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Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - November 22, 2022

Township Council — Tuesday, November 22, 2022
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, November 22, 2022
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:01

Original source
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0:00

Madam Clerk.

0:02

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 township in the municipal building and township website 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.

0:25

on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022.

0:29

Madam Clerk, uh I'm sorry, if we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:56

Madam Clerk, if you could call the role.

1:01

Councilman Embarrison, Councilwoman Francois, here.

1:06

Mayor Kramer here.

1:07

Councilman Noni Jaka.

1:09

Councilmember Pataznik.

1:11

Present.

1:11

Deputy Mayor Pruitt.

1:13

Councilwoman Udean.

1:15

Councilman Vasanella.

1:16

Here.

1:17

Councilman White.

1:25

Um, it's time for uh item number five, commendations and proclamations.

1:34

Councilwoman Francois, I'm bringing this on her right now if she would like to do the hundredth anniversary of the Franklin Women's Club.

1:42

We have representatives here.

2:52

And I will read it.

2:53

It says, whereas the Franklin Women's Club has been providing friendship and community service since 1922.

3:02

A hundred years.

3:04

Give them a hand.

3:10

None of you look a hundred years old.

3:16

No founding members, okay.

3:18

And having joined the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1928, an international organization with over 10 million members in 30 countries and the largest organization of volunteer women in the world.

3:34

How about that?

3:35

Whereas the Franklin Women's Club is committed to advocating on local, state, and national and international issues, including but not limited to domestic violence, awareness and prevention, environmental issues, homelessness, and decreasing recidivism of drunk and impaired driving.

3:57

And whereas the Franklin Women's Club has undertaken many important volunteer and awareness raising projects, including Girls Career Institute Participation, College Scholarships for Franklin Township School Senior Girls, Shot at Life Companion for Prevent Child Abuse and Mental Health Awareness, International Immunizations, Free Girls Project, and Human Trafficking Awareness, Holiday Cheer Boxes for Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, and Nursing Home Residents.

4:35

And let's not forget holiday food baskets for local needy families.

4:40

Whereas the women's club continues to strive to have a positive impact on the community while providing its members opportunities for creativity through the home and fine arts, conservation and gardening, and developing friendships.

4:58

Did you get all that?

5:00

That's a lot.

5:01

Now, therefore, our mayor, Philip Kramer, on behalf of the Franklin Township Council, and the entire Franklin community, do hereby commend these wonderful women and congratulate the Franklin Women's Club on their hundredth anniversary and call upon all citizens to render their support to the members of this organization and to make themselves aware of the Franklin Women's Club, whose members are providing such invaluable service to our homes, our schools, and our community.

5:33

I want to cry.

5:34

Thank you so much, ladies.

5:36

Thank you.

5:42

I know someone wants to say something from the women's club.

5:49

I'd like to take the thank the township and the town council for this uh recognition.

5:54

Uh, we're looking forward to our next century of service and community friendship.

5:59

And um uh earmarking this year, we're uh gathering multiples of 100 hours of service in our community and around the world this year, and so far we've totaled up about 900 hours this year.

6:15

So we're working toward that tenth multiple of a hundred hours.

6:20

Thank you.

6:22

Thank you so much for your service, ladies.

6:24

We really appreciate you.

6:27

Thank you.

6:32

Thank you.

6:33

Uh, for our next commendation, we have recognition of the environmental commission in sustainable jersey silver recertification.

6:42

Councilmember Petaznik.

6:54

I just have this part.

7:14

Amazing.

7:14

So last week was something called the League of Municipalities, where um all the towns across New Jersey, over 500 get together in Atlantic City to learn about best practices and a whole host of issues, and Franklin Township and its green team and environmental commission were recognized with a silver certification for sustainable jersey, and that's what this resolution is.

7:34

And this is some, not all of the environmental commissioners who've been doing an excellent job.

7:39

And it I'll just read it real quick.

7:41

Whereas Sustainable Jersey is a network and movement of municipalities, schools, and school districts working collectively to bring about sustainable jersey.

7:50

And whereas the program culminates in the prestigious certification award to municipalities and schools that have documented meeting a set of rigorous standards, and whereas the silver certification means a municipality has made significant progress in a number of categories towards sustainability and is a statewide and national leader.

8:09

This is the highest township level that can be received on whole.

8:14

Whereas Franklin Township, I had that little part, sorry, whereas Franklin Township has received its third sustainable jersey silver certification, and whereas Franklin Township Green Team and the Environmental Commission serve a vital role in developing plans, implementing programs, and assisting with the educational opportunities about sustainable jersey, their actions focusing on solar energy, wind energy, electric vehicles, and charging stations, as well as open space preservation, just to name a few.

8:42

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of Franklin Township here in Somerset County, New Jersey, on behalf of the residents of Franklin Township, that it is hereby commended the Green Team and the Environmental Commission for their hard work on attaining the sustainable Jersey Silver certification.

9:00

So congratulations.

9:01

And this is the plaque that continues to add the different denominations.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████21%
Warehouse Development███████████████████19%
Traffic Safety██████████████████18%
Public Safety█████████9%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Stormwater Management████4%
Women's History Month███3%
LGBTQ+ Rights███3%
Master Planning███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting – November 22, 2022

The Franklin Township Council held its work session/regular meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting featured commendations for community organizations, extensive public comments on proposed warehouse developments and related traffic concerns, and unanimous approval of several ordinances, resolutions, and a $13.7 million warrant list. An executive session was held to discuss a zoning board application under attorney-client privilege.

Commendations & Proclamations

  • 100th Anniversary of the Franklin Women's Club – Councilwoman Francois presented a proclamation recognizing the club’s century of service, including college scholarships, holiday food baskets, and advocacy on domestic violence and environmental issues. A club representative reported that members have accumulated 900 hours of community service in 2022.
  • Recognition of Environmental Commission and Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification – Councilmember Potosnak presented a commendation for the township’s third Silver Certification. Paul, chair of the Environmental Commission, noted that Franklin Township earned 420 points (350 required) and highlighted initiatives such as a green infrastructure action plan, stream cleanups, EV charger installations, and a pending anti-idling ordinance.

Public Comments & Testimony

Residents spoke in opposition to warehouse development and raised concerns about traffic, noise, and environmental impacts. Key points included:

  • Carol Peterson (12 Lake Avenue) – Asked the council to address truck idling near her home, citing high carbon monoxide levels and violations of a prior agreement with 7-Eleven.
  • Kiki Anastasakos (Citizens Warehouse Action Group) – Requested a cost-benefit analysis comparing tax revenue from warehouses versus retirement communities (e.g., Canal Walk, Somerset Run).
  • Bridget Brown (2108 Enclave Circle) – Asked for the status and completion date of the traffic study.
  • Janet Goldstein (47 Saratoga Court) – Cited North Brunswick’s warehouse noise and light restrictions and asked how similar controls would be enforced for the proposed B9 warehouse.
  • Angela Kavalesky (Citizens Action Group) – Noted that Branchburg voters approved a referendum to buy land to prevent warehouse development, and urged Franklin to complete a traffic study, rezone where needed, and listen to citizens.
  • Nirmal Shah (9 Congress Court) – Asked about the traffic study’s timeline, coverage (including Weston Canal Road), and whether its goal is to widen roads or limit development.
  • Jan Brandt (22 Bryant Court) – Thanks council for past actions; presented a stormwater expert’s report finding deficiencies in the B9 application’s drainage plan. Urged the council to enforce scenic corridor requirements and noted that the Canal Walk HOA is negotiating separately with the developer.
  • Shirley Tallman (57 Tallman Lane) – Congratulated the Environmental Commission but questioned whether developers are paying fair value for tree removal, as the Environmental Commission found the per-tree fee seriously undervalued.
  • Alex Strauss (285 Hazlitt Way) – Asked if two projects (Wiley Drive and B9 Schoolhouse) by Link Logistics/Blackstone are enough for one township.
  • Marlon Quan (28 Jay's Corner) – Asked council to set a moratorium until a legitimate aggregate traffic study is completed, and to amend the truck ordinance to restrict 18-wheelers between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and to limit warehouse operating hours near residential areas.
  • Sally Zacharczyk (4 Constitution Way) – Urged council to “reset and recalibrate” the township’s vision and put citizens first.
  • Shana Collidge (2201 Jockey Hollow Trail) – Requested large red “No Trucks” signs on Schoolhouse and Randolph Roads, GPS restrictions for truck routing, and enforcement via cameras or officers.

Council Comments & Reports

  • Councilman Vassanella – Responded to public comments: he supports a traffic study but doesn’t need one to know the township is beyond capacity. He criticized prioritizing “great rateables” over quality of life, warned that vacancies can lead to tax appeals, and expressed support for aggressive legal action to slow warehouse development. He also noted ongoing work with the Shade Tree Commission on a revised tree ordinance.
  • Councilwoman Francois – Acknowledged concerns about signage, stormwater, moratoriums, and hours of operation. Announced that the Land Use Committee will meet the following week to discuss these items. Emphasized that all council members are Franklin residents and care about residents’ quality of life.
  • Councilman Onyejiaka – Noted the issues will be discussed in committees and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
  • Councilmember Potosnak – Congratulated the Women’s Club and the Environmental Commission. Reflected on a meeting with Chief Vincent Mann of the Lenape Ramapo tribe (no federally recognized tribes in New Jersey), and condemned the Club Q mass shooting in Colorado, praising the patron who stopped the attacker.
  • Councilman Wright – Reminded the public not to drink and drive.
  • Mayor Kramer – Addressed economics (will provide tax revenue comparison between warehouses and retirement communities), noted that $21 million in open space has been purchased over the last five years, and highlighted planned camera networks (not for enforcement but for monitoring). He assured residents that the council is working diligently behind the scenes and urged patience.
  • Township Attorney Rainone – Noted that legal silence should not be misinterpreted; pointed out the township was sued six times over its 500-foot buffer ordinance. He and the mayor are working on an hours-of-operation ordinance that might be ready by the next meeting.
  • Township Manager Vornlocker – Provided detailed answers:
    • Traffic study will be part of a Master Plan re-examination; scope is being developed by staff. Study will be unbiased and examine current and projected conditions, including cumulative impacts in BI zones.
    • Signs: final county review pending for weight limit/directional signs on Weston Canal, Schoolhouse, Randolph, and Cottontail roads. Wayfinding signs to direct trucks to Route 287.
    • GPS: engineering department is working with major trucking GPS providers to include weight-restricted roads.
    • Cameras: police Traffic Safety Bureau is identifying key intersections; cameras will be used for security and monitoring, not enforcement.
    • Anti-idling ordinance revision is underway with the Environmental Commission.
    • A town hall meeting on the Master Plan is scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. (proposed by Councilwoman Pruitt).
    • Police Tuesday Night Talk on December 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. will focus on traffic enforcement (with Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald as special guest).
    • Excused absences were approved for Councilman Anbarasan, Deputy Mayor Pruitt, and Councilwoman Uddin due to illness.

Council Discussion Items

  • 2022 Best Practices Inventory – Township Manager presented the inventory. Minimum score for full state aid is 24; Franklin scored 35. Council discussed stormwater cost reporting (hard costs of $20,000 for street sweeping and basin maintenance, plus $100,000 in capital for drainage improvements).

Consent Calendar (Unanimously Approved)

  • Resolution #22-408 – Approved the 2023 Township Council Meeting Schedule (24 meetings, generally second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m.).
  • Resolution #22-409 – Authorized the sale of one Plenary Retail Consumption License (min. bid $250,000) and one Plenary Retail Distribution License (min. bid $350,000) via sealed bid, with a schedule extending to February 14, 2023.
  • Resolution #22-410 – Authorized a stormwater facility maintenance agreement with Gabriel Mercado & Luzilda Mercado-Esparra for 17 Ambrose Street.
  • Resolution #22-411 – Authorized tax title lien redemptions totaling $194,304.80.
  • Resolution #22-412 – Awarded a contract through HCESC to McCloskey Mechanical Contractors, Inc., for replacing four HVAC units in the Construction Code Building (not to exceed $95,289.10).
  • Resolution #22-413 – Awarded a contract to Mall Chevrolet for five 2023 Chevrolet Malibu police vehicles ($119,558.75).
  • Resolution #22-414 – Authorized a public auction of one abandoned vehicle (2014 VW Jetta) on January 31, 2023.
  • Resolution #22-415 – Authorized two fireworks displays at The Palace at Somerset Park (December 11 and 21, 2022, 8:00–10:00 p.m., duration 10–12 minutes).

Ordinances – Introduction & First Reading (Unanimously Approved, Public Hearings Set for December 13, 2022)

  • Ordinance No. 4385-22 – Vacating a portion of Grant Street.
  • Ordinance No. 4386-22 – Vacating a portion of Harding Avenue (formerly Hamilton Avenue).
  • Ordinance No. 4387-22 – Amending the fee ordinance to set a $100 fee for duplicate tax title certificates.

Approval of Minutes (Unanimously Approved)

  • Work Session/Regular Meetings of September 28, 2022; October 25, 2022; and November 10, 2022.

Approval of Warrants (Unanimously Approved)

  • Total warrants: $13,699,555.65.

Executive Session

  • Resolution #22-416 – Authorized closed session to discuss attorney-client privileged matter regarding Hamilton Street Holdings Zoning Board Application. No action taken after returning to open session.

Adjournment

  • Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m. (estimated from video stoppage at executive session).

Meeting Transcript

Madam Clerk. 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 township in the municipal building and township website 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, November 22nd, 2022. Madam Clerk, uh I'm sorry, if we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Madam Clerk, if you could call the role. Councilman Embarrison, Councilwoman Francois, here. Mayor Kramer here. Councilman Noni Jaka. Councilmember Pataznik. Present. Deputy Mayor Pruitt. Councilwoman Udean. Councilman Vasanella. Here. Councilman White. Um, it's time for uh item number five, commendations and proclamations. Councilwoman Francois, I'm bringing this on her right now if she would like to do the hundredth anniversary of the Franklin Women's Club. We have representatives here. And I will read it. It says, whereas the Franklin Women's Club has been providing friendship and community service since 1922. A hundred years. Give them a hand. None of you look a hundred years old. No founding members, okay. And having joined the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1928, an international organization with over 10 million members in 30 countries and the largest organization of volunteer women in the world. How about that? Whereas the Franklin Women's Club is committed to advocating on local, state, and national and international issues, including but not limited to domestic violence, awareness and prevention, environmental issues, homelessness, and decreasing recidivism of drunk and impaired driving. And whereas the Franklin Women's Club has undertaken many important volunteer and awareness raising projects, including Girls Career Institute Participation, College Scholarships for Franklin Township School Senior Girls, Shot at Life Companion for Prevent Child Abuse and Mental Health Awareness, International Immunizations, Free Girls Project, and Human Trafficking Awareness, Holiday Cheer Boxes for Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, and Nursing Home Residents. And let's not forget holiday food baskets for local needy families. Whereas the women's club continues to strive to have a positive impact on the community while providing its members opportunities for creativity through the home and fine arts, conservation and gardening, and developing friendships. Did you get all that? That's a lot. Now, therefore, our mayor, Philip Kramer, on behalf of the Franklin Township Council, and the entire Franklin community, do hereby commend these wonderful women and congratulate the Franklin Women's Club on their hundredth anniversary and call upon all citizens to render their support to the members of this organization and to make themselves aware of the Franklin Women's Club, whose members are providing such invaluable service to our homes, our schools, and our community. I want to cry. Thank you so much, ladies. Thank you. I know someone wants to say something from the women's club. I'd like to take the thank the township and the town council for this uh recognition. Uh, we're looking forward to our next century of service and community friendship. And um uh earmarking this year, we're uh gathering multiples of 100 hours of service in our community and around the world this year, and so far we've totaled up about 900 hours this year. So we're working toward that tenth multiple of a hundred hours. Thank you. Thank you so much for your service, ladies. We really appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, for our next commendation, we have recognition of the environmental commission in sustainable jersey silver recertification. Councilmember Petaznik. I just have this part. Amazing.

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