OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – February 27, 2024

Township Council — Tuesday, February 27, 2024
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, February 27, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:47:25

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act of State of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council was made as required, indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m.

0:15

on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

0:18

If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and then remain standing for the invocation by Councilman Carazi.

0:26

I pledge allegiance to As we gather here today as members of the Township uh Council.

0:47

We pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our services to fellow citizens and to our community.

0:55

Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence.

1:09

Let us continue to strive to make a better world.

1:13

Amen.

1:23

Councilman Inverrison.

1:25

Here.

1:25

Councilwoman Francois.

1:27

Here.

1:27

Councilman Carazi.

1:28

Yeah.

1:29

Mayor Kramer.

1:30

Here.

1:30

Councilman Oni Jaka?

1:32

Yeah.

1:32

Deputy Mayor Patasnik.

1:34

Councilwoman Udine?

1:36

Here.

1:36

Councilman Vasanova.

1:38

Here.

1:38

Councilman White.

1:43

We're on to item number five on the agenda.

1:46

Copies of the agenda are available up there near the clerk.

1:50

First is a commendation for Charles Maria.

1:54

By Councilwoman Sheepa Udin.

2:17

Good evening.

2:27

Okay.

2:28

All right.

2:28

Perfect.

2:29

All right.

2:32

Whereas the Township of Franklin is benefited by the employees who contribute their time, talents, and skills for the betterment of our community.

2:40

And whereas Charles Maria has and continues to serve the community of Franklin Township, Somerset County, as follows.

2:49

Fire Marshal in the fire prevention department for over 29 years and holds the titles of Senior Fire Marshal and Department Training Officer.

2:59

Volunteer Firefighter with Somerset Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company number one for over 36 years with being line officer for 11 years and six years as chief.

3:14

Appointed commissioner in 2022 of the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission, assisting and advising NJDCA on the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act.

3:27

Fire service instructor at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy for over 24 years and is currently the senior lead instructor.

3:37

And whereas Charles Maria has received numerous fire district number one and department honors and awards, including Life Saving Cross, this Distinguished Volunteer Service Award, and the Richard Vetter Knights of Columbus Volunteer Service Award.

3:53

And whereas Charles Maria has fire service instructor has designed and created numerous training courses that were thought to firefighters nationwide in Canada.

4:05

And whereas Charles Maria was asked to review the chief officer principle and practices as published by Jones and Bartlett, which is used nation and worldwide to teach fire officers.

4:17

And whereas Charles Maria submitted a short story that was published in succeeding edition of Chief Officer.

4:25

Now therefore, we, the Township Council of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, New Jersey, on behalf of its residents, to hereby thank and commend Charles Maria for his devotion and dedication to our community, its residents, and firefighters.

4:51

That's right.

4:51

Oh, he goes by Chuck.

4:54

Thank you to his friends.

4:56

I'd like to thank the council and uh specifically Councilberson Udeen for recommending me for this.

5:02

It's been a long career, long time, and uh I'm just glad that I could give back to my fire service community.

5:08

I wanted to thank my family, my fire service family, my office family, all here sharing this moment with me.

5:15

Thank you very much.

5:21

I've known I've known Chuck for uh at least 15 years, I think.

5:28

Um he's uh a good friend, and everyone here who's ever been had their house saved or themselves saved uh by a firefighter, it's probably because of the training he does developed.

5:42

So he's uh a great asset to Franklin, and he well deserves this.

5:47

Thank you.

5:52

Um can we ask all the fire prevention team and community to show up here, including the family can get a picture of the next we have the uh environmental commission stewardship award, Sarah Malone.

7:23

Your show.

7:41

Oh, this one here has been on the shade tree commission for over ten years, and she's come to retire.

7:51

And uh, we want to commend her and offer this plaque.

7:54

Um, I want to mention a little bit about what she's done, which was written by Arnold Schmidt, who's also on the shade tree commission.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Development█████████████████17%
Procedural███████████████15%
Traffic Safety███████████████15%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Fire Safety██████6%
Zoning Regulations██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Historic Preservation███3%
Tree Planting███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – February 27, 2024

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on February 27, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. The meeting included commendations, extensive public comments on proposed redevelopment, council reports, and approval of a consent agenda with 14 resolutions.

Commendations & Proclamations

  • Charles Maria – Recognized for over 29 years as Fire Marshal, 36 years as volunteer firefighter, and service as a Fire Safety Commissioner. Council presented a commendation.
  • Sara Malone – Received the Environmental Commission Stewardship Award for 10 years of service on the Shade Tree Commission, advancing tree canopy care and Tree City USA certification.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Elizabeth Egan Nastis (75 Van Doren Ave) – Opposed redevelopment of the old Kmart site (Eastern Ave & JFK Blvd) with apartments, citing traffic, flooding, and quality of life. Requested a mall without apartments.
  • Guy Cattapano (45 McAfee Rd) – Opposed any development on Eastern Avenue corridor, highlighting traffic dangers, crashes, and the need for a resident meeting with county officials. Noted a $1 million traffic study underway but no short-term relief.
  • Valer Jezwiak (30 Highwood Rd) – Asked for no further residential redevelopment; urged consideration of non-residential uses.
  • Sue Ann Darkash (President, Meadows Foundation) – Thanked council for support; promoted membership and historic site preservation.
  • Terry Thorison (18 Labed Dr) – Opposed Levin Properties’ proposed 200-unit apartment complex, citing traffic study flaws, flooding, excessive parking, variances, and lack of public transit. Questioned school bus and EV station considerations.
  • Resident on Runyon – Opposed development, emphasizing traffic and flooding impacts.
  • Dr. Chase – Asked about progress on a tree watering maintenance plan and a potential tree ordinance change to reduce minimum caliper size.
  • Kiki Anastasica (3204 Enclave Circle) – Opposed Levin Properties project, urging council to prioritize Franklin’s safety over developer profit.
  • Lorraine Suarez (1228 Easton Ave) – Asked about Levin’s marketing plans and whether any council member supports the variance; questioned adding apartments to a dangerous traffic corridor.
  • Shirley Tallman (57 Tallman Lane) – Opposed the project; asked about the township’s long-range plan for drinkable water.
  • Catherine Sportak (6 Laurison Rd) – Presented a petition of over 1,350 signatures against the development. Cited Eastern Avenue as #3 worst crash corridor in NJ, 270 crashes (2014-16), and argued 200 apartments would add 400+ cars. Stated over 400 apartments available for rent in Somerset County.
  • Connie Rossi (Hughes Rd) – Opposed development due to difficulty making left turns onto JFK.
  • Jim Johnston (34 Norwich Pl) – Opposed the Onyx warehouse on Old New Brunswick Rd; criticized Planning Board Chair Orsini for rudeness and postponing a meeting due to fire code occupancy (300 people in a room with 210 capacity).
  • Arl Schmidt (134 Hickory Rd) – Opposed Levin project as contrary to master plan, dangerous, and setting a precedent; argued the township should not bail out a corporation.

Council Comments & Reports

  • Mayor Kramer – Addressed resident concerns: not answering specifics about pending applications to avoid litigation. Responded to water supply question (purchased from NJ American Water and New Brunswick). Clarified fire code occupancy limit (210) and that doors were not locked at the Onyx meeting. Thanked Meadows Foundation. Noted tree maintenance cost estimates prepared by CME for Shade Tree Commission.
  • Councilman Wright – Opposed high-density development on Hamilton Street, citing lack of safe crossings, solar panel shading, and need for pocket parks. Stated he represents the 4th Ward and will work to stop the overlay that allows taller buildings.
  • Councilwoman Udin – Announced International Mother Language Day event and upcoming Ramadan lighting ceremony (March 3, 3-5 p.m. at Senior Center). Asked about tree watering; Manager explained a comprehensive maintenance plan is needed but requires funding.
  • Councilman Vasanova – Supported tree maintenance plan; praised Van Wickle House; reminded of public safety meeting postponed to March.
  • Councilwoman Francois – Read statement of commitment to lower taxes, public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.
  • Councilman Olijaka – Reported attending a vigil for 700 days of war in Ukraine.
  • Councilman Kharazi – Reported on Trails Advisory Committee: finalizing trail brochures, $20,000 grant for green infrastructure, Earth Day and National Trails Day events. Franklin Foundation Committee awarded two $5,000 scholarships. Upcoming Human Relations Commission and Health Board meetings.
  • Township Manager Bob Vornlocker – Recognized Sara Malone; announced departure of Recreation Director Bo Bertus (last day Feb 29) to Monmouth County; Wendy White acting director. Encouraged attendance at Ramadan lighting ceremony.

Consent Agenda

All 14 resolutions (items A–N) were approved unanimously with one minor discussion:

  • Resolution #24-076 – Authorize Tax Title Lien Redemptions
  • Resolution #24-077 – Authorize Refund of Tax Overpayments
  • Resolution #24-078 – Authorize Refund for Construction Water Meter Escrows
  • Resolution #24-080 – Award State Contract to Motorola Solutions (service contract, $138,794.03)
  • Resolution #24-081 – Award Alternate Contract to Revelation Coaching Services (employee coaching, $115,400.00)
  • Resolution #24-082 – Award Alternate Contracts for Dental Insurance Renewals (Aetna $305,000; Cigna $6,500)
  • Resolution #24-083 – Establish $35 fee for entry-level police written exam
  • Resolution #24-084 – Special Event Permit for Renaissance Cyclists “Bike to Fight Prostate Cancer” (Sept 21, 2024, 8am-3pm, Senior Center)
  • Resolution #24-085 – Special Event Permit for Praise Presbyterian Church Flag Football Tournament (July 13, 2024, 8am-6pm, Middlebush Park)
  • Resolution #24-086 – Special Event Permit for Children’s Specialized Hospital Walk ‘n Roll (Oct 13, 2024, 8:30am-12pm, Colonial Park)
  • Resolution #24-087 – Authorize New Plenary Retail Consumption License (P and P Liquor NJ, LLC, trading as Hoppy Heaven)
  • Resolution #24-088 – Authorize Grant Agreement with Board of Education using ARPA funds for Zufall Health Clinic at Hamilton Street Middle School (Manager noted unique municipal-BOE partnership)
  • Resolution #24-089 – Authorize Payment of Utility Bills on behalf of Meadows Foundation for Historic Structures
  • Resolution #24-090 – Authorize CY2023 Budget Transfers

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda – All 14 resolutions approved unanimously.
  • Appointment – Kimberly Francois appointed as full member of the Sewage Authority (by acclamation).
  • Executive Session – Resolution #24-091 authorized executive session for attorney-client privilege regarding the Levin Management application. No action was taken after the session.
  • Other – Councilman Wright indicated he will seek to amend the Hamilton Street overlay ordinance to limit high-density development. The Shade Tree Commission will consider a comprehensive tree maintenance plan using tree trust funds. The township will schedule a town hall meeting with residents and county officials on Eastern Avenue traffic issues.

Meeting Transcript

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act of State of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council was made as required, indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and then remain standing for the invocation by Councilman Carazi. I pledge allegiance to As we gather here today as members of the Township uh Council. We pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our services to fellow citizens and to our community. Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence. Let us continue to strive to make a better world. Amen. Councilman Inverrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Councilman Carazi. Yeah. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka? Yeah. Deputy Mayor Patasnik. Councilwoman Udine? Here. Councilman Vasanova. Here. Councilman White. We're on to item number five on the agenda. Copies of the agenda are available up there near the clerk. First is a commendation for Charles Maria. By Councilwoman Sheepa Udin. Good evening. Okay. All right. Perfect. All right. Whereas the Township of Franklin is benefited by the employees who contribute their time, talents, and skills for the betterment of our community. And whereas Charles Maria has and continues to serve the community of Franklin Township, Somerset County, as follows. Fire Marshal in the fire prevention department for over 29 years and holds the titles of Senior Fire Marshal and Department Training Officer. Volunteer Firefighter with Somerset Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company number one for over 36 years with being line officer for 11 years and six years as chief. Appointed commissioner in 2022 of the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission, assisting and advising NJDCA on the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act. Fire service instructor at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy for over 24 years and is currently the senior lead instructor. And whereas Charles Maria has received numerous fire district number one and department honors and awards, including Life Saving Cross, this Distinguished Volunteer Service Award, and the Richard Vetter Knights of Columbus Volunteer Service Award. And whereas Charles Maria has fire service instructor has designed and created numerous training courses that were thought to firefighters nationwide in Canada. And whereas Charles Maria was asked to review the chief officer principle and practices as published by Jones and Bartlett, which is used nation and worldwide to teach fire officers. And whereas Charles Maria submitted a short story that was published in succeeding edition of Chief Officer. Now therefore, we, the Township Council of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, New Jersey, on behalf of its residents, to hereby thank and commend Charles Maria for his devotion and dedication to our community, its residents, and firefighters. That's right. Oh, he goes by Chuck. Thank you to his friends. I'd like to thank the council and uh specifically Councilberson Udeen for recommending me for this. It's been a long career, long time, and uh I'm just glad that I could give back to my fire service community. I wanted to thank my family, my fire service family, my office family, all here sharing this moment with me.

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