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Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting – October 25, 2022

Township Council — Tuesday, October 25, 2022
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, October 25, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:01

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting 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 the officially designated newspapers, indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place in the municipal building.

0:22

Council Chambers at 7 p.m.

0:23

on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.

0:27

Thank you.

0:28

If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Deputy Mayor Crystal Pruitt.

0:51

Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seat in our own way.

0:55

Whatever sources of information will grant us the strength, power in our thoughts and decisions for the benefit of all people.

1:12

Councilman Embarrison.

1:14

Councilwoman Francois.

1:18

Councilman Oni Jaka.

1:19

Yeah.

1:20

Councilmember Botazny.

1:23

Deputy Mayor Pruitt.

1:25

Here.

1:25

Councilwoman Udine?

1:27

Here.

1:27

Councilman Vasanella?

1:29

Here.

1:29

Councilman Wright.

1:31

Councilmember Patasnik will be along shortly, as will our township attorney.

1:36

Um we have no commendations and proclamations.

1:39

We're on to item number six.

1:42

There are agendas uh over there near the clerk.

1:46

And um we are now at item six public discussion.

1:50

Do we have a motion to open to the public?

1:52

So move.

1:53

Second.

1:54

Moved and second at all in favor of opening to the public say aye.

1:57

Aye.

1:58

Aye.

1:58

Opposed say nay.

2:00

Motion is carried.

2:01

We're open to the public.

2:02

People may speak on any topic having to do with government.

2:07

Um five-minute limit may only come up once.

2:10

No yielding of time.

2:13

Uh please state your name and address.

2:25

Mrs.

2:25

Peterson, I live on Lake Avenue in Somerset.

2:30

Sure.

2:31

Mrs.

2:31

Peterson's Lake Avenue Somerset.

2:34

I'm here to address the semis, the garbage trucks that like to run through our neighborhood, and I'm representing my neighborhood because we are sick and tired of getting the same answer.

2:52

We've had levels of CO2 up to 3,000 in the middle of the night.

3:00

We've had levels of CO up to 850.

3:04

Let me tell you, you don't feel good when you're exposed to it.

3:09

My husband woke up this morning with what I'm calling CO2 and CO poisoning.

3:16

He had a very low heart rate.

3:19

He had trouble breathing.

3:22

He was dizzy, lightheaded, and I've had the same symptoms.

3:26

I have called the state, the county, and Franklin Township.

3:32

I keep getting the runaround, as do my neighbors.

3:35

My neighbors aren't going to be here tonight because the lady at 10 is dead.

3:40

The people at 14 have moved and nobody's moved in yet.

3:44

The house at 16 Lake is also empty.

3:47

It's up for sale yet.

3:49

And now we have another lady on down the street who's died, and her house is up for sale.

3:59

I'm sure it's a lot cheaper than the ones that are keeping track of me.

4:03

I have now two air quality monitors in my house, and I have two idling or decibel reading levels.

4:11

I am sick and tired of people telling me that where 7-Eleven is located is private property, and they may do anything they want.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Traffic Safety██████████████████18%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Community Engagement█████████████████17%
Warehouse Development██████████████14%
Land Development███████7%
Public Engagement████4%
Master Planning████4%
Workforce Development████4%
Public Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting – October 25, 2022

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on October 25, 2022, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting featured extensive public comment on warehouse development, truck traffic, air quality, and safety, along with council discussions on land use, a public advocate, and a master plan reexamination. The council adopted one ordinance on second reading, introduced another, approved the consent agenda, and authorized an executive session.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mrs. Peterson (Lake Avenue, Somerset) reported hazardous CO2/CO levels (up to 3,000/850) from idling trucks near a 7-Eleven, claiming neighbors have died or moved. She urged the council to equip police with air quality monitors and post no-idling signs.
  • Alex Strauss (285 Hazlitt Way, Somerset) expressed full support for Councilman Vassanella’s proposal for a public advocate for the planning/zoning boards, stating that developers’ attorneys dominate meetings and residents lack representation.
  • Shirley Tallman (57 Tallman Lane, Canal Walk) described being forced off the road by an 18-wheeler on Cottontail Lane and two recent dangerous driving incidents on Schoolhouse Road. She questioned truck driver training and called for action.
  • Jan Brandt (22 Bryant Court) urged a comprehensive traffic and truck impact study, noting that the previous traffic study did not include trucks. She opposed warehouse proximity to homes and called for a moratorium on new warehouses.
  • Charles Ingleterra (86 Saratoga Court) asked why the council cannot protect residents from warehouse impacts, stating “trying doesn’t cut it.”
  • Resident (name not provided) questioned warehouse usage restrictions and whether a warehouse could be used for cannabis distribution.
  • Alexa (50 Richardson Street, New Brunswick, Rutgers student) asked about the number and type of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) in the grant application (Resolution #22-389).
  • Angelica Granados (3307 Jackie Hallett Trail, Canal Walk) sought clarification on weight restrictions on local roads. Manager Vornlocker explained that Schoolhouse Road has a 4-ton limit between Weston Canal and Randolph, but Weston Canal, Randolph, and Cottontail have none.
  • Resident (Ernest Wonderless?) questioned the $24 million purchase price for 20 acres at 105 Schoolhouse Road, suggesting a lack of transparency. Manager Vornlocker attributed the increase to supply and demand.
  • Resident (speaking after Ernest) asked about a potential ordinance restricting warehouse truck hours near residences. Mayor Kramer indicated the council is investigating that possibility.
  • Others (including Jim Johnston, Debbie Stewart) addressed property values, vacancies in shopping centers, and a request for a moratorium.

Discussion Items

  • Public Advocate for Land Use Boards: Councilman Vassanella reiterated his proposal for a public advocate to represent residents at planning and zoning board meetings. Township Attorney noted that charging developers for such an advocate is illegal under an Appellate Division ruling, and questioned the legal basis for the role itself. Councilman Wright admitted he and other council members had met with a developer about the Cleary property three years ago, contrary to earlier statements, which led to a heated exchange.
  • Master Plan Town Hall: Deputy Mayor Pruitt proposed a special educational session on the master plan and zoning processes. Council members agreed to schedule one in December 2022, with the Township Manager coordinating with the planner.
  • Traffic and Truck Issues: Township Manager Bob Vornlocker reported that bike lanes on Schoolhouse Road are delayed due to left-turn lanes narrowing the road; sharrows are being considered but require a lower speed limit. He also mentioned a sign plan for Weston Canal Road to direct trucks to appropriate routes. Weight limit ordinances are pending DOT approval.
  • Grant Applications: The council discussed Resolutions #22-388 (Gunshot Detection Technology) and #22-389 (Automated License Plate Readers), both grant applications. Manager explained the gunshot detection system triangulates gunfire locations.
  • Council Reports: Councilman Embarrison and Udine reported on a successful Diwali celebration with over 300 attendees. Councilman Pataznik urged support for the Government Energy Aggregation ballot question. Deputy Mayor Pruitt noted 595 applicants for the police entrance exam, 50 of whom are Franklin residents. Manager announced job training programs in partnership with Raritan Valley Community College and SCAP, funded by COVID relief.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Ordinance No. 4383-22 (Parking Prohibited on Memorial Drive) – unanimous voice vote.
  • Introduced Ordinance No. 4384-22 (Conservation Easement for 471 Elizabeth Avenue) – first reading approved; public hearing set for November 10, 2022.
  • Approved Consent Agenda (Resolutions #22-282 through #22-392) including: tax lien redemptions, refunds, performance guarantee releases, contract award for document imaging (MCCi, LLC, not to exceed $180,000), grant applications for gunshot detection and ALPR, stormwater facility agreement, special event permit for Citizens Warehouse Action Group, and authorization of in rem tax foreclosure.
  • Approved Minutes of October 11, 2022 work session/regular meeting (9-0-1, with Deputy Mayor Pruitt abstaining).
  • Approved Warrants in the amount of $2,842,615.33 – all in favor.
  • Nominated individual to Hamilton Street Business District vacancy (approved by acclamation).
  • Authorized Executive Session (Resolution #22-393) to discuss potential land donation on Route 27 (Little Rocky Hill).
  • Council Action Items: Master Plan educational session to be scheduled in December 2022; Councilman Wright announced a survey for Fourth Ward residents.

Meeting Transcript

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting 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 the officially designated newspapers, indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place in the municipal building. Council Chambers at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Thank you. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Deputy Mayor Crystal Pruitt. Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seat in our own way. Whatever sources of information will grant us the strength, power in our thoughts and decisions for the benefit of all people. Councilman Embarrison. Councilwoman Francois. Councilman Oni Jaka. Yeah. Councilmember Botazny. Deputy Mayor Pruitt. Here. Councilwoman Udine? Here. Councilman Vasanella? Here. Councilman Wright. Councilmember Patasnik will be along shortly, as will our township attorney. Um we have no commendations and proclamations. We're on to item number six. There are agendas uh over there near the clerk. And um we are now at item six public discussion. Do we have a motion to open to the public? So move. Second. Moved and second at all in favor of opening to the public say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion is carried. We're open to the public. People may speak on any topic having to do with government. Um five-minute limit may only come up once. No yielding of time. Uh please state your name and address. Mrs. Peterson, I live on Lake Avenue in Somerset. Sure. Mrs. Peterson's Lake Avenue Somerset. I'm here to address the semis, the garbage trucks that like to run through our neighborhood, and I'm representing my neighborhood because we are sick and tired of getting the same answer. We've had levels of CO2 up to 3,000 in the middle of the night. We've had levels of CO up to 850. Let me tell you, you don't feel good when you're exposed to it. My husband woke up this morning with what I'm calling CO2 and CO poisoning. He had a very low heart rate. He had trouble breathing. He was dizzy, lightheaded, and I've had the same symptoms.

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