March 5, 2026 - Livingston Township Council Meeting
Meeting Overview
The March 5, 2026 Township Council meeting was notably lighter than recent meetings — no final ordinance readings, no major budget items, and no controversial resolutions. The highlight was a presentation from the Vision 2020 Committee on their comprehensive survey results, covering everything from road quality to environmental priorities. Here's what residents need to know.
PART I: FACTUAL SUMMARY
Opening
Moment of Silence
The council held a moment of silence for two community members who passed away since the last meeting:
- Lt. Brian Rabbit, a longtime officer with the Livingston Police Department, was laid to rest several weeks ago
- Tjho Chandi, age 41, passed away and leaves behind his wife and two young daughters
Roll Call
- Council Member Minhardt: Absent
- Council Member Vieira: Absent
- Deputy Mayor Baptani: Present
- Council Member Anthony: Present
- Mayor Klein: Present
Snow Removal Recognition
Mayor Klein thanked Essex County and the township's Department of Public Works for their coordination during the recent significant snowstorm. The mayor noted that with limited places to put the snow, the county "really did a good job" and the roads look "pretty darn good."
Presentations
Girl Scout Troop 2015 — Shady Tree Proposal
Nine girls from Collins Elementary School presented a proposal to plant trees around The Oval to provide shade for summer walkers and sports events.
Key Points:
- Girls researched benefits of trees for the environment and community
- Fundraising plan targets local businesses: RWJ Barnabas, hospitals, and plastics companies in town
- Goal is to make The Oval more comfortable during summer months
Council Response:
Deputy Mayor Baptani introduced the girls, praising them for driving the project themselves — "This is our project. We're going to not only think about it, visualize it, put it on a piece of paper, and present it."
Mayor Klein noted the timing was fortuitous — the council had just been discussing the tree fund and how to incentivize developers to plant trees rather than remove them. "We're all on the same page here."
The council pledged to take a photo with the girls — Mayor Klein also reminded them they'd appear on the Facebook live stream.
Livingston Troop 12 — 100th Anniversary
Deputy Mayor Baptani and Mayor Klein recognized Troop 12 for its 100th anniversary, noting they attended a "hugely packed" celebration with alumni from decades past.
Key Points:
- Troop founded in 1926 — 100 years of scouting in Livingston
- Alumni of all ages attended the celebration
- The troop received a commemorative plaque from the township
- Several current scouts spoke, including Senior Patrol Leader Paravelli, who described the troop's community service work
Mayor Klein acknowledged the legacy of Bill Brady, a beloved figure in the troop who was honored with a newly named award.
Tom Cooney — "History Earned" Book
Tom Cooney presented his comprehensive history of the Livingston Fire Department, weighing in at 5 pounds, 2 ounces.
Key Points:
- Book covers the 1600s through present times
- 7 years of research, heavily during COVID when libraries and historical societies were closed
- Cooney digitized materials and used online resources extensively
- The book ties the fire department's history to broader township history — "the same last names" from early 1900s firemen are still around today
- Second printing planned due to demand
- Available for purchase via Venmo, credit card, or check
Mayor Klein called it "genuine scholarship" and noted he was "blown away" when he read it. He particularly appreciated being included in the book, even with a COVID mask on.
Vision 2020 Committee Presentation
The Vision 2020 Committee, led by Andy (last name not provided), presented results from 11 surveys conducted since September 2024.
Methodology Notes:
- Surveys distributed through town website, social media, and West Essex Tribune
- Not statistically significant — most received less than 1% response rate
- Results are "directional" only
- Weighted scales used for comparison purposes
- AI used to help analyze comments
General Survey Results
Top Areas Needing Improvement:
- Shopping/Zoning/Planning
- Roads
Best Aspects of Town:
- Schools
- Community
- Safety
Worst Aspects of Town:
- Infrastructure/Roads
- Overdevelopment/Housing Density
- School Crowding
Infrastructure Survey
- Road quality rated 2.4 out of 5 stars
- 75% of respondents felt a town forum about land use and zoning would help
Civility Survey
- 88% feel welcome in town
- 85% feel various groups/communities are working to meet needs
- Town Council rated 6.55/10; volunteers rated 7.87/10
- 62% feel they can express beliefs and be treated with respect (5.9/10 weighted)
- Lowest civility: Online community forums and driving
- 30% of respondents serve on a town committee
- Top reasons for not serving: "Not aware of opportunities" or "Don't know who to contact"
Parks & Recreation
- 116 comments on pool/complex ideas (sports, fitness, recreation, new pool, community arts center)
- More than half unaware of community center enhancements
- 75% agree parks/fields are well-maintained and accessible
- Split 50/50 on programming for all ages
Environmental Commission
- Just over half didn't know the committee exists
- 60% neutral or unaware of committee's mission
Top Environmental Priorities (from Environmental Commission):
- Drinking water quality
- Increase/utilize open space
- Reduce negative environmental impacts from development
Public Safety
- All public safety organizations scored above 7/10 on trust and decision-making
- More than 90% say Livingston is safe (rated 78/100)
- Property crime, traffic offenses, and violent crime should be police focus
- LFD and First Aid Squad got high marks; need for more volunteers noted
Business Development
- 50% of residents shop in town at least once a week (besides groceries)
- 63% say supporting local businesses is "important" or "extremely important"
- Selection prevents local shopping
- Business Improvement District (BID) has "neutral impact" per 69% of business owners
Boxcar Service
- Survey showed interest in commuter bus service to NYC
- 18% commute to NYC 5 days/week; another significant chunk 3-4 days/week
- Committee sent results to Boxcar; no feedback received
Communications
- Top news sources: West Essex Tribune (15%), Eltown Lowdown Facebook group (14%), Town social media (11%)
- 87% used town website in last year
- Website usability rated 7.12/10
- 50% say town posts "too little"; 46% say "right amount"
- Town communication clarity rated 6.45/10
Top Issues Residents Want Explained (color-coded chart):
- Mall, pool, water remediation, development, sidewalk/road repairs, property taxes — all showed wide range of understanding levels
- 86% want regular town news; 63% want email format
Council Reaction:
Mayor Klein noted communications director Mike Isizo has been on the job about 6 months, and the survey went out "right after he started" — expressing confidence numbers will improve.
Deputy Mayor Baptani highlighted:
- E-bike ordinance (passed) as proactive safety measure
- Road safety/Vision Zero being studied
- Sidewalks on both sides of Route 10 approved (4-year timeline)
- Safe Routes to School program bringing sidewalks to Northfield, Hillside, and Heritage
Council members emphasized the survey results will guide committee recommendations, with next meeting March 19th focusing on communications and public safety.
Ordinances Introduced (First Reading)
| Ordinance | Description | Public Hearing |
|---|---|---|
| 6-2026 | Discharge of mortgage (78 Hillside Terrace) | March 16, 2026 |
| 7-2026 | Amending Chapter 170 — Development Fees | March 16, 2026 |
| 8-2026 | Amending Chapter 170 — Affordable Housing | March 16, 2026 |
| 9-2026 | Replacing Senior Citizen Housing District (R-6) | March 16, 2026 |
| 10-2026 | Rights-of-Way Agreement | March 16, 2026 |
| 11-2026 | Dissolving Swimming Pool Utility | March 16, 2026 |
Note on Ordinance 11-2026: Town Manager Barry Lewis clarified this is "purely an accounting mechanism" to dissolve a statutory self-liquidating utility and roll pool operations into the current fund budget. The pool will remain open and operating — this is not about closing the pool.
Consent Agenda (Resolutions)
| Resolution | Description |
|---|---|
| 26-121 | Appointment to township committee |
| 26-122 | Contract — Land Conservancy of NJ |
| 26-123 | Emergency contract — Cecere Mechanical LLC |
| 26-124 | Contract — Eagle Point Gun (T.J. Morrison) |
| 26-125 | Contract — Jessco Inc. |
| 26-127 | HCHY donations |
| 26-128 | Environmental Commission donations |
| 26-129 | Safe and Secure Grant |
Public Comment
Tim Foley (resident, 50 years in town, fourth generation):
Mr. Foley spoke about "Adam" (Assistant Township Manager Adam Lerner), noting that at the last meeting "close to a dozen people" came to praise his work. He asked if there was an outcome that could be discussed.
Mayor Klein responded that personnel matters are discussed in closed session and cannot be addressed publicly.
Foley continued, expressing concern about the position being eliminated: "Losing Adam, I think, is wrong... especially because there are some people that really do need to retire and that could be saving his job."
He urged the council to "really think about it" and offered that "couple people that complained about Adam... should be really looked at" for going to the council instead of speaking with the town manager first.
Township Officials Reports
Town Manager Barry Lewis:
- Praised DPW for "another outstanding job" on snow removal — "Livingston is always among the best"
- Noted PFAS water remediation: Phase A is 80% complete, addresses 80% of contaminated water production capacity, expected completion summer 2026
- Acknowledged water quality was a survey concern: "we are light years ahead of many other towns"
- Complimented the speed and quality of water system work
CFO:
- Announced public budget presentation scheduled for March 23rd at 4 PM — all department heads will present their requests
- Noted PAS First loan forgiveness coming in June
- Suggested budget communication improvements: "maybe even an email blast" per survey feedback
Assistant Township Manager Adam Lerner:
- Not present — on vacation. Mayor announced: "Congratulations" on his engagement!
Township Clerk, Township Attorney:
- No reports
Council Comments (Deputy Mayor Bhutani)
Recent Events Attended:
- Troop 12 100th Anniversary (March 12) — "exemplary organization"
- Muslim community Ramadan events — "beautiful ceremonies"
- Brian Rabbit memorial
- Read Across America
- Doris Cox 100th birthday celebration
Upcoming Events:
- March 7: Harlem Wizards vs. Livingston Allstars fundraiser
- March 7: Taiwanese celebration at Hanover Manor
- March 15: Cycle for Survival (Equinox, Summit)
- March 15: Young Men's Service League presentation
Mayor reminded everyone daylight savings begins March 8th — "Spring forward."
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:17 PM
PART II: ANALYSIS
The Good 🟢
Girl Scouts Leading Change
This was genuinely heartwarming. Fourth and fifth graders researching, planning, and presenting a proposal to improve their community. This is exactly what local government should encourage. The council's receptive response — "we're all on the same page" — suggests this project has momentum. Expect movement on tree planting by summer.
Troop 12's Century of Service
100 years is remarkable for any organization. The diversity of alumni at the celebration — "people of every age" — speaks to the troop's enduring legacy in Livingston. The township's recognition was appropriate. This is community building at its finest.
Vision 2020 Data is Directional (But Not Much Else)
The committee presented comprehensive survey data, but let's be honest: under 1% response rate means this is not scientific. Still, trends are informative. The council should be credited for continuing this quadrennial exercise — but residents should take individual numbers with significant skepticism.
Crime Stats Are Real
Mayor Klein noted house break-ins and car thefts are down 75-80% over two years, crediting technology upgrades and increased patrols. This isn't coincidental — the council funded these initiatives. Public safety continues to be Livingston's strength. Residents clearly notice: safety was a top-3 "best aspect" of town.
Sidewalks Are Coming
Route 10 will have sidewalks on both sides — not just one. Plus extension to East Hanover. This is a significant walkability win that took council advocacy to secure. Four years is a long timeline, but the scope is right.
The Bad 🔴
Communications Crisis
The survey says 50% of residents think the town posts "too little." That's alarming. New communications director Mike Isizo (6 months in) may help, but the survey was conducted right after he started — so we're not seeing his impact yet.
The CFO's suggestion to do an "email blast" is low-hanging fruit that should have been picked years ago. The committee noted residents want information in email format — the town has the data, now it needs to act on it.
Personnel Uncertainty
Tim Foley's public comment about "Adam" reveals tension. He mentioned "close to a dozen people" spoke in support at the last meeting, and asked about "outcome." The mayor's deflection — "personnel matters... cannot be addressed publicly" — suggests something is brewing behind closed doors.
This isn't the first time assistant township manager Adam Lerner has faced scrutiny. Residents clearly value him. If the council is considering changes, they'd be wise to consider the political cost of eliminating a visible, apparently popular administrator.
No Final Actions
This meeting had no final ordinance readings, no controversial resolutions, no budget items. It was largely ceremonial. That's not inherently bad — but residents who tuned in expecting decisions were disappointed. The March 16th meeting will be the substantive one.
Boxcar Went Nowhere
The committee sent survey results to Boxcar about commuter bus service. "We didn't hear back from them at all." This is concerning. The town facilitated meetings, residents provided data, and the company ghosted them. Either Boxcar isn't interested or their internal process is broken. Either way, residents who want NYC commuter options got nothing.
The Chaotic 🌀
Online Forum Civility Crisis
The survey found lowest civility in "online community forums." This is not unique to Livingston — but it's a problem. The Eltown Lowdown Facebook group (14% use it) apparently has significant toxicity. This isn't a government problem per se, but it affects civic engagement. People who might serve on committees stay away because of hostile online environments.
Survey Fatigue?
11 surveys since September 2024 is a lot. Even the committee acknowledged low response rates. At what point does this become noise rather than signal? The March 19th meeting will prioritize recommendations — let's see if they can distill signal from noise.
Pool Utility Dissolution = Confusion
Ordinance 11-2026 to "dissolve" the swimming pool utility caused enough confusion that the town manager felt compelled to clarify: "This is not to be interpreted as closing the pool."
That's a communication failure. When an ordinance title makes the town manager feel the need to publicly reassure residents that the pool isn't closing, someone messed up the framing. Good intentions aside, this created unnecessary anxiety.
PART III: LIVINGSTON-FIRST ASSESSMENT
Key Numbers This Meeting
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Girl Scout Trees | TBD | Fundraising phase |
| PFAS Remediation | Part of $12.4M loan | 80% complete, summer 2026 |
| Boxcar Service | Unknown | No response from company |
| Pool Utility Restructure | $0 | Accounting change only |
Scoring (1-5 🐾)
| Issue | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | 🐾🐾🐾 | Survey data good; but 50% feel under-informed |
| Infrastructure | 🐾🐾🐾🐾 | Sidewalks coming; roads still rated 2.4/5 |
| Safety | 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 | Crime down 75-80%; residents notice |
| Communications | 🐾🐾 | 50% say "too little" posted |
| Resident Voice | 🐾🐾🐾 | Girl Scouts yes; Boxcar no response |
| Fiscal Prudence | 🐾🐾🐾 | No new spending; but emergency planning questions |
Bottom Line
Informational, not transformational.
This meeting was about receiving information rather than making decisions. The Vision 2020 presentation was valuable but not actionable in itself — recommendations come March 19th.
The Girl Scout presentation was the highlight: young people engaged, proposing real improvements, receiving genuine council support. This is what civic engagement should look like.
The Adam situation bears watching. If the council is considering eliminating his position, they're picking a fight with a significant portion of the resident population who showed up to praise him publicly.
Livingston-first means: Are we communicating effectively? Are we planning ahead? Are we listening to residents?
On communication: concerning — 50% feel uninformed.
On planning: mixed — sidewalks yes, roads still struggling.
On listening: mostly yes — except Boxcar and whatever is happening with Adam.
Wait and see. The March 16th and 23rd meetings will reveal more.
Meeting transcript analyzed from March 5, 2026 Livingston Township Council meeting.
Perspective: True neutral with focus on fiscal responsibility and resident impact.
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