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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - August 8, 2023

Township Council — Tuesday, August 8, 2023

BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey

SessionTownship Council

DateTuesday, August 8, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:31:47

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Madam Clerk.

0:03

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.

0:23

Council Chambers at 7 p.m.

0:25

on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023.

0:29

Thank you.

0:29

If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing by an invo for an invocation by Councilman Oli Jaka.

0:38

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:00

Sorry.

1:01

Here I was obligations on through the infinite law of Messi.

1:18

Amen.

1:27

Deputy Mayor Embarrison.

1:29

Here.

1:29

Councilwoman Francois.

1:30

Here.

1:31

Mayor Kramer.

1:32

Here.

1:32

Councilman Nonijaka.

1:33

Yeah.

1:34

Councilmember Pataznik.

1:35

Present.

1:36

Councilwoman Pruitt.

1:38

Here.

1:39

Councilwoman Rudin.

1:40

Here.

1:40

Councilman Vasanova.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Councilman Wright.

1:44

Is this microphone as loud as usual?

1:47

Can you hear me?

1:55

Okay.

1:56

Seems like I have to speak louder.

1:58

Okay.

1:58

We're on to accommodations and proclamations.

2:01

We're starting with the Garden State Track Club scholarships.

2:04

And we have Lieutenant Wilson and Sergeant Leia here to present.

2:22

Good evening.

2:24

I'm Lieutenant Vincent Wilson of the Franklin Township Police Department.

2:28

I'm here with Detective Sergeant Rebecca Lear on behalf of the Franklin Township Police Department and Public Safety Quavelo Mayweather, Director who could not be here this evening.

2:39

We first like to thank the Township Council as well as the mayor and township manager for believing in our uh community programs because they truly are working.

2:49

Um and tonight you will see the fruits of our labor.

2:52

Uh we have the Garden State Track Club here to present uh five scholarships that show that the police department, the uh community, and everybody involved can make things work with a little bit of effort, and this is a token of appreciation to those that have exhibited hard work and leadership, and they deserve the right to be recognized.

3:15

So Chuck from the Garden State Track Club, could you come up please and present your scholarships?

3:20

Thank you.

3:26

Hello everyone, and uh again, I would just want to uh mirror what uh what he just said.

3:33

Um we want to thank you all for um just being so accommodating with hosting this event every March and we're thrilled that uh after after supporting uh various other nonprofit organizations over the years, we're thrilled to be now teaming up with the uh police department and supporting um our graduating seniors.

3:53

So I'd like to I'd like to announce those five graduating seniors who have applied for this app for this scholarship and have been selected um uh after reviewing some 30 sum applications.

4:05

Uh so the first recipient is Noella Abreu.

4:10

Come on up here.

4:16

Uh the second one is Brittany Garcia Mendoza.

4:29

And the third recipient is Fennel Patel.

4:38

And the fourth recipient is Avery Scott.

4:48

Thank you.

4:49

And our fifth recipient of the Garden State Ten Mile uh scholarship is Marilyn Vargas Rodriguez.

5:06

And I just wanted to add four out of the five are from the Franklin High Schools, ROTC, and one is from the police department sponsored Franklin Fit program that we run at the Rec Center.

5:18

So this truly is a combination of education, uh physical fitness, uh community initiative.

5:25

This is what community policing truly looks like our next proclamation is by Deputy Mayor Ambers and Bassaran.

6:11

Um for human relations commission.

6:32

Is Helen here.

6:38

All right.

6:39

So human relations commission uh of the township uh meets every month, and uh we have commissioners appointed by the township uh council, and uh usually there is one junior commissioner uh from our high school.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural███████████████████████23%

Public Engagement███████████████████19%

Public Safety███████████11%

Stormwater Management██████████10%

Public Works███████7%

Noise Pollution██████6%

Youth Programs████4%

Parking Management████4%

Community Engagement███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - August 8, 2023

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The meeting included commendations, public comments, approval of ordinances, and a consent agenda with numerous resolutions. Key topics included a new bamboo ordinance, stormwater management updates, and responses to public concerns about warehouses, noise, and property maintenance.

Commendations & Proclamations

Garden State Track Club Scholarships: Five graduating seniors (Noella Abreu, Brittany Garcia Mendoza, Fennel Patel, Avery Scott, Marilyn Vargas Rodriguez) received scholarships. Four are from Franklin High School's ROTC, one from the police department's Franklin Fit program. The club reviewed over 30 applications.
Human Relations Commission Junior Commissioner: Halen Abera was recognized for her service as a junior commissioner. She was not present; the certificate will be delivered.

Public Comments & Testimony

Kiki Anastasicus (3204 Enclave Circle, member of Citizens Warehouse Action Group): Thanked the council for the noise ordinance and corrected a lawsuit statement by B9 developer calling residents a "vocal minority." She argued that the 2,000+ Canal Walk residents and other communities support balanced development with noise control.
Mrs. Peterson (12 Lake Avenue, Somerset): Congratulated council on poison ivy awareness; reported improved idling near 7-11 but ongoing truck idling in residential zones. Suggested a truck rest area at the former Kmart site. Also raised concerns about a large wedding with 100+ cars causing safety and parking issues.
Barbara Jennings (22 Woodlawn Road): Expressed support for the upcoming bamboo ordinance, asking council to vote in favor.
Robin Sidam (54 Skillman's Lane, Environmental Commission member): Urged council to require green roofs for new construction or major renovations to meet new state stormwater rules (36% more rainfall anticipated). Noted the first green roof in Franklin was approved by the planning board. Mentioned that the Environmental Commission sent a resolution in October 2020 but it was not adopted.
Beverly Lawson (2004 Amwell Road): Requested enforcement of lawn maintenance on abandoned or for-sale properties, noting it makes the township look uncared for. Also asked how to get appointed to a committee (HRC), and suggested that public comments be answered before council reports.
Marlon Kwan (28 J's Corner): Thanked council for listening on warehouse issues, emphasized that Summerfields community also supports noise ordinance. Questioned why the stormwater ordinance did not exempt projects with approvals but not yet commenced, as state regulations do. Council clarified that the effective date is time of decision, not retroactive.

Discussion Items

Council Comments & Reports:
- Councilwoman Udeen: Attended Woman to Woman domestic violence support group and police youth academy graduation.
- Councilman Vasanella: Public Works committee working on high grass ordinance; road repaving bids awarded; noted Franklin Township Babe Ruth U14 baseball team advanced to World Series.
- Councilwoman Francois: Congratulated Councilman Onyejiaka on his ordination as Chief Otumba; attended National Night Out; promoted Family Fun Day on September 9 and 52nd annual Community Unity Celebration.
- Councilwoman Pruitt: Acknowledged the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, a trailblazer; requested a moment of silence.
- Councilman Onyejiaka: Thanked council for support at his chieftaincy ceremony; noted quick response to vandalism of barrier chain.
- Councilman Patasznik: Thanked first responders for recovery of drowning victim Rolando Camuro Cholula; reminded public to swim only in guarded areas; reported progress on Ridings Parkway paving and tree planting; Route 518 pump station upgrade to be completed by end of October.
- Deputy Mayor Amberson: Explained tax breakdown (13.46% municipal, 62% school, 15.4% county, etc.); noted municipal tax levy increased 4.3% over 8 years (average 0.5% per year). Reported on Babe Ruth team's win against Mexico at World Series; working with RVCC to open a satellite center at Consulata; attended ICNA Relief backpack distribution and a new business open house.
- Mayor Kramer: Thanked council; noted three recent deaths (Lt. Gov. Oliver, drowning victim, 6-year-old on school bus); attended civility event at Six Mile Run Reform Church.
Township Manager's Report:
- Addressed high grass complaints: report to Somerset County Health Department; enforcement includes 10-day notice, then summons and lien.
- Announced a draft ordinance to regulate large events on private property ("pop-up parties") and public parks, to be reviewed by Public Safety Committee in September.
- Discussed truck parking: researched but found a truck stop at former Kmart too small; would likely worsen congestion.
- Reminded of free concert on August 25 at the gazebo.

Key Outcomes

Ordinance No. 4417-23 (Bamboo): Adopted on second reading (unanimous vote). Effective August 31, 2023. Requires containment of running bamboo; existing bamboo must be kept on property; complaints go to zoning department.
Ordinance No. 4418-23 (Police Outside Work): Introduced on first reading. Increases payment to officers for outside work to meet market rates. Public hearing and final adoption set for September 12, 2023.
Ordinance No. 4419-23 (Stormwater Management): Introduced on first reading. Aligns township code with new state stormwater requirements. Public hearing and final adoption set for September 12, 2023.
Consent Agenda: All items A through AK were approved unanimously. Highlights include:
- Resolution #23-291: Award of contract for a new street sweeper ($399,275.75).
- Resolution #23-294, 295, 296: Road resurfacing bids for Rue Chagall, Drake Rd, Crown Rd areas ($446,751.17, $673,055.10, $597,662.28 respectively).
- Resolution #23-297: Janitorial services contract ($279,578.00).
- Resolution #23-298: Convenience/recycling center services ($75,000/year, extendable).
- Resolution #23-301: Insertion of opioid settlement funds into budget ($160,705.52).
- Resolution #23-304: Acceptance of ARP grant for police mobile command post ($502,517.00).
- Resolution #23-322 and 323: Professional services agreements for B-I Zone Master Plan reexamination and traffic evaluation ($57,720 and $64,980).
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from June 13, June 27, and July 11, 2023 meetings were approved.
Approval of Warrants: Warrants totaling $42,169,880.26 were approved.
Old Business: No nominations for board vacancies.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM (cake time).

Meeting Transcript

Madam Clerk. 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, August 8th, 2023. Thank you. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing by an invo for an invocation by Councilman Oli Jaka. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Sorry. Here I was obligations on through the infinite law of Messi. Amen. Deputy Mayor Embarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Nonijaka. Yeah. Councilmember Pataznik. Present. Councilwoman Pruitt. Here. Councilwoman Rudin. Here. Councilman Vasanova. Here. Councilman Wright. Is this microphone as loud as usual? Can you hear me? Okay. Seems like I have to speak louder. Okay. We're on to accommodations and proclamations. We're starting with the Garden State Track Club scholarships. And we have Lieutenant Wilson and Sergeant Leia here to present. Good evening. I'm Lieutenant Vincent Wilson of the Franklin Township Police Department. I'm here with Detective Sergeant Rebecca Lear on behalf of the Franklin Township Police Department and Public Safety Quavelo Mayweather, Director who could not be here this evening. We first like to thank the Township Council as well as the mayor and township manager for believing in our uh community programs because they truly are working. Um and tonight you will see the fruits of our labor. Uh we have the Garden State Track Club here to present uh five scholarships that show that the police department, the uh community, and everybody involved can make things work with a little bit of effort, and this is a token of appreciation to those that have exhibited hard work and leadership, and they deserve the right to be recognized. So Chuck from the Garden State Track Club, could you come up please and present your scholarships? Thank you. Hello everyone, and uh again, I would just want to uh mirror what uh what he just said. Um we want to thank you all for um just being so accommodating with hosting this event every March and we're thrilled that uh after after supporting uh various other nonprofit organizations over the years, we're thrilled to be now teaming up with the uh police department and supporting um our graduating seniors. So I'd like to I'd like to announce those five graduating seniors who have applied for this app for this scholarship and have been selected um uh after reviewing some 30 sum applications. Uh so the first recipient is Noella Abreu. Come on up here. Uh the second one is Brittany Garcia Mendoza. And the third recipient is Fennel Patel.

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