The council took an important step in raising awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by proclaiming September 7th as World Duchenne Awareness Day. The initiative was spearheaded by a council member who shared a personal connection to the cause, mentioning a local family, the Daan family, who had sought the council’s support. Anushka Daan addressed the council to express her gratitude, sharing her personal experience with the disease and emphasizing the need for community support. She stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment options, advocating for newborn screening to be implemented in New Jersey.

Luma Jai, another local resident and advocate for DMD, spoke about her son’s journey and the recent advancements in treatment options, particularly the FDA’s approval of gene therapy. Her son, aged 12, is a pioneer in this treatment, and she highlighted the progress from having no options to now having eight approved therapies for DMD. The council acknowledged the efforts of these advocates and the importance of raising awareness about this rare disease.

The meeting also spotlighted the township’s financial health and budget planning for 2024. A detailed presentation outlined the allocation and management of tax dollars within Livingston. Of every dollar collected, 60.3% is allocated to schools, 18.9% to the county, and 18.3% to municipal operations. The municipal tax rate was noted to be the second lowest among 22 municipalities in Essex County, with the overall tax rate, including county and school taxes, being the sixth lowest.

The council discussed a projected 2.61% increase in the municipal tax rate for 2024, translating to an additional $85.50 annually for the average assessed home. This increase was attributed to new union contracts, rising statutory costs, and increased health department expenses. The budget aimed to provide quality services while maintaining fiscal responsibility, generating a surplus balance, and sustaining good bond ratings.

The council also addressed several ordinances. Ordinance 23-24, concerning salary adjustments, was tabled for further information. Ordinances related to utility system improvements, including stormwater control and water and sewer systems, were passed following public hearings. Ordinance 22-2024, which regulates U-turns on certain streets, prompted public commentary. A resident suggested time limitations on U-turn restrictions for practicality, particularly for parents dropping off children at school. The council emphasized that the ordinance aimed to address safety concerns and clarified the specific streets it covered.

Public comments raised various community concerns, including the absence of an Essex County representative at meetings and suggestions for local control over certain issues. A resident questioned a stalled development project. Concerns were also raised about a redevelopment agreement for a property on South Livingston Avenue, urging clarity and oversight regarding long-term tax exemptions and the number of proposed units.

The council addressed the topic of Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOTs), emphasizing the need for community education on the subject. A council member argued that PILOTs benefit the town by lowering property taxes for homeowners and supporting the school system. The conversation also covered the Redevelopment Plan for 45 South Livingston, where negotiations had reduced the number of market-rate units and incorporated affordable housing.

Updates on ongoing projects included the design-build process for the Department of Public Works, with an RFQ to be published shortly and a contract expected to be awarded by October. A fairness hearing regarding an amended settlement agreement for the township was also discussed, with a compliance hearing scheduled for March 5, 2025.

The meeting concluded with positive acknowledgments of community services and events, including the successful India Fest and the contributions of local service teams.