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Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - March 28, 2023

Township Council — Tuesday, March 28, 2023
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, March 28, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:08:36

Original source
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0:00

The Franklin Township Council is called to order.

0:02

Madam Clerk.

0:03

This work session regularly, 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.

0:24

Council chambers at 7 p.m.

0:26

on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

0:32

We will be led by the Scouts of Troop 154 in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:23

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.

1:46

Let us continue to strive to make a better world.

1:49

Amen.

1:52

Thank you.

1:53

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

1:58

Deputy Mayor Ambarrison.

1:59

Here.

2:00

Councilwoman Francois.

2:01

Here.

2:01

Mayor Kramer.

2:02

Here.

2:03

Councilman O'Nichaka.

2:05

Councilmember Patosnik.

2:07

Councilwoman Pruitt?

2:09

Here.

2:09

Councilwoman Udine?

2:10

Here.

2:11

Councilman Vassanella?

2:12

Here.

2:13

Councilman Wright.

2:15

Thank you.

2:17

Now on to item number five on the agenda.

2:19

There are copies of the agenda of Clerk.

2:23

Doesn't bite.

2:24

Go ahead.

2:26

Now on to A.

2:28

Eagle Scout Proclamation, Dalton, what's his last name?

2:33

Vassanella.

2:35

Did I pronounce that correctly?

2:37

So Dalton, if you could come up.

3:16

Well, this is a proud day.

3:19

Someone receiving their Eagle Scout Award is an incredible accomplishment.

3:25

And as you can see, it's one of the family.

3:29

So here, whereas the Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor which can be attained within the ranks of Scouts, and whereas only two percent of all registered scouts in the world obtained the Eagle Scout rank, and whereas Dalton Vassanella spent six years in Cub Scouts in PAC 195 and continued on with Scouting for seven more years with Troop 154, and whereas Dalton held many leadership positions, including senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, then chief, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, chaplain's aide, and camp counselor, and whereas Dalton participated in many events, including summer camps, Klondike Derbies, First Aid Competitions, Winter Camps, Stream Cleanups, Neptune's Aqual Challenges, Fishing Trips, Community Service Projects, Parades and Car washes, and whereas Dalton has successfully completed his Eagle Scout Project and Eagle Board of Review on August 10th, 2022, and has also earned a bronze eagle palm and gold eagle palm for completing 10 more merit badges than required.

4:49

And whereas Dalton's Eagle Scout Project was constructing the Trail of Faith, which is a point four mile long, which is.4 miles long and provides a place to reflect on their relationships with God, deepen their spirituality, pray and meditate, and while surrounded by nature on the grounds of St.

5:10

Matthias Parish.

5:11

Now, therefore, we, Councilman Vassanela, and Phil Kramer, mayor of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Township Council and the citizens of the Township of Franklin, to hereby commend Dalton Vassanela for the honor he has bestowed upon his community, Boy Scout Troop 154, family and friends as a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award.

5:38

Congratulations, Dalton.

5:48

My Eagle Scout project was a long process.

5:51

In it, I learned a lot about turning a goal into a reality, and I'm very happy to have had the opportunity and uh given back to the community.

6:02

I uh it would not have been possible without my scout leader, Mr.

6:06

Farnell, our committee chair, Mr.

6:09

Hobbs, and my eagle board, uh my eagle advisor, Mr.

6:13

Healy, as well as the many scouts and parents who helped me with the construction of the trail and the many other things that helped me get eagle.

6:27

Thank you.

6:30

Councilman.

6:40

Um I just like to say that Dalton's worked very hard.

6:44

I've followed Dalton for the last 13 years.

6:46

My son is the same year as him.

6:48

My son didn't make eagle.

6:50

It really is uh something to achieve, and I couldn't be proud of him getting to this point.

6:58

He's gonna be something that he carries on with uh carries on with the rest of his life.

7:03

He'll always be an Eagle Scout.

7:05

So congratulations, Dalton.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████15%
Community Engagement███████████11%
Youth Programs████████8%
Warehouse Development███████7%
Public Health██████6%
Land Development█████5%
Flooding█████5%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Open Space████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting – March 28, 2023

The Franklin Township Council met on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the municipal building. The meeting included proclamations, public comments on warehouse developments and noise pollution, adoption of ordinances, presentation of the 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications, and a consent agenda with numerous resolutions. An executive session was authorized to discuss a potential open space acquisition.

Proclamations

  • Eagle Scout Proclamation – Dalton Vassanella – Recognized for earning the Eagle Scout Award (only 2% of scouts achieve this). His project was building the 0.4-mile Trail of Faith at St. Matthias Parish. Councilman Vassanella, father of the scout, and other council members offered congratulations.
  • Nowruz (Persian New Year) Proclamation – Proclaimed March 20, 2023, as Nowruz Day in Franklin Township, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the holiday.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Adi Olajitan (5 Shannon Court) – Voiced opposition to the installation of a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) by Agilex, a fragrance company operating near his home since 2017. He cited increased noise pollution (trucks, exhaust fans) and air pollution, and argued that the company’s noise mitigation plan was theoretical and unlikely to reduce decibel levels as claimed. He submitted a letter to the council.
  • Terry Thorst (18 Labed Drive) – Reported on successful historical events and asked whether the township has goals for 2023. Noted the upcoming 225th anniversary of Franklin Township and inquired about a floodplain administrator (identified as Scott Thomas). Promoted a stream cleanup on April 15.
  • Michael Bryan (40 Bryan Court) – Questioned whether new warehouse properties (approx. 1.5 million sq ft) are rented or vacant. Economic Development Officer Vince Dominick stated that many lack certificates of occupancy. Bryan offered to provide addresses.
  • Jan Brandt (22 Bryant Court) – Raised several concerns: 1) Whether the township can require vetting of speculative warehouses; 2) Requested an updated list of warehouses built since 2018; 3) How traffic generation codes are applied to spec warehouses; 4) Whether the new flood damage prevention ordinance applies to pending applications (clarified it does not); 5) Expressed empathy for noise/quality-of-life impacts from 24/7 warehouse operations.
  • Robin Scudder (43 Livingston Avenue, East Millstone Historical Society) – Expressed support for the executive session item regarding conservation easement on a historic property.
  • Kiki Anastasicus (3204 Enclave Circle) – Emphasized citizen participation in democracy and asked for a timeline for revision of the township master plan. Suggested forming a citizen task force with diverse representation to work with the planning board.
  • Patricia Love (393 Canal Road) – Voiced full support for the conservation easement discussed in executive session, citing environmental and wildlife corridor benefits.
  • John Latrakis (Arlington Avenue) – Asked if Arlington Avenue is in the floodplain (answered no) and raised safety concerns about the Easton Avenue/287 interchange turnaround. Manager explained the safety study is a county initiative under DOT jurisdiction; public meetings will be held.
  • Debbie Stewart (Farrington Plaza) – Commented on a webinar about warehouse sprawl, argued that zoning now favors developers over residents, and asked the township to consider resident surveys (manager noted recent surveys). She supported land preservation and urged strict adherence to scenic corridor protections.

Discussion Items

  • Council Member Responses to Public Comments:

    • Mayor Kramer and council members addressed Jan Brandt’s questions: The township does not vet spec warehouses because property owners can use land in conformance with zoning; traffic codes for warehouses were discussed (fulfillment centers have non-sort and sort types with different trip generations; the building at 31 Schoolhouse Road is not a sort fulfillment center).
    • Councilman Wright discussed outreach to Hispanic residents, noting that many attend school regardless of legal status and that schools provide ESL and job training. He proposed leveraging a joint meeting with the Board of Education on April 5.
    • Councilwoman Udean reported on a land use meeting and a survey for Ward 2. Councilwoman Francois noted previous community surveys for redevelopment and youth center.
    • Councilwoman Pruitt reported public safety updates: grant for ShotSpotter and ALPR; finalist in All-American Civic League; police accreditation; donations from Garden State Track Club.
    • Deputy Mayor Ambarrasón highlighted a CDL training program funded by a grant (five spots, $5,250 per person) via Somerset Community Action Program; urged public interest.
    • Councilman Oni Jaka reported on honoring Michel Mokers, a 100-year-old French Resistance veteran, and on the financial oversight committee meeting.

  • Township Manager’s Report:

    • Announced the 2023 CDBG public hearing (see below).
    • Promoted a housing rehabilitation loan program (up to $25,000 in zero-interest loans forgivable upon sale).
    • Noted that Anchor property tax relief direct deposits were issued.

  • 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing:

    • Grant total: $348,561 from HUD; must benefit low/moderate-income residents.
    • Applicants presented:
      • Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (Sharon Clark) – Requested $10,278.48 for rental/housing counseling services. Served 1,720 new clients last year.
      • Center for Great Expectations (Tim Cummings) – Requested $25,000 for child development center (Katie’s Place) and $25,500 to replace five hot water heaters in residential facilities for mothers in recovery and adolescent pregnant/parenting youth.
      • Franklin Food Bank (Allie O’Brien) – Requested funding for a mobile office, kitchen equipment for nutrition demonstrations, and parking lot repaving. Serves over 20,000 families annually.

  • Ordinances on Second Reading (Adopted):

    • Ordinance 4403-23 – Amended Chapter 384 (Water) to increase base water rate by 15% and add a tier of $0.001 per gallon. Adopted unanimously (8-0-1 abstention on minutes only).
    • Ordinance 4404-23 – Amended the Hamilton Street Business Community Special Improvement District to remove a property that was rezoned from commercial. Adopted unanimously.
    • Ordinance 4405-23 – Authorized acceptance of a conservation easement from AACTFR Property, LLC for 401 Cottontail Lane (Block 517.01, Lot 8.06). Adopted unanimously.

  • Ordinance on Introduction (First Reading):

    • Ordinance 4406-23 – Repeals and replaces Chapter 192 (Flood Damage Prevention) to adopt new FEMA flood hazard maps and designate a floodplain administrator. Set for public hearing and final adoption on April 11, 2023. Approved for introduction (unanimous).

  • Consent Agenda (Resolutions 23-091 through 23-105): Adopted en bloc without discussion. Included grants, tax refunds, contract awards (e.g., trunked radio system upgrade $1,729,955.60; SCADA maintenance; endpoint protection; police vehicle outfitting; special event permits).

  • Resolutions Voted Separately (23-107 through 23-112):

    • Authorized 2023 tax rates for Fire Districts 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • Authorized stormwater detention facility maintenance agreements for properties at 322 Cedar Ave/335 Elizabeth Ave and 110 Belmont Drive. All adopted unanimously.

  • Executive Session:

    • Resolution 23-106 – Authorized closed session to discuss acquisition of open space property (Block 73.01, Lot 4.01 – 4 Elm Street). Council noted the address was inadvertently listed. No action expected after session. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinances: All three second-reading ordinances (4403, 4404, 4405) were adopted. Ordinance 4406 was introduced on first reading; public hearing set for April 11, 2023.
  • Consent Agenda & Resolutions: All 15 consent agenda items and 6 separate resolutions were approved without dissent.
  • CDBG Process: Public hearing held; applications will be considered for final award.
  • Appointments: Arnold Schmidt was nominated and approved as a member of the Open Space Committee. Councilman Wright appointed Erica CEO as his representative to the Planning Board.
  • Executive Session: Authorized to discuss potential open space acquisition; no further public action.
  • Next Meeting: April 11, 2023, at 7:00 PM for public hearing on Ordinance 4406 and other business.

Meeting Transcript

The Franklin Township Council is called to order. Madam Clerk. This work session regularly, 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, March 28, 2023. We will be led by the Scouts of Troop 154 in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Ambarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman O'Nichaka. Councilmember Patosnik. Councilwoman Pruitt? Here. Councilwoman Udine? Here. Councilman Vassanella? Here. Councilman Wright. Thank you. Now on to item number five on the agenda. There are copies of the agenda of Clerk. Doesn't bite. Go ahead. Now on to A. Eagle Scout Proclamation, Dalton, what's his last name? Vassanella. Did I pronounce that correctly? So Dalton, if you could come up. Well, this is a proud day. Someone receiving their Eagle Scout Award is an incredible accomplishment. And as you can see, it's one of the family. So here, whereas the Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor which can be attained within the ranks of Scouts, and whereas only two percent of all registered scouts in the world obtained the Eagle Scout rank, and whereas Dalton Vassanella spent six years in Cub Scouts in PAC 195 and continued on with Scouting for seven more years with Troop 154, and whereas Dalton held many leadership positions, including senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, then chief, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, chaplain's aide, and camp counselor, and whereas Dalton participated in many events, including summer camps, Klondike Derbies, First Aid Competitions, Winter Camps, Stream Cleanups, Neptune's Aqual Challenges, Fishing Trips, Community Service Projects, Parades and Car washes, and whereas Dalton has successfully completed his Eagle Scout Project and Eagle Board of Review on August 10th, 2022, and has also earned a bronze eagle palm and gold eagle palm for completing 10 more merit badges than required. And whereas Dalton's Eagle Scout Project was constructing the Trail of Faith, which is a point four mile long, which is.4 miles long and provides a place to reflect on their relationships with God, deepen their spirituality, pray and meditate, and while surrounded by nature on the grounds of St. Matthias Parish. Now, therefore, we, Councilman Vassanela, and Phil Kramer, mayor of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Township Council and the citizens of the Township of Franklin, to hereby commend Dalton Vassanela for the honor he has bestowed upon his community, Boy Scout Troop 154, family and friends as a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award. Congratulations, Dalton. My Eagle Scout project was a long process. In it, I learned a lot about turning a goal into a reality, and I'm very happy to have had the opportunity and uh given back to the community. I uh it would not have been possible without my scout leader, Mr. Farnell, our committee chair, Mr. Hobbs, and my eagle board, uh my eagle advisor, Mr. Healy, as well as the many scouts and parents who helped me with the construction of the trail and the many other things that helped me get eagle.

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