Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - March 14, 2023

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on March 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The meeting featured commendations for Girl Scout award recipients, a proclamation for Women's History Month, public comments on a proposed cannabis cultivation facility and a day camp zoning dispute, and adoption of several ordinances including a water rate increase and amendments to municipal codes. The council also passed a consent agenda and appointed a new member to the Open Space Committee.

Commendations & Proclamations

• Girl Scout Week Proclamation: The council proclaimed March 12-18, 2023, as Girl Scout Week, recognizing the organization's role in leadership development.
• Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Recipients: Several Girl Scouts were honored for their community projects, including animal adoption posters and toy donations, a pollination garden to help bees, a letterboxing project at Camp Oak Springs, and a hiking guidebook for girls. Councilman Wright noted that the Gold Award is equivalent to the Eagle Scout distinction.
• Women's History Month Proclamation: Councilwoman Kimberly Francois read a proclamation recognizing women's contributions and the 2023 theme "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories."

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rich Seaman (18 Luke Lane, Somerset): Announced the fifth annual Empty Bowls of Franklin Fundraiser on March 26, 2023, at the DoubleTree Hotel, benefiting the Franklin Food Bank. He also thanked the council for his appointment to the Advisory Recreation Committee.
• Carol Peterson (12 Lake Avenue): Expressed concerns about a proposed marijuana cultivation facility at 220 Church Hill Avenue, citing potential odor issues similar to a facility in Branchburg. She requested the council consider locating the growing operation elsewhere.
• Anna (12 Lake Avenue, under 18): Questioned why a marijuana plant would be allowed given D.A.R.E. education programs and health concerns.
• Debbie Stewart (Farrington Plaza): Voiced environmental concerns about development, referencing the loss of a tree farm at Metlers and Schoolhouse roads, and urged the council to consider the future of children.
• Cedar Brook Day Camp Supporters: Multiple speakers (Mark Maris, Sydney Wolf, Nan Brennan, Galen Smith, Kimberly Davidson, Teresa Wright, Atiya Lambte, McKenzie Marshall, Cheyenne Daniel, Isaiah) spoke in support of the camp, which was denied a use variance by the Zoning Board (4-3 vote) for operating at Cedar Hill Prep on Cedar Grove Avenue. Speakers highlighted the camp's affordability, diversity, employment for youth, and community value. Nan Brennan, the property owner, stated she spent nearly $100,000 on the variance application and felt unfairly targeted. Several parents and employees described the camp as essential for working families and a safe, nurturing environment.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilwoman Udeen: Reported that the 2023 road paving schedule is in progress; residents can follow updates on the township website under Public Works.
• Councilman Vassanella: Expressed concern about the marijuana facility locations, calling for tighter regulation. Also mentioned exploring the use of an old schoolhouse to celebrate Franklin's history. He noted that the council is limited in its ability to address the camp zoning issue.
• Councilwoman Francois: Stated she was "appalled" by the camp situation and would investigate further.
• Councilman Onyejiaka: Thanked the DPW for fixing a street sign.
• Councilmember Petaznik: Wished everyone a happy Pi Day (3/14) and encouraged more women in mathematics.
• Deputy Mayor Ambrossio: Noted that the Sewerage Authority received $3.4 million in county ARP funds for infrastructure. He announced a 13-year-old resident's upcoming book on Kingston history, with proceeds benefiting the Kingston Historical Society. He also called for sensitivity training for zoning board members following the camp hearing.
• Mayor Kramer: Expressed concern for working families relying on the camp and confirmed he would review the zoning board hearing tape. He also noted that over 500 acres have been preserved in the last five years at a cost of $24 million, with 38-39% of township land permanently preserved.
• Township Manager: Urged council to review all application materials for the camp and noted the preservation efforts in the area.

Ordinances - Public Hearings & Adoption (Second Reading)

All seven ordinances on second reading were adopted unanimously:

• Ordinance 4396-23: Amends personnel policies to add Juneteenth as a holiday.
• Ordinance 4397-23: Amends filming regulations to allow filming on weekends and require notification to the county.
• Ordinance 4398-23: Updates towing rates to align with other towns and ensure adequate towing response.
• Ordinance 4399-23: Amends fee schedules, moving fees between ordinances and requiring insurance for certain gatherings.
• Ordinance 4400-23: Amends parks and recreation code regarding exclusive-use permits.
• Ordinance 4401-23: Amends the "Right to Farm" ordinance to allow special occasion events on preserved commercial farms, as permitted by state law.
• Ordinance 4402-23: Accepts a public sidewalk easement at 1100 Randolph Road.

Ordinances - Introduction & First Reading

Three ordinances were introduced on first reading, with public hearings set for March 28, 2023 (noted as a correction from the agenda which listed March 14):

• Ordinance 4403-23: Amends Chapter 384 (Water) to increase water rates by 15% (instead of the recommended 25%) and add a distribution investment charge (0.1 cent per 100 gallons). The median household water bill will increase by approximately $100 per year. The council discussed the need for the increase to maintain infrastructure and noted that New Jersey American Water also raised rates by 3.5%.
• Ordinance 4404-23: Amends the Hamilton Street Business Community Special Improvement District boundaries to divide one lot, partly removing it from the district.
• Ordinance 4405-23: Authorizes acceptance of a conservation easement from AACTFR Property, LLC for 401 Cottontail Lane.

Consent Agenda

All 12 resolutions on the consent agenda were adopted unanimously, including:

• Resolution #23-079: Stormwater detention facility maintenance agreement.
• Resolution #23-080: Supporting applications for cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, and distributor cannabis licenses.
• Resolution #23-081: Supporting applications for retail cannabis licenses.
• Resolution #23-082: Supporting preservation of open space at the PNC Bank site (675 Franklin Boulevard). Councilman Wright expressed strong support, noting it is the last open space in the area.
• Resolution #23-083: Authorizing tax title lien redemptions.
• Resolution #23-084: Awarding fireworks bid to Schaefer Pyrotechnics for $18,480 (with rain date July 7).
• Resolution #23-085: Awarding UPS battery replacement contract for $12,460.
• Resolution #23-086: Refunding construction water meter escrows.
• Resolution #23-087: Issuing special event permit for Renaissance Cyclists bike-a-thon on September 16, 2023.
• Resolution #23-088: Issuing special event permit for Garden State Track Club 5K & 10 Mile on March 26, 2023.
• Resolution #23-089: Revised 2023 temporary/emergency budget appropriation.
• Resolution #23-090: Refunding tax and water overpayments.

Key Outcomes

• All second reading ordinances were adopted unanimously (8-0).
• Three first reading ordinances were introduced; public hearings scheduled for March 28, 2023.
• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously.
• Councilman Wright's resolution supporting preservation of open space at the PNC Bank site was adopted via consent agenda.
• Stephanie Sprug was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Open Space Committee.
• The council acknowledged the zoning board's denial of a use variance for Cedar Brook Day Camp but noted limited jurisdiction; several council members pledged to investigate the matter further.
• The water rate increase will be implemented in stages to avoid a sudden burden on residents.