believe to be accurate and true. Um it's not a position that I take on it legally. That's a separate issue. Um but I just
don't think it's a good idea and I don't think I don't think any I can't project any I don't think any of it's a good idea it it listen I'm facing something I agree with you I'm facing something >> I anticipated sit sitting in my backyard staring up at a four-story building >> right
>> all right at the time they proposed putting a burm across 50 ft back from the property line 8 foot high with pine trees whatever the problem with that is the runoff water would run into my property I have septic >> right >> I I think I I just want to bring the
meeting back I I don't think there's anybody sitting on this day is is particularly fond of this process and or like >> I'm glad of that. >> Okay. And quite frankly, if you look at what's happening here, what you're witnessing and what you're watching is the end of single family developments
>> subdivision. So, it's over. >> So, I came up with a poor metaphor in a meeting and what the governing body is facing. Do you ever see the movie The Godfather? >> Vaguely. >> Okay. There's a scene where uh they tell the uh the band leader to sign a
contract to make this guy the singer in his band. And he presents him the contract says sign and he signs it. But what's happening is there's a gun to the to the person's head. The Mont Laurel
legislation and case law is the gun to everybody on this day's head. It pointed directly at the neighborhoods uh that have to have to swallow these projects. It's an econ it's an economic gun. It
blows up if if if the council doesn't try to negotiate >> together repercussions. Yeah. >> And and that's what we're facing. And so politically people can run campaigns and say things whatever they want but at the end of the day you still have to as a
elected official you still have to vote and take the taxpayer dollar into account. And that's why I I drew the attention uh I asked Mr. Gibble was talk about that we if we don't engage in this process, we turn ourselves over to completely to the
courts and subject the property tax owners and the the tax levies of this town to outrageous legal fees. Not just the bad development, but the extra cost and it could be millions of dollars. >> So from what you're saying, just so I understand, >> we have to engage in this process.
>> It does not mean this is a done deal. I I can't answer that because the if you if we enter into a negotiation and we and we vote to support uh a settlement, it's a done deal on certain aspects of it
>> as other aspects of it. Brian, you want to interject? >> I I to the gentleman's question, uh what we would be obligated to do, what the bureau would be obligated to do is make sure that the zoning uh permitted this. Uh there are some things that the
developer is going to have to do with regard to sewage and and uh interbas transfer water, but if they're able to do that, they would be able to construct a project. Yes, we cannot put roadblocks up in their way. >> The change that I'm looking at is I believe zone B2 was 8 units per acre.
You have 4.7 acres. That would be comfortable. 110 units is going to be very cumbersome for our our neighborhood. It's going to be cumbersome for traffic if we could do a traffic study. It's going to be cumbersome to the school, the additional
children. >> It's it's going to be problem. >> I agree. We agree. >> We agree. >> All right. There are several homeowners from Oak Street here >> and we strongly oppose the size of this.
>> I understand it's somebody's property. I understand they want to develop it, but let's do it reasonably. Let's do it in a manner that it It's conducive to the rest of the people that live there. >> I like I said, I don't think you're going to find an argument from anybody sitting up on the stage.
>> I'd appreciate also one other thing. >> Sure. >> To be notified on things that come up because none of us have received any notification until we all found out about this and we were in a flurry of phone calls to each other. Is there any chance you guys can
just hit the people who have adjoining properties? that would be part of the site. So to your as you as you said as you I think you started your comments by saying you didn't receive any notification. So when this application comes before the planning board for site plan approval
you anyone within 200 ft is required to be noticed. >> Are they asking for different variances according to what's on the books now >> changes? So the zone so just to clarify and I think the administrator maybe was the one who had said this this zoning
this is around three sight the rope per property so this zoning for this property was changed I think in 2021 I'm fairly certain it was in 2021 predates my time with the burough right so the zoning is already changed so they don't have I I can't speak to what kind of
variances they might be requesting because they're not before the >> yeah I wasn't aware that there was a change made Right. Right. So, the way that this whole process works um has worked and will work is that when there's a settlement between the town
and a property owner or developer um is that there will be a settlement agreement. In other words, it's a legal document stipulating what's agreed to and then the zoning is changed. In other words, what's the permitted what is permitted on the property is changed to
allow for whatever is what the develop what what the developer is proposing including the affordable units. That's how this process works in the state of New Jersey. So that you know that that that's how the process works. So that's why when I that's why I was just
whispering to Brian a little bit. I didn't want there to be any misunderstanding. The zoning for this property has changed. This is around three sight. I just want to make sure that you're aware of that. >> Yeah. I wasn't familiar that it was changed. I just recently found out about that. >> I'm trying to get familiar with the entire process.
>> Okay. >> And that's the only reason I'm asking to be notified and that's why that's why we're doing this. >> That's why we're here. >> It's also important you were talking about like a stream and fire issues and stuff like that. >> Yeah. >> Just as a general matter, these
developments still need to get approval if needed from the state envir department of environmental protection. They still have to meet all building codes. I think a four-story building would require sprinklers. >> By the same token, what about simple things like the school 210 new units? How many new kids is that going to put
right into the school system? I don't think they have the capacity for that. >> Probably about 5 to 10. >> It's hard to believe, but mayor council are not permitted to consider that, nor is the planning board. >> I know. We went through this. >> We went through this.
>> Counterintuitive, but that's the law. Are they going to are they going to take it to consider traffic studies? >> Yes or no? Mostly no. >> So to also to your question about how would you know what is happening next? I think I'm rephrasing your question. So
um I'm assuming you all found out about this from the maybe there was a notice on the agenda or something about that the mayor to his credit has you know is having us here tonight just to give an update. Um so if there's going to be an ordinance adoption that hap that's also
put on the agenda and then there's two readings for each ordinance adoption and then the ordinance is also um in between the two readings it's referred to the planning board. um if there is any necessary revisions to the housing element and fair share plan which I
think there might be that happens at a public meeting with the planning board and I can tell you without a doubt unless there is lightning strikes and there's some extension given to one of these deadlines that will be done between January and March 15th because that's the state imposed deadline. So
those are the types of things that you know would be >> I understand you have an expedited schedule. No, no. I'm just trying to say also these things are on the agenda. So, you were asking how could you find out in advance of, you know, the site plan application, right? I just want to make sure that you're aware that these are >> Where do I find that? >> So, I'm assuming your agenda,
>> you can find that on the website. It's under the mayor and council tab and it's uploaded the Friday before the Tuesday meeting. All the resolutions and order, right? So, the meeting is this Tuesday today. Everything was uploaded on Friday for the public to see the agenda, all
the resolutions, and all the ordinances that were going to be introduced or adopted. >> All right. I hope you guys can bear with me that I just >> No, this is why we're here. I'm looking at a rental. >> Yep. >> And lowinccome rental >> being built in my backyard.
>> I just want to Can I just cut up, Miss Ryder? Do you have to take a call? You have to go when Mr. Gibble can stay here. >> I can I have a few more minutes. Okay. I'm concerned about my property value >> 100%. >> I'm concerned about the neighborhood. We're looking at rental people versus
people who own it. There's there's a lot of concerns. I'm concerned about the triangular lot that's on the corner of this place on Oak Street that belongs to the town. >> Is that being sold to Roper to the contractors or is that up for bid?
>> I don't think we've done anything with the contract. No, that's specifically not u not referred to. They may want to attempt to negotiate with the town over some >> because that's the only way you're going to get a roads through there. One of the requirements in that was to get a road from Oak Street to Hume.
>> Can I >> that's the only way you're getting a roads through there. C >> can I can I ask we have Assemblyman Both Bob is our state representative and we're in district 39. Bob, is there anything you want to add at, you know, from a from the state's perspective in
terms of what you have had to endure for the last 10 years with regard to this legis I'm imagining you oppose this legislation? >> You you are you just come up stand up here if I say ran the microphone so people can hear you. >> Thank you very much.
>> Uh I wasn't prepared to speak about this sort of pleasure to meet you. Um, however, uh, I can tell you, uh, the rams of, uh, Mount Laural housing that have been presented to the legislature for a vote, uh, the legislative team of
district 39 has voted against it every single time. Uh most recently um in the last round I was up uh contesting this on the floor of the assembly and I was speaking to the speaker of the assembly who was the prime sponsor of the bill uh
and explaining to him that everybody in this neck of the woods has uh groundwater as a a source of water. Uh that the aquifers are being stretched to the max with the overpopulation that's being hoisted on the communities here. put the new filters in.
>> Uh-huh. At a large expense and they are making us with POT included in in this also. Uh the filters need to be changed with more regularity. The the intensity of the filter has to be increased to do this and that's more expensive and the
state is making us do all these mandates without any funding. So that that creates a problem also. But to get to your question, this has been a total nightmare for uh many of us in the legislature because we see people who
are in communities that people are fleeing from dictating to us how we have to develop our communities and their people want to come here and they're dictating to us how we have to develop our communities because they've destroyed their own. And that's
basically what's happened. I'm sure you fellas and gals, you you know the traffic out there when there's a ball game >> when school is getting out >> now. Put another 130 you you know whatever units up
>> it's crazy. >> Yeah. I I thank you guys for for >> Assembly. Can I just ask a question while you res here? Did this break down along party lines this this legislation? >> Um yes. I got to be honest with you. I I haven't seen any Republicans, if you
don't mind me saying, u I none of the Republicans in our caucus have voted for this. So, and we just lost five seats. So, New Jerseyy's in a bad way. And I know the new governor is gung-ho for this, too. So, I I don't >> She's made it very clear nominee for
attorney general. >> So, the only thing I can tell tell you is uh you know, >> are we going to be compensated to the loss for the loss of >> your property values? Yeah. >> Oh, absolutely not. >> No, no. >> Uh just like when government takes
property, >> but we wouldn't do it in the outskirt in the pristine outskirts of Oakland. We would totally do it right here. >> Uh I wouldn't even say that. They'll wedge it in any place they can. So, uh while you may feel a little bit agrieved in that particular aspect of it, um
they're putting high density affordable housing, so-called affordable housing, but high density housing for sure throughout the area. Uh, they took a a pristine golf course in Riverdale, New Jersey, and they took nine holes away from it so they could shove that stuff in there. I mean, it's incredible what
they're doing. >> May I ask one question? You probably are familiar with it. Did the railroad over there, what is that? Susanna, >> didn't they have an issue with an apartment being there also? >> I'm not familiar with that. >> I'm not familiar with that. >> No, they haven't come forward. I don't
think they would given the um >> I think it was concerning the drainage. >> Yeah. >> Well, if you're you're going to have to have a very large McAdam parking lot >> to compensate for that 100year rain and
it's going downhill onto the tracks. >> Well, as Mr. Giblitly pointed out, they still have to get certain approvals all these all these projects. >> All right, let's leave it go at that and I guess this stuff can be discussed at a future meeting. >> I appreciate that. Thank you.
>> Is there anybody else from your community that would like to ask a question? No, mayor. >> I'm gonna sit down. I just Sorry, Bob. I just let you know just happen to see you here. >> Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding any of these issues. I can't promise the the kind of result
we had with the trucking and way station, which we stopped in Oklahoma, which I'm I'm happy to say we had a little little input in >> collely known in Oakland as the dump. >> Yeah. >> Um so I'm happy about that. But I I am
absolutely uh beside myself that we we are continually unable to put a halt on the uh excessive building that's being forced on you u >> by Trenton. Yes. And and uh
if I had a little more time uh I would go into more detail on what's actually the driving force of this. And it's been a plan in place for 50 years, but it has to do with altering
um the political sway of different parts of the state and and it's being done as a political move unfortunately to the detriment of all our beautiful communities that we've had for so many years. So, it's unfortunate, but I'd be happy to discuss that with you another time. All right. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you very much. Nice to see you, Bob. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Please >> just need your name and address. >> Hi, Ed Young. Uh, I live at 26 Oak Street. Uh, we're neighbors with these guys here. I want to echo everything
Eric said. It was it was great, you know. So, I just w wanted to uh give my opinion, I guess, kind of make a statement here that we all live in Oakland. We all love this town. And one thing that wasn't said was, you know, they just put this other complex
behind the high school. Nobody's moved in there yet. That in addition to if this goes up here, I just want to say the the main street here, what we're basically a one road town, >> correct? >> You know, to get from one side of the town to the other. And I think that's
going to become a parking lot. And I think when the reserve was put in last time we were here, they said there was a traffic study done and they said it was and and the people on the planning board said that they um said it wasn't going to be that bad and they they admitted
they said it was our traffic got a lot worse and the the traffic study did not do justice to to what the changes were. >> I think it's pretty obvious if this thing goes in there going to be traffic. >> It's going to be traffic. There's going to be schools. >> Schools. I mean there there's all kinds of repercussions and
>> our property value will go down. We know that. Uh but I think everybody in town will will feel that effect as well. I think it's going to be a town issue. >> It's it's a community issue. It's not a Republican Democrat although it is initiated as Bob pointed out as North
pointed out going back to the 1980s >> with social engineering designed to change the characteristic right >> of of suburbs. Yeah. there is an element in government that doesn't like suburban living.
Um, and I attended u two October ago in um Times Square. I was performing uh in an event that was ultimately hosted by uh it was a worldwide event and I sat
there all day long and people just assumed because I was performing there that I had agreed with them. So the stuff that was coming out of their mouth like telling me we don't really need four pairs of shoes. We don't only need two pairs. Right. >> And they really there's people that want to tell you how to live. Yeah.
>> What to do, what to eat. There's And in fact, I noticed my youngest daughter here, one of my favorite sayings to my children growing up, there's in this world, there's no shortage of people who want to tell you how to live. >> Yeah. >> And those are the hall monitors we all knew in high school, you know, or elementary school.
>> Yes. and unfortunately it's infiltrated uh our government and we're all paying the economic price for it. >> Okay. >> Well, thank you. Well, I I just wanted to say that too that this is, you know, it's our issue. It's my Well, I think it's mostly our issue. We live on Oak Street, but
>> it's a town issue. It's a town. >> It affects everybody >> and and I know it does. Yeah. So, and I'm just hoping you guys come up with a plan, think outside the box, figure out a way, you know, that that we can >> We need relief from TR. We do. Yeah. >> I mean that that's it.
>> Keep the ball rolling till we get the next administration. >> All right, guys. Thank you. >> Hey, thank you. Would anybody else from the public wish to address this issue while we have our professionals here? >> You guys good? >> Quick question. Is there any chance they
could downsize that project, not make it so large? >> No, that it's again, it was a round three site that was already approved back then. So, the answer is no. They're not. >> All right. Do I have a motion to close? >> So move.
>> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Mr. Giblin, I want to thank you so much for providing testimony to this governing body and the community at large. Unfortunately, we're dealing with that the hand is dealt and here we are trying to play the best hand we can and it's it's it's very unfortunate. Thank
you, Assemblyman, for being here as well to explain what's going on in Trent. >> Thank you. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Okay. >> No, that's okay. All right. We uh All right. Since we're still under the mayor's report, I just have a couple more things here. Uh number one, uh Mr.
Coons, you want to just address garbage real quick? We're getting a lot of uh emails from residents, sir. >> Sure. Uh yes, we'll we'll end the year talking about garbage. Uh but yes, apparently there have been a lot of rumors out there about uh somehow
spreading that Uh we're ending the contract with our current hauler and there's not going to be garbage collection come the new year. Um that obviously quite obviously is just not true. Uh the current hauler, their contract was scheduled to end at the end
of the year. Uh we've previously reported on how we've been talking off and on with Pompton Lakes about the possibility of a shared service. uh we continue to do that and as a result we've negotiated a six-month extension on the current uh contract with
Suburban. So they'll be here through at least June of 2026. Uh and in that time frame, we'll make a decision on how we're going to proceed uh and you know put ourselves in a position to either uh you know issue another you know go through the regular
bid process. we maintain uh private hauling service or we'll be executing a shared service agreement with pump. So, one of those two things. Uh but I can assure residents you'll have garbage collection come January 1st and beyond. Uh and again, at least through the first
six months of the year with the current holiday. >> Thank you, Mr. Sure. For the council, any questions? No. >> All right. Uh one other thing under the mayor's report, obviously, as people are aware, there's a lot of gas man work taking place on the other side of town.
Um the burrow, myself, the engineer, uh bur administrator and members of DPW had a meeting with public service last week concerning the condition of the roads uh with all the services that are going in. They have assured us that they will be paving all those roads in the spring. Uh
however, they do ask the residents because they have to connect to the houses uh that if they do make an appointment with you, they ask that you keep the appointment uh because it's slowing them down if they can't cut all the connection services to the houses. So, the sooner we can get those connections cut to the houses, the
sooner we can pave when the spring comes all those streets. Uh that's it for my report. I just want to wish everybody merry Christmas. And at this point, I'd like to have a motion open to public. >> So, move second. >> All in favor? >> Anybody from the public? should address the governing body in
>> Ryan Schwarzfagger, 130 Hayawa Boulevard in the wonderful burrow of Oakland, New Jersey. Uh, I just want to start off thanking Councilman McCann and Councilman Sinski for their service. Uh, obviously we still have an election to determine uh what happens, but I just want to make sure I at least publicly
thank you both for your service on the governing body. I appreciate, you know, everyone who serves. It's not always easy to do. uh you know you take a lot of incoming and a lot of uh you know angry a lot of anger and not a lot of praise sometimes. So I just wanted to at least say thank you for uh stepping up
and taking this role. Um also I want to acknowledge um recreation chairman Mike Wadino. I believe he's leaving at the end of the year. Uh I worked with Mike for many years doing the stuff at dog park and great oak park and I just wanted to publicly thank him for his service as well. Uh, and it was a
pleasure working with him for all those years. And, uh, it's wonderful that we went from what it was to the dog park and the band shell and everything that's there now. And I know Mike was a big a big part of that. So, I want to thank him as well. And we need a lot more people to get involved. Uh, there's
plenty of boards, committees, commissions, even the nonprofits, groups, and towns. Uh, please consider, you know, all the people out there who are watching, please consider volunteering. Uh, you know, it's one thing to be posting online that you don't like this or going on or something else. Uh, it's something else to then
actually jump in and get involved and get to, you know, meet your neighbors, make a difference in the community. Um, I went from alternate two on the communications commission in 2017 to the chairman in 2018 and I've been there ever since. So, that's not to say that
everyone out there has to then suddenly jump and become the chairman of some board or commission, but you know, you can get involved. Your volunteerism is appreciated. It's very much needed and if we have more volunteers doing things in town that's less people that we have to hire and pay for and thus saves everyone tax money in the end while
keeping our services the same. Uh so you know that that goes for like fire department, first states like I said everyone all the different boards, committees, commissions. So I urge people out there to please consider volunteering. I know you take the citizen leadership forms. So please consider doing that. Uh, and then
lastly, on more of a lighter note, Oakland TV, we have our U log that is on at 2, 5:30, and 11:30 p.m. If anyone's in the festive spirit, uh, we are airing the miracle on 34th Street. I believe it's the original version at 4:30 p.m.
And our coverage of the holiday stroll Christmas tree monora lighting is on at 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Uh, and also, we got a lot of people who don't know, we air the Rampo Indian Hills board of education meetings. Usually, it's after the meeting happens, we get the recording of it. Uh, that's on 5:00 a.m.
weekdays and noon on weekends. And we also start airing the Bergen County Commissioners meetings that that started after the whole issue with the dump. Uh, we now got permission from the Bergen County Board of Commissioners to now air their meetings. So, that airs every day
at 10:00. And I know there's a lot of different things going on right now, especially with a proposed uh tower I think they wanted to put in Mawa. So, I know some people from Oakland attended that meeting. Uh, so might may be worth starting to watch those meetings as well and keep tabs on that. And that's all I have. I want to wish everybody a merry
Christmas, happy new year, and we'll see you in the new year. Thank you. >> Anybody else wish to address governing body? >> Not seeing anybody. Do you have a motion to close? >> Moved. A second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> All right. We're up to approval of minutes. We have December 9th, 2025. We
have a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> A second. >> Second. Any discussion? Changes. Not seeing any. Roll call. >> Council President Slinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> Yes. >> Excuse me. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani? >> Yes. >> Councilman Talamini? >> Yes. >> We have December 9th, 2025 executive minutes. If anybody has any changes, it can only be done in executive session. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Does anybody have any changes?
>> No. >> Not seeing any. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski, >> yes. >> Councilman McCann, >> yes. >> Councilman Pnatelli, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> We have raffle license RL1582
for the PTO Manito for January 30th for gift baskets and support of Manito teachers and students at 71 Oak Street. Motion to approve. >> It's a move. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Second. >> We got Pat. I got Caroline one. Okay.
>> Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pigatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Selani? >> Yes. >> Councilman Telamini? >> Yes. >> All right. We're up to resolutions. We'll do this as a consent agenda. We
have 25331 authorized utility refund for over payment for Scarbaggio. 25332 authorized recreation refunds. 25333 authorized tax refund for 10 Brandy Wine. 25334 a resolution
authorizing found monies for Richard Scalabbrini. 25335 resolution authorizing shared services for tax collection with Pompton Lakes. 25336 amend planner contract for affordable housing which you just heard
about. 25338 readopt personnel manual. 25339 budget transfer. 25340 authorize round four affordable housing
settlement for the Roper property. 25341 authorize round four affordable housing settlement for the Leone property and 25342 resolution providing defense and indemnification to the mayor council
and the burough employees in connection to the matter entitled PBA local 164 versus the Bur of Oakland. Does anybody wish to pull any out? Not seeing any. Motion to approve. >> Mr. Potelli, do you have a second? >> Second.
>> Second. Was that? >> That was Kevin. >> Kevin. >> Roll call. >> Council President Susinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pigmentatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Talamini. >> Yes. >> Okay. It all passed. All right. We're up to ordinances. This is final adoption. As you heard, we heard this was under workshop uh I believe four weeks ago. uh they were introduced at the last
meeting. So the first one we have is final adoption and also for public comment. We have 25 code 977 ordinance amending code chapter 5-12C of chapter 5-43G of the burough code of the bureau of Oakland and county state
New Jersey entitled dog cat licensing to increase the renewal fee. >> Delay fee. >> Delay fee. Okay. Do I have a motion to open to the public? So move. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Anybody from the public wish to address
25 code 977 late renewal fees for dog and cat licensing? >> Not seeing any. Do I have a motion to close? >> So moved. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Second. Miss Rose. All right. Who would like to introduce? All >> in favor. >> Oh yeah. All in favor.
>> Okay. Getting a little ahead of myself. 25 code 97. Set of a motion to adopt. Final adoption. Who would like to move that? >> So moved. Council >> have a second. >> Second. >> It's Rose. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes.
>> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pigmatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> Yes. >> Councilman Saliani. >> No. >> Councilman Talamini. >> Yes. >> All right. Okay, we have 25 water code 978 amending and supplementing chapter 8
section 10 of the Oakland code entitled fee schedule and section 13 entitled charges and fees. As you know once again this was introduced at our last meeting and this was also under workshop the meeting before. Do I have a motion to open to the public? >> So moved. >> Have a second. >> Second.
>> Second. Mr. Slinsky. All in favor? >> I. Anybody from the public wish to address 25 water code 978 fees? Not seeing any. Do you have a motion? >> Motion to close. Do >> have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Who would wish Who wishes to >> motion to adopt 25 water code 9. >> Council Pnatelli. >> Sec. >> Aliani. All right. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pnatelli.
>> Yes. Councilwoman Rose, >> no. >> Councilman Saliani, >> yes. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> All right, we're up to 25 sewer code 979 amending and supplementing chapter 8 section 10 of the Oakland code entitled
fee schedule section 13 entitled charges and fees. As I again these was under work session two meetings ago and it was also introduced at the last meeting. Do I have a motion to the public? Mr. Mr. Pnatelli, do we have a second? >> Second,
>> Mr. Talami. We have a motion to open to public. >> Wait, we just did that. >> We did. All >> favor. Anybody from public wish to talk about 25 sewer code 979? Not seeing any motion.
>> Council who wishes to intro. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? I. >> Okay. >> All right. 25 code 979. >> Motion. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes.
>> Councilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> No. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> Councilman Talamini. >> Yes. >> All right. We're up to 25 code 980. Updating recreation fees. Motion to open the public. >> Some move.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. Anybody wish to address uh 25 code 980 updating recreation fees for next year? >> Not seeing anybody. Motion to close. >> So moved. >> Second. Who got it? >> Who was that? I'm sorry. >> Who said it?
>> Go Pat first. He's on a roll. >> All right. >> Second. Okay. >> All right. Very good. >> All in favor? >> Okay. Who wishes to uh for final adoption 25 code 980 recreation fees? >> So moved. >> I'll second.
>> Salani. Wait, that's Talamina. Saliani. Yep. >> Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman presouncilman McCann. >> No. >> Councilman Pignatelli. >> No. >> Councilwoman Rose. >> No. >> Councilman Saliani. >> Yes. >> Councilman Talamini.
>> Yes. >> So it's a time. >> Yes. >> All right. We're up to 25 code 981 salary ordinance. Uh final adoption. Do we have a motion open to public? move. >> Mr. Potell, you have a second. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I from the public wish to address salary ordinance 25 code 981. >> Motion to close. >> Council Potell second. >> All right. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? >> I.
>> All right. Uh do we have uh wishes to final adoption 25 code 981 salary ordinance? >> To move that move, >> Mr. Pnatelli. There was a second. >> Second. >> Second. >> Who was it? >> Was that >> roll call?
>> Council President Slazinski. >> Yes. >> Councilman McCann, >> abstain. >> Councilman Pignatelli, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Rose, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani, >> abstain. >> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> All right, that concludes our ordinance.
Uh, we have nothing on work session. Does anybody have any new business for the governing body? >> Not seeing any. >> No, mayor. All right, sir. >> I'm not sure if this where this belongs, but um been receiving complaints about um vehicles
um that uh the burrow owns, particularly the ambulance squad uh vehicle. Um multiple complaints over the last several months and um you know, this is a vehicle, you
know, as you know, we're all volunteers in this town. And I want to thank Ryan uh for his service as well and appreciate his comments. But you know, one of the things that's frustrating is, you know, when you have volunteers, there are certain perks that go with that job. And we try to support the volunteers and we all support
volunteers. In fact, right now, as an attorney, I'm representing a volunteer uh rescue squad uh against uh inappropriate burrow action. But what we can't do is have um our volunteers
uh abuse these these uh minor perks and privileges uh that are given to them. And there's a certain in the in the world of sociology there's a there's a certain uh group of people that are
known as Gen X's and Gen Z's and all this other stuff. But one one of the things that that that that is troubling is the sense of entitlement some people have through volunteering. And I never sense that from anyone that we've served with either prior to this year, prior
elections. I know Bill won't will not treat volunteer service so uh casually with uh with um with a sense of entitlement. Certainly not that generation. Um, but it's been a number
of complaints and this vehicle is owned by the burrow. This uh Tahoe, is that is that right? Uh, Mr. Administrator, it's a it's a it's a Tahoe Chevy Tahoe. >> It's not owned by a borrow.
>> Yeah, it is. Yeah, it is. And um and that's the point. Um, right now this thing came into service. It's it's a vehicle. It's not an emergency services vehicle. It serves really no purpose but for someone to drive around in to go on
calls in the community in the burrow. It's, you know, the complaints that I've received and people say stating to me, I don't know if it's true or not, that they've observed this person going to work with this truck. But when you look at the mileage of a car that's been in
service since March of 2024, in one year in one year, the mileage on that vehicle was 10,753 miles. And that's that doesn't count 2025. And by comparison to other
vehicles at 4,000, 2,000, and 7,000, and again, that that 10,000 is not even a full year. Um I I think that the the burrow uh going forward needs to um well actually this creates a lot of
potential legal issues uh that needs in my view to be to be investigated and looked at. You don't you know you don't need an official burough policy to say you can't do something. There's sometimes there are things that are just common sense. If you're given the if the
state gives you property and the municipality gives you property, all the taxpayers have a view not to abuse that and and as I said, there's a certain entitlement mentality out there. I'm not attributing that to any one particular
person, but just as a general as a general rule that you're really not entitled to personal use of municipal property um in property that's entrusted to you for public service. You're not supposed to be using it to take to work. It's not
your private vehicle. And I hope the members of this governing body in January takes a serious look at that regardless of the political support they may have received or not received from this individual. It's not about politics. It's about abusing the taxpayers
uh dollars. It's about abusing the privilege to serve and taking advantage of it at the same time. So, I just wanted to report that under new business that there are complaints. There are reports that will probably come in uh as
it relates to observations and the use of this vehicle. I'll refer the matter to our burough attorney as to whether or not it should be referred to the prosecutor's office or not. Um it's a serious matter and it's disturbing and u I you know I particularly asked this
gentleman to return the vehicle two weeks ago. He did and then he immediately took it back again. And so it's inappropriate in my opinion, in my view, and I'll leave the legal process to the legal process and to the good judgment of the next mayor and
council. As to new business, that's it from me. >> Anybody else have any new business? >> Not seeing any. Uh we are up to council committee leazison. >> Old business. >> I thought I skip >> old business. >> Yeah. Any old business?
>> This uh old business. Um can we get an update on uh maybe moving the polling districts? >> Well, Wendy, you had a conversation with the board of election >> to the person at the county today and uh she has promised me that in January
she's going to come out and take a look at the library and see if uh we could get a special exception to move. >> Okay. Thank you. No, she has promised that she's willing to look. >> All right. And I also reached out to Assemblyman North and we were going to
take a a tour of the districts once it gets warmer. We'll we'll we'll get out there. >> Let's see how this goes. If we need to do that, we'll get out there and do it. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else have any other old business? Not seeing any. All right.
Now, we're up to committee leazison reports. Uh council tali. >> Uh sure. Um, under wreck, we um uh we're we're talking about uh having a
having a program where uh we're going to uh do CPR training for for uh volunteers trying to uh finalize a date and uh it'll be it'll be nice. Um the uh they'll they'll do the compressions only
and um there'll be a small fee. We haven't decided on what that is and um uh it's uh it's uh coming forward. That's uh that happened at the meeting last night. Um and then u otherwise I'd just like to say thank you to everybody
up here for everything they've done this year um to make Oakland a better town to live in. Um it's greatly appreciated what what you all do. Um, I'm I'm very proud to to to have worked
with all of you and um it's it's a lot what we do up here. Um, we're not just a bunch of pretty faces as pretty faces. >> Um, there's u there's a lot of time that we put in and um, you know, we miss out
on a lot of things uh in our families because we're we're here. Um we we do a lot of work on uh during business during regular business hours and uh we we hear from our bosses and whatever that uh hey
you know uh do do uh do that on your own time. But um it's it's a big deal to be up here and I I just want to say thank you to everybody uh including Rich and Wendy. without you guys uh we're we're
we're no buddies and um uh just uh it's a a big ask of our families too and that's really who I should be thanking all of our families. Um I could be I could be baking cookies right now with my with my my wife and kids and their
cousins and uh but I'm up here. So, um, uh, just thank you to everybody and merry Christmas, happy new year, happy Hanukkah. Thank you. >> That's why you're here, >> Councilman Pigotelli. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor, and and thank you, uh, Russ, for your words. I'd like
to reiterate what what uh Ryan was saying before about volunteers. Volunteers and and all our commissions and boards uh, dedicate a lot of time, but they are the backbone of our community. Um, we we need volunteers. Uh, I've been
on the first aid squad for the past 10 and a half years and uh I have to say to go to a fellow resident's house and and and some of them some of them were dead and we helped bring them back to life again. What what
a great feeling that is. Uh children that we help, elderly people, middle-aged people, people of all ages. Um, we need volunteers. Please, please consider um the first day squad fire
department. Um, we need volunteers to to continue functioning. Uh, it's a great way to have a New Year's resolution that you're going to volunteer uh for the first aid squad or fire department or or any of the boards and commissions.
Please uh the only way we continue is is with your help. and and if you had to pay for this service, your your believe me, your taxes would be considerably more expensive. So, please um also the environmental commission, I'm liazison
to the environmental commission. We need at least three new volunteers. Um, if you're interested in contributing to the environment, uh, helping to protect the environment here in Oakland, please consider, uh, if you have expert, especially if you have expertise in that
area, even if you don't, even if you're a resident that's interested in in keeping Oakland uh, the way we are right now, uh, please volunteer for the Environmental Commission. And lastly, as Russ said, uh, merry Christmas to
everyone, a blessed year, uh, New Year's, happy Hanukkah, and, uh, please be safe out there. Thank you very much, >> Mayor Councilman Saliani. >> I I want to say I've been privileged to work with several great communities this year. Uh, the OC, where Ryan came out,
stole my report, which is great. I can save some time about what's on. Um, but it's great to work with OC. I was able to work with um with public safety. I was also able to work with the um public events committee who also needs volunteers and does a great job at
community events. I also before I wish uh happy holidays, I also want to thank Councilman McCann. Um I've worked with you now I think three and a half years and I it could be on or off. Appreciate you one stepping up when we were short and we needed help on the on the council
originally and appreciate everything you've done. Um, what people don't know about you is you do care about this town and what you do for this town behind the scenes. And some of the things you've brought to this council that we need the experience for, I don't think people
know because that's just not the type of person you want to put out there. So, I thank you for those times when you've we all sat there and challenged each other professionally to do what's best for the town. So, appreciate all those efforts you brought to us. And I think the uh I think the public should know some of the stuff you've done behind the scenes to
support them. Thank you. Call out. >> Oh, merry Christmas. >> And Kevin, I plan to see you again. So, uh uh just a brief report uh on the administration committee. Uh um the uh
the police department had filed uh everyone's aware what's going on in town with regard to the to the police department uh and its impact it may or may not have had on this election. Um the the um they had filed an unfair
labor practice charge against the burrow uh regarding uh the police negotiations. They're claiming we don't treat them fairly in the in the labor process. Uh the short answer is a decision came out uh in a brief in a well-ritten decision came out yesterday and another one
following up today which they can't appeal. But in the legal sense, um, we call this, uh, a slam dunk win. Uh, the allegations at this point that they've brought, uh, well, we'll make them
public. We're going to make them public and we're going to make our responses public so the public gets to fully see and fully view what really went on here. There's no hiding the ball what happened. And uh the fact that that Perk
wrote that the type of decision that they did in my opinion was a rebuke of what they did. It wasn't just a win. It was a complete rebuke. And it's unfortunate as we talk about volunteers and how as Pat rightfully so says that they're the
backbone. We have to rely on our police department to be apolitical. Stay out of politics. try not to use their position in the community that they live in and patrol to obtain labor benefits for their own
for themselves. There are a number of people in this town that took down political signs because they feared the police department. That's not the kind of community we need or have. They cried for a fair process. The burrow agreed we
were at an impass as it related to retiree health benefits and we decided to go to arbitration. But that wasn't good enough. And statements were published that will be addressed one way or the
other in the near future. And this the challenge to the community and to this to this governing body moving forward is not to let anyone that shouldn't be interfering with the the political process do that and not
use the good offices that the burrow provides to the public and the community to take advantage. And that's just an opinion. And uh I'm pleased with the with the
decision. I'm pleased with the tone of the decision, not pleased with the results of the election because in my view, it definitely had an impact on the election. But having said that, I want to
congratulate Bill because Bill is a good man. He and I probably in national politics would probably start screaming at each other and pulling each other's hair. I don't know. But by all accounts from everyone that I've spoken to in town about Bill, he is a really good guy
and I know he's going to do a good job. So I don't I am glad uh to have to have lost to someone like you, a gentleman. Uh outside of that, I don't like losing, but that's but that's okay. That that you know, I've been doing this a long
time. I've won a lot of elections and now I've lost a few couple. And that's but but the point is that I do this job as a volunteer. No different than the volunteer ambulance squad. No different than any volunteer on the on these boards and committees. I do not take a
dime. The mayor and council gets a small stipen to help pay for dinners that they're obligated to go to. I don't I don't take that. Uh the burough administrator tried to wrestle my social security from me number when I when I first came in and I said he said you have to take this. It's
illegal. I said, "Well, I don't have to give you my social security number. I don't want to toot my own horn, but what I'm trying to stress is that this is a volunteer position, and volunteers should not abuse the positions they have and take in take
advantage and feel entitled to anything just because they show up and do the right thing." I I want to just say share one final story as a as where this comes from in my heart. I was 10 years old. I was playing an A division little league baseball. I hit a home run to the
opposite field. I went around first base waving my hand like a maniac. We won the game. I get in the car with my father and my father says, he said, "Johnny," he says, "that was a good hit, huh?" I go, "Yeah." He goes, "Do me a favor." He said, "What were you happy?" He goes, "Yeah, I was very
happy." He said, he said, "You felt like you had to tell the world." I said, "Yeah, you know." And he said to me, 10-year-old kid, he said, "Just do me a favor. Act like you've been there before." I didn't even know what he was talking about till I was about 20 years old. But that's what volunteerism is
about. And um so I want to thank uh Mr. Kumala uh personally uh the town is in much better hands. It's in cleaner hands uh than previous administrations. Uh I want to thank all the members of
the council in particularly uh Pat and Russ uh who came to me back in 2021. You know we need we need to put someone on the ballot John would do you want to be on the council and that this was never anything I intended to do. And I want to thank them
for trusting me uh to uh to take my experience and help guide uh bring that to the table. Um town's been through a lot. Uh, marijuana was tried to they tried to sneak marijuana into the town. I stood up against that and I will still stand up against it. I have a feeling
the I think the town voted against it two to one. Um, in the referendum last year, uh, we had some people coming before us, some well-known, taking a position that was incont
incomprehensible as it relates to the medical use of marijuana and the THC levels that this pot contains from the generation that from the kids that I knew in high school, the THC levels are hundreds
times higher and it's not a safe drug. And I disagree with President Trump, President Trump's recategorizing on that. And I'll never yield on that. And it was never good for the town despite the previous administration and
and some Republicans supporting it. We can always disagree. You know, I don't expect anyone to take that the same position that I do on that, but I will challenge him on a debate and bring real data to this to the table and discuss it. I'm proud I'm proud that I stood up against that. I'm proud that we stood up
against the dump. And um Oh, and on the marijuana issue, feel free to talk to the neighbors about about the smell that's taking place surrounding them now with regard to the growers that were brought into this town by the previous administration. Ask them how their property is doing. Talk about
property values. I wonder how that neighborhood's doing right about now. So, um I want to thank my running mate, uh Kevin Sicilinsky. Did I get it right this time? >> Pretty close. >> Okay. Um, I want to thank you very much, Kevin, uh, to run with you. It's been a
privilege and an honor. Um, we have different personalities, but we bring in different skill sets that we brought to the team. Um, I understand that, uh, a a challenge was filed uh, today. Uh, so we're not at a we're not at a special
election yet, and uh, we'll see how that comes out. Okay. Uh, I I don't know that gentleman at all. on the other side. I do know you and I know unequivocally in my mind there's no better person uh to to to carry the torch forward uh on a
volunteer basis for this for this community. >> Uh present company excluded of course but uh but I I I wish you luck in that. And uh Carolyn um we were on the opposite sides of a primary, right? And
>> um all those allegations were not true as you now know. So, um, I want to thank you as well for stepping up and volunteering. And of course, Wendy, our our our clerk, will you please pass that test? >> Uh, we've had good clerks. We've had
good clerks uh in the community. So, we've been lucky with that. And, uh, as it relates to u, our burough administrator, I'm not so sure about you still. you you have a great poker face, but you you you do um you you do a good
job and um and uh this issue with the police department was not easy. You were attacked. Uh allegations are levied against you that or about you that were incorrect and false and I think you see that in the decisions. So, thank you uh Burl Vul.
It's been a pleasure and an honor to serve you. >> Thank you, >> Councilman Slinski. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um okay I don't have any uh reports uh from my um committees as such but I would also like to thank everyone uh up
here on the deis everyone that worked very hard with um everyone's done a fantastic job uh Mr. Coons, uh, Wendy, Mayor Camala. Um, yeah. No, we've, uh, really, uh, I don't want to repeat everything that's ever already been
said, but, you know, we worked hard this year and and made great strides for our beautiful town. Uh, also would like to thank Councilman McCann. Um, he's been unbelievably valuable to to his his wealth of knowledge is just
unbelievable. and I don't think everyone like really understands, you know, what he brings to the table as well. Um, so yeah, so again, thank you all. Um, merry Christmas, happy new year. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman.
>> Thank you, mayor. Um, yeah, I have no committee reports, um, other than I do, um, love the committees I was on. Um, got to learn a lot uh, this year, my first year being on council. I want to thank everybody for guiding me,
supporting me, and teaching me the ropes and everything. Um, other than that, I want to wish everybody a merry Christmas and a happy new year. >> Thank you. All right, we're up to bills to be paid. >> Bills to be paid. $530,22864.
So moved. Do >> I have a second? Second, Mr. Talami. Roll call. >> Council President Sinski. >> Yes. Councilman McCann, >> yes. >> Councilman Pnatelli, >> yes. >> Councilwoman RH, >> yes. >> Councilman Saliani,
>> Councilman Talamini, >> yes. >> All right. This time I'd like to ask Council uh Assemblyman Bob W. uh Councilman Russ Talamini to join myself and Mr. Councilman McCanna up front. Got a little surprise for you. Little recognition.
>> I was wondering why Bob was here. All right. So, um >> move center. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Sorry. >> So, uh let me just say thank you, John. Um uh so we know each other for like 30
years. It's we >> 35 we we met we met when uh we were on the c I was on the council in Harrington Park. You were on the council in Crescco. Uh we started attending meetings together and we and and right away I mean we became fast friends and
we realized that we were uh we supported similar people. We we had similar thoughts on things and uh it's just been great great knowing you all these years. When I when I first got elected to to uh Oakland Council, um I asked John to to
uh swear me in and he and he did me the favor of swearing me in and I was very proud to to have him do that and uh he had just moved into town and um it just seemed like the right thing to do. He was um um he's he's always been there for me. He's a he's a he's a great
friend. Um he's he's he's he's always there if I need advice. Um the the advice comes with a cost. You know, you have to listen to a story about him and Tommy Tuscano putting up signs on on on Route 17 and and and maybe taking some
down. Yeah. You Yeah. And uh and sometimes they they include Assemblyman North, but um uh and I I truly believe that that John McCann has forgotten more
about being a councilman than than I will ever know. And um it's it's it's it's been a I've really enjoyed serving on the council with you. You u um there's you've you've taught us so much. You're you're an amazing you're an
amazing person and uh um just thank you. And uh let me read this uh proclamation from the mayor. Um >> it's from the mayor. >> From the mayor, >> honoring John McCann for the dedication to public service. Whereas John McCann
faithfully served the burrow for three plus years, demonstrating dedication, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service. And whereas during his tenure, Mr. McCann served as council president providing leadership and guidance to the governing body and whereas Mr. McCann also served on the
public safety administration committees contributing his time and efforts to the safety efficiency and effective administration of the burrow and whereas his dedication and support have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the burrow and its residents. Now therefore be it proclaimed that the mayor and
council of the burrow hereby extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to John McCann for his three plus years of dedicated service and wish him continued success in all future endeavors. You got dry mouth thank you thank you thank you one thing
uh somebody forgot to tell our burough attorney no pastels after Labor Day. I almost just got blinded when I turned around. Uh thank you, Russ. Uh just briefly, I've already spoken, but I felt like uh yeah, Russ and I have known each other a long time. Uh we're both unique
in the state of New Jersey as there's only maybe a handful of people that served on the governing bodies on the council in multiple different communities. Uh 10 years, nine years in in Kresco. I never thought I'd be doing this again, but it was because of you and you and I think Eric was in on that
on that drafting day and um uh I'm I'm done. I am I and and I and because it it is a lot of work and people don't understand that. Um Bill, you sat in on our ex executive meeting. There's no highowered hide the hide the ball politics back
there. It's about getting the job done. I think you you would agree with that and that's what this is about. And uh the state of New Jersey has been very lucky to have Russ Telamini. Um but I'll have to say if I hear how much you enjoy serving on that stupid recreation
is great in this town. It's really good. It's partly because of you. Uh in fact, I would say mostly because of you. So but uh thank you Russ and thank you mayor wherever you are. Thank you. Thank you sir. >> Thank you. All right. It's been a pleasure. Been a joy. Thank you guys. >> We got one more.
>> Yes. Uh John, thank you um for allowing me to be part of this this evening. Uh I want to just take a moment to let people know what a valuable asset John has been not only to Cresco where he came from originally but to Oakland and I know um
uh Councilman Talamini when he was in Harrington Park and then Russ came to Oakland too. So I know these guys for a long period of time but there's a thing we call institutional knowledge uh that cannot be in injected into somebody who comes on
to the council. It comes over a period of time and experiences. You heard this evening when the attorney for the affordable housing was here uh discussing those issues with the council uh Councilman McCann was the one who was
up on this because he's done this over and over again in different municipalities. he's gone to Trenton to fight against these things while we were down there voting against them. So, it's a it's a quality that uh is really beneficial to the town of Oakland. And
uh I'm hoping that you will be kind enough to share your knowledge even despite the fact you're not on the council and make yourself available for the questions like Russ said and being able to use you as a sounding board and as a point of reference for for the
future. Um, I do also have a resolution. I will read it if you like. Um, >> do you really want to? >> Well, it's it's pretty lengthy, but um I think it's worth it. I think it's worth it. And so this is from the Senate and the General Assembly from the state of
New Jersey comes from the state house uh from Senator Shapey, Assemblyman O and Assemblyman Azeriti. Whereas the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to salute the Honorable John McCann Esquire, a highly
esteemed member of the Garden State community upon the completion of his outstanding tenure as a councilman for the Bureau of Oakland, Burton County. And whereas an illustrious graduate from the City University of New York law
school who holds a master's degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a balorate in political science and government from Pace University. John McCann is greatly appreciated for lending his considerable knowledge and
experience as I mentioned as chairman of the intergovernmental relations and administration committee as a member of the public safety committee and as a liaison to the municipal alliance and whereas the widely admired managing
member of the law office of John J. McCann for more than 25 years. John McCann is further recognized for his steadfast efforts as a former councilman in the burrow of Crescco as we mentioned
former general counsel for the F federal law enforcement foundation. Is there former or are you still with them? >> They don't exist. Yes. No, I'm not with them in official capacity. Okay. On an advisory capacity. >> Okay. and the general counsel for the office of Burke County Sheriffs from
2011 to 2017 and as an assistant professor at Pace University from 1996 to 2001. And whereas through all the inspired and effective governance, John McCann has exhibited in an uncommon
measure of public spiritness and in so doing has established a standard of excellence toward which others might strive. As you mentioned, Russell, whereas the strength and the prosperity prosperity of the state of New Jersey
depends in great measure on industrious citizens exemplified by John McCann who util utilize their unique skills and talents to improve our cities, towns, and burrows and enhance the quality of life for our friends, neighbors. And
therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, that this legislature hereby commends John McCann pays tribute to his sterling record of public service, leadership, and commitment. And it doesn't say here, but I'm going to add
volunteerism um uh see commitment and extend sincere best wishes for his success in future endeavors. And be it further resolved that a duly authenticated copy of this resolution signed by the Senate
President and the Assembly Speaker and attested to by the Senate Secretary in the Assembly clerk be transmitted to the Honorable John McCann Esquire. Consider this transmitted to you, sir. >> Thank you, sir. It's transmitted.
>> We're not finished yet. >> What did you think? Thank you. Thank you everybody. Hey Al, >> thanks for now I know why you're here. Thanks.
>> Okay, at this time do I have a motion to adjurnn? Mr. >> Pay bills. >> I'll pay bills. We did. >> We did the bills. >> Mr. Can, do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I have a motion to adjurnn. >> Do I have a second? >> Second.
>> Second. Was Miss Kevin? Was that you? >> Was that Kevin? >> Yep. >> All in favor? >> I. >> This meeting is adjourned. Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 6th, 700 p.m. here at the council chambers. Good night everybody and merry Christmas.