Updates from the sick bed

Well, folks, sorry I haven't been blogging for a while.  It's not that I haven't been very active on behalf of the citizens of Livingston; it's because I have been battling pneumonia.  Take my advice - you don't want to have it!  I was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday, January 28th.  I showed up - coughing and wheezing - to the second budget hearing on Sunday, January 30th.  Although very under the weather, I was still the only one challenging and questioning every line item.  We met for the final time on Thursday, February 3rd to finish up all the departments.  While mostly just gaining an understanding of what each department does and what kind of financing they would be looking for in the new calendar year, there were a few interesting interactions.  One of the challenges I made to the budget was the $20,000 line item for the employee holiday party and summer picnic.  This did NOT go over well with the Town Manager.  Another issue, on which I was not entirely satisfied, is why some of the budgeted amounts are not really aligned with what is actually spent.  While it is legitimate to re-allocate funds between line items over the course of a year, it does not make sense to me to not try to budget what you actually think you are going to spend.  If transparency is a goal, this method of budgeting is in direct contradiction and seems to do more to obscure on what items monies are being spent.

Since then, we've had another conference and regular meeting on February 7th - which was mostly housekeeping and very short meetings.  I then had the privilege to attend the annual Fireman's Dinner on February 8th which was held at the Crystal Plaza.  Chief Mullin reviewed the Fire Department's annual report and performed the annual inspection of the volunteers.  Livingston's 76 member department is truly amazing and their contributions should be noted and appreciated by the entire Livingston citizenry.  Unfortunately, the dinner was not kosher so, after chatting at the bar with many of the volunteers, I went home and collapsed.  Wednesday I attended two meetings - the Townwide Safety Committee meeting at 4 PM at the Board of Education offices (first time EVER that I was there!) and then the 7:30 PM meeting of HCHY (Healthy Community Healthy Youth).  It is amazing to me how dedicated many people in this community are and how much time they are willing to volunteer to Livingston.  I was also amazing to me how surprised each committee was that their Town Council liaison actually showed up!  I'm not sure why previous Councilmen did not feel it necessary to attend these meetings; I consider it part of my Council responsibilities and duty to the community.

Finally, I capped off the week with a 4 PM Friday, 2/11 meeting with Michele Meade and Pete Klein, head of the Planning Board, to discuss COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) and the affordable housing issues and litigation with which Livingston is wrestling.  This litigation is typically what is discussed when the Town Council goes into closed session after our regular meetings.  

Well, there you have it.  Now that I am on the mend, I will absolutely try to get this blog out by the Wednesday following each regular and/or conference meeting.  Let me know what you think about what I think - I am here to serve!