The Livingston Township Council held its annual organizational meeting on Sunday, January 2. The meeting, typically held at the Senior/Community Center, was instead held virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Still, hundreds of volunteers were appointed to the township’s various committees and boards, the new mayor and deputy mayor were selected.Ed Meinhardt was sworn in as mayor for 2022. He was previously the mayor of Livingston in 2018.“It is an honor and pleasure to become mayor for a second term of our town,” Meinhardt said. “I am energized and ready to begin again the important work we have been tasked, by you, our residents.”Meinhardt noted that there has been nothing ordinary about the past two years, but said he looked forward to seeing residents at meetings in person as soon as it is safe to do so.“I continue to think of the families who have been affected by this pandemic in one way or another,” he said, “and pray for a quick and speedy end to these challenging times in our nation's history.”Meinhardt shared several items that he was excited about in the coming year, including a pending update about the Northland Pool for the summer of 2022; breaking ground on the new DPW building; utilizing Open Space land; continue to discuss how to incorporate cannabis business in Livingston; searching for shared service opportunities with neighboring municipalities; and the Council working with the Board of Education.Michael Vieira was sworn in as deputy mayor. This is Vieira’s first time in the role.“From the moment I became a member of this Council, I have always advocated for our community,” Vieira said. “Livingston is so special. Just take a look at today’s agenda. This is only a small piece of Living-ston. Just read the list of the volunteer committees and boards and the names of those who serve as volunteer committee members. Not shown are also the many volunteer names who make up our auxiliary police, volunteer fire and first aid.”Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-11) attended the swearings-in of both Meinhardt and Vieira. State Assemblyman John McKeon also addressed the Council.In addition to the new mayor and deputy mayor, the other three Council members, along with township manager Barry Lewis, each spoke during the meeting, reflecting on the year that was and what each person hoped to accomplish in 2022.Outgoing mayor, Council member Shawn Klein, noted the many challenges the township ...
