Commission launches community open houses and town‑hall process for veterans memorial in Zach Julia Park

The Livingston City Commission voted on May 5 to begin a multi-step, community-led process to review and potentially replace the veterans memorials in Zach Julia Park.

The item, introduced by city staff as a 2026 commission priority, will begin with at least two public open houses this month and likely include a design charette and a later town hall. City manager Mr. Gager told the commission the goal is to hear from veterans groups — the American Legion and the VFW were specifically named — as well as families and other park users before staff returns with compiled input. "This is the process to move forward in the direction that suits the commission and the community," Mr. Gager said.

Why it matters: Commissioners said previous handling of the site left some veterans and family members feeling excluded, and several members urged a fresh start. Commissioner Daniels emphasized listening closely to veterans and families, and Commissioner O'Neal and others volunteered to help lead outreach while avoiding quorum issues at small working-group meetings. "This is their memorial," one commissioner said. "Whatever that looks like ... the veterans are in great hands."

What the plan will include: Staff proposed daytime and evening open houses to reach different constituencies, followed by staff synthesis of feedback. Depending on what emerges, the city may convene a design charette — small, table-based, visual workshops — to test concepts, then hold a town hall meeting where commissioners and the public can discuss draft options. The commission emphasized that doing nothing also remains a valid outcome if the veterans community prefers no change.

Public participation and accessibility: Commissioners and staff discussed logistics to broaden participation — including venue choices (senior center, Legion hall, St. Mary's gym, school facilities), childcare and parking considerations, and acoustics. The city will notice open houses as public meetings; commissioners were reminded to avoid substantive policy deliberations off the public record.

Next steps: Staff said it would schedule at least two open houses later in May and suggested a town hall for mid‑summer or early August depending on community availability. Commissioners asked that staff coordinate with veterans groups and report back on the compiled input prior to any formal design or budget decision.