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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - September 27, 2023

Township Council — Wednesday, September 27, 2023

BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey

SessionTownship Council

DateWednesday, September 27, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 43:31

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

0:02

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 and electronically transmitted to the official designated newspaper indicating that this work session regular meeting will take place in the municipal building council chambers at 7 p.m.

0:22

on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

0:25

Thank you.

0:26

We'll stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation of Councilwoman Oden.

0:33

Pledge Allegiance to the flag.

0:52

Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek in our own way, whatever sources of inspiration will grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times.

1:09

Amen.

1:29

Yes.

1:30

Councilman Oni Jaka.

1:32

Councilmember Patasnik.

1:34

Present.

1:34

Councilwoman Pewitt?

1:36

Here.

1:36

Councilwoman Udine.

1:38

Here.

1:38

Councilman Vassalella.

1:40

Councilman White.

1:43

Councilwoman Francois stuck in traffic.

1:47

The commendations and proclamations item number five on the agenda.

1:51

Agendas are there next to the clerk.

1:55

We have one commendation, which was going to be given by Councilwoman Francois.

2:00

I've asked Councilwoman Udin to do it.

2:03

Breast cancer awareness month proclamation.

2:05

Is there anyone here to accept you could go to the podium?

2:34

Yes.

2:34

Hello.

2:35

Okay.

2:35

Whereas October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease.

2:42

And whereas the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month remains that dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

2:54

And whereas the Franklin Township Council supports breast cancer research and wishes to educate the people of Franklin Township about detection risk factors and treatment.

3:05

And whereas the American Cancer Society continues to advise women to get an annual monogram screening once they reach the age of 40.

3:14

And whereas this October, the Franklin Township Council recognizes breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease, the families who are a source of love, encouragement, and applaud the efforts of our medical professionals and researchers working hard to find a care.

3:31

Now therefore be acclaimed by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Franklin, Somerset County, New Jersey, that the month of October is breast cancer awareness month.

3:57

And this yes, and I'm happy to follow them.

4:05

Thank you, Mayor Kramer.

4:07

Thank you, Mayor Kramer and the other officials of this esteemed establishment.

4:14

I'm here to represent sister to sister.

4:17

I am a 18-year survivor myself.

4:21

However, I'm here to thank you for acknowledging us.

4:28

We've been in the business of helping those women who need help experiencing going through breast cancer for the last 23 years.

4:37

And as she's put this young lady just pointed out, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

4:47

And how we're kicking that off is on Sunday, October 1st, Mayor Kringer and other officials will be attending our sister to sister house, where we're doing light the Pink House.

5:02

Because Pink does represent cancer, survivors.

5:09

The other uh functions that we have coming up on October 7th, we'll be doing just bear with me.

5:17

I'm not a techie person.

5:28

October 7th, we'll be going doing our breast cancer walk for life at the Colonial Park.

5:36

It starts at 7 30 a.m.

5:38

Everyone is welcome to join us.

5:41

It's still time to register to do so.

5:43

And the last item which I have on my uh notes is uh for October 21st.

5:49

We're going to a free conference at NJ Pack, and the name of the um conference that we're going to be doing is Let's Talk Health and Wellness.

5:58

That too is open to the public, and we hope that you join us.

6:02

Again, I can't thank you enough for recognizing us.

6:05

Dorothy Reed, our president, she works very hard.

6:09

It's unfortunate she was unable to be here this evening, but she's asked me to do so, and I hope I've done the organization well.

6:16

Thank you.

6:22

I would just like to thank sister to sister for what they do.

6:26

Um once upon a time, my wife had just a little ditzel on her mammogram.

6:34

And you know, I'm uh professional physician, and I I was just my mind went blank.

6:44

It all turned out well, but my uh Diane Dudis, who uh many of you know worked with me, and she just took over and got things going, and uh it's just difference and get the ball moving and get things happening, and it can save lives.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural██████████████████████████26%

Public Engagement████████████████████████24%

Parking Management███████████11%

Land Development██████6%

Community Engagement██████6%

Public Health█████5%

Public Safety█████5%

Parks and Recreation█████5%

Public Works████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - September 27, 2023

The Franklin Township Council held a Work Session/Regular Meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers. Mayor Kramer presided, with six council members present (Deputy Mayor Anbarasan, Mr. Potosnak, Ms. Pruitt, Ms. Uddin, Mr. Vassanella) and three absent (Ms. Francois, Mr. Onyejiaka, Mr. Wright). The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, council reports, approval of minutes and warrants, adoption of two ordinances, a consent agenda, an appointment, and an executive session.

Commendations & Proclamations

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation: Councilwoman Uddin presented a proclamation declaring October 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recognizing survivors, those battling the disease, and medical professionals. A representative from Sister2Sister Network accepted and announced upcoming events: Light the Pink House on October 1, a Breast Cancer Walk for Life at Colonial Park on October 7, and a free health and wellness conference at NJ Pack on October 21.

Public Comments & Testimony

Michael Hampton, 319 Schilling Drive, raised several concerns: (1) parking issues, especially on side streets near Hamilton, where cars park too far from the curb and obstruct sight lines; (2) flea markets and auto shops operating in residential zones, creating safety hazards; (3) need for an ordinance requiring commercial properties to maintain appearances (e.g., power washing, filling potholes) to attract businesses; (4) requested that meetings begin with an acknowledgment of civil discourse, citing a heated exchange at a recent Planning Board meeting where he was called a "douchebag" and shushed. He urged respectful dialogue regardless of disagreement.

Council Comments & Reports

Mr. Potosnak: No comments; acknowledged a tree planted in his mother's honor and thanked Sister2Sister.
Ms. Pruitt: Commended Sister2Sister Network.
Mr. Vassanella: Responded to Mr. Hampton's parking concerns, recommending residents call the police non-emergency line for line-of-sight issues. He noted that property maintenance (potholes, peeling paint) falls under the Zoning Department or Health Department and encouraged reporting via the online portal. He agreed on the importance of civil discourse and said he would raise parking issues at the next Public Safety meeting.
Ms. Uddin: Highlighted the pothole portal on the township website; announced grand openings of Vital Care of Princeton and the Leaf House; praised the gazebo as a popular community space for concerts and weddings; encouraged supporting local businesses.
Deputy Mayor Anbarasan: Congratulated Ms. Pruitt on being named one of Somerset County's "40 under 40"; reported that the Planning Board unanimously denied the B9 warehouse application the previous night, calling it the most consequential vote of his four-year career. He noted the Human Relations Commission meeting was cancelled.
Mayor Kramer: Reflected on lessons from the Planning Board meeting, stating the township is in a good place. He requested the Planning Board reexamine the B-I zone and provide zoning change suggestions. Township Manager Vornlocker noted that process is already underway as part of the Master Plan reexamination. Mayor Kramer also announced the grand opening of the new Southern Library Branch on September 28 at 5 p.m., which will save $90,000 per year, and an Art Show on September 30 from 12–3 p.m. in the Municipal Building lobby.

Township Manager's Report

Mr. Vornlocker announced:
- Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit will be in the municipal parking lot on October 3, 2023, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with limited appointments (40 customers, 12 Real ID slots) – register via township website.
- National Coffee with a Cop Day on October 4, 2023, at three locations: Dunkin Donuts (7:30–9:30 a.m.), Panera Bread (2–4 p.m.), and No Paul Takeria (4–6 p.m., with 10% discount).
- Annual hydrant flushing began September 25 and runs through November 3, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.–midnight; temporary water discoloration is normal.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the Work Session/Regular Meeting & Executive Session of September 12, 2023, were approved (6-0, with Ms. Pruitt abstaining).

Approval of Warrants

Warrants totaling $5,901,349.39 were approved (6-0).

Public Hearing & Adoption of Ordinances on Second Reading

Ordinance No. 4420-23: Amends the Municipal Code to add "Address Public Comments and Questions" as an agenda item. No public comments. Adopted (6-0).
Ordinance No. 4421-23: Authorizes a lease of township-owned premises to the Franklin Township Baseball League for a baseball complex. No public comments. Adopted (6-0). Councilman Vassanella noted it has been 10 years since the last contract and wished the league well.

Consent Agenda

All items A through J were adopted unanimously (6-0):

Resolution #23-373: Authorize Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund membership renewal (Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2026).
Resolution #23-374: Release cash bond ($4,081.20) for off-site and landscaping work at 171 Runyon Avenue (Victory Builders LLC).
Resolution #23-375: Award contract for one Morbark RG55R Super Jr Stump Cutter (Sourcewell co-op) – not to exceed $55,027.46.
Resolution #23-376: Authorize tax title lien redemptions totaling $12,221.66 (First Trust Bank, Trystone Capital Assets, LLC).
Resolution #23-377: Award purchase for furnish and install three 20' D cantilever umbrellas at Naaman Williams Pool (ESCNJ co-op) – not to exceed $61,906.10.
Resolution #23-378: Issue special event permit to Snyder's Farm for Fall Festival on nine dates (Sept 30, Oct 1,7,8,14,15,21,22,28,29, 2023, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at 586 South Middlebush Road.
Resolution #23-379: Refund construction water meter escrow to Evolution Construction LLC ($883), Innovative Pressure Cleaning ($936), and Brentwood Bay LLC ($820).
Resolution #23-380: Authorize fireworks display at The Palace at Somerset Park on October 7, 2023 (8:00 p.m.–9:40 p.m., 10-12 minutes, ending by 10 p.m.).
Resolution #23-381: Authorize execution of AFSCME 2859 White Collar Clerical Contract for January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027.
Resolution #23-382: Confirm appointment of Carol Radziewicz as Deputy Tax Assessor (unexpired term ending June 30, 2026).

Old Business

2023 Boards, Committees, Commissions Vacancies: Mayor Kramer nominated Vanessa Jones as a Citizen Member on the Open Space Advisory Committee for an unexpired three-year term ending December 31, 2026, replacing Chuck Martin who moved out of town. The nomination was approved by acclamation.

Executive Session

Resolution #23-383: Authorized Executive Session to discuss potential land acquisition (Elm Street). Adopted (6-0). The council then entered Executive Session and later returned to open meeting, with Mayor Kramer announcing the discussion topic.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at an unspecified time after the 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 and electronically transmitted to the official designated newspaper indicating that this work session regular meeting will take place in the municipal building council chambers at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Thank you. We'll stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation of Councilwoman Oden. Pledge Allegiance to the flag. Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek in our own way, whatever sources of inspiration will grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times. Amen. Yes. Councilman Oni Jaka. Councilmember Patasnik. Present. Councilwoman Pewitt? Here. Councilwoman Udine. Here. Councilman Vassalella. Councilman White. Councilwoman Francois stuck in traffic. The commendations and proclamations item number five on the agenda. Agendas are there next to the clerk. We have one commendation, which was going to be given by Councilwoman Francois. I've asked Councilwoman Udin to do it. Breast cancer awareness month proclamation. Is there anyone here to accept you could go to the podium? Yes. Hello. Okay. Whereas October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease. And whereas the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month remains that dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. And whereas the Franklin Township Council supports breast cancer research and wishes to educate the people of Franklin Township about detection risk factors and treatment. And whereas the American Cancer Society continues to advise women to get an annual monogram screening once they reach the age of 40. And whereas this October, the Franklin Township Council recognizes breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease, the families who are a source of love, encouragement, and applaud the efforts of our medical professionals and researchers working hard to find a care. Now therefore be acclaimed by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Franklin, Somerset County, New Jersey, that the month of October is breast cancer awareness month. And this yes, and I'm happy to follow them. Thank you, Mayor Kramer. Thank you, Mayor Kramer and the other officials of this esteemed establishment. I'm here to represent sister to sister. I am a 18-year survivor myself. However, I'm here to thank you for acknowledging us. We've been in the business of helping those women who need help experiencing going through breast cancer for the last 23 years. And as she's put this young lady just pointed out, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And how we're kicking that off is on Sunday, October 1st, Mayor Kringer and other officials will be attending our sister to sister house, where we're doing light the Pink House. Because Pink does represent cancer, survivors. The other uh functions that we have coming up on October 7th, we'll be doing just bear with me. I'm not a techie person. October 7th, we'll be going doing our breast cancer walk for life at the Colonial Park. It starts at 7 30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us. It's still time to register to do so. And the last item which I have on my uh notes is uh for October 21st.

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