OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – November 28, 2023

Township Council — Tuesday, November 28, 2023
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, November 28, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:09:37

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act of the City of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session regular meeting.

0:08

The Franklin Township Council has made as required, indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m.

0:16

on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

0:20

We could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilwoman Sheba Udin.

0:47

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.

1:02

Amen.

1:11

Deputy Mayor Aaron Barrison.

1:13

Here.

1:14

Councilwoman Francois.

1:16

Mayor Kramer?

1:17

Here.

1:18

Councilman Onijaka.

1:20

Councilmember Batazni.

1:21

Present.

1:22

Councilwoman Pruitt.

1:24

Councilwoman Edine.

1:25

Councilman Vassanella.

1:27

Councilman Wright.

1:32

Copies of the agenda are there near the clerk.

1:35

We are on the five is commendations and proclamations.

1:39

We have none.

1:40

Item six is public discussion.

1:42

Do we have a motion to open to the public?

1:43

Mr.

1:44

Mayor, before we do, can I make an amendment to the agenda?

1:47

I move we take item 15 L, the resolution 23459 to support Assembly Bill A4536 and Senate Bill S 304 to establish minimum minimum registered professional nursing standards to this spot on the agenda.

2:16

Oh, I will uh amend my motion to insert it at 6.5 after public discussion.

2:24

We have a second on the motion.

2:26

Second one.

2:27

Move and second and all in favor of amending the agenda as above.

2:31

Say aye.

2:32

Aye.

2:32

Aye.

2:33

Opposed say nay.

2:34

Motion is passed.

2:36

So item number six is uh public discussion.

2:39

Do we have a motion's open to the public?

2:42

So moved.

2:42

I conduct.

2:44

Moved and seconded.

2:45

All in favor say aye.

2:46

Aye.

2:47

Opposed say nay.

2:48

Motion is carried.

2:50

We are open to the public for anyone wishing to speak on matters related to government.

2:56

Um you are limited to five minutes.

2:58

May only speak once, no yielding of time.

3:01

Please state your name and address when you come up.

3:03

Thank you.

3:13

Good evening, members of the council, Mayor Kramer, Council members, and fellow citizens.

3:19

My name is Artemon Sangh, 30 Cartier Drive, Franklin Park.

3:24

I speak before you today to shine a light on a matter of great concern within our community.

3:31

On October 31st, 2023, following an argument between several high school age boys at a private residence, a 17-year-old sick boy of my faith was followed to a second location and assaulted by a parent of one of his schoolmates.

4:01

Moreover, in the course of the altercation, anti-sick bias language was used against this sick boy.

4:28

And just to be clear, I want to emphasize that this was not merely a case of boys being boys, but that instance of an adult, a parent, no less threatening and physically harming a child.

4:44

The family of the sick boy who faced this unacceptable conduct has asked that we work to maintain his privacy.

4:51

Given that he is a minor, they are also working with the SIC coalition, a national civil rights organization, to engage the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

5:02

In the days ahead, the sick members of our community will also be mobilizing to demand that appropriate action and charges are brought.

5:12

I invite you all to join us in calling for this case to move through the justice system because we all know that our community is strongest when we stand with one for one another.

5:27

No community will stand for an attack for one of its own, much less a youth with a bright future ahead of them.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement████████████████████20%
Public Safety████████████12%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Health██████████10%
Public Engagement███████7%
Food Insecurity█████5%
Healthcare Benefits█████5%
Traffic Safety█████5%
Miscellaneous█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – November 28, 2023

The Franklin Township Council held its Work Session/Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda was amended to move Resolution #23-459 on nurse staffing standards to after public discussion. Council heard extensive public comment, adopted the nurses' resolution, approved warrants, adopted one ordinance on second reading, introduced two ordinances on first reading, and approved the consent agenda.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was adopted unanimously after Resolution #23-459 was removed and considered separately. It included:

  • Resolution #23-448: Authorized tax/water title lien redemptions totaling $97,640.94.
  • Resolution #23-449: Awarded the MCCPC contract to Nielson Ford of Morristown, Inc. for seven (7) Ford Police Interceptors, not to exceed $319,709.60.
  • Resolution #23-450: Authorized a shared services agreement for UCC licensed officials, inspectors, and support staff. Note: The agenda listed Bridgewater Township; the resolution text in the minutes names Hillsborough, Branchburg, Montgomery, and Franklin.
  • Resolution #23-451: Issued a special event permit to Middlebush Reformed Church for a Living Nativity on December 9, 2023, 5:00–8:00 p.m.; the $125.00 permit fee was waived for the nonprofit.
  • Resolution #23-452: Authorized fireworks displays at The Palace at Somerset Park on December 6 and December 9, 2023, with start times between 8:00 and 9:40 p.m., ending before 10:00 p.m.
  • Resolution #23-453: Certified the CY2022 municipal audit.
  • Resolution #23-454: Approved the CY2022 Corrective Action Plan.
  • Resolution #23-455: Awarded a new Plenary Retail Consumption License to P and P Liquor, LLC for $221,000.00, with no sited premises.
  • Resolution #23-456: Authorized construction water escrow refunds to Composecure ($933.65), Jasu Lawncare ($784.39), Tri-Form Construction Inc. ($2,128.02), and Salomao De Oliveria ($896.00).
  • Resolution #23-457: Approved the 2024 Township Council meeting schedule.
  • Resolution #23-458: Awarded the property cleanup as-needed bid to Muentnich Landscaping Home Repairs, Inc., dba Panfietti Construction, for December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2025, not to exceed $75,000.00 per year.
  • Resolution #23-460: Authorized issuance of a new Plenary Retail Consumption License to Panaderia La Fe Restaurant LLC at 569 Somerset Street after full payment of the $205,000.00 license balance.
  • Resolution #23-461: Authorized tax overpayment refunds totaling $6,658.75.
  • Resolution #23-462: Adjusted a water charge hardship for 18 Bayard Road in the amount of $134.65.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ardam Singh, 30 Cottier Drive, described an October 31, 2023 incident involving high school students and an adult, reported anti-Sikh bias language, and asked the Council to urge the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office to press charges against the adult.
  • A resident of 269 Bennetts Lane requested a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and asked the Council to encourage religious and community leaders to build bridges rather than dehumanize others.
  • Mujibu Rahman, 19 Woodfield Court, urged the Council to issue a ceasefire resolution, stating that human life is more valuable than anything else.
  • Maher Rafiq, 13 Spring Street, asked the Council to act as peacemakers and requested a peace/humanitarian resolution addressing Islamophobia and antisemitism, plus a ceasefire in Gaza.
  • Kiki Anastasakos, 3204 Enclave Circle, supported interfaith dialogue, a peace/ceasefire resolution, and the nurses' resolution; she requested a traffic study update and asked how open space parcels are selected.
  • Derrick Smith, Director of the Franklin Food Bank, reported approximately 17,000 food pantry visits this year, about 100 families per day, and said the Food Bank is bursting at the seams and needs a larger building and more support.
  • Frank Resta, 322 Cedar Grove Lane, asked for help publicizing the only unsolved murder in Franklin Township, the 1982 rape and murder of 15-year-old Sharon Thorpe, noting a $9,000 reward.
  • Christian Cane, a nurse and East Brunswick resident, supported the nurse staffing resolution and said Robert Wood Johnson had spent $120 million on strike replacements instead of agreeing to minimum staffing ratios.
  • Erika, 10 Woodlawn Road, urged adoption of the nurses' resolution.
  • Samina Satar, 18 Barberry Court, spoke of fears as a visible Muslim and requested a peace/ceasefire resolution; she also supported the nurses' resolution.
  • M Saba, 146 Emerson Road, supported the nurses' resolution and a peace and justice resolution.
  • Debbie Stewart, 2 Farrington Plaza, asked whether the Health and Wellness presentation could be available before it is presented and asked for the status of the warehouse lawsuits, especially B9.
  • Robert Kona, 220 Oswald Court, said the primary function of government is to protect public safety, described dire nursing conditions at RWJ, and encouraged passage of safe staffing legislation.
  • Bill Connell, 25 Spring Street, supported the nurses' resolution, asked for focus areas for the Easton Avenue traffic study and warehouse tax-base math, and commended the Franklin Food Bank and Tour de Franklin.
  • A resident of 12 Garretson Drive requested a peace and ceasefire resolution and respect for the humanity of all people.
  • Bernadette Mahr, 4 Norris Road, thanked the Council for the nurses' resolution and said it is important for all health care.
  • Michael Hampton, 319 Schilling Drive, called for modernized access to boards and commissions, questioned appointment diversity and verification of residency, and supported the nurses' resolution.
  • A Jefferson Road, Princeton speaker, a 35-year RWJ employee, supported the nursing legislation and said RWJ had spent $120 million on strike replacements while nurses and the food bank struggle.
  • Deanna Luchs, 51 Patriots Way, said she did not think the Council should address a ceasefire resolution and requested a Peace-Harmony-Unity Resolution instead.
  • Linda Powell, 22 Buffa Drive, supported the nurse legislation and called for peace, justice, unity, and equity.
  • A resident of 273 Bennetts Lane supported the nurses' legislation and said all lives are equal.

Ordinances & Public Hearings

  • Ordinance No. 4422-23: After a public hearing with no comments, the Council adopted this ordinance approving a tax exemption application and authorizing a financial agreement with Wilentz Senior Residence Urban Renewal, LP for Block 386.07, Lot 54.06.
  • Ordinance No. 4423-23: Introduced on first reading to acquire development rights by purchase or condemnation for farmland preservation of the Horses and Hay, LLC Farm, Block 11.01, Lot 46, 98 Coppermine Road. Public hearing and final adoption were scheduled for December 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
  • Ordinance No. 4424-23: Introduced on first reading as a capital ordinance appropriating $230,100.00 from the Open Space Trust Fund for the Horses and Hay farm development rights acquisition. Public hearing and final adoption were scheduled for December 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Discussion Items

  • Mayor Kramer said he takes his role seriously and that a ceasefire resolution is out of his lane; he emphasized caring for Franklin, building bridges, interfaith dialogue, and stopping hate speech.
  • Councilwoman Uddin said the Council supports peace, has zero tolerance for hate and discrimination, and hopes a resolution can be drafted soon; she reminded residents of the Stand Up for the Other pledge.
  • Deputy Mayor Anbarasan encouraged residents to volunteer for boards and commissions, described vacancies, and spoke about tolerance, respect, and prayer for peace, unity, and harmony. He also reported on the first RVCC workforce training in Franklin, the Human Relations Commission meeting on December 13, and the Food Bank ambassador donation program.
  • Councilman Onyejiaka supported the Mayor's position to stay in their lane.
  • Councilwoman Pruitt said all politics is local and the Council's role is to educate where its powers stop; she assured residents they are safe and protected by law and offered condolences to Detective Wilson's family.
  • Councilwoman Francois supported peace, unity, harmony, and respect for Franklin's diversity.
  • Councilman Potosnak said he stands with the religious communities that spoke and urged everyone to stand up for one another.
  • Councilman Vassanella said hateful incidents happen far less in Franklin than elsewhere, residents are safe, and police will protect them; he also explained board/commission appointment processes and mentioned a December 5, 2023 meeting on the DeMott Lane/Easton Avenue intersection project.
  • Councilman Wright offered condolences to Sammy Shaban and family and gave extended Thanksgiving Day Parade remarks.
  • Township Attorney Louis Rainone reported that the warehouse lawsuits are pending, discovery has been extended to about early February, roughly 12 related lawsuits have been consolidated, and B9 has filed a new lawsuit challenging the affected date section of the stormwater regulations.
  • Township Manager Robert Vornlocker said the Health and Wellness presentation is rescheduled to December 12 and will not be released before the meeting.
  • Mr. Vornlocker said the Easton Avenue traffic study will take several months of data collection and field visits, with the planning study beginning in the first quarter of 2024; the study corridor is from World's Fair Drive to the New Brunswick border, excluding the 287 interchange.
  • Mr. Vornlocker explained that the Horses and Hay acquisition is a purchase of development rights, not a fee simple purchase, and that open space acquisitions generally require a willing seller; the owner approached the township in this case.
  • Mr. Vornlocker declined to give personal opinions on Easton Avenue improvements and said the resident survey is an important part of the process.
  • Mr. Vornlocker acknowledged Detective Greg Wilson, a 24-year police veteran who died of a cardiac incident on Thanksgiving Eve at age 47, leaving a wife and three daughters.

Key Outcomes

  • The motion to amend the agenda to move Resolution #23-459 after public discussion carried 7-0 (Pruitt and Vassanella absent at that time).
  • Public discussion was opened and closed by unanimous votes.
  • Resolution #23-459, supporting Assembly Bill A4536/Senate Bill S304 to establish minimum registered professional nurse staffing standards, was adopted 8-0 (Pruitt absent).
  • Warrants totaling $2,190,050.16 for November 28, 2023, were approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance No. 4422-23 was adopted unanimously on second reading.
  • Ordinances No. 4423-23 and No. 4424-23 were introduced on first reading unanimously; final adoption is scheduled for December 12, 2023.
  • The consent agenda resolutions, with the exception of Resolution #23-459, were adopted unanimously.
  • The meeting adjourned by unanimous motion.

Meeting Transcript

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act of the City of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session regular meeting. The Franklin Township Council has made as required, indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. We could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilwoman Sheba Udin. 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. Deputy Mayor Aaron Barrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Mayor Kramer? Here. Councilman Onijaka. Councilmember Batazni. Present. Councilwoman Pruitt. Councilwoman Edine. Councilman Vassanella. Councilman Wright. Copies of the agenda are there near the clerk. We are on the five is commendations and proclamations. We have none. Item six is public discussion. Do we have a motion to open to the public? Mr. Mayor, before we do, can I make an amendment to the agenda? I move we take item 15 L, the resolution 23459 to support Assembly Bill A4536 and Senate Bill S 304 to establish minimum minimum registered professional nursing standards to this spot on the agenda. Oh, I will uh amend my motion to insert it at 6.5 after public discussion. We have a second on the motion. Second one. Move and second and all in favor of amending the agenda as above. Say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion is passed. So item number six is uh public discussion. Do we have a motion's open to the public? So moved. I conduct. Moved and seconded. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion is carried. We are open to the public for anyone wishing to speak on matters related to government. Um you are limited to five minutes. May only speak once, no yielding of time. Please state your name and address when you come up. Thank you. Good evening, members of the council, Mayor Kramer, Council members, and fellow citizens.

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