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May 11, 2026 - Livingston Township Council Meeting

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Meeting Overview

The May 11th, 2026 Livingston Township Council meeting focused on various proclamations, proposals, and discussions on township issues. The council recognized Older Americans Month and Taiwanese American Heritage Week, and discussed the municipal budget, tax rate increases, and potential development projects. Residents also expressed concerns about noise levels and parking issues related to cricket activities in Octor Park. The council addressed the car wash issue, issuing a notice of violation under the nuisance ordinance and deciding to take further legal action.

PART I: FACTUAL SUMMARY

Opening & Announcements

  • Roll call: All council members were present.
  • Moment of silence: Observed at the beginning of the meeting.
  • Notable announcements: The meeting was live-streamed on Facebook, and comments could be emailed to comments@livingstonj.org by 4pm on the day of the meeting.

Proclamations & Presentations

  • Proclamation for Older Americans Month (May 2026): Presented by Corinne Judge, emphasizing the importance of honoring and respecting older adults.
  • Proclamation for Taiwanese American Heritage Week (May 10th-15th, 2026): Presented by Ed, recognizing the significance of the week.
  • Introduction of Taiwanese American Heritage Week: Melody Huang, President of the Livingston Taiwanese Association, introduced the week and its significance, inviting everyone to join the AAPI picnic on May 17th.

Minutes Approval

  • No specific minutes were approved during the meeting.

Ordinances

  • Ordinance 15-2026: Authorizing the purchase of a certain property known as block 1409, lot 10. Passed with a unanimous vote.
  • Ordinance 16-2026: Amending and supplementing Chapter 29 traffic and parking. Passed with a unanimous vote.
  • Ordinance 14-2026: Amending Chapter 146 food and beverages (allowing ice cream trucks in town). Passed with a unanimous vote.
  • Ordinance 17-2026: 8,275,000 bond ordinance for various improvements. Passed with a unanimous vote.
  • Ordinance 18-2026: 3 million bond ordinance for sewer utility. Passed with a unanimous vote.
  • Ordinance 19-2026: 2,950,000 bond ordinance for water utility system. Passed with a unanimous vote.

Budget Items

  • Municipal budget for 2026: Approved on April 6, 2026, by the Mayor and Township Council.
  • Resolution 26-172: To read the budget by title only. Adopted by a roll call vote.
  • Motion to open the public hearing on the municipal budget: Passed with an "aye" vote.
  • Decision to continue the public hearing on the municipal budget to the next meeting date: Made due to lack of time to respond to state comments.

Consent Agenda

  • Resolution 26-177: Authorizing a contract to Pumping Services, Inc.
  • Resolution 26-178: Green Acres Program Enabling Resolution.
  • Resolution 26-179: Authorizing the award of a contract to Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.
  • Resolution 26-181: Estimated Tax Bills 2026.
  • Resolution 26-182: Awarding Professional Services Contract to McManaman, Scotland, Bowman for Tax Appeal Services.
  • Resolution 26-183: Authorizing 2026 Temporary Emergency Appropriations.
  • Resolution 26-184: Rejecting Bid for Concession Operations.

Public Comment

  • Jean Stoloff (18 North Drive): Commented on the rapid growth and development in Livingston, leading to increased tax revenue.
  • Gina: Expressed concern about tax rate increase, suggested reducing budget to live within means, mentioned historical context of Livingston's lower tax rate.
  • Barry: Agreed with Gina's sentiment, provided context on tax rate increase, and emphasized efforts to maintain low tax rate.
  • Ed: Added that the township only gets 17% of the property tax money and that the office pays back 100% of tax appeals after collecting 17 cents.
  • Tim Foley: Asked about the assistant manager position being funded for the full year.
  • Jean: Made a comment, but was cut off due to time constraints.
  • Tejesh Nare: Raised concerns about the impact of cricket activities on nearby residents, specifically noise and parking issues.
  • Rudy Aiello: Expressed concerns about the cricket field and its impact on nearby residents, particularly noise levels and the use of town property.
  • Mayor Klein: Acknowledged Rudy Aiello's concerns and offered to meet with him and the other residents to find a middle ground.
  • Laura Tamayo: Announced two events on behalf of Sasson Livingston.
  • Jared: Complimented the council for their efforts in addressing the car wash issue, highlighting the expertise of the township attorney and town manager.
  • Barry: Agreed with Jared, emphasizing the importance of having a lawyer on the team.
  • Michael Vieira: Gave a counsel report, mentioning several events and initiatives in the township.

Reports of Township Officials

  • Town Manager: No specific report mentioned.
  • CFO: No specific report mentioned.
  • Mayor: Thanked the seniors for their dedication and participation in township programs, acknowledged the hard work of the Senior Center staff in providing services and support to seniors.
  • Clerk: Noted the last day to register to vote for the June 2nd primaries.
  • Township Attorney: Addressed the car wash issue, stating that the township took the concerns seriously and communicated with the residents.

PART II: ANALYSIS

The Good

  • The council's recognition of Older Americans Month and Taiwanese American Heritage Week promotes diversity and inclusivity in the community.
  • The unanimous passage of ordinances 15-2026, 16-2026, 14-2026, 17-2026, 18-2026, and 19-2026 demonstrates the council's ability to work together on important issues.
  • The council's efforts to address the car wash issue and take further legal action show their commitment to resolving resident concerns.

The Bad

  • The lack of time to respond to state comments on the municipal budget may lead to delays or issues with the budget process.
  • The concerns about noise levels and parking issues related to cricket activities in Octor Park may require further discussion and resolution.
  • The car wash issue, including the notice of violation and potential further legal action, may be a ongoing concern for the council and residents.

PART III: LIVINGSTON-FIRST ASSESSMENT

Key Numbers

  • $8,275,000: Bond ordinance for various improvements (Ordinance 17-2026).
  • $3,000,000: Bond ordinance for sewer utility (Ordinance 18-2026).
  • $2,950,000: Bond ordinance for water utility system (Ordinance 19-2026).
  • 17%: Percentage of property tax money that goes to the township.
  • $11,000,000: Amount of tax appeals over the last 7 years.
  • 30%: Increase in health care insurance costs year over year.

Bottom Line

The May 11th, 2026 Livingston Township Council meeting addressed various issues, including proclamations, proposals, and discussions on township issues. While the council made progress on some issues, such as the unanimous passage of ordinances, other concerns, like the car wash issue and cricket activities in Octor Park, require further discussion and resolution. As the council continues to work on these issues, it is essential for residents to stay informed and engaged in the decision-making process to ensure that the township remains a great place to live, work, and visit.

This summary was generated from an audio transcription of the May 11th, 2026 Township Council meeting. All statements are direct quotes or close paraphrases of public meeting records.

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