Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - February 28, 2023
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Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - February 28, 2023
The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on February 28, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the municipal building. The meeting included commendations, public comments on noise and housing issues, introduction and adoption of multiple ordinances, and approval of a consent agenda. Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt announced she would not seek re-election.
Commendations & Proclamations
- Abigail Ibironke: Recognized for her oratory skills as a member of the New Jersey Orators. She delivered an excerpt from Malcolm X's "By Any Means Necessary" speech. Councilman Carl Wright presented a certificate of recognition.
- Police & Citizen Commendations: Officers Ryan Lauder, Alex Adkins, Andrew Leissing, Leonard Bird, dispatchers Olivia Klein and Nicholas Rossi, and civilian Brian Rennie were commended for rescuing three individuals from a car fire on February 24, 2023. The driver suffered two broken legs; a child had a brain bleed, broken leg, and arm; another child was conscious. Fire companies from District 3 also responded.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Janet Goldstein (47 Saratoga Court, Somerset): Raised concerns about noise complaints not being effectively addressed. She noted the state noise ordinance and requested clearer guidance for residents. The Mayor explained that noise enforcement is handled by police after hours and the health department during business hours, and that past complaints were investigated but not violations.
- Jan Brandt (22 Bryant Court): Expressed appreciation for the township but urged proactive noise impact analyses for new developments, citing the state's warehouse siting guidance. He recommended requiring noise impact studies before construction, not after. The Mayor agreed to look into an ordinance limiting nighttime outdoor operations.
- John Tibbs (25 Park Side): Criticized what he called racist policies leading to gentrification in the Fourth Ward. He claimed his rent increased from $200 to $1,000 per month and that the Rent Leveling Board was eliminated. He urged council members of color (Councilwoman Francois, Councilwoman Pruitt, Councilman Wright) to address these issues. He also expressed support for warehouses as sources of jobs for young Black men. The Mayor later noted that entry-level jobs are available.
- Morning Skafiti (104 Jacks Lane): Reported that someone changed the address on her pension; the issue was resolved but raised security concerns. She was directed to Councilwoman Udine's office.
Council Comments & Reports
- Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt: Announced she will not run for re-election, citing increased travel for her job at Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. She expressed gratitude for five years of service and pledged to remain active in the community. Colleagues praised her courage and dedication.
- Councilwoman Kimberly Francois: Thanked Councilwoman Pruitt and highlighted public safety initiatives, including a senior scam awareness training in March, the Citizens Academy (deadline March 17, 2023), and a police chaplain program.
- Councilman James Vassanella: Congratulated Franklin Township wrestlers Malik Reed and Morgan Schwartz for advancing to the state championships. Announced public safety training on scams for seniors.
- Councilwoman Udine: Reported on land use committee – 40 warehouse applications since 2018, 18 approved, 8 complete, 6 submitted, 4 built. Noted 2023 road paving schedule coming soon. Senior center audio systems updated; gazebo lights installed.
- Councilman Carl Wright: Reported land use committee support for acquiring a 2-acre PNC Bank grass area on Franklin Boulevard as open space (adjacent to RPM redevelopment area), potentially using open space trust funds. Introduced an ordinance for special occasion events on preserved farms (see ordinances).
- Deputy Mayor Embarrison: Attended grand openings of Tacos Basilio and Crush Nutrition. Announced YMCA feasibility study interviews. Encouraged participation in Chamber of Commerce networking event March 2, 2023.
- Mayor Kramer: Noted Financial Oversight Committee reviewed fire safety, public works, and police budgets. Stated the fund balance (surplus) was about 21%, close to target. Appointed Brandt to the Planning Board.
Township Manager's Report
- Jobs: Entry-level positions available at Calent Pharma Solutions, Pym Brands, Power Container, and Amazon (all in Franklin). Encouraged residents to apply.
- Citizens Academy: Police Citizens Academy runs March 22–June 21, 2023 (Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM). Applications online.
- Restaurant Week: First Franklin Township Restaurant Week planned for October 8–14, 2023. Restaurants can apply via the township website.
Approval of Minutes and Warrants
- Minutes: Approved for January 24, 2023 (work session/regular meeting and executive session).
- Warrants: Approved in the amount of $15,881,727.10 for February 28, 2023.
Public Hearing & Adoption of Ordinances on Second Reading
All three ordinances were adopted unanimously (9-0).
- Ordinance 4393-23: Amends Chapter 183 (Property Maintenance) to align with state foreclosure registration requirements.
- Ordinance 4394-23: Accepts a conservation easement from Orion IV Elizabeth Logistics Center LLC for 429 Elizabeth Avenue (Block 502.01, Lot 2.01).
- Ordinance 4395-23: Authorizes vacation and acceptance of an emergency access easement for the same property.
Ordinances on Introduction & First Reading
All seven ordinances were introduced unanimously (9-0) for future public hearings on March 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM.
- Ordinance 4396-23: Adds Juneteenth to the township holiday schedule (Chapter 46, Personnel Policies).
- Ordinance 4397-23: Amends filming ordinance to allow filming on weekends and share permit information (Chapter 185).
- Ordinance 4398-23: Updates towing rates and storage charges (last updated 2003/2004) to attract more companies (Chapter 390).
- Ordinance 4399-23: Adds firearm carry permit fees ($150) and other gun-related fees; moves community center rental fees to next ordinance (Chapter 180).
- Ordinance 4400-23: Revises rental fees for park facilities and community center; removes insurance requirement for private events (Chapter 260).
- Ordinance 4401-23: Establishes local criteria for special occasion events on preserved commercial farms (up to 26 events per year allowed by state law) (Chapter 112).
- Ordinance 4402-23: Accepts public sidewalk easement from JWH Real Estate Holding Corp for 1100 Randolph Road (Block 514.04, Lot 1.01).
Consent Agenda
All seven resolutions were approved unanimously.
- Resolution 23-071: Authorize CY2022 budget transfers.
- Resolution 23-072: Revised 2023 temporary/emergency budget appropriation.
- Resolution 23-073: Authorize tax title lien redemptions.
- Resolution 23-074: Authorize refunds for construction water meters escrow.
- Resolution 23-075: Award purchase of two 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes ($101,258.90).
- Resolution 23-076: Appoint Janessa Mayo as Alternate Deputy Registrar (term ends 02/28/2026).
- Resolution 23-077: Award bid for Easton Avenue Water Main Loop to ADS Contractors, LLC ($87,588.50).
Old Business
- Appointments: Joseph Verreri (11th grade) appointed as student member of the Recreation Advisory Council. Several committee vacancies remain: Clean Communities, Board of Health, Cultural Arts, Hamilton Street Advisory Board, Open Space, Sewage Authority, and Trails Committee.
Key Outcomes
- All three second-reading ordinances adopted unanimously.
- All seven first-reading ordinances introduced; public hearings set for March 14, 2023.
- Consent agenda passed unanimously.
- Joseph Verreri appointed to Recreation Advisory Council.
- Councilwoman Crystal Pruitt will not seek re-election in 2023.
- Mayor announced intent to explore ordinance limiting nighttime outdoor warehouse operations after noise complaints.
- Land use committee expressed support for acquiring PNC Bank parcel for open space.
Meeting Transcript
In accordance with the Upland 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. We could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilwoman Kimberly Francois. Here are thy infinite love and graciously grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions for the benefit of all people at all times. Councilwoman Francois here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Noni Jaka. Councilmember Vitoznet. Councilwoman Pruitt? Here. Councilwoman Udine? Here. Councilman Vassanella? Yeah. Councilman Wright. Okay, we've got on to item number five on the agenda. There are copies of the agendas up there next to the clerk. First item is recognition of Abigail. I guess this starts the Councilman Wright show. Hello. My name is Carl Wright. I'm the four Ford Councilman here in Franklin Township, and this is Abigail. And what Abigail is going to do to you, she's going to enlighten you on a very important subject. She's going to give you a speech by Malcolm X. And we all need to play close attention to what she says. Now, you're from Piscataway. I wanted to I want to be a doctor. She wants to be a what? A doctor. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up, goes to college, goes to medical school, goes through residency. She wants to be a doctor. Okay? What kind of doctor? I'm not really sure yet. She wants to be one of those not really sure yet doctors that we all want to see. Okay. Now, without messing around, without doing anything else. Uh read the proclamation after you give us your speech. Good evening. My name is Abigail Iburnke, and I am a proud member of the New Brunswick chapter of the New Jersey Orators. Today, I will be presenting in the category of Declamation. My piece is an excerpt from the speech entitled By Any Means Necessary by Malcolm X. Malcolm X was born as Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His family later moved to Michigan after receiving threats from the Ku Klux Klan. Even in their new home, they continued to face threats. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began selling drugs, earning himself the nickname of Detroit Red and landing himself in jail at the age of 21. It was around this time that he adopted the last name X as a rejection of his slave name. He became a civil rights activist, advocating for civil rights by any means necessary, which is the inspiration behind this piece. His fiery and passionate approach to activism made him a somewhat controversial figure to those who shrank at the idea of African Americans fighting back.
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