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Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - July 12, 2022: Ordinances, Contracts, and Public Concerns

Township Council — Tuesday, July 12, 2022
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, July 12, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

Madam Clerk.

0:05

In accordance with the open public meetings act of the state of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session, regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council was made by the posting on the bulletin board in the municipal building and township website and electronically transmitted to official designated newspapers indicating that this work session regular meeting will take place in the municipal building council chambers council chambers at 7 p.m.

0:28

on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

0:31

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilman James Basanella.

0:58

May those assembled here today enjoy the many offerings of our township.

1:02

May we prov abide by the rules we have established, those of trust, fellowship, and ethics, and may we place service above ourselves in our daily endeavors.

1:14

And may we always test ourselves and our efforts to be sure they are the truth, good for all concerned, of benefit to mankind, and provide peace and understanding for all.

1:30

Amen.

1:38

Please call the roll.

1:40

Councilman?

1:41

Here.

1:41

Councilwoman François.

1:45

Here.

1:46

Councilman Jaka.

1:47

Yeah.

1:48

Councilmember Pataznik?

1:50

Present.

1:50

Deputy Mayor Peter.

1:52

Councilwoman Uden?

1:54

Here.

1:54

Councilmanna?

1:55

Here.

1:56

Councilman Wright.

1:59

Councilwoman, you know how to make an entrance.

2:01

Sure.

2:04

Um commendations and proclamations.

2:07

We have none.

2:08

Do we have motion to open to the public?

2:11

So moved.

2:12

Second.

2:13

Moved and seconded.

2:14

All in favor of opening to the public say aye.

2:16

Aye.

2:17

Opposed, say nay.

2:19

Motion is carried.

2:20

We're open to the public.

2:22

Five minutes.

2:25

Please give your name and address.

2:27

You may only speak once, no yielding of time.

2:30

Anyone wishing to speak?

2:33

Please come up to the mic.

2:50

That's it, your time's up.

2:54

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

2:56

Um and um council men, council women, mayor.

3:01

Uh thank you for your service.

3:03

Uh, my name is Stanislav Yaraj, 22 Heather Drive.

3:07

Um I'll be short today.

3:10

Uh this is something I wanted to uh mention before.

3:15

Um thank you for procuring uh 10 electric vehicles in 2019, actually.

3:21

Five of them in December 2018, five of them uh half year later.

3:27

Um the benefits put aside, those vehicles are under recall.

3:34

Um there were two tiers of the recall.

3:37

Uh the major well, the temporary recall was released a year ago, and all of those vehicles have been taken for that recall.

3:47

And after the recall, some of the vehicles elsewhere got fire uh because the temporary recall Chevy Bolt EV, because the those uh those recalls were not full.

4:00

Uh Chevy decided to make full recall, which means total battery replacement.

4:06

That recall was applicable to all of those vehicles in December 2021.

4:11

For the record, that recall number is 21 V 560.

4:19

As OFS today, none of the 10 Chevy Boat EVs that are under Franklin Township have been taken for the final recall.

4:27

It's a free recall.

4:30

Um I'm just uh would like uh to get your opinion whether this will be taken care of, but but I mean this should take be taken care of because it's it's it's a safety issue and uh it brings I might myself I have two of these vehicles and uh it it it actually not only that it improves uh the safety but it actually uh elevates the battery capacity and it resets the warranty for another eight years, a hundred thousand miles.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████16%
Public Works███████████████15%
Land Development████████8%
Parks And Recreation████████8%
Traffic Safety███████7%
Community Engagement███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Public Health█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - July 12, 2022

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments on various issues, adoption of three ordinances, introduction of one ordinance, and approval of a lengthy consent agenda containing over 25 resolutions. Key topics included electric vehicle recalls, truck idling, cannabis facility siting, youth programs, infrastructure contracts, and affordable housing.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved a consent agenda of 31 items (Resolutions #22-258 through #22-288) unanimously, including:
    • Re-appointment of Msiba Holliman as Registrar (3-year term)
    • Numerous bid awards and contract approvals: Cortelyous Lane Resurfacing ($671,940 to Meco Inc.), Dahmer Road Area Resurfacing ($650,443.99 to Z Brothers Concrete), Kingston Interconnect ($2,974,585 to Mount Construction), Rt 518 Pump Station Upgrade ($235,000 to VNL Inc.), Water Meters (up to $3,000,000/year to Core & Main LP), Printing & Duplicating Services (various vendors), Drone Equipment & Training ($18,547), Plotter ($17,042.50), Photocopier lease (Ricoh USA), Folding Tables ($30,000), Batwing Mower ($18,447.75), and others
    • Extensions and change orders: Water Service Agreement with NJ American Water (extended to Dec 31, 2022), Change Order for Roof Replacement ($417,140 to $434,511.24), Change Order for CDBG Housing Rehab (21 Alex Place, $16,950 to $19,400)
    • Rescinding and re-awarding CDBG Housing Rehabilitation contract for 107 Drake Avenue ($25,100 to Francen Contracting)
    • Authorizing fireworks displays at The Palace at Somerset Park for July 2022 weddings
    • Approval of 2022-2023 Hunting Program
    • Resolution supporting applications for cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, and distributor licenses to the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (Resolution #22-284)
    • Renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption License for Spice Rack Inc.
    • Special event permits for Kingston Picnic (Aug 27) and Mack Boring Parts 100th Anniversary (Sep 22)
    • Authorizing grant application for NJ State Body Armor Grant

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Stanislav Yaraj (22 Heather Drive) expressed concern about 10 Chevy Bolt EVs owned by the township under recall (NHTSA recall 21V-560 for battery replacement). Asked when the recall would be performed, noting safety issues and extended warranty benefits.
  • Mrs. Peterson (12 Lake Avenue, Somerset) representing neighbors complained about truck idling on Lake Avenue (including blocking fire hydrants), speeding on Lake Hill and Spring, and requested no-idling signs. Opposed the proposed cannabis facility (Franklin Grower) near the high school due to odor concerns, noting two other proposed facilities (APGA and Cottontail) are farther from schools. Also raised issues with illegal dumping, truckers using private property, and urged enforcement of existing ordinances.
  • Benjamin Guard (35 Patriot Drive) requested regular updates from the Youth Center on programs for kids, raised concerns about affordable housing future planning (noting recent county COVID relief of $2.8 million), asked about township surplus and reinvestment, and inquired about farmers markets and food security programs.
  • Jim Johnson (34 Norwegian) expressed support for Canal Walk residents (not present) and discussed the difficulty of citizens fighting development proposals. Cited Bridgewater's recent success in stopping 400 luxury apartments after a two-year legal battle. Suggested the township could hire its own lawyers for planning board meetings.
  • Khadija Stewart (Baltimore, MD, contracted with SCAF and Franklin Grace Resource Center) requested a pool for free swim training for youth. Stated she had been given a “runaround” when seeking pool access for competitive swim training and lifeguard certification programs.
  • Carla Visser (Somerset Run, president of Civics group) expressed support for Canal Walk residents, and raised concerns about a warehouse project near the high school citing health risks from diesel pollution. Asked if the new non-gender restroom ordinance could affect that project. Also thanked Ms. Bishop for vaccination efforts.

Discussion Items

  • Council Responses to Public:
    • Mayor clarified that the township cannot change ordinances to stop a project once an application is deemed complete (ex post facto). Referenced Bridgewater case as a cautionary tale where 400 housing units were replaced with 300,000 sq ft of warehouse space.
    • Councilwoman Francois noted existing pool at Neiman Williams Park, free lifeguard training at youth centers, CDBG-funded free swim lessons via YMCA, and sliding-scale camp. Offered to connect Ms. Stewart with recreation staff.
    • Councilman Wright reported youth center programs (drill team, Zumba, summer employment, police council, SCAP programs, pickleball, improv comedy, entrepreneurship).
    • Councilman Bassanella praised July 4th fireworks and discussed paving program (two awards on agenda, more expected in August).
    • Councilwoman Uji reported on public works meeting: Middlebush Park skateboard addition expected by August, water fountains for parks and pets, meeting with Canal Walk community on zoning, and offered similar session for Somerset Run.
    • Councilman Wright discussed Hamilton Street redevelopment (commercial on first floor key for neighborhood character), speed hump requests, green space requirements, and his fraternity's cleanup event.
  • Township Manager's Report:
    • Announced National Night Out on August 2, 2022, at municipal complex (6-9 PM).
    • Noted tax bills delayed due to state certification; grace period will be extended.
    • Confirmed no surplus under NJ law; fund balance of ~$28 million (target 20-22 million), being spent down.
  • Chevy Bolt Recall: Mayor stated he would follow up with Public Works director; provided contact to Mr. Yaraj.
  • Ordinance Details:
    • Ordinance 4369-22 (Personnel – Nondiscrimination): Adds “gender identity or expression” to Chapter 46. Passed unanimously.
    • Ordinance 4270-22 (Non-Gender Specific Restrooms): Requires single-occupancy bathrooms to be labeled gender-neutral (e.g., “Restroom”) within six months. Aimed at reducing lines and increasing inclusivity. Passed unanimously.
    • Ordinance 4372-22 (Weight Limits on Weston Road & Weston Canal Road): Prohibits vehicles over 4 tons on municipal portions of these roads, addressing Canal Walk residents’ concerns. Passed unanimously.
    • Ordinance 4373-22 (Handicapped Parking – 28 Roberts Road): Introduced for first reading; public hearing set for August 9, 2022.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted all three ordinances on second reading (4369-22, 4270-22, 4372-22) by unanimous voice votes.
  • Introduced Ordinance 4373-22 on first reading; final adoption scheduled for August 9, 2022.
  • Approved the entire consent agenda (31 resolutions) unanimously.
  • Appointed Quinlan Paris as junior commissioner for the Human Relations Commission (unanimous acclamation).
  • No executive session; meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Madam Clerk. In accordance with the open public meetings act of the state of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session, regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council was made by the posting on the bulletin board in the municipal building and township website and electronically transmitted to official designated newspapers indicating that this work session regular meeting will take place in the municipal building council chambers council chambers at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilman James Basanella. May those assembled here today enjoy the many offerings of our township. May we prov abide by the rules we have established, those of trust, fellowship, and ethics, and may we place service above ourselves in our daily endeavors. And may we always test ourselves and our efforts to be sure they are the truth, good for all concerned, of benefit to mankind, and provide peace and understanding for all. Amen. Please call the roll. Councilman? Here. Councilwoman François. Here. Councilman Jaka. Yeah. Councilmember Pataznik? Present. Deputy Mayor Peter. Councilwoman Uden? Here. Councilmanna? Here. Councilman Wright. Councilwoman, you know how to make an entrance. Sure. Um commendations and proclamations. We have none. Do we have motion to open to the public? So moved. Second. Moved and seconded. All in favor of opening to the public say aye. Aye. Opposed, say nay. Motion is carried. We're open to the public. Five minutes. Please give your name and address. You may only speak once, no yielding of time. Anyone wishing to speak? Please come up to the mic. That's it, your time's up. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Um and um council men, council women, mayor. Uh thank you for your service. Uh, my name is Stanislav Yaraj, 22 Heather Drive. Um I'll be short today. Uh this is something I wanted to uh mention before. Um thank you for procuring uh 10 electric vehicles in 2019, actually. Five of them in December 2018, five of them uh half year later.

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