Glenn Turtletaub, the former longtime township clerk was honored by town officials and several former mayors during the Monday, March 27, Township Council meeting. A reception was also held for Turtletaub prior to the start of the meeting.
Turtletaub retired last year after 3 2 years working in Livingston, including over 20 years as town clerk. He still resides in town. Steve Delman of the Livingston Soccer Club spoke about Turtletaub, saying he set a good example for all parents and thanked him for helping the club achieve its goals.
Essex County commissioner Pat Sebold presented Turtletaub a resolution on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.
“Glenn has been a wonderful, wonderful town employee,” Sebold said. “Whenever I needed him for anything, he was always available and helpful.”
Former mayor Ellie Cohen, who said she was the person who recommended Turtletaub for the job of town prosecutor and, ultimately, town clerk, wished him “only the best to the best.”
Former mayor Steve Santola said “there’s nothing better in the world than having someone who has your back... he was always on top of (the agendas of the Council) and he was always supportive.”
Former mayor Rudy Fernandez noted that he did not know how much work went into the job of clerk until his first stint in the leadrole. He called his time working with him “nothing but a pleasure.”
Former mayor Buddy August told Turtletaub, “you deserve the best retirement.”
Former deputy mayor Lee Peyser noted that Turtletaub was the first person people met when they entered town hall and he represented the community well.
Former mayor Shari Weiner spent a lot of time working with Turtletaub once she transitioned to township attorney, and noted that together they “made the township look good.”
Former Livingston judge Larry Cooper said that he “felt totally confident by the confidence of (Turtletaub as prosecutor)... you made me look good and you made the town look good.”
Richard Vallario, former Livingston judge and current Planning Board attorney said that the “court could not have functioned without (Turtletaub)” while he was prosecutor.
The current Council issuedTurtletaub a town proclamation congratulating him on his retirement and thanking him for his dedication to the community. The proclamation declared March 27, 2023 to be Glenn Turtletaub Day. He was also given the Key to Livingston, a duplicate of which will be encased at Town Hall. “You are part of Livingston’s history,” Mayor Michael Vieira said.
“You always had our back,” Deputy Mayor Al Anthony said.
Council member Shawn Klein noted that Turtletaub was the first person he spoke to when he decided to seek public office. Klein said that when he thinks of him the words that come to mind are “kindness, diligence, and affection.”
Council member Ed Meinhardt said that Turtletaub deserved the key to town because he “opened the key to our hearts.”
Council member Rosy Bagolie did not work with Turtletaub, as she just joined the Council this year, but noted that the current clerk Carolyn Mazzucco speaks highly of him.
Vieira noted that the clerk’s office was left in great hands with Carolyn Mazzucco.
Deputy township manager Russ Jones, who had a working relationship with Turtletaub for several decades, presented him with several gifts.
Turtletaub’s family thanked the Council for honoring him, noting that he loves the town and takes a lot of pride in it.
“I’d like to thank all of you for thinking that I’m worthy of this.. I’m truly honored by your presence tonight,” Turtletaub said. “Livingston’s been good to my family.”
Rotary Presentation
The Livingston Rotary Club also made a presentation during the Council meeting. Ten members stood in front of the dais and explained the purpose of Rotary International, the largest service organization in the world. The Livingston Rotary Club began in 1950, and its 25 current members continue the organization’s mission to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”
The group participates in many service projects, which are funded in part through the Rotary’s annual food tasting event in the fall, and the upcoming Summerfest food truck and music festival on Sunday, June 11.
During the presentation, a $5,000 check was also presented from the Rotary Club to Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Mayor Michael Vieira also issued a proclamation to the club.
Conference Business
Several topics were briefly discussed during the conference meeting, held prior to the start of the regular Council meeting.
A cannabis ordinance, permitting all classes of business in certain sections of town except for retail, is expected to be introduced at a meeting in April. The Council also discussed starting a study into retail and medical cannabis in town.
The Arts Council of Livingston is looking for a new location for its gallery. The Town Center space they had been using for free now has a tenant, necessitating the move.
Council members also discussed the noticeable increase in panhandling in town, specifically at the intersection of South Livingston Avenue and Northfield Road. No current ordinances prohibit what is happening, which is protected under free speech, but township attorney Jarrid Kantor said that he would see if there were any ordinances that could be drafted to address the issue.
Council member Shawn Klein noted that Pick It Up Livingston, the townwide cleanup event, will be held on Saturday, May 13.
