Commission picks 'Livingston Gateway Wellness Center' as preferred name; staff to consult donor

The Livingston City Commission directed the city manager to convey the commission’s preference that the new community facility be named “Livingston Gateway Wellness Center,” with “Gateway Wellness Center” as the alternate. City Manager Gager reviewed the donor’s three constraints for any submitted names: the name must include the word “wellness,” reference the geographic area, and not be a person’s name. Staff reported that 76 public suggestions were narrowed to 15, then the donor provided three finalists: River and Rail Wellness Center, Gateway Wellness Center, and 4 Ranges Wellness Center.

Public commenters and several commissioners said they preferred a name that clearly referenced Livingston; a number also noted the rail history and regional landscape when explaining preferences. Commissioners discussed whether the donor would accept a substitution of “Livingston” in place of the article “the” in one of the options; staff said the donor’s team had indicated openness to conversation and that the final decision rests with the donor but that staff would pursue talks if the commission asked.

Motion: Commissioner Welch moved that the city manager communicate Livingston Gateway Wellness Center as the city’s desired name and Gateway Wellness Center as second choice; Commissioner Kale seconded. The motion passed by unanimous roll‑call vote. Staff said it will follow up with the donor’s representatives about the requested wording and report back to the commission at a future meeting.