All right, morning everybody. It's nice to see everybody here on the 4th. We wish everybody a very healthy and happy new year. Um, there are some seats still in the back of people who are standing. I think there's some seats by the uh
tables, so please feel free to sit as well. We we will try to keep this thing to a reasonable time. I'm going to uh read uh the sunshine statement to open up the meeting. Statement of compliance with Sunshine Law. The organizational meeting is being
held in accordance with the open public's meeting act and adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as required by law. Specifically, the 48 hour notice of the special meeting was emailed to the West Essex Tribune and Star Ledger on December 5th, 2025 and posted on Livingston Township website.
The agenda and resolutions for the meeting are available on livingstonj.org. Certain portions of this meeting may be closed to the public for the purpose of personnel and or other matters as outlined in the sunshine law. Notice to members of the governing body and township staff, any use of electronic devices during the meeting shall be used
solely for the purpose of township business and communications are subject to the open public's record act. The meeting of township this meeting of the township of count council Livingston Council will be livereamed via Facebook at facebook.com Livingston Township NJ
and will be live on Comcast 34, FiOS 26 and 28 and Livingstonv.org. Roll call, please. Council member Anthony >> here. >> Peptani >> here. >> Vieira >> present. >> Klein >> here. >> Minehart >> I am here. Thank you. Uh to begin with
we are going to ask Rabbi Edwards from Temple Ben Abraham please to do the invocation. >> Good morning. As we come together drawing strength from the elected leaders of Livingston Township, we ask please God that you be present
with us today. Grant wisdom, patience, and endurance to those who serve as they prepare to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and dedication to the public good. Sacred source of life, as we move into a
new chapter of leadership, remove every obstacle from the path of those who seek to act justly and faithfully. Let your presence rest upon this council, upon incoming Mayor Klene and incoming Deputy Mayor Buptani. May their efforts be
purposeful and guided by a sincere commitment to the well-being of this diverse township and all who call it home. We call upon you as the giver of peace. For you envision a world grounded in justice. Place within our leaders a deep
resolve to uphold and protect that vision. In a time marked by division, may this year be one in which compassion grows and neighbors truly care for one another. As we step into 2026,
may our light shine upon us all, leading our leaders along paths of peace, righteousness, and hope. And we say together, amen. >> Thank you very much. We are going to rise for a moment for the pledge, for a moment of silence as well. We think
about all the members of the town of Livingston who have passed away in this past year and all those who have passed away due to uh unneeded crime and other um natural causes. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. So, we welcome everybody to this reorganizational meeting. I hope everybody had a nice peaceful restful New Year's. I am now going to do with
the help of my fellow council members as Councilman Vieiraa would describe the hardest job at any meetings trying to call out all the officials who are in the room. So, we apologize and I'm going to ask all my council members as well to please if I forget somebody to please feel free to interrupt me at any time.
uh the chair of the New Jersey State Democratic Party, Leroy Jones is here. Thank you very much. Sand next to him is also Essex County uh Sheriff Amir Jones. Thank you very much as well to being here. Uh we have from the assembly, we have our former council woman and now uh
and the 27th assembly, Rosie Begali. Rosie, always nice to see you as well. Thank you very much. Uh from Essex County Commissioners, our president Carlos Palro is here. Nice to see you, Carlos. Um, it is an honor and wonderful to see our own Livingston, Pat Seabolt,
here this morning. Pat, it's great to see you. Thank you very much for being here. Uh, Len Luciano is here as well as I saw Brendan Gil. I think I saw Brendan Gil. Brendan's right here as well. Nice to see you Brendan as well. Uh, from Pay County, Commissioner John Bartlett is
here. John, I thank you for spending time with us. Uh, we also have um from Governor Elect Mikey Charles's office, we have Jill Hirs as well. So Jill, thank you for being here. Okay. Uh from uh we also have the vice chair of the
Jewish Democratic Caucus. Um where's Max Blum is here as well. Thanks Max for being here. It's always good to see you. Um for former mayors from the town. I saw former mayor Reber here. I saw Rudy Fernandez who also doubles as a former mayor and chairman of our planning
board. Steve Santo. Ellie Con is here. Ellie, really nice to see you. Uh, also I mean this our former municipal um judge Larry Cooper as well as as well. Uh, Larry, nice to see you as well. We have a Verona council woman, uh, is it Christine McGrath? I apologize if I got
it wrong, but I think we saw her. Thank you for being here as well. Uh, from the board of education, Pam Charles, Fang, Ena, I'm sorry, it's still the last meeting. I still can't pronounce your last name, but Ena is here. I say it lovingly. Uh, and Perule as well. Um, so thank you all for being here and for all
the hard work that we've done together this year. Uh Glenn Turtle is here, our former uh clerk, Glenn, great to see you in good health. Nice. Thanks for coming. Our zoning board chair, Ed Beer, is here. Uh longtime friend, Ed somewhere. Ed, nice to see you as well. Uh the
trails uh chairman, Richard Cornell, is here. Richard, thank you for being here. LCDI chair, Harsh Ragu, is here. Thank you, Harsh, for everything that you've done this year. Our big chair, Beth Litman, is here. Beth, always good to see you. Um, uh, Bob Gro, I see you in the background. Bob, thank you so much
for being here. Uh, let's see who else. Uh, from the library board, our chair, Larry Bergman, also from also from the library board, Norah Likensstein, Cynthia Valero, Uttowu is here. Thank you all. And, uh, it was great serving with all of you this year, and I know you're in good hands with Sean this
year. Um, and also, uh, Richard Valerio is here as well, who's been our planning board, uh, lawyer for the past, I think we said the other day, 39 years, 40 years, 25, 30 years, whatever it was. But Richard, nice to see you. And belated, happy birthday as well. Um, who
else did I I'll leave it up to you guys, please. Please. River Age Councilwoman, Pretty I'm >> Okay, Dw. So, I got that right. Uh, our well, the chief will do at the end. Um um so anybody else? Any other folks that you would like?
>> I'm sorry. >> Oh, Buddy August is here from the board of ed as well. Thank you, buddy, for being here. Former mayor. Sorry, buddy. I don't think um any any other uh folks that I didn't recognize. Uh here's your one chance to
please everybody. One, two, three. Ready or no? Are we good? Okay. All right. We're going to move. Hold on. Sean's got some Okay. All right. All right, I got them all. So, I apologize we forgot anybody, but we still have another hour together in case people also want to shout out any names. All right. Uh, it
is now time. There are no oaths of offices this year for moving on to section six. It is now time for selection of mayor for 2026. Do I have any nominations? >> Mayor. Good morning, everyone. Lies and neighbors, friends, and guests. Today is my honor to nominate a person who
embodies the very best of our community. somebody with a deep love for this town and a person with a proven record of service. I proudly nominate Shawn Klene for mayor of Livingston for 2026. Shawn is not a newcomer to leadership or
the responsibilities that come with serving our community. A lifelong resident of Livingston, Shawn graduated from Livingston High School and is the only council member who who can actually say he bleeds Lancer Green. Shawn has chosen to build his life,
family, and career right here among us. He understands our township, our businesses, and what makes Livingston a truly special home. Shawn has served our community in multiple capacities. as a community volunteer, as a council
member, as deputy mayor, and previously a two-time and soon to be three-time mayor, demonstrating time and time again his commitment to good government, thoughtful decision-making, and respectful collaboration. He leads by experience, and is guided by a genuine
desire to uphold the values that define our wonderful township of Livingston. Shawn has worked tirelessly to protect our environment, save residents money through innovative energy programs, propose clean and green development, and make our town inclusive
and welcoming. But beyond all of the accomplishments, Sean's greatest strength is his heart for this community. He listens, he engages, and he leads with integrity. He understands that the work of a public service is about the people, our families, our
seniors, our children, and the future we are all building here together. Cindy, Jack, and Leo, thank you for allowing Livingston to have part of your husband and dad. Family support is so important, and we know without your love and support, he could not do what he does
for the town he loves. For these reasons and more, I am honored to nominate Shan Klein to be our next mayor of Livingston, a leader who we can trust to guide our township with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good throughout 2026. Thank you.
I'm going to ask for a second, but I think I I think I know who's going to do the second. It is my honor to second the nomination of Shawn Klene as Livingston mayor for 2026. A hometown son, Shawn has distinguished himself over the past 11 years on this council through his
diligence and dedication, serving twice before as mayor and now embarking on his third term. Shawn consistently strives to do what is best for the residents of our town, ensuring that Livingston remains the place to live and as he has done, to come home and raise a family.
He is always accessible, open to discussing any topic at any time, and dedicated to listening to our community. On a personal note, I deeply value our friendship and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations to better understand each other's perspectives.
Shawn is a devoted son, brother, loving father, and caring husband. He is a true Lancer who bleeds green and white, representing that spirit and pride of Livingston wherever he is. Our community is very fortunate to have Shawn serve as
mayor and is my distinct honor to second his nomination. >> Roll call, please. Or vote, please. >> Uh, council members Minhardt, >> yes. >> Anthony, >> yes. >> Vier, >> yes. >> Banani, >> yes. Klein, you have to go get yourself.
>> Yes. >> Okay. All right. The client family, you guys are up. I, Shan Klein, >> I, Shan Klein, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States
>> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> all that I will faithfully and partially
and justifully justify perform form >> all the duties of the office of mayor of the township of Livingston. >> all of the duties of mayor of the township of Livingston >> according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
Hello everyone. Um, thanks so much. So, um, next, uh, next thing on the business is the selection for deputy mayor. Caroline, >> uh, can we can I have any nominations for deputy mayor? >> Yes, mayor. I, it is my honor to nominate, uh, Kaitton Bhutani for deputy mayor.
Uh, Payton by uh, his dedication to Livingston spans more than two decades. 23 years ago when he moved in with his uh wife and two daughters over here, beautiful daughters, he did more than make the township his home, he made it his
purpose. From the very beginning, he immersed himself in service, showing up time and time again whenever Livingston needed him. Kaitton's volunteer work has touched so many aspects of civic life. Whether contribut contributing to the zoning board, helping shape our July 4th
celebrations, or supporting countless initiatives in town, he has always led with a big heart and a genuine desire to strengthen our community. His commitment has never been about titles. It is about the people. Kaitton has also founded and supported
numerous cultural and social nonprofit organizations, building bridges among neighbors and helping new families feel connected and welcomed. His work organizing the Indian community and helping establish a local cricket board, biking club, and table tennis group
reflects his belief that a community thrives when residents come together around shared interests and a shared joy. Kaitton has a deeprooted belief in community and has led by example. On the council, he has worked with me on several initiatives, always diving into
the details, including enhancing financial agreements with third parties to better our tax revenues, the progression of a new DPW building, and solving safety issues around Harrison School, just to name a few. It is with great pride that I nominate Kaitton
Bhutani for deputy mayor. Okay. Can we get a second nomination for deputy mayor? >> Thank you, mayor. It is my honor to second the nomination of Kan Bhutani as Livingston deputy mayor for 2026. Ken's leadership is defined by professionalism, integrity, and a deep
commitment to responsible governance. Since joining the council, he has championed transparency, open communication, and strong financial stewardship. His decades of work with Fortune 100 firms have grounded his public service in pragmatism, discipline, and results. Born and raised
in India, he moved to Livingston 23 years ago, where he and his wife have raised their two daughters. Kane has actively helped build this community through civic involvement, nonprofit engagement, and local cultural initiatives. These contributions have connected residents across backgrounds
and strengthened the fabric of our town. Kaden will become the first Indian-American, the first South Asian, and the first Asian-American to serve as deputy mayor in the history of Livingston. This milestone speaks to the dedication
and to our town's shared commitment to inclusive and representative leadership. It is with great honor and pride that I second the nomination of Kate Tambodani for the deputy mayor of Livingston in 2026. >> Carolyn, can we get a a vote, please?
Call. >> Council member Minhard, >> yes. >> Anthony, >> yes. >> Vieira, >> yes. >> Baptani, >> yes. >> Mayor Klein, >> yes. Okay. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thanks, Mike. I, Kathan Kathan Buphani
>> I, Kathan Buptani, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear >> that I will bear
>> true faith and allegiance true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments >> and to the governments >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people
>> I do further >> I do further >> solemnly swear >> solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I'll faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all of the duties >> all of the duties >> of the office of deputy mayor >> of the office of the deputy mayor
>> of the township of Livingston >> of the township of Livingston. >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. So, we have a few presentations. Um, we always give flowers to the wives, but uh Sean and I also want to honor a few of
the people who have helped make today and this past year as well um really what it is and especially this beautiful room that we have today. Uh so, from I would like uh Carolyn, would you please come down? Liz Peterson, I believe, is here. Uh, is Renee Rescue here? I don't I didn't see Renee, but is she here? Uh,
and then Anne Coochie as well. So, we have some flowers for everybody for them. And a big round of app and a big round of applause because they do so much for this town. Um, not only today, but every day. So, we really appreciate it. >> All right,
that's for both of you. All right. >> Yeah, we'll give Rene. Yeah, this is for Renee. You can bring him to the office for tomorrow. They really deserve They really deserve a great round of applause. So, thank you all very much for what you do. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, I also want to recognize and I
apologize Jen I Jen Walker who does so much for this town as well. Jen, you've been here very helpful. I apologize, but Jen, I think you I also have a different present for you. I think you kind of know what it is. So, um, thank you very much, Jen. I I I appreciate everything that you do as well. All right.
Um, so now we give flowers uh to the wives. I have the honor of presenting uh the the flowers to Cindy, who for the next year will not see Shawn nearly as much as he as he as she has in the past. And
maybe that's what she wants. I don't know. But uh I know the boys are thinking a little different about that. So Cindy, these are for you. We thank you in advance for uh for the town on behalf of the town lending Shawn to us even a little more than you have done for this past year. All right.
And these are for Elena. Um Elena, if you could come up. Ed loves to tell the joke and he probably will say it later. Uh that Elena has probably never voted for Ed before because she knows that it, you know, when you are mayor, it is a real commitment to the town. Also, when you're a council person, it's a real commitment of time
and energy. And um thank you so much for letting us have Ed as mayor. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> All right. Good. Thank you. And now uh we have some gifts for Ed. So I'm just going to collect some things.
Okay, I'll just stay here. I'll just >> It's a very It's a very small bag, Sean. >> All right, now I feel better. So, uh, first as a gift from the town, this is a ceremonial gavvel, uh, and, um, thing that you hit the gavl on. I don't know if I know what that's called, uh, to to say thank you so much for
serving as mayor this past year. It's a commemorative gavvel, and, uh, we hope that you display it and enjoy it as best you can. >> Thank you. Um, also, uh, Cindy and I, um, on a more sincere note, uh, made a donation to a charity that I know and means a lot to
you and and is close to your heart, which is, uh, the JNF. And, uh, we made that donation in a multiple of 18, which of course is for good luck and, uh, that's just something to show that we, you know, we really appreciate you as a person and we wish you all the best. >> Thank you very much. Very much.
Now, Ed, um, Ed has I have any number of candid photos of Ed eating bananas in our conference, uh, room, any of which, if we blew up the poster size, would be hilarious to every single person uh, sitting in this room. Um, I did not do that out of generosity,
but I did did not want you to leave hungry, and in general, I want you to stay nourished. So, what we did get you is a bunch of bananas. You will note that they are green. Okay? Not just to celebrate Livingston. Of course, they're green for Livingston,
but this the greenness of the bananas speaks to one of Ed's real mantras when he is in charge of things, which is that you have to look to the future. Right now, you may look at those bananas and think they look delicious and want to eat them right now, but you should not eat them right now. Those are for the
future. We have planned for the future. And that is what Ed has always said is that it's so important to plan for the future. When you are in the job of leadership, you're not always going to be there and you have to make sure that you have put things in place so that the the town or the organization that you're with will have success after you leave.
And that's what those green bananas represent. >> Thank you very much. That's lovely. >> Also, you know, when you're mayor, it's busy, right? I mean, you know, it's not it's not that you never get to see anyone or have any fun, but it's a it's a busy year. And Ed's family has a um a
a family home in Connecticut uh that's very near and dear to them. They spend a lot of close family time. I think it's on the beach, right? So, it's just really uh idilic and beautiful. I I've never been invited, but um it sound it sounds wonderful. Um and you know, this whole past summer it was horrible
because every weekend Ed would say, "Gosh, I wish I could go to Connecticut." And I don't think you ever found any time to go. No, not at all. >> So, it was just it was it was a real hardship on him to have to spend the whole summer without going to this this place that's so close to to their family's heart. And uh now that you're
not in May anymore, uh we hope that you'll have a chance to uh to get to Connecticut, here's a shirt that says, "I'd rather be in Connecticut." >> That's very nice. Thank you very much. All right. So, that's for uh for and again I I I said before um and I'll say
it again that um I'm so grateful for our friendship and all the hard work that you did and being deputy mayor and serving under you um was a real pleasure. You did such a good job. You you know you're um the thing that you do as well or better than anyone is making sure that there's communication. You always say you have time for coffee with
anybody and I think everyone here understands and appreciate what that means and how you conduct yourself as mayor. >> Thank you so much, Sean. So, thank you. So, I I very much appreciate just a few words. First of all, these green bananas will be ripe uh for a week from Monday, which is our next meeting, and I'll be
happy to share them with everybody by then. Um second of all, uh Sean, really on a personal note, you know, we're beginning our 12th year on this council together. Um I I still remember the picture, believe it or not, of both of you boys being held by your mom and dad when we took the very first picture that
Pat Seolt actually helped us take at the Crystal Plaza when we first ran 12 years ago. and uh you know to see both of you boys who you are today and heading to college soon and growing up you know in high school. It's great. And Sean, it's been great you know spending time with you and obviously everybody on this council as well. I'm very appreciative
of this town. I'm very appreciative of of the love and respect that comes that that I'm able to give and that I get back from everybody. And it's truly an honor to be on this council. So thank you all very much. All right. Now we can uh move on to the uh
the more formal agenda. Um on page two you can see listed uh all of the resolutions um and they are marked with asks risks. Uh all matters listed with an asterisk are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the council and
will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the governing body so requests in which the in which case the item will be removed from the council agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the general orders.
>> Does anyone want to have any of the resolutions pulled out? >> Okay. >> Make a move to adopt all the res all resolutions. Second. >> Second. >> Okay. Carolyn, vote. >> Council member Minhart. >> Yes. >> Anthony, yes. >> Vieira, >> yes. Deputy Mayor Batani.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Klein. >> Yes. Good. That takes us all the way to page 12. >> We're moving. We're moving. >> Administration. >> Um the next uh we then will see on page 12 uh Roman numeral 10 appointments uh by the mayor. You'll see to the planning
board and to the LEC, the Livingston Environmental Commission listed as well as uh Barbara B to the Livingston uh library board of trustees. And that takes us also down to Roman numeral 11, which are a listing of the township council liaison for 2026. You'll see
them all in the packet. Um that brings us then to um appointments by the town manager. Barry, any any comments on these? >> No, just as reflected in the uh agenda, Livingston Public Broadcasting Executive Board Patty Arnold, Open Space Trust Committee, Russ Jones, and local
assistance board new member Rose Zeltzer. So, thank you all three of you for your service. Great. And that brings us to public comment, which of course it is completely customary that no one from the public speaks at the reorganization meeting, but we are required by law to offer that opportunity. Um, can I have a
motion to open the meeting for public comment? >> Motion to open the meeting public comment. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I uh Does anyone want to speak from the public? >> Excellent. >> So, make a motion to >> make a motion to close. >> Second.
>> Okay. Uh uh, good. We'll move on. We need a second. Close. >> Second. >> I thought we had a second. Okay. All right. Good. >> All in favor? I >> closing. Okay. Good. All right. All right. So, uh, now we'll move on to our remarks. Uh, Barry, we'll start off with you, please.
>> Thank you, uh, Mayor Klein. Um, hard to believe this is my eighth reorganization meeting. Uh, it seems like just yesterday that I started with Livingston, but it's been been a great ride and an honor to serve. Uh, first, uh, as always, I want to thank the residents and the entire community. It's
an amazing town with uh tremendous uh engagement, volunteerism, and support. Certainly, as evidenced by, I think, eight pages of the agenda is devoted to listing literally hundreds of volunteers. So, um thank you all for your commitment to the community, which make all of our lives and jobs much
easier. Um certainly want to thank outgoing mayor Ed Minhart. Uh it was an honor. It was my actual third time serving with Ed as the mayor, counting the my first 10 10 months in 2018. But um Ed Ed is truly committed to the town and it's been great to work in
partnership with Ed and the entire council. Um and and so similarly thank uh outgoing uh mayor Minhardt, outgoing deputy mayor now mayor Klene, the entire council for their dedication, efforts and support. Um I don't know that the community fully understands and
appreciates the level of commitment that these uh gentlemen make and the amount of time and sacrifice uh that they give to to forward the community's interests. Um, also I always like to take an opportunity once a year to recognize all our department heads and the staff. Uh,
because without them, none of us could get any of these things done. Certainly from my office, longtime deputy manager Russ Jones, assistant township manager Adam Lerner is here today. Uh, my executive assistant who I couldn't function without, Lori Patino. um our
clerk's office, our township clerk Carolyn Mazuko, deputy clerk Liz Peterson, the entire staff, not only for the amazing efforts they did today to put this together, but for what they do all year long uh in keeping the council running, all the meetings organized, oper requests, ordinances, all the
things that they take care of. Um would like to welcome our new communication director and public information officer, Mike Isizo, who's in the back of the room, who joined us after many years as editor of the West Essex Tribune. Mike's been a great addition to the team. Um certainly our police chief uh captains
Mueller and Deandria, all three of whom are in the back and all the men and women of the Livingston Police Department, including our civilian dispatchers and civilian records personnel and staff. Um they do such a great job keeping the community safe and keeping uh Livingston the great community that everyone wants to live
in. um our fire chief uh Chris Mullen and assistant chief Francancy and the entire uh volunteer fire department um who who keep again keep us safe. Public works director uh Chris Southworth, superintendent Dennis Britt and the entire department including the water
and sewer utilities uh sort of the unsung heroes and work behind the scenes and do such a great job um keeping the water flowing, keeping the streets clean, uh clearing leaves, clearing snow. They just do an amazing job maintaining the parks and everything else. our human resource director, uh, Kathy Papa and her staff, Marine and
Teresa, IT manager, Steve Maktell and Mark Manda, our finance office, uh, led by CFO Anne Cuchi is here today and she got flowers. Um, our tax and utility collector Viva Desai uh, our assessor Lydia Dumich, the entire uh, department
uh, who do such a great job collecting the money, paying the bills, um, and I'll allude to uh, the partnership with Ann and the finance office later. uh our building zoning and code enforcement, Marty Tolonzio and his entire team been incredibly busy, but they really do a great job. Very responsive and
professional. Uh engineering department led by township engineer Janette Hardy. Uh deputy and township engineer Roco Maruchcci, their entire team responsible for all the road projects, bridge projects, sidewalks, all the public infrastructure improvements. They do a great job on that. our planning and
zoning administrator, Jackie Hollis, our utility engineer, Nathan Kiraov, uh our acting director of our sewer facility, Kevin Lynn, and all the staff that work in all those departments. Our municipal court administrator who took over this year from uh after the retirement of
Walter Molino, um Charize Moringo, uh was certified earlier this year. So, congratulations to her, our uh Judge Williams, and the entire court staff. uh recreation and senior services, Jen Walker, who's here today, and her team, including Ron Barbella, Karin Judge, and
Joe Gil, and all the the uh full-time and part-time workers in the department who do such a great job providing such great programming to the entire community. Uh our health officer, Mike Ramo, the nurses, and his entire staff. Um and certainly I I want to personally also thank and recognize the partnership
that we have with all of our township professionals including township attorney uh Jared Caner who's up here on the deis uh our redevelopment eye bank council from McMahon Scotland and Bowman our bond council John Drakowitz um our professional planners from uh topology I think I saw Graham Pedo here from
topology maybe I didn't um beacon and our auditors from Samuel Klein um with the expertise and guidance of those professionals is is critical to making everything success successful. Um 2025 was was I I think another good year. Uh we continue to and our commitment always
is to continue to provide the same and improve the level of services that the community has come to expect and deserve um despite challenges in the economy. Um as will be I'm sure discussed later as was announced recently on our website and will be discussed much more in the
coming weeks. the township successfully resolved our fourth round affordable housing obligations um and and fulfilled what the commitment we had made earlier that we thought we had and we have now confirmed to address our all of our obligations. um the PFAS the water
contaminant that was uh uh the regulations were significantly heightened in the last few years and thanks to the efforts and the foresight of the mayor and council supporting those efforts certainly Nathan Kurikoff our utility engineer all of our professionals pleased to say that um the phase one is completed and online um
those were the largest producing wells so significant portion of the water is now PFAS free if you will and phase two uh is expected to be completed later this here uh and I can say we are well ahead of virtually every community in the state. So that's a great credit to the uh again the foresight of the mayor
and council their support. Um also through Mr. Caner's office we were able to participate in a class action settlement and anticipate recouping about $6 million of the costs um from settlement in that class action. Um, pleased to say that in partnership with
our CFO Anne Cuchi, uh, the finance committee uh, which this year was uh, Mayor Reinhardt and Councilman Tani, um, the township's financial position is stronger than ever. Um, our fund balance has never been higher. Our credit rating has never been higher. We recently just
got an uh, in an upgrade in our credit rating and we are just knocking on the door of AAA uh, bond rating which is a credit to the mayor, council, and the entire community. Livingston Mall. We engaged in a significant public engagement process throughout the year with our public um
partners and our professional planners and and we are moving forward uh hopefully to get a long needed uh resolution to the mall. Um, we completed the assessment and public intake process on several key open space parcels that the town acquired, Stumman, Lukari,
Orchard Hill, and we looked to 2026 to start implementing um those recommendations and improving those parks and making them really uh great public assets and amenities for the community. Um, so as we look to 26, uh, we will now that we have resolved our
fourth round, we know what we're dealing with. We will continue to manage to implement the new development, try and ma maintain the essential character of the community and minimize the impact on schools. Um we will continue to provide and and increase the level of services, increase our efficiencies. Uh we will
strive to continue to maintain minimal tax increases and remain proud that our our status is currently the second lowest municipal tax rate in all of Essex County and we're we're gunning for number one. Um 2026 after some legal and administrative setbacks, uh we're
committed to getting the DPW facility and the pools uh back on track and underway. Um we think 2026 is going to be a huge year for uh the future of the mall and and new uh steps forward in that process. Again, as I noted, the uh
phase two of the PFAS will be completed this year. Uh again, way ahead of uh I think most of our surrounding communities. And finally, uh, as always, I look forward to working with the now incoming Mayor Klene, Deputy Mayor Bhutani, Council Members Anthony, Minehardt, and Vieiraa, all the
department heads, uh, the amazing hardworking staff that make us all look so good, and the many residents, volunteers, as well as our township professionals to continue to make Livingston such a special community. So, thank you, >> Councilman Anthony.
>> Thank you, Mayor. And um this year, I think last year we did it too. The outgoing mayor is going to go through a lot of the uh thank yous for the staff uh the town employees. So ditto to all of that. Um anyway, happy new year everyone. I'd like to start off
generally with a big thank you to all the volunteers in town. I see a lot of you here today. You are the lifeblood of this town and everyone knows if you want to do anything or everything in this town, the volunteers is what sets us apart from other towns. So I want to thank in particular also my liaison
committees which include the LEC, the open space committee, the uh bid LTV and the rebooted animal shelter committee. These committees promote our precious environment, our local businesses, our animals, our local TV network and the students involved. And perhaps most
importantly these days, locating, negotiating, and acquiring any open space in town to permanently leave the to permanently leave this land open for all our residents to relax, laugh, and enjoy. Next, uh thank you to everyone up
here for another fun year. Uh a fun but determined 2025. Uh Ed, great job as mayor this year. Um, you didn't have uh like last year the earthquakes, wildfires, drones, eclipses, comets, and northern lights that we did uh when I was mayor, but you had your own set of
crises, and you handled them well, and as always with class. So, great job. And Sean, great job. I know you'll do a great job coming in. Um, thanks also to Carolyn and Barry, uh, the best clerk and town manager in New Jersey, respectively. And Russ, Adam, uh, and
Tron and Michael, of course, for making my volunteer time up here. are so interesting and fun. Uh this past year, particularly uh Barry, uh Jared, Ed, and Kaitton, thank you in representing the town, uh against too much development. I know the hard work and energy this
takes, and we all thank you. and Katton and Barry, thanks again for working with me as a team to produce the gold standard of pilots, if you ever catch me giving one, on the bottle king project and bringing in approximately 2.5 million more dollars to this town than
if we had just agreed with no analysis at all. Such an accomplishment puts our residents always first, not special interests, nor developers, nor worst of all politics. Last year I moved into uncharted territory being the first sworn in as a four time a four fourterm council
member. There's my lovely wife over there. Um one year in I can speak for our whole family that the decision was the right one. I'm still having fun and we're still getting things done. I wouldn't be surprised if some of my colleagues up here follow the lead and run for a fourth term as well. I think
it's a great team. As uh mayor a couple years ago, I resolved to make every day Lori Anthony day in our house forever more. And although your job seems to get rougher every year, you know how much our family and I love you dearly. Your kindness knows no bounds, and this year
was no different. In addition to everything else, you took on the care of two elderly parents, two estates, and ran a law firm. You inspire me every day knowing that I have a long way to go to be as good a person as you. Happy 30th anniversary and thank you again for
saying yes this past summer when we renewed our re our vows with the kids reading it which was really cute. Um together we grow more proud of our kids every day. Congrats to Luke on reaching the halfway mark on your masters in nuclear engineering degree at UC
Berkeley. I don't understand any of it but I know you are looking for renewable entry energy through plasma physics and harnessing the power of the sun. You continue to amaze us every day. Sammy, after graduating Lafayette with a biochem degree, you've now completed
your first and perhaps toughest semester of law school. Tremendous change of course in life, but we knew you could do anything you set your mind to. Joe, making your way, working hard as a junior at Sienna. You've been working jobs this whole break. Your persistence and feistiness will help you succeed in
whatever path you choose. and Bella, I've had so much fun with you the past year, introducing you to our music and movies of the 70s and 80s. Good luck with the new electric guitar. You already know how to play the first four notes of Stairway to Heaven. So, you're
on your way. And as always, congrats on the well-deserved varsity volleyball accolades, being named captain of the travel team yesterday, and all the honorable mentions with the Livingston team. In my humble opinion, you are the best volleyball setter in the state.
Anyway, Livingston, from our family to yours, happy and healthy new year. >> Thank you, Councilman Anthony. We'll move on to Councilman Vieiraa. >> I want to give this. >> So, apparently, if you deliver a 47
minute speech at one reorganization meeting, nobody ever forgets it. >> So, as tradition now dictates, the official warnings for shorter reorganization meetings begin in June. And of course, right on schedule, Mayor Minhardt casually drops two-minute speeches into a conversation. And all I
could think about is the other council members whispering, "Whatever you do, don't give Vieiera the microphone." Then come December, >> it's been two minutes, Michael. >> Oh, I was just going to say, "Thank you very much, Michael." >> Then come December, Ed's textes really
start heating up. Messages get shorter, reminders get louder. But all I can think about is how I broke the all-time longest reorg meeting. I am a record holder and I dare any one of you on this day to break my record. Please do. So,
and then on Friday, our new mayor to be jumps in with his own message, reminding the council to keep me keep our our our messages and speeches at 2 minutesish except the outgoing and incoming mayors who apparently get the premium speech
plan. And yes, mayor, it was funny. Your delivery was great. Intent was clear. My panic, no, no, no, no. I'm from Orange. No way. But in the future, can we just say, "Hey, Michael, we're giving you 120 seconds." Come on. Let's be honest. 120
seconds sounds way longer than two minutes, and I may even have a second speech with 120 seconds. So, anyway, thank you for the annual reminder session uh system and message received loud and clear. But so we're all aligned here. I'm still in my pre pre-spech
grace period. So my mic is warmed up. Timer. No timer >> and all citizens are ready to go. So good afternoon everyone. I think Good morning still. Wow. I think it's morning. So good morning and thank you and wishing all of you a happy and
healthy new year. On February 25th, 2026, I begin my eight years on serving on the township council. Livingston is more than just a town I serve. It's a community that I love. It's where Gabby and I chose to raise our family and
where our children, Michael and Samantha, grew up, were schooled, and now work for the board of education in Livingston. I am so proud of them. Livingston is such a beautiful and diverse community made up of so many nationalities, cultures, religions, and
beliefs. And we stand united as one town, a community where we learn from each other, support each other, and in moments of need, always have each other's back. That unity is what makes Livingston so special.
And as long as we remember that we are one community, we will always remain one community. So serving on this uh council has been one of the highest honors of my life. I ran not for a title or a seat but for a purpose and that was to give
back to the town that has given so much to my family and me. I was deeply honored to serve as mayor in 2023 and look forward to again serving one day because Livingston has a valued tradition of giving every council member the opportunity to lead, bring ideas
forward, and serve with their own voices. When I was first sworn in in February 2019, I made a promise to the residents of Livingston that every vote I cast and every decision I made would be because I believed it would make our town
stronger. Seven years later, I'm proud to say I've kept that promise and I continue to stand by it. I want to thank my wife Gabriella, son Michael, and daughter Samantha for their constant support. Public service at times requires long
nights, missing dinners, and a patient household. And their sacrifices behind the scenes allow me the time to serve and volunteer for our town. And I'm proud to say volunteering is a shared family value. Gabby, Michael, Samantha,
and I are active members in the Livingston Kuanas Club, which gives back to our community in so many ways, just like so many other charitable organizations this town has, many of which I am members of. Also, and this year, Samantha officially joins Gabby
and the hundreds of volunteers serving on the township committees. Sammy, welcome to the LACD committee. Seeing my children embrace service and community makes me proud. Commissioner Seabold, thank you for your leadership, support,
and friendship. You are not just a friend, you are family, and I will always stand with you. In the last year's 3 minutesish speech, I mentioned that once the planning for the new DBW and pool complex was complete, I said I was committed to
working on a future performing arts center in Livingston. I remain committed to that idea. And it's no secret that our town council recently allocated funds towards the purchase of the historic federated church located at the corner of Mount Pleasant Avenue and
North Livingston Avenue. I truly believe this property offers a meaningful opportunity and a potential home for the arts where we can host plays, performances, and cultural events while also preserving and enhancing the park-like grounds and respectfully
honoring the history of our town's founders and the legacy represented by the cemetery on that site. Our town is rich with talent, artists, musicians, actors, authors, photographers, and we deserve a stage and space to celebrate
that cultural heartbeat right here at home. I also want to recognize the incredible work of the Livingston Arts Council for transforming the Lucari Horse Farm on Northfield Road into an art gallery, a meaningful home for the arts in a truly beautiful outdoor
setting. So, as I conclude, I have the honor of working alongside some of Livingston's finest public servants. Thank you for your service, your integrity, and your steadfast commitment to this community. I see your dedication every day and know firsthand how deeply
you care about the residents we serve. To our town clerk and her office, Liz, uh, Carolyn, Renee, Lauren, thank you. To our administrator, administration, Barry, Russ, Adam, Anne, Andy, Mike, and your entire staff. Thank you. And to every Livingston municipal employee who
serves this town with professionalism and dedication. Thank you. Jared Cananter, our town attorney. Thank you for your counsel and service. Livingston is fortunate to have such committed public servants working on behalf of our residents every day. So once again,
wishing you all a safe, healthy, happy, and peaceful 2026. And remember, Livingston leads, we do not follow. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Vieira. I just want to recognize I saw uh Venita Kana come in of our planning board and uh
formerly of the board of ed. Great to have you today. Um we are going to move on to uh deputy mayor Katon Buptani. >> Thank you, Mayor. I would like to add in recognition, I just saw uh Sanjie Vinayak came in, the former deputy mayor
and councilman of Melbourne. Welcome. And I also see SA Janeda from Morris Township. He's a sitting council member and soon to be deputy mayor there. Welcome both of you. Um mayor, thank you and happy new year and good morning to
everybody. Um thank you for being here. My family, friends, community leaders and residents who give Livingston its soul. Your presence means more to me than I can fully express, especially on such a meaningful occasion for my family
and me. As I take the oath of office as your next deputy mayor, I'm deeply humbled and filled with a profound sense of purpose. This is there is a quote by John Quincy Adams that resonates deeply with me. It says, "If your action
inspire others to dream more, to learn more, to do more, and become more, you are a leader." I carry that reminder with me today. Leadership is not about a title. It is about service. It is about earning trust, not assuming it. I am
profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me over the years. I want to thank Al for nominating me and Ed for seconding that nomination. Thank you both for your generous and kind words as well as Shawn and Michael for your vote. I appreciate it. Growing up in a humble
household, my story is shaped by hard work, love, and strong family values. I'm immensely grateful to my parents for instilling in me the right balance of humility, assertiveness, and self-respect. To my wife Dip, who is here, thank you
for sharing, standing besides me at every turn and being my voice of reason. Your love and and support means a lot as I continue to spend more time in public service than we ever planned for. To my daughters, DH and Boommy both here
again, I love you from the moon and back. You make me a complete person. Thank you for being here. Uh we all had a great time in London together as well as your better your future halves. Uh Rahul and Sachin, thank you for being
here and for your love. To my family watching via live stream near and far, your love and support have impacted me more than you know. To my first collaborators as I entered public life, Raj and Kerry Periq, thank you for being
my extended family. As well as my friends, I'm sure I'll forget a few but I'll I'll name a few that are here and I'm I'm sure there'll be more. But who you know who you are. Venita, Fal, Nlesia, Sam, Patel, Chugel, Paul, Moritzen, Juben, Dibby, Monica, so many
so many friends who joined me in my journey from the very start. To members of the cricket team, the table tennis group, the Indobikers and Indian and broader diaspora here, the Asian community. Thank you for being here to witness what I consider a tremendous
honor. Thank you Pat Seabold and Chairman Jones uh for your support over the years. This past year, our township made meaningful progress. Ed and Sean will speak more in detail about each of those collective achievements. So, I'll
keep it short, but I want to highlight and stress a few areas which are which I have a strong sense and purpose through my involvement. Uh, serving on the financial subcommittee as Barry mentioned alongside Ed working closely with CFO Anne Cuchi and town manager
himself has been rewarding and productive. In a year marked with econ economic pressures across New Jersey and beyond, we approached our responsibilities with care, diligence, discipline, and transparency while continuing to invest in quality of life
improvements because it's your dollar we manage. We achieved savings across the board including the employee health insurance program and this year as as Barry said we achieved double A1 rating which saves significantly on our debt services. I'm proud of her work on
redevelopment negotiations as Al mentioned that resulted in tax increasing tax revenues across the board. Al it was total of $12 million from its original proposal and getting the contribution towards the uh new recreation center. So great work
together working on that. Although the redevelopment itself was approved prior to me joining the council, I'm so proud working with Al as I said that became the highest paid redevelopment tech structures in New Jersey. One of the highest and it was mentioned across the board as well. Uh it's ensures the
stability and sort of future for our financial health in Livingston. And not to mention it increases the POS potential allows the allocation for special needs adults in our community. On the issue of safe routes which is I'm passionate about the walking and biking
to school. How do you do that? Uh as a bicyclist myself it has been spe especially meaningful to work alongside residents who raise their hands and says I want to help. We had meaningful interactions with the administration. There is still a more work to do here,
but the momentum is real and I it will remain the priority for me in the coming year. Related to that effort, we are close to finalizing guidelines and ordinance to improve safety around e vehicles. You all have seen it around such as ebikes
and escooters. I firmly believe that safety does not happen by accident. It requires diligence and intention. Thank you, Tara Hederman, Jacob. I think both of them are here and retina set anan for your engagement on this issue and for
being here today over the past years I've had many conversations with residents quite often the impact of new development and population growth in Livingston has come up while all the new development projects were in the previous round I joined this council with a mindset to stand up to this
especially the one that says you have to you you have something that that can be given the approach I took was to work closely with affordable housing authority asserting Livingston has already done so much and refusing to be driven by fear. I'm so glad we have
taken that principled approach in this council and I have personally taken active part in successfully defending our township against multiple lawsuits. Let me be clear. I strongly support affordable housing. I want young teachers, firefighters, fresh policemen,
and others who serve our communities so lovingly, and be able to live here, afford, and be raising their families here. But at the same time, I oppose legislation from Trenton that unfairly burdens townships. It goes against the character and local infrastructure of
the township. I urge our representatives in Trenton to work with municipalities to create a level playing field and foster meaningful dialogue. Looking ahead, the new DPW building remains a key topic for me and I look forward to making progress on that project
alongside Al on the subcommittee. Ed and Shan will cover most of our collective uh goals going forward. So, I'll save the time here, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the committees I leazison with. and the incredible volunteers who lead them. Uh I'll start
with Bob Gabro who is leading the Livingston Advisory Committee for Disability. Hersh Raju and Andrew Miller for leading the uh Livingston committee for diversity and inclusion. Combine these two, we had 40 plus events in the year. You can imagine the amount of work
that goes in. Thank you for doing that. Thank you for managing so effectively the large events like Israel Day celebrations, AAPI picnic and so on and so forth. Um, thank you also for Scott Maynard and Ira Drux for leading the July 4th celebration committee
delivering a spectacular celebration this past year and I look forward to extraordinary uh observ observations observance of our nation's 250th birthday. To planning board chair Rudy Fernandez, vice chair Steven Santo, and all board
members, thank you for your time, expertise, and commitment. It's a pleasure serving with you on the board. To Jen Walker, thank you for your tireless work. Our seniors are treasure of the of of Livingston and you oversee this facility and the and the operation pretty nicely. Fire Chief Chris Mullen,
Chris Greg Duffford, and the first responders, police chief Marshwitz, and all of the first aid and all the first responders, including the Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones and his team. Thank you for being dedicated to public safety and emergency preparedness. I'm proud to
be working with all of you on Livingston Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Advisory Committee for Senior and Recreational Services. Thank you, Carolyn, Chered, uh Barry Lewis and the team. Uh your work is amazing and it's a pleasure working with you all the time.
Our township thrives because of volunteers who give generously of their time. The seniors who share their wisdom, young leaders who bring fresh ideas, faith and culture organizations that build bridges, and residents who passionately advocate for what they
believe in. You remind us why local government matters. This moment is also deeply personal. As the first Asian deputy mayor in Livingston's history, I carry immense gratitude and an equal deep sense of responsibility. At my
earliest swearing in, a community elder said something I will never forget. When you stand here, we see ourselves in you. That statement transformed how I understand public service. Representation is not about spotlight. It's about lifting others. It's about
widening the table, not guarding it. It is about opening doors so others can walk in through with confidence. My commitment is not to one part of our community, but for every resident, every neighborhood, and every voice. Today, I
renew my commitment to shape our future together. A safer, greener, more connected, forwardinking, and inclusive Livingston. a Livingston that honors its story and looks confidently towards its next chapter. Thank you. It is the honor
of my life to serve as your deputy mayor next year. Namaste. Ironically, I may have the shortest speech of the night of the day. Um, first of all, it is so wonderful to see this packed room, right? Every year, everyone comes out for this reorganization meeting. Um, and it just
shows how much people care, how many people care about the town, and it just it really feels I have so much affection for so many of the people in this room, and it's just great to see all these faces looking back up at us. So, thank everybody for uh we thank you so much for coming. Um, I want to start off by thanking my wife Cindy and my sons, Jack and Leo, who you who swore me in today.
Our lives, like most of yours, are generally busy, but being mayor is an extra commitment that cannot be done without your family's love and understanding and maybe even some enthusiasm. Um, thank you Cindy for letting me do this.
I say this knowing it is not easy, especially when you have a husband who might keep you up snoring at night. Um, Jack and Leo, um, a lot of information, every day you make your mother and I proud. The single biggest joy that we have is seeing all these great
accomplishments you guys, uh, get to, and I know that there's going to be lots more coming. So, we just, uh, can't wait to keep watching what you do. To my mom and dad, Barbara and Warren, who have always supported me however they can. Thank you again for being here today. I love you. I also want to thank
Commissioner Pat Seabold, who pushed to get me started in government, and I thank you so much all the time because it meant so much to me. Thank you for being here today. In my speech, I wrote she is home recovering uh and she never misses this meeting and look at it. She just never misses this meeting. She got
here. So, it's so great to see your smiling face from here. Thank you for coming. There are lots of other people to thank and I know that um Barry has gotten to a lot of them and Ed will will thank them in a heartfelt way from on behalf of the rest of the uh the people on up here. Um
everyone here has heard my story. They know I was born in Livingston. I was raised here and I graduated from Livingston High School. My parents still live here. My sister's families here and so are many of my close high school friends are are back in town. I care deeply about this place and I'm so proud
to serve as mayor once again. And what an exciting year it is to do it. The 250th anniversary for the United States of America. You got to love all the flags. And again, good touch there. I don't know if that's Jen Walker that we should thank for that, but this is a fantastic touch. Really patriotic. Livingston is going to be celebrating
this year. I know that some view government through the prism of cynicism. Questioning leaders is crucial. But when you are cynical, you are doubting if if intentions are good. Let me say that we can all be proud that everyone on this
day is, even when we disagree with each other, makes choices only on the basis of what's best for this town. This council always puts Livingston's best interests first. And we have been effective. For nearly every year that I've been on this council, the rate of
any tax increase has been lower than the rate of inflation. This means that in real dollars, our government has become smaller and more efficient. Many of you have perhaps heard me say this before. I say it a lot, but we have new tangible evidence of this town's economic
strength. Our bond rating was just increased by Mooding's rating agency to double A1. Excellent fiscal stewardship is one thing, but we've also produced results for our residents. With our license plate reader program and the great work of Chief Marshoots and the
LPD, some classes of crime, including car thefts and home breakins, have dropped by over 80%. As anti-semitism has grown as an issue nationally, we have already seen our police protect this community. This council will ensure that they have the
resources to continue to do so in the future. We have effectively dealt with our statemandated affordable housing requirements. We were the only town in the state with thanks to Jared Caner and and Barry Lewis and other professionals including again uh Graham Pedo from uh
from topology were able to negotiate carrying credits forward from the third round obligation into the fourth round. On top of that we were notified this past week that we have successfully defended our fourth round agreement against four further development developer objections which would have
added an additional 681 multif family units. These are big wins for this community. For the first time in a long time, we have real reason to be optimistic optimistic and excited about the future of the Livingston Mall property as this council works tirelessly to address an
important but complicated legal situation with so many interests owning different parcels of the property. Our sharet process was a huge success with hundreds of residents giving the town feedback on what they would like to see as we reimagine the site. We are working on new green initiatives
as well, including potential bulk purchases of energy at lower costs for our neediest residents. Our putting and putting our newly purchased open spaces to to use, which may hopefully include even rewing the top part of the Lari
horse farm. Also, we have plenty of money in our tree fund. If you want a tree planted in front of your house, please let us know. We're going to put one there for you. Here in Livingston, we have a big community which includes many cultural and religious groups. An important job
for this council is to not only make sure that all feel welcome, but that all are integrated and participate. It is with this in mind we proudly welcome Livingston's first Indian-American deputy deputy mayor, Katon Buptani. It will be my pleasure to serve with you.
Katon, you've already shown yourself to be a strong voice on this council, bringing a businessman's perspective, and I know you're looking to make the town safer for all pedestrians and cyclists as a special thing in your heart. Ed, our outgoing mayor, it has been great to work with you. Our friendship has only grown over the
years, especially as we tend to navigate tough problems in very similar fashions. Al, I hope your throat feels better soon as we can continue uh so we can continue working together, but also this we share a sensibility and a lot of good laughs. >> Michael, you've been a true blue partner
with a continued generosity and energy for this town which is unsurpassed. As mayor, I am very much looking forward to working with our professionals, Barry, Carolyn, Adam, Russ, and Jared. Um you all do a fabulous job and it it really makes what we do look good. Um,
let me say it's almost shamefully easy to brag about this town, but as our new mayor, it's my prerogative and pleasure to do it. People who live here understand what makes Livingston special. People don't come to Livingston for the train to commute. We come here for the excellent
schools, fantastic neighborhoods, wonderful parks, and vibrant businesses. We come here for the sense of community. We come here for the traditions, the Kamuso exhibit, the Memorial Day parade, Fourth of July, and all of our military observances. This is a town which is not only named
for our first governor, but has produced governors. Livingston is a place where volunteerism is a core value. We have incredible charitable organizations run by people who genuinely inspire. We see constant and incredible academic and
athletic achievements by our children. We are national leaders in chess and we dominate academic contests in science, geography, and business. We win on the fields, courts, and rinks. We are the current state champions in girls soccer. Yeah. Um our kids. Yes. Good. We're
going to be honoring that team at uh at the next uh upcoming meeting, right, Barry? Is that the next meeting? >> The next one. Good. So, please come out for that. They those girls deserve a huge amount of support from us and we're going to bring the whole team in and and uh congratulate them. So, please come for that meeting. Our kids often go to
top colleges and have prestigious careers. And then when it's time to have a family of their own, they think about what they would want for their own children. And so many of them return to Livingston. Livingston is the place that people come back to. Our job up here on
this day is is to even under challenging circumstances help Livingston stay the special place we all know it is. Thank you. Uh, Councilman Ed Minhard, please. >> So, I apologize that myself and uh, Fal Pound the only two people are keeping
you from eating this this afternoon. So, I will try to uh, go with my remarks and a lot of been some of them have been repeated. So, I apologize. Healthy, peaceful, happy, and prosperous new year to all of you. It is truly an honor to privilege to be here this morning, especially as I begin my 12th year as a
councilman and complete my third term as mayor. And I want to emphasize something right from the start. The two words that mean a great deal to me, our town. Because no matter what the letter after your name, D, R, or I, we should always remember that this is our town. And we
must work together to achieve our shared goals. Over the years, Livingston has shown time and time again when we work as a team, when we when we stay focused and we do what's best for our residents, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.
A few thank yous that uh were promised. First and foremost to Pat Seabolt, it is so nice to have you here this this morning, this afternoon. Now, we wish you a very very healthy and happy new year and to continue to feel well. To
Barry, Adam, and Russ, a very special thank you to all of you and your hard work this year. Thank you for always being available, taking the time to answer our calls, working closely with all of us. Your leadership and responsiveness make a real difference, and we appreciate everything you do for our town. To Carolyn, to Liz, to Renee,
and the entire team in the clerk's office, your work truly never stops. From everyday operations to long hours and high demands of election days that keeps you that that you keeps you running. You keep everything running smoothly and professionally. Thank you for everything that you do. To CFO Anne
Coochie, from passing our budget on time to earning an upgrade in Livingston's credit rating from double A2 to double A1, you continue to deliver exceptional results for our township. The finance subcommittee that we started with myself, Barry, and our new deputy mayor has produced strong ideas and meaningful
progress. We are grateful for your leadership and for all that you and your staff do for this town. To our town attorney, Jared Caner, thank you and your entire team for your hard work, your guidance, and your commitment to Livingston's best interest. We are so
fortunate to have you represent us. On a personal note, during the difficult and frightening times in November, your friendship and council made it meant a great deal to me. To Chief Marshoots, Captains Miller and Deandra, and the entire Livingston Police Department, thank you for keeping our residents, our
streets, and our school safe every single day. Your dedicated service is appreciated throughout the entire community. And personally, I will never forget the way you protected my family and myself during those difficult times this past year. There are no words that
can fully express my gratitude to all of you. to fire Chief Mullen, Deputy Chief Francion, First Aid President Stacy Melhorn, Hutsalahhead Josh Commer, and to all our volunteer first responders. Livingston is most fortunate to have you. The hours you give, the time you
take away from your own families, the selfless dedication that you show to help others in need is extraordinary and we are all grateful and thank you all very much. to our department heads and township staff, Chris Southworth, Marty Chelse, Jackie Hollis, Jen Walker, Mike Ramo, Mike Isizo, Steve Wel, Janet
Hardy, Nelson Karafi, and all our employees across every department. Thank you. You keep our town clean, our streets passable in every kind of weather, our fields lined and playable, our water running, our buildings safe and compliant, our residents healthy,
our online services informative and accessible, and you keep our finances and operations running responsibly and collectively. You help Livingston stay strong, welcome, and be attractive to so many new and returning families. Thank you for everything that you do. As
mentioned before, Livingston is also very lucky to have such dedicated citizens who spend so much of their time volunteering through active organizations. Our volunteers are truly the spirit, backbone, and heart of our town. And as a collective group of the council, we thank you for all of your
accomplishments. To my town council members, I'm so proud of the work that we accomplished together this year. I thank you all for your hard work. Sean, congratulations as you begin your third term as mayor. Our friendship continues to grow after more than 11 years serving together and I know you will do a great
job this year for your hometown. Kon, congratulations on being selected as the first Indian-American, first South Asian and first Asian-American to serve as a deputy mayor in Livingston. Your work this year on the finance subcommittee was invaluable and I truly enjoyed working close with you. On a personal
note, I've enjoyed our growing friendship and excited to see all that you will do for this town. Michael, thank you for all your help this past year. You have done a tremendous amount and I'm very appreciative of all that. I'd be more appreciative if you shut that clock off actually. Sorry about that. Um, you and your entire you and
your entire family are very involved in this community with all the organizations volunteering and helping so many in need. Thank you and your entire family for everything that you do. Al, the clock I gave you last year, it needs to be adjusted by 90 seconds so you can hear the sunshine statement
being read this year at the beginning of the meetings. Thank you for another great year serving on the council together. Your perspective on so many topics is valued and admired. Your leadership is deeply appreciated and is an honor to call you a friend. A few highlights. I know some have been
covered with all the help of the people who have mentioned above and whoever contribute every day. Just a few highlights I'd like to I'd like to talk about. Excuse me. Living first living most important Livingston's strategic and forward-thinking approach during our third round of affordable housing
litigation allowed the township to bank a substantial number of surplus credits. Those credits combined with the diligent work of our township manager, township attorney, town council, planners, Graham Pedos here from topology and other professionals enabled Livingston to
fully meet its fourth round obligation with any additional multifamily development while positioning this township very favorably with credits for the fifth round that will come in 2035. Let me repeat. It enabled Livingston to
fully meet its fourth round obligation without any additional multifamily development. There are very few if any towns in New Jersey that can say that and we are tremendously proud of the work that we've done to achieve that. So, I'd like to thank everybody. We It's
definitely a round of applause for this council and all our professionals. We secured an upgrade to Livingston's credit rating for Moody's double A2 to double A1, one step away from the highest rating category possible, creating significant and financial opportunities and savings for this
township. Again, we thank Anne Cuchi and her staff. We hosted a communitywide chet process that brought residents, stakeholders, and developers together to help shake the long-term vision of the mall. We continue to lead the region in PAS reme remiation benefiting from the early planning and
actions taken over five years ago. We oversaw significant progress on the construction of the new YMCA facility including the groundbreaking and beam signing ceremonies. Thanks to the work of this council, the YMCA selected to stay here in Livingston and are
anticipating a late 2026 opening. We expanded community engagement through multiple breakfast with the mayors including mess with including the meetings with local clergy. Actually one of the clergies our own uh sheriff Amir Jones came realtors and chamber of commerce. These meetings opened up new
communication channels and gained valuable insights uh into residents into business priorities, concerns and ideas. And finally, we continue to strengthen coordination with elected officials of the board of education through the informal two-on- two meetings, fostering
collaboration, shared priorities, and townshipwide issues. I have worked very hard over the past 11 years to bring our two elected bodies closer together. I'm very proud of where we are today, and I encourage everyone to continue working closely together.
Elaine and I are very fortunate to have the support of so many friends in the community and family in the area. Without that support, none of this would mean any would not mean as much as it does. To my kids, Jillian and Garrett, I love you both so much. I love the relationship you have built with each
other. You are dedicated, hardworking, and have accomplished so much. You also understand the importance of family and friends. You enjoy la life and to laugh. And yes, I know many times you laugh at me. I look forward to spending more family time together this year as we've
done the last few weeks. I know how proud grandma, Papa, and Poppy would be of you. Elena, words cannot express my love and gratitude for you. Your patience and understanding make all of this possible. And yes, everyone knows
just how much patience you must have to have to put up with me. Thank you for everything that you do for me, for me, and for our family. And I love you very much. I think of my mom and dad often and how much they would have enjoyed being here today. Their values of giving back,
values they instilled in me continue to guide me as I try to pay that forward every day. As I have said and I will keep saying, I'm grateful to live in a community where residents and neighbors show time and time again how much they
care for one another. In this new year, may God grant us all good health, love of family and friends, peace, peace, peace in the world. May God bless the United States of America and all the
residents of our town. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ed. Okay, we're moving along here. Um, I want to uh call up >> Mayor. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead, >> Mayor. I want to just recognize a couple more folks. A couple more people have who have uh walked in. Uh Paratrana is
here. P County Commissioner of for Park and Recreation. Thank you for being here. I see Shilpa Kulkarni who is uh in the transition team of governor elect uh Cheryl's office and also the founder co-founder of Shiv's third eye or
beloved organization in town. Thank you. >> Thank you deputy mayor. Um so uh I want to call up a a good friend of mine um to help with the benediction. She is a co-chair of the Hindu caucus uh for the Democratic Party. Um she is New Jersey
on the New Jersey India Commission and she's also on the AAPI commission. Um but she's coming today uh to help us as a Hindu clergy woman. Um FA uh uh Panja, would you please come up? Namaste
and happy new year to all. On behalf of the Hindu and multifaith community, I offer heartfelt congratulations to our mayor Klene as he begins a third term of service to our deputy mayor
Bdani stepping into this role at a historic and meaningful moment for our town and gratitude to our recent mayor and minehart for his service. We also thank those continuing in service for their dedication, commitment and steady
leadership. Let us take a moment to offer a blessing to Almighty who resides in each of us and all that is around us. We ask your
blessings upon those who have accepted the responsibility of leadership in our community. Grant them strength in moments of challenge, clarity in moments of decision, and compassion in all that they do. May they
be guided by integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to those they serve. We recognize in Hindu tradition we speak of dharma the call to serve with duty, humility
and care for the well-being of everyone. May this spirit of service guide our leaders as they carry the trust placed in them by this community. We recognize the public service requires
sacrifice from those who hold office but also from from those who are their families and friends. We ask for the blessings upon their loved ones who share in the long hours difficult choices and time away from home.
We also seek blessings for those who are our civic employees, first responders, educators, volunteers, and all who work quietly and faithfully for the good of this town. May Livingston
continue to be a place of safety, belonging, and opportunity for all who call it home. May peace, health and prosperity rest upon this town, its leaders and its families now and in the
year ahead. Loca samasta sukino bentu. May all beings everywhere be happy. Thank you and namaste. Just one or two other people I want to recognize. So I saw um I think I saw Sam
Ratner. I see Jamie Ratner here as well. I just want to you know thank them for being here. There's not one day that you drive around this town and we don't think about your mother and your wife and your wife as well. Bunny. Bunny was a was a very big part of this town. There's so much at the Oval. There's so much that we do. The 911 ceremony that
we have every year has Bunny's name written all over it. And I just want to recognize both of you on behalf of your mother. >> Thank you so much for that, Ed. Um, so this wraps up our meeting. Uh, we want to wish everyone a very happy new year. I want to thank >> No, I want to thank um, Scarlet Blooms
and Bagel Nash for everything they've done. Okay, we have one more addendum here. >> One more. One more. Sorry. Uh, Ember Reed, the AAPI New Jersey president is here as well. I want to recognize that. Thank you. >> Sorry. Go ahead, Mayor. So, and we just also want to thank uh of course everyone
in the in the clerk's department who did such a wonderful job helping to put this on the DPW this uh the senior community center and as we said Bagel Nash and Scarlet Blooms for the beautiful flowers that we see and all the delicious food we have uh here for anyone who's hungry. Have a happy new year everybody.
Can I have it? Anyone? A little bit nerve.