The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the municipal building council chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, approval of minutes and warrants, adoption of the Hamilton Street Special Improvement District Budget, introduction of the CY2023 Municipal Budget, adoption of a flood damage prevention ordinance, introduction of a cap bank ordinance, and approval of a consent agenda.
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, April 11, 2023. Thank you. If we could all stand for the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilmember Edaznak. Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek our own way, whatever sources of inspiration may come your way. As we look across the nation with senseless gun violence, that some common sense gun laws and reforms are enacted by people. We pray that President Biden and Vice President Harris and Governor Murphy, Commissioner Director of Home Town here in Chanel Robinson, our hometown assemblyman, Joe Danielson, as well as Senator Smith and Joe Egan, and all of us here on Council and throughout the municipality and our regions do the best they can for the people of our communities and act uh with fairness, equity, and justice. Amen. Madam Clerk, take attendance. Deputy Mayor Ambarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Mayor Kramer here. Councilman O'Nichaka. Councilmember Pataznik. Present. Councilwoman Pruitt. Here. Councilwoman Udine. Here. Councilman Vasanella. Here. Councilman Wright. We are now on to commendations and proclamations. Councilwoman Shepa Udin. Good evening. Dr. Krause here from Interfaith. He's the president of Interfaith Council, so he'll accompany me for this proclamation. Whereas freedom of religion holds the distinction as a chair's right and a foundational value upon which the laws and ethics of the United States are based and were as enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents. And where as American women have played a unique role throughout the history of the nation by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force of the nation. And whereas the history of Islam in this country dates back to before its founding, originating with enslaved Africans who brought their Muslim beliefs with them to the Americas and who later contributed in numerous ways to the founding of the nation. And whereas today there are millions of American Muslims, both immigrants and native-born of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and whereas American Muslim within the Township of Franklin strive to promote peace and understanding between all faiths, identities, and nationalities while upholding those values and principles that define the American people. And whereas currently Muslims around the world are also observing the month of Ramadan by fasting from sunrise to sunset for spiritual reflection and to help bring awareness to the light of the less fortunate, and whereas the end of the month of Ramadan is celebrated with the Eat Alpha There Festival, which is a joyous occasion marked by the sharing of sweets, gifts, and goods, and for male tidings and friends and neighbors. Now, therefore, the mayor and the council of the township of Franklin to hereby proclaim the month of April 2023, American Muslim Heritage Month, and extend the respect and camaraderie of every American deserves as we call this observance to the attention to our to uh attention of all of our citizens. And just as to you, Dr. Krazi, do you have something to say? Mr. Mayor and the Council, thank you very much. You know, some of you may not know that Franklin Township is the uh second diverse town in the state of New Jersey. And this body, time after time, they have shown their appreciation by proclaim proclamation like this, and also the members of this body participated in various uh celebration as well as uh traditions of diverse community that we have. We have 72 houses of worship in this township, and that's really something to be proud of. So again, thank you, and God bless you, and God bless this township. And I see that there are two more proclamation comments. Since I'm here, I want to wish the our Tamil friends happy new year, as well as the Hindu friends, happy new year. Thank you. He made the introductions for me.