OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – June 27, 2023

Township Council — Tuesday, June 27, 2023
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, June 27, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:13

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

That this work session regular meeting will take place in a municipal building, Council Chambers at 7 p.m.

0:05

on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

0:09

Thank you.

0:10

If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for an invocation by Deputy Mayor Rom.

0:38

Oh God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful hear our supplications and through thy infinite love and mercy graciously grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times.

0:55

Amen.

1:04

Deputy Mayor Barrison.

1:06

Here.

1:06

Councilwoman Francois here.

1:08

Mayor Kramer.

1:09

Here.

1:09

Councilman Oni Jaka.

1:11

Councilmember Pataznik.

1:13

Councilwoman Pewett.

1:15

Councilwoman Udine?

1:16

Here.

1:17

Councilwoman Vassanella.

1:19

I'm sorry, Councilman Vassanella.

1:20

I apologize.

1:21

Councilman Wright.

1:24

Okay.

1:25

Um, we normally would have proclamations and commendations at this time.

1:29

Item number five on the agenda.

1:31

You can find copies of the agenda over there.

1:33

Uh, Councilmember Pataznik was going to do that.

1:36

He's a little late, so we will skip on to public discussion and go back to commendations and proclamations.

1:43

We have a motions open to the public.

1:45

So moved.

1:46

Seconded.

1:47

Moved and seconded.

1:48

All in favor of opening to the public say aye.

1:50

Aye.

1:51

Opposed say nay.

1:52

Motion is carried.

1:53

We're open to the public.

1:54

Five minutes each, no yielding of time.

1:57

Please state your name and address.

1:58

You can only come up once.

2:10

Dave Robinson, 349 Biltmore Lane, Somerset Run, retired ATT division manager and NJIT engineering graduate.

2:19

I've analyzed the available traffic studies from the 15 warehouse proposals currently before the planning board and questioned the expert for the B9 proposal at the last planning board meeting.

2:32

I came away with many more concerns than valid answers.

2:37

Ten of these studies were done by either dynamic traffic or Dolan and Dean consultants.

2:42

The studies are remarkably similar in methodology, given the variety of the proposals and factors like size, new bills, or repurposed properties.

2:52

The traffic impact studies performed by these consultants are, in my opinion, woefully lacking in actual data.

2:59

Lots of pages and charts that are based for the most part on theoretical projections from the ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers and Highway Capacity Manual.

3:09

Several of the traffic studies were based only on four hours of actual traffic counts.

3:15

Data, some of them 18 months ago.

3:18

The B9 study was done on Thursday, January 22nd.

3:23

Some studies relied solely on ITE projections with no actual data counts.

3:28

Most of the individual traffic studies were done in a silo manner by not taking into consideration the long-term effect of the combined growth from 18 additional proposed or under construction warehouses.

3:42

This was done even though these experts were fully aware of all the other warehouse proposals.

3:47

In fact, two dynamic traffic studies regarding two warehouses in close proximity on school house noted that either one is identified as a potential significant traffic generator, but then concluded that each project individually would not cause any significant operation conditions.

4:08

Go figure that one.

4:10

Most of the traffic study future projections go out only two years, a baseline growth rate of 1.75%.

4:19

It was taken from a New Jersey Department of Transportation data that represented the entirety of Somerset County, not the small area that we're talking about, which is a two-mile radius around the intersection of Elizabeth and Schoolhouse from Davidson to Randolph.

4:38

The 15 new proposals on the planning board website, and three which have been recently opened or are being built, would add if approved approximately 3.2 million square foot more of warehouse footage and close to 500 more loading docks into this already heavily warehouse laden zone.

5:00

The township may cover the potential tax revenues from these warehouses, but should not overlook the property tax revenues from the four senior communities in their immediate area as well as the summer fields development.

5:12

For example, the Amazon Distribution Center has paid about $2 million per year in property taxes in 21 and 22 per yext department.

5:22

Our senior committee communities paid about 22 million dollars a year in property taxes, 10 times that.

5:31

From the studies I've analyzed, authored by Dynamic Traffic and Dolan and Dean, never once did they conclude that the particular proposed warehouse would have a negative impact on the surrounding traffic and quality of life for the residents.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Warehouse Development████████████████████████████28%
Procedural████████████12%
Traffic Safety██████████10%
Transportation Safety█████████9%
Public Safety███████7%
LGBTQ+ Rights███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Education████4%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – June 27, 2023

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on June 27, 2023, addressing public concerns about warehouse development, traffic studies, and quality of life. The council adopted two ordinances, approved a consent agenda of 16 resolutions, and heard a Pride Month proclamation.

Proclamation – Pride Month 2023

  • Councilmember Patasnik read a proclamation declaring June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The proclamation was presented to Dr. Gail Nelson, advisor of the PACE club at Franklin High School, and recent graduate Noelia Rodriguez, who shared personal stories of support and resilience.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dave Robinson (349 Biltmore Lane): Criticized warehouse traffic studies as lacking real data, using only theoretical projections, and failing to consider cumulative impacts of multiple proposals. Urged the council to pause approvals until actual data from existing warehouses is available.
  • Jim Salomos (7315 Minuteman Lane, Canal Walk): Described noise from truck backup beeps disturbing his sleep, and requested that bike lanes be added on Schoolhouse Road as previously discussed.
  • Anthony Riccio: Argued that the township’s noise and setback ordinances are arbitrary and capricious and may not hold up in court; suggested elevating the issue to the state legislature.
  • Kiki Anastasakos (3204 Enclave Circle): Proposed creating a Franklin Township rest stop for truck drivers to reduce idling, noting support from Teamsters. The mayor revealed the council had been discussing a similar idea.
  • Sally Zaharchak (Fort Constitution Way): Praised the noise ordinance but urged the council to double-check data in traffic studies and serve residents’ interests. Stated her four children want her to move due to warehouse impacts.
  • Marlon Kwan (28J's Corner): Expressed dismay at the planning board’s handling of the B9 warehouse application, particularly the request for a third driveway to avoid variances, which he viewed as improper and developer-friendly.
  • Unnamed speaker (emotional, Canal Walk area): Described the B9 warehouse as only 100 feet from her back patio, with 60 truck bays causing health and safety concerns. Accused officials of being too close to the developer, citing a photo with the developer’s representatives.
  • Terry Thorson (18 Labed Drive): Noted that traffic studies are boilerplate and ignore air quality; reported that other municipalities view Franklin negatively due to warehouse proliferation. Called for air quality studies and humane treatment of truck drivers.
  • Another resident (not named): Highlighted severe truck traffic on local roads and argued that cumulative impact could add 2,000 more trucks, requiring costly road widening.
  • Angelica Gernados (3307 Jackie Halo Trail): Asked why weight limit signs on Mettler’s Road are incomplete and questioned the absence of four-ton limits on Western Road.

Discussion Items

  • Warehouse Moratorium: Mayor Kramer explained that a moratorium would likely be challenged in court due to statutory time limits for planning board hearings, and that an emergency moratorium is not legally justified for air quality concerns. The council is working with state legislators on longer-term solutions.
  • Traffic Studies and Air Quality: The mayor noted the township is purchasing 20 air quality monitors to be placed near Canal Walk and Somerset Run to gather before-and-after data. He acknowledged that air quality regulation is a state matter.
  • Third Driveway at B9 Warehouse: Township Manager Vornlocker explained that the third driveway was requested by the township to separate car and truck traffic, preventing trucks from turning left toward Canal Walk. He stated this was a safety measure, not a concession to the developer.
  • Bike Lanes on Schoolhouse Road: Manager Vornlocker stated that federal traffic control guidelines prevent painting shared-lane markings (sharrows) due to the current speed limit, which a police survey found unable to be lowered. A comprehensive bike lane plan is on hold until the issue is resolved.
  • Truck Rest Stop Proposal: The mayor and manager expressed support for exploring a Franklin rest stop to reduce idling but cautioned about potential unintended consequences like attracting non-local trucks.
  • Weight Limit Signs: Manager Vornlocker clarified that signs are placed at the start of weight-restricted zones, and that Western Road does not have a four-ton limit unless specifically enacted by ordinance.
  • Lightning Strike Incident: Manager Vornlocker reported that the police radio tower was struck by lightning shortly after midnight, knocking out some non-emergency phone lines. 911 and dispatch remain operational; IT worked to restore systems.
  • YMCA Feasibility Study: Deputy Mayor Anbarasan announced that a YMCA feasibility study in Franklin was completed and recommended proceeding with a fundraising campaign. The YMCA would be funded through donations and grants.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda (Resolutions #23-217 through #23-253) was approved unanimously. Items included:
    • Award purchase of zero turn mowers ($26,993.92)
    • Install synthetic turf around skatepark ($71,141.00)
    • Purchase of Freightliner truck chassis ($107,312.35)
    • Award for stainless steel dump body ($129,045.00)
    • Purchase of three western plows ($21,032.64)
    • Award bid for parking lot resurfacing ($244,097.50)
    • Reject bids for Chester Avenue water main replacement
    • Award bid for reinforced concrete pipe ($90,000.00)
    • Award bid for road materials (up to $400,000/year per vendor)
    • Purchase of three Chevrolet Tahoes ($150,278.10)
    • Tax title lien redemptions
    • NJDCA grant for shade structure at Naaman Williams Park ($62,265.00)
    • Renewal of liquor license for Wine Vista
    • Extension of MOU with Somerset Community Action Program
    • Renewal of club license for Franklin Eagles Athletic Club
    • Special event permit for First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (July 22, 2023)

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance 4415-23: Adopted unanimously, authorizing acceptance of a water pump station easement and temporary construction easements from Laurel Avenue Corporation.
  • Ordinance 4416-23: Adopted unanimously, amending the dog and cat bite procedure (Chapter 115) to include procedures for bites on other animals.
  • Warrants (Bill List): Approved unanimously, totaling $9,469,360.68.
  • Consent Agenda: All 16 resolutions approved unanimously with no items pulled.
  • No Executive Session: Meeting adjourned without closed session.

Meeting Transcript

That this work session regular meeting will take place in a municipal building, Council Chambers at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Thank you. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for an invocation by Deputy Mayor Rom. Oh God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful hear our supplications and through thy infinite love and mercy graciously grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times. Amen. Deputy Mayor Barrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka. Councilmember Pataznik. Councilwoman Pewett. Councilwoman Udine? Here. Councilwoman Vassanella. I'm sorry, Councilman Vassanella. I apologize. Councilman Wright. Okay. Um, we normally would have proclamations and commendations at this time. Item number five on the agenda. You can find copies of the agenda over there. Uh, Councilmember Pataznik was going to do that. He's a little late, so we will skip on to public discussion and go back to commendations and proclamations. We have a motions open to the public. So moved. Seconded. Moved and seconded. All in favor of opening to the public say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion is carried. We're open to the public. Five minutes each, no yielding of time. Please state your name and address. You can only come up once. Dave Robinson, 349 Biltmore Lane, Somerset Run, retired ATT division manager and NJIT engineering graduate. I've analyzed the available traffic studies from the 15 warehouse proposals currently before the planning board and questioned the expert for the B9 proposal at the last planning board meeting. I came away with many more concerns than valid answers. Ten of these studies were done by either dynamic traffic or Dolan and Dean consultants. The studies are remarkably similar in methodology, given the variety of the proposals and factors like size, new bills, or repurposed properties. The traffic impact studies performed by these consultants are, in my opinion, woefully lacking in actual data. Lots of pages and charts that are based for the most part on theoretical projections from the ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers and Highway Capacity Manual. Several of the traffic studies were based only on four hours of actual traffic counts. Data, some of them 18 months ago. The B9 study was done on Thursday, January 22nd. Some studies relied solely on ITE projections with no actual data counts. Most of the individual traffic studies were done in a silo manner by not taking into consideration the long-term effect of the combined growth from 18 additional proposed or under construction warehouses.

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