Franklin Township Council Meeting - April 11, 2023
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Franklin Township Council Meeting - April 11, 2023
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.
Proclamations
- American Muslim Heritage Month: Councilwoman Udine presented a proclamation declaring April 2023 as American Muslim Heritage Month. Dr. Krause, president of the Interfaith Council, accepted and noted Franklin Township is the second most diverse town in New Jersey with 72 houses of worship.
- Tamil New Year: Deputy Mayor Ambarrison presented a proclamation declaring April 14, 2023, as Tamil New Year in Franklin Township. Kabita Sundar, a Franklin resident and executive committee member of New Jersey Tamil Sangam, accepted and highlighted the Tamil community's contributions.
- Hindu New Year: Deputy Mayor Ambarrison presented a proclamation recognizing the Hindu New Year (with various regional names such as Ugadi, Gudi Padva, Baisakhi, etc.) celebrated on March 22, 2023. Vijay and other community members accepted.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Warehouse Development Opposition: Multiple residents from Canal Walk and surrounding communities voiced strong opposition to the proposed B9 warehouse (Link Logistics/Blackstone) and the 163 Weston Road warehouse. Key concerns included:
- Proximity: B9 would be built 100 feet from Canal Walk residences, operating 24/7, negatively impacting quality of life.
- Environmental impact: The 163 Weston Road warehouse would require cutting down an estimated 5,000 trees; the cumulative tree loss from warehouses in Franklin was described as akin to deforestation.
- Traffic: Lack of a comprehensive traffic study despite promises made in 2022. Residents documented 18-wheelers using Schoolhouse Road illegally. Traffic from existing and proposed warehouses is overwhelming local roads.
- Flooding: Questions about whether stormwater controls are adequate, especially given wetland destruction.
- Cumulative impact: Total warehouse square footage already built since 2018 is 5,595,000 sq ft; an additional 2,324,268 sq ft remains unbuilt but approved. The density of warehousing is harming community resources.
- Support for Warehouses: One speaker (25 Park Side) spoke in favor of more warehouses, arguing they create jobs for local residents, especially youth, and can help reduce property taxes. He also called for more affordable housing and urged the council to allow apartment construction at the former Kmart site.
- Response from Resident: Another resident (Debbie Stewart) countered that warehouses should be located away from residential areas and questioned whether local residents actually get jobs at these warehouses.
- Scenic Corridor Concerns: A resident read from the scenic corridor district overlay purpose statement, arguing that the B9 development would destroy scenic views, open space, and wildlife habitats.
Discussion Items
- Township Manager's Report: Robert Vornlocker addressed public comments on the flood damage prevention ordinance (second reading), clarifying it applies only to properties within FEMA-defined floodplains, not Canal Walk. He also shared that the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission report on the B9 site concluded that stormwater runoff after construction, with controls, would be less than pre-construction levels.
- Council Comments:
- Councilmember Potosnak : Reported attending a White House event on the Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure; invited residents to stream cleanups on April 15 and 19.
- Councilwoman Francois and Councilman Vasanella praised the cultural proclamations and diversity of Franklin. Vasanella highlighted upcoming streetscape improvements on Lillian and Meister streets, Shade Tree Committee activities, and Arbor Day events.
- Councilwoman Udine announced a blood drive (April 14, 9am-3pm), the official opening of the skateboard park at Middlebush Park (April 15, 10am-12pm), and a survey for Ward 2 residents. Dog fountains are being installed in parks.
- Deputy Mayor Ambarrison congratulated Diamond Miller (WNBA #2 draft pick from Franklin), reported on a STEM event at Pine Grove Elementary School, and discussed sewerage authority union contract negotiations and CDL training programs.
- Mayor Kramer apologized for a previous joke about police dispatchers, thanked the community for participation in an Iftar dinner, and addressed warehouse concerns: the township tried to purchase the Weston property for open space but was outbid. He defended Franklin's record on affordable housing and job creation.
- CY2023 Municipal Budget Introduction:
- Township Manager presented the proposed budget: total appropriations decreased by ~$10 million from 2022, largely due to non-repeat of $7.73 million in American Rescue Plan grants. Operating expenses increased by $1.6 million (pensions, salaries, overtime, legal, library tax). Capital improvement fund decreased by $3.3 million, but $4.25 million in bonding is planned for roads and sidewalks.
- The municipal tax levy increases by 1% (to $35,842,746), resulting in a $25.64 increase on the average home ($436,860 assessed value). Combined with library and open space tax increases, the total average home tax increase is $58.70 (from $1,439.73 to $1,498.43).
- The municipal tax rate decreased from 0.3167 (2021) to 0.2833 (2022) to 0.26 (2023) due to rising assessments.
- Council commended the finance team for labor-intensive work, noting this was Councilwoman Francois’s last budget.
- Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (4406-23): Adopted on second reading after a public hearing. It repeals and replaces Chapter 192 to align with FEMA flood hazard maps and designates a floodplain administrator.
- Cap Bank Ordinance (4407-23): Introduced on first reading to exceed the CY2023 municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank (allowing the township to reserve unused appropriation capacity for up to three years). Public hearing set for April 25, 2023.
- Consent Agenda: Items A through Y were approved en bloc, including:
- Resolution #23-118: Tax & water title lien redemptions.
- Resolution #23-119: FY2023 Summer Youth Employment Grant ($3,000).
- Resolution #23-120: GASB 75 valuation contract with Aon Consulting ($13,500).
- Resolution #23-121: Bennetts Lane Resurfacing bid award to Fischer Contracting ($508,075.34).
- Resolution #23-122: Ruppert Dr Area Resurfacing bid award to Fischer Contracting ($859,608.19).
- Resolution #23-123: Final change order for Butler Rd Area Resurfacing (decrease from $491,933.38 to $462,771.65).
- Resolution #23-124: Matilda & Chester Avenues sidewalk construction to Diamond Construction ($117,891.60).
- Resolution #23-125: Ridings Parkway Area Resurfacing to DeSantis Construction ($591,228.93).
- Resolution #23-127: Fire hydrant and replacement parts contract to Ferguson Enterprises and Brent Material Company ($100,000/year per vendor).
- Resolution #23-128: Special event permit for Police Athletic League Football Jamboree (July 22 & 29, 10am-7pm, Middlebush Park).
- Resolution #23-129: Special event permit for Franklin Food Bank Tour De Franklin bike ride (April 30, 8am-3pm, Franklin High School).
- Resolution #23-130: Refund construction water meters escrow ($2,123.96 to Alston Construction, $331.34 to Pal-Pro Builder).
- Resolution #23-131: Deposit construction water meters escrow ($374.20 from AJW CHU, LLC).
- Resolution #23-132, #133, #134: Stormwater detention facility maintenance agreements for 56 Gates Road, 200 Cottontail Lane, and 50 Atrium Drive.
- Resolution #23-135: Alcohol permit for bridal shower at Van Liew-Suydam House (June 17, 10am-4pm).
- Resolution #23-136: Supporting RevolutionNJ.
- Resolution #23-137: Supporting cannabis retail applications to the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
- Resolution #23-139: Office 365 Gov E3 state contract award to CDWG ($232,551.99).
- Resolution #23-140: Release plan review escrow for Davanne Realty (60 Clyde Road).
- Resolution #23-141: Release performance guarantee for sanitary sewer at 360 DeMott Lane ($37,930).
- Resolution #23-142: Performance guarantee reduction for Jalaram Seva Samaj (from $808,078.80 to $242,423.64).
- Resolution #23-143: Purchase of two Freightliner chassis from North Jersey Truck Center ($214,624.70 total).
- Resolution #23-144: Reject bids for police interceptor utility vehicles.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamations: Three proclamations were adopted by voice vote without opposition.
- Minutes: Approved for March 21, 2023 (budget hearing) and March 28, 2023 (work session/regular meeting/executive session).
- Warrants: Approved for payment totaling $30,164,220.50 on April 11, 2023.
- Hamilton Street Special Improvement District Budget: Resolution #23-114 read by title; public hearing held; Resolution #23-115 adopted unanimously.
- CY2023 Municipal Budget Introduction: Resolution #23-116 (self-examination) and Resolution #23-117 (introduction and public hearing date of May 9, 2023) were adopted unanimously. The budget proposes a 1% municipal tax levy increase.
- Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (4406-23): Adopted on second reading unanimously after public hearing.
- Cap Bank Ordinance (4407-23): Introduced on first reading unanimously; public hearing set for April 25, 2023.
- Consent Agenda: All items A through Y approved by voice vote without pull.
- Adjournment: Meeting adjourned after consent agenda; no executive session.
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, 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.
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