The Livingston Township Council, at its Monday,April 7 meeting, passed several ordinances and resolutions, including a redevelopment plan for 2 Peach Tree Hill Road and the reappointment of town clerk Carolyn Mazzucco.
At the start of the meeting, the Council gave a proclamation to Dave Turano of Turano’s Pizza and heard from new Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones, who introduced himself to the community. The Council also acknowledged April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 25 as Arbor Day.
Peach Tree Hill Road
A resolution was passed to approve the preparation of a redevelopment plan for 2 Peach Tree Hill Road (block 6100, lot 11 on the town’s tax maps). Topology is the planning consultant that will prepare the plan.
Township Clerk
Township clerk Carolyn Mazzucco was reappointed to her position and obtained tenure, according to a resolution that was passed at the meeting. She has been a certified registered municipal clerk since 2018, and has been Livingston’s clerk since 2022. (Continued on Page A-6) Each Council member, along with township manager Barry Lewis and everyone else on the dais, spoke positively about Mazzucco before passing the resolution.
“We are very appreciative of everything that she does,” Mayor Ed Meinhardt said. “This town would not operate as well as it does without her and her team.”
Special Events
An ordinance was passed to adopt a new chapter of the township code related to special events. This chapter covers, among other things, the purpose of events; environmental and accessibility requirements; the application and approval process; insurance and liability; and fees.
Food and Beverage Licensing
An ordinance was passed to amend chapter 146 of the township code, titled “Food and Beverage Article 1 Licensing.” Changes would be made to certain fees, specifically, adding a $50 late fee to licenses that are not renewed on time.Afee of $275 for 100 to 200 people and $375 for over 200 people will also be applied to license renewals.
Health Department Fees
An ordinance was passed to lower fees for flu immunizations issued by the health department. All fees would be $10, down from $20.
Ordinances Reintroduced
Two previously introduced ordinances were amended and reintroduced. Older versions were mistakenly published as public notices, which is why they needed to be reintroduced.
The first would change chapter 316 of the township code, “Water, Article 1, Meters and Meter Use Charges.” The change would increase the charge of a water meter to the sum of the cost of the meter and associated parts, plus 30 percent of that total cost. Previously, the upcharge was 20 percent.
The second would commence annual increases to the sewer rate by amending chapter 251 of the township code, “Sewers, Article II, Fees and Charges.” The changes are due to the increases in operating and capital costs. The per quarter amount will increase by set amounts in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Beginning in 2028, the township’s water engineer and the Chief Financial Officer will make increases to the rates consistent with cost of living changes.
Both of these will have their final hearing during the April 28 meeting.
Habitable Floor Ratio
An ordinance was introduced to change the general zoning requirements for the habitable floor area of single family homes. With the change, additions or alterations that increase the size of an existing building without changing the exterior structure will no longer be exempt from maximum floor area requirements.
This ordinance will have its final hearing during the May 13 meeting.
Contracts
A $72,000 contract was approved with Motorola Solutions for communications equipment and services for police vehicles.
The Council approved contracts withAtlantic Coast Polymers, George S. Coyne Chemical, Univar Solutions USA, Main Pool and Chemical Company, Miracle Chemical Company, and USALCO for a variety of water treatment chemicals. The 24 month contract will begin on May 1.
Pumping Services was awarded a $26,864 contract for the purchase and installation of new check valves for the Water Pollution Control Facility.
Phoenix Advisors was awarded a $30,000 contract for municipal advisor and continuing disclosure services. The contract is effective immediately and will run through the end of 2025.
Change Order
The Council approved a change order for a contract with JCT Solutions for a camera system, door access, data switches, and wifi. The contract was originally for $705,430.79, and the change order increases it by 4.23 percent ($29,865.90) for a new total of $735,296.69.
Closed Session
In a closed executive session held between the conference and regular meetings, the Council was expected to discuss personnel, litigation, and Fair Share Housing.
Next Meeting
The next Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 28. The annual municipal budget is expected to be introduced at that meeting. That would mean it could be adopted as early as the May 27 meeting.
