Mayor Linda H. Schwager Being Interviewed by Newsletter Committee Chair Elizabeth Llorente |
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In Her Unprecedented Third Term, Mayor Schwager Reflects on a Year Like No Other |
By Elizabeth Llorente
When Linda Schwager got sworn in early this year for an unprecedented third term, she could never have imagined that just a few months later she would be holding council meetings from her kitchen table via the video conferencing app Zoom, or giving residents daily telephone and email updates on how many people a global pandemic had infected—and killed—in Oakland.
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With the fear and many questions the pandemic had stirred, and the feeling of helplessness most people felt, particularly when numbers of infected and fatalities climbed mercilessly day after day, Schwager turned to one of the earliest lessons she learned after first becoming mayor.
“I learned…when I first became mayor and we were in the middle of a hurricane…I realized that people want information, they want to know what’s happening,” she said in an interview via Zoom (of course) earlier this summer for a segment of “This Week in Oakland,” which ran for 12 episodes. “If you don’t know what’s happening…[then] you think about the worst possible scenarios.”
So she made it a priority to communicate with residents about the virus’ impact and the latest updates from county and state officials.
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My message this month is a very important reminder to all of you to submit your census form. Why?
Census determines the amount of Federal Funding our State, County, and ultimately our town will receive for social services, education and community programs. In addition, the census determines New Jersey's representation in the United States House of Representatives.
You can still complete the Census form online at www.2020Census.gov or on the telephone by calling (844)330-2020 (for Spanish call 844-468-2020). Your personal information will not be disclosed. If you do not submit your census form then a census taker may come to your home to help you fill out your census form.
In 2010, New Jersey was undercounted. We do not want this to happen in 2020. The deadline was extended to September 30, 2020. Please submit your census form. It is private and very easy to do.
Stay safe.
Mayor Linda H. Schwager
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COVID-19: Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Gyms and Indoor Amusement and Water Parks to Reopen Effective Tuesday, September 1 |
Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 181, which permits gyms and health clubs, as well as amusement and water parks, to reopen their indoor premises to the public on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 a.m., provided these facilities comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health.
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Under the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, gyms and health clubs who reopen will be required to adhere to the health and safety standards listed in the "Guidance for Health Clubs/Gyms/Fitness Centers". These standards, which will also apply to other recreational businesses that offer fitness classes and activities, include the following, among others:
- Limit occupancy of any indoor premises to 25 percent of the stated maximum capacity;
- Conduct a temperature screening and questionnaire of staff and clients upon entrance to the facility;
- Limit indoor group activities (e.g., classes) to no more than 1 individual per 200 square feet of accessible space or less, with all individuals being able to maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals during the entire class;
- Require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings at all times, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, such as when in the water and in other situations where the presence of a mask would pose a risk to the individual's health, or where the individual is under two years of age;
- Demarcate six feet of distance between equipment, or blocking off equipment (e.g. every other machine) to maintain six feet of distancing between individuals using equipment;
- Require that reservations, cancellations and pre-payments be made via electronic or telephone reservation systems to limit physical interactions;
- Limit occupancy in restrooms to avoid over-crowding;
- Inform clients to arrive dressed to workout/train and bring their own hand towel, water, yoga mat, boxing gloves, and any other equipment;
- Not permit the use of showers, with the exception of gyms with pools, which can have individually partitioned showers or communal showers with installed barriers/partitions at least six feet apart;
- Limit locker room use to hand washing and restroom use only; and
- Adopt infection control practices and enhanced sanitization protocols.
Activities such as swimming in an indoor pool, tanning, outdoor dining, pick-up of food or beverage, and retail sales, which are otherwise permitted but which are not governed by the guidance, remain subject to applicable standards outlined in Executive Orders, Executive Directives and guidance.
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For a copy of Executive Order No. 181, please click here.
- For a copy of the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, please click here.
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For a copy of the Department of Health's Guidance for Health Clubs/Gyms/Fitness Centers, please click here.
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COVID-19: County of Bergen Expands Small Business Grant Program To Restaurants and Other Essential Businesses
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County Executive Jim Tedesco announces that all Bergen County small businesses with up to 19 or less full-time employees will be eligible to apply for the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program which is set to open its next round of funding in phases starting on Monday, August 31st. The program which first opened in July, was only initially available to “non-essential” businesses forced to close as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Approximately $6,041,838 has been awarded to 754 small “non-essential” businesses in Bergen County thus far with applications still under review. |
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Like before, eligible businesses will be able to apply for up to $10,000 to offset the costs of rent payments, property mortgage, and utilities expenses.
The next round of applications will open in three staged phases:
- Restaurants and Food Service Establishments – application opens Aug 31
- Essential Retail – application opens Sept 7
- All Small Businesses – application opens Sept 14
The deadline for all three phases will be Friday, October 5, 2020 at 5p.m. To apply for the program and for more information, business owners can visit www.BergenCountyCARES.org.
To qualify for the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program businesses must fall under the following criteria:
- Businesses must have a physical location in Bergen County, NJ and must provide evidence that they are a valid operating business in the State of New Jersey (i.e. Certificate of Formation or Incorporation, latest corporate tax returns, sales tax returns and/or payroll tax returns).
- Must have 19 or fewer full-time employees.
- Businesses must have been open and operating on March 1, 2020.
- Businesses owned by county employees and elected officials, as well as their immediate families, are not eligible.
- Must provide affidavit stating company has not received any Federal, State or other funding or Federal/State documents showing date and monetary amount of all received assistance
Priority will be given to businesses that have not received any Federal grant assistance, New Jersey Economic Development Authority or US Small Business Administration grants or other grant assistance.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to small businesses across Bergen County as they continue to endure the uncertain reality of whether or not they can keep their doors open. That is why the County of Bergen has decided to expand the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program to essential businesses that meet the same criteria as non-essential businesses so they can apply for much needed financial relief,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco.
“Our Bergen County small businesses have struggled to survive during the pandemic, and we want to help them stay alive. We shared our federal CARES Act money with non-essential businesses starting in July, and now we are pleased to extend a financial helping hand to even more of our small businesses,” said Bergen County Freeholder Chairwoman Mary Amoroso.
Receipt of grant funds through the Bergen County Small Business Grant Program is a one-time opportunity. Any business that has received grant funds during any phase of the Bergen County Small Business Grant Program is not eligible to receive additional grant funds through the program.
The Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund. For administrative and troubleshooting questions, please email BergenCountyCares@co.bergen.nj.us or call 201-336-6011.
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Your Monthly Garbage & Recycling Cheat Sheet |
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Yard Waste: This service begins Monday, April 6, 2020 or Tuesday, April 7, 2020 and ends Monday, December 7, 2020 or Tuesday, December 8, 2020. There is no yard waste collection during the winter months. Yard waste is never permitted in the household garbage collection. Do not put any yard waste in plastic bags. Should your yard waste not be collected, it is most likely due to COVID-19 staffing issues with the hauler, and we advise that you please leave out the yard waste on the curb and the hauler will return during the week to collect. Check the Borough Website for updates. If your yard waste was not collected, please leave out at the curb and the hauler will be back during the week.
Electronics: September 2 & 16
Paper: September 9 & 23
Commingled: September 2, 16, & 30
Household Appliances/Metal: September 10
Metal Collection has been changed to the 2nd Thursday of the month for the remainder of 2020. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Trash: Mon & Thurs garbage collection on the South side of town. Tues & Fri garbage collection on the North side of town.
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Recycling Information
Garbage and Recycling barrels must be placed at the curb prior to 5:00am on the day of your scheduled collection. Please note that it is unlawful to place garbage, recyclables, or yard waste at curbside earlier than 4:00pm prior to the day of collection. All empty barrels need to be removed from the curb before 9:00pm on collection day. Please retrieve your empty cans from curbside as soon as possible.
Oakland residents have year round garbage collection twice per week based on your side of town. In the case of a holiday, pickup is skipped until the next regularly scheduled garbage collection day. Monday and Thursday garbage collection on the South side (see Streets) Tuesday and Friday garbage collection on the North side
Both sides of town have a Recyclables collection every Wednesday. Paper/ Cardboard or Commingled (bottles, cans, containers) are collected on alternate weeks. Please check the enclosed dates for which material goes out on a particular day. Residents must properly separate recyclables into two separate containers for collection or they cannot be picked up and will be left at the curb.
Food and drink cartons can be recycled with commingled. Our hauler accepts clean food and beverage cartons. For best recycling results, do not flatten the cartons.
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First Responders Flash Briefing
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Message from the Oakland Police Department:
All members of the Oakland Police Department would like to thank each of the following individuals, businesses, and business owners for their generous and thoughtful donations and uplifting gestures of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their donations as well as the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from our residents helped the police department persevere through the unprecedented pandemic.
- Anthony A
- Luca’s Trattoria Pizzeria of Oakland
- Mike F.
- Arbonne/Brianne Burton
- Erica L.
- Alpha Pools
- Salumi Kitchen of Mahwah
- Franklin Lakes Pizza
- Atelier Creations and Alterations of Oakland
- Café L’Amore of Oakland
- Chris W.
- Double Ai Chinese Restaurant of Wayne
- Amanda H.
- DeLeon Plastics Corp.
- Monica C.
- Bergen Mask Task Force
- Custom Creations of Oakland
- Wayne PBA Local # 136
- Debbie P.
- Jessica L.
- Battling Bites Organics of Oakland
- Diana Ivanov/Realtor
- Chinese-Americans of Oakland
- Portion
- Auden H.
- The Bushta Family
- Stavros C.
- JD’s Deli of Oakland
- Mrs. Martin
- The Oakland Care Center
- Mike D.
- Cucina 347 of Oakland
- Mr. Albert
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- The Dondero Family
- Heritage Surgical Center
- Harout Dovlatyan
- Dana R.
The Oakland Police Department would also like to thank the individuals who purchased “Oakland Strong” yard signs as well as the residents involved with the printing and distribution of the signs. The support was overwhelming and the proceeds from the sales will go toward the purchase of much needed PPE for the Oakland Police Department. The Oakland Police Department is proud to serve such a supportive community. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Chief Keith Sanzari
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Project Medicine Drop is still active at this time.
Project Medicine Drop is an initiative involving the installation of "prescription drug drop boxes" at participating New Jersey police departments.
The Oakland Police Department keeps the locked metal box inside our lobby with the “Project Medicine Drop” logo clearly visible and recognizable.
Project Medicine Drop allows the public to dispose of unused and expired prescription medications safely, securely, and anonymously. The opportunity is available seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you are disposing of medication we ask that you follow this procedure:
- We do not accept loose medication and request it be placed in a Ziploc bag.
- Deposit the sealed Ziploc bag into our drop box
We CANNOT and DO NOT accept:
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Oakland Fire Department
Become a Member!
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The Oakland Fire Department is always looking for additional volunteer firefighters to protect the lives and property of our neighbors in Oakland. Our department has been serving the residents of Oakland for over 100 years (1909). The Oakland Fire Department is all volunteer. We operate from two firehouses, Company 1 at the Yawpo Ave firehouse and Company.
To become a member of the Oakland Fire Department you must be at least 16 years old, be a US Citizen, be in good physical condition, be a legal resident of Oakland for a minimum of six months and have not been convicted of a felony. Once accepted, you will need to complete an 18 week Basic Firefighters course, Firefighter I, at the Bergen County Fire Academy in Mahwah.
For more information and a membership application, come to the Yawpo Ave firehouse any Monday night at 7:00 PM and ask to speak to one of our Chiefs.
at the Hiawatha Blvd firehouse.
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Oakland Public Library Open to Public:
The Library remains open! With that, there are some rules we all need to abide by:
- All patrons who wish to enter must wear a mask.
- Curbside pickup will continue for the foreseeable future.
- No furniture may be brought into the library.
- A self-check application will soon be available for smart devices.
- Social distancing of 6 feet will be observed,
- 1 on 1 interaction with the staff will not be available in person
Curbside Pick- Up :
Please call the Library at 201-337-3742 #7002 or email oaklcirc@bccls.org to place your Adult Department or Children's Department requests.
OPLNJ can put together a selection of materials, just make sure we are aware of your preferences. Please include your name and phone number on all messages. Returned materials will be quarantined for 3 weeks and will remain on your card until the staff can check them in. Not to worry as It is a Fine Free Summer at the Library! (This does not include lost or damaged books)
Let us know the titles of the books you have read this summer. The titles will be submitted for the weekly drawings. The next prize is a KINDLE Paperwhite e-Reader; and the Grand Prize is a $100 gift card to the Oakland Restaurant of your choosing. Children's Summer Reading has a great event this month. Along with our virtual Story Times. Join Miss Barbara for Story Time and Ms. Debbie for Tots Library Club the information and how to access the virtual story hours is listed below.
Please remember that the Oakland Library is doing a Food Drive for the Ponds Food Pantry. Please place your unexpired, non-perishable items in the shopping cart in front of the OPL Bulletin Board.
We all are looking forward to seeing you at the Library.
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Sufragettes in Corselettes
Monday, September 14 at 7:00 PM
The Evolution of Underwear and Our 19th Amendment
presented by the Grounded Goodwife
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For centuries, women have allowed themselves to be squeezed, twisted, and squished to conform to desired shapes. The history of underwear reveals a lot about women's changing roles in society - how we perceive ourselves, and how we're viewed by others. The 1910s saw an end to the hourglass figure with a tiny waist. Women were finally able to breathe and move more freely. Did the demise of tightlacing help women gain the right to vote in 1920? Underwear matters.
Herstory Unsanitized presentations explore the engrossing "taboo" subjects omitted from history. When a zany teacher and grounded green witch join forces, they create Grounded Goodwife. Velya Jancz-Urban's gregarious personality and Ehris Urban's serene energy enable this mother/daughter duo to connect with audiences.
Their delivery is funny and frank. Laugh, grimace, and honor our fore-mothers' journeys.
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Save the Date!
College Essay Workshop with Deb Breslow
Thursday, October 8 6:30 PM
Write the Uncommon Common App Essay
College Essay Coach Deb Breslow
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Rising Juniors, Seniors and Parents:
It is time to learn the ins and outs of writing a compelling college essay, your personal statement, that will elevate one student over another.
- What is the Common Application?
- What is an Essay Prompt?
- How Do I Start?
- Who is Going to Read My Essay?
- What is a Writing Supplement?
- Do I Really Have to Write About ME?
Deborah Breslow a Wyckoff based published writer and essay coach has worked with students from the following schools: Bergen Catholic HS, Don Bosco Prep HS, Glen Rock HS, Immaculate Heart Academy, Lakeland Regional HS, Mahwah HS, Northern Highlands Regional HS, Paramus HS, Pearl River HS, Ramapo-Indian Hills Regional HS, Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy, and Solomon Schechter of Bergen County.
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Update from the Oakland Senior Center:
We are continuing to add classes back into our schedule in a mix of in person, zoom only, and hybrid options, Please see the calendar for more details. If anyone would like to attend an in person class, they are asked to call or email the senior center to register in advance. If they would like to be added to our email list to receive the Zoom links for online classes they can reach out to us as well at (201) 405-7731 or seniors@oakland-nj.org.
Games and puzzles are available to check out and bring home. They can come by the center by appointment to pick things up. All items borrowed will be quarantined for 7 days and/or sanitized upon return.
Through the county’s Division of Senior Services, we will be offering private appointments for anyone who needs assistance with navigating Medicare through SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) with a state certified counselor. These appointments will be offered the second Monday of every month beginning in August and set up in a private space in the senior center socially distanced. Appointments will begin at 9:30am and run up to 45 minutes. They are on a first come first serve basis and will roll into the next month if they fill. If anyone is interested in learning more or setting up an appointment, they can contact myself at the Senior Center at (201) 405-7731.
As a reminder: We are in the office Monday-Friday and available to help connect anyone who needs resources for seniors including but not limited to food, transportation, Medicare and health care. They can reach us at (201) 405-7731 or seniors@oakland-nj.org.
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The Oakland Senior Center offers door to door transportation services to Shop Rite of Oakland on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or alternative locations by request and appointment. For reservations, please call the Senior Center at (201) 337-8111, ext. 2060. |
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*Please Note as of Monday, 7/27/2020, the Recreation Aid will no longer be located in Borough Hall. They will now have an office inside the Oakland Senior Center. All correspondence should still be mailed to: Oakland Recreation, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436. The phone number is 201-337-8111 ext.2068. |
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Communications Commission |
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Communications Commission |
The Oakland Communications Commission is seeking writers to help write articles and stories for the Borough Newsletter. Previous writing experience is a plus. If you are interested, please contact Newsletter Chair Liz Llorente at oaklandcrossroads@gmail.com. |
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Communications Commission |
The Oakland Communications Commission has a vacancy for the position of Secretary. The position includes preparation of meeting agenda and taking meeting minutes/notes. To those interested, please contact the OCC at OCC@oakland-nj.org. |
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Rutgers Cooperative Extension |
Our 50th anniversary of Earth Day webinar series is back this fall with a new name- Earth Day Every Day! (Formerly "Earth Day at Home".) Open to the public, these sessions focus on steps everyone can take to protect the environment. We can all do our part to take actions that make our homes more sustainable, from environmentally-friendly lawn care, to recycling, to conducting a home energy audit. These actions, more than ever, start at home. |
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Join Rutgers Cooperative Extension every Monday evening at 6:30pm for this free series starting September 14th. These live, interactive sessions are 1 hour. To join you need either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers. Sessions are provided via Webex.
Register:
Register by clicking on the session title. Note you must register individually for each session you want to attend.
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team |
Backyard Composter Bins are available for purchase at the Oakland Department of Public Works, 63 Oak Street, Oakland, NJ 07436 during normal business hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The composter is available at a discounted price to Oakland Residents at $60.00.
Questions, email recycle@oakland-nj.or (201) 337-8104.
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team |
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team Crayon and Marker Program is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis. Notification will be made once the program is active again. |
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team |
The Oakland Sustainable Jersey Green Team is always seeking new volunteers. To those that may be interested, or would like to learn more, please email "greenteam@oakland-nj.org" for more information. |
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team |
The Sustainable Oakland Green Team would like to remind residents to please not idle their car! It saves gas, it saves the planet, and it makes us healthier. |
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Sustainable Oakland Green Team |
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Sustainable Bergen HUB
The Sustainable Bergen HUB in conjunction with the Sustainable Oakland Green Team hosted a kickoff seminar on "Creative Bergen". Click the link below to watch the Kickoff Meeting and learn how to get involved!
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The Oakland Environmental Commission presents "Battery Recycling" at the Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436.
Place in Plastic Box:
- Single Use Batteries
- AA, AAA, C, D, Watch, and Hearing Aid Batteries.
Place in Cardboard Box:
- Rechargeable Batteries
- AA, AAA, C, D, 9 Volt, Tool Batteries, Cell Phones.
Collection is for Oakland NJ Residents ONLY. No commercial businesses.
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Mayor's Wellness Campaign |
Premiere Access at Care Plus NJ for Local Heroes:
As a certified community behavioral healthcare clinic in Bergen County, NJ, Care Plus NJ is able to provide services to our HEROES, free of charge.
If you work or live in Bergen County, please contact 551-800-HERO (4376) to speak to a licensed professional for a variety of support services.
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Follow the Borough of Oakland! |
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Are you interested in submitting content to the newsletter?
Want to join the Newsletter Committee?
Learn more about the Oakland Communications Commission? Provide feedback?
Click below and learn more about what we do and how you can be involved.
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Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Council Members
Russell Talamini - Council President
John Biale, Robert Knapp, Pat Pignatelli, Grant Van Eck
Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger
Vice Chairwoman Elizabeth Llorente
Jim Barry, Alex McVeigh, Andrea Levy
Junior Member: Benjamin Good
Borough Administrator Designee Michael Carelli
Patricia Carrera (Alt.), Salma Shamy (Alt. 2)
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(c) 2020 Oakland Communications Commission |
Borough of Oakland, New Jersey
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