Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - January 24, 2023
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - January 24, 2023
This meeting of the Franklin Township Council began at 7:00 PM on January 24, 2023, with the swearing-in of Deputy Mayor Ram Anbarasan and the promotion of multiple police officers to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. The Council also honored the Franklin High School cheerleading team for winning first place in the small co-ed division at the UCA Northeastern Regionals and earning two bids to the national championship in Orlando, Florida, and proclaimed January 2023 as School Board Recognition Month. The major substantive item was a public hearing and adoption of Ordinance No. 4391-23, which eliminates warehouses as a permitted use in the Business and Industry (B-I) zone. After extensive public comment from both residents and property owners/attorneys, the Council voted to adopt the ordinance. The consent agenda containing 23 resolutions was also approved.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution #23-033: Authorize tax and water title lien redemptions.
- Resolution #23-034: Adjust water charges for a hardship leak at 42 Taylor Drive ($458.17).
- Resolution #23-037: Release a performance guarantee (cash drywell bond) for 381 Girard Avenue ($6,861.50).
- Resolution #23-038: Award a non-fair and open contract for employee coaching to Revelation Coaching Service, LLC (not to exceed $90,000).
- Resolution #23-039: Award a non-fair and open contract for records management/dispatch software to Queues Enforth Development Inc. ($45,000).
- Resolution #23-040: Authorize a change order for a Lektriever file system for the court (increase from $57,261 to $67,600.30).
- Resolution #23-042: Authorize grant submission for a permanent shade structure at Naaman Williams Park pool ($65,265).
- Resolution #23-044: Award purchase for annual postage for FP machine (not to exceed $72,000).
- Resolution #23-045: Award contract for veterinary services to Easton Avenue Animal Clinic ($35,000).
- Resolution #23-046: Support applications for retail cannabis licenses to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission and confirm site suitability.
- Resolution #23-047: Support applications for cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, and distributor cannabis licenses.
- Resolution #23-048: Appoint the 2023 Youth Services Commission/Municipal Alliance Against Drug Abuse.
- Resolution #23-049: Authorize release of performance guarantees for Parkside Family Housing and Parkside Senior Housing developments and waive maintenance guarantee requirements.
- Resolution #23-050: Authorize a stormwater detention facility maintenance agreement with JWH Real Estate Holding Corp. (Block 517.04, Lot 1.01).
- Resolution #23-051: Authorize an agreement with Somerset County for 2023 recycling services.
- Resolution #23-052: Award a CDBG housing rehabilitation contract for 120 South Dover Avenue to Francen Contracting LLC ($19,500).
- Resolution #23-053: Authorize advertisement for bids for proprietary goods (Tintri Storage T7040 appliance and installation).
- Resolution #23-054: Award a non-fair and open alternative contract for financial consulting services to PFK O'Connor Davies, LLP ($425,000 per year for 2022-2023).
- Resolution #23-055: Appoint the 2023 Senior Citizen Advisory Committee.
Public Comments & Testimony
- General Public Comments (Item 6): A resident expressed concern about development on Berry Street, requesting sidewalks and recreational space for children. Another speaker urged the Council to be aware of the state's wealth disparity study and criticized the township for being reactive rather than proactive, questioning investments in youth beyond the youth center. A representative from Next Man Up, a mentoring organization, described running out of resources to support at-risk youth and asked for partnership with the Council. A longtime resident demanded that the building known as the youth center be operated as a community center for all ages and emphasized the need for affordable housing.
- Ordinance #4391-23 Public Hearing (Item 12): Numerous attorneys and property owners opposed the ordinance, arguing it was rushed, lacked supporting studies, violated notice requirements, and would harm property rights and the tax base. An attorney for Northern Nurseries stated the ordinance has no support and called it unsound policy. An attorney for seven property owners in the B-I zone claimed the published notice was defective and that the master plan amendment was invalid. An attorney for Heller Industrial (owner of 70 acres) argued the township failed to provide meaningful participation and that Heller invests in the community, paying over $800,000 annually in taxes. In contrast, many residents spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing negative impacts on quality of life from existing warehouses: truck traffic, noise, air pollution, light pollution, and concerns about property values. One resident noted a Wall Street Journal article indicating warehouse leasing is falling. Multiple residents urged the Council to vote yes and to consider further restrictions.
Discussion Items
- Police Promotions & Staffing: Police Director announced that for the first time in memory, the force is fully staffed, though recruitment continues to cover retirements. Council expressed pride in the department's diversity and community programming.
- Traffic Safety: Councilman Vassanella highlighted a critical increase in aggressive driving and accidents, urging residents to drive carefully. The Police Director committed to increased enforcement.
- Community Programs: The Township Manager announced several upcoming programs: an eight-week tradesman course for teens (ages 13-18), "Cooking with Cops" classes at Franklin High School, free tax preparation services through United Way, a youth basketball program, and a presentation on sexual assault response. Councilwoman Pruitt noted the police department has implemented community outreach and that the NJ State Police will conduct a safe schools initiative.
- Water Infrastructure: Mayor reported that the water department's capital improvement plans are under discussion, noting that water rates have not increased in 10 years while wholesale water costs have risen 19%.
- Senior Citizens: Councilwoman Pruitt announced a senior advisory meeting on Friday and a senior talent show ("Franklin Seniors Got Talent") on March 24.
- Redevelopment: Councilman Wright reported that the redevelopment agency met the night before and requested a large-format map showing all projects. He noted that four Hamilton Street buildings are fully completed and 75% of 44,000 square feet of commercial space is rented.
- Open Space: Councilman Wright announced that the Open Space Advisory Committee recommended applying for a $20,000 Sustainable Jersey grant for woodland trails at Naaman Williams Park.
- Town Hall Meeting: Mayor announced a town hall on February 6 to discuss property assessments, taxes, and state property tax rebates.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance #4391-23 (Warehouse Ban in B-I Zone): Passed on second reading with all Council members voting yes (8 aye, 0 nay). The ordinance eliminates warehouses as a permitted use in the Business and Industry zone and makes related amendments; existing warehouses are grandfathered but will lose permitted use status for new construction or substantial expansion.
- Consent Agenda (Resolutions #23-033 through #23-055): Approved unanimously, including resolutions supporting retail and manufacturing cannabis license applications, releasing performance guarantees, and awarding contracts.
- Appointment: Nicholas DiMeglio was appointed as Chamber of Commerce President member to the Hamilton Street Advisory Board for a one-year term ending December 31, 2023.
- Executive Session: Authorized by Resolution #23-056 to discuss land acquisition (Hay & Horses LLC Farm, 98 Coppermine Road).
- Other Approvals: The minutes of January 3, 2023, and warrants totaling $732,989.21 were approved.
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, the 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, January 24, 2023. Thank you. If we could all stand for the Pledge Allegiance and remain standing to be for the invocation to be given by soon to be sworn in, Deputy Mayor Amberson. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. As we gather here today as members of the Township Council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community, keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence. Let us continue to strive to make a better world. Amen. Deputy Mayorson. Here, Councilwoman Francois, Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Onichaka. Yes. Councilmember Patosnik. Councilwoman Pruitt here. Councilwoman Udine. Here. Councilman Vassanella. Here. Councilman Wright. We have a number of proclamations today. But we're going to start with the administration of the oath of office, Deputy Mayor Ram and Barrason. And to perform that, we have our director of Commissioner Director Chanel Robinson. I almost said the F word, not that F word. Only a select few of us, you know. Okay. I'm ready. I state your name. I, Sir Ram Sivaraman and Barson. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. That I would support the Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. And the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. And that it will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. And I'll bear truth through faith and allegiance to the same. And to the governments established. And to the governments established. In the United States. In the United States. And in this state. And in this state. Under the authority of the people. Under the authority of the people. And that I will faithfully. And that I will faithfully. Impartially.
openpublica.com