Franklin Township Council Meeting – March 26, 2024

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the municipal building. The agenda included public comments on cell service gaps and a proposed apartment redevelopment at the former Kmart site, presentations for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, introduction and adoption of several ordinances, and a consent agenda with routine resolutions. Key actions included unanimous adoption of a resolution supporting improved cell service in the Griggstown area, adoption of two ordinances on second reading, and introduction of three ordinances on first reading.

Consent Calendar

• Warrants (Bill List) – Approved $747,400.30.
• Consent Agenda (Resolutions #24-115 through #24-128) – Adopted as a block, including:
  • Tax title lien redemptions, refunds of tax/water overpayments, tax court judgment credits.
  • Release of performance guarantee ($750) for Winter Bond at 6 Liberty Lane.
  • Release of inspection escrow ($2,266.65) for Franklin Court Management.
  • Professional services agreement with Integrity Health, LLC (health care services, not to exceed $315,000 for 2024).
  • Shared services agreement with Franklin Township Board of Education for the Franklin Warriors Health Center.
  • Bid award for Main Street Area Water Main Replacement ($2,682,840 to MSP Construction).
  • Purchase of a 2025 Freightliner M2 mobile command unit ($702,669) via H-GAC contract.
  • Purchase of 10 Panasonic tablets for police ($44,695).
  • Resolution supporting participation in the 2024 Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Energy Efficiency Partnership Program.
  • Grant submission for the Municipal Alliance for Prevention of Substance Abuse ($8,852, with cash match of $2,213 and in-kind $6,639).
  • Refund of construction water meter escrow ($1,711.90) to Esposito Construction LLC.
  • Special events permit for Players Development Academy youth soccer tournament (April 5-7, 2024).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Griggstown Cell Service (Public Safety): Multiple speakers expressed strong support for improving cell coverage in the Griggstown area, citing emergency response failures:
  • Daniel Myers, Chief of Brickstown Volunteer Fire Company, described loss of communication during Hurricane Ida (Sept. 2, 2021) and a recent motor vehicle accident on March 15, 2024, where a passerby could not reach 911. He noted that fire apparatus computers rely on Verizon cellular data, and service is lost until past Bunker Hill Golf Course.
  • Nicole Herman recounted being thrown from a horse in the Griggstown Grasslands Preserve about 1.5 years ago; her husband (Verizon) could not call 911, but she (AT&T) could.
  • Lori Slata, a Kendall Park Squad member, testified that she frequently loses calls during work-from-home and that emergency scenes suffer from poor coverage.
  • Mark Sleta, Mark Sleta (Northville Inc. board), and Cynel Sukum all echoed the need for reliable cell service, with Sukum emphasizing it as a safety issue in 2024.
  • Dmitry Mikhailov described installing a roof antenna and amplifier for AT&T; Verizon retired its technology, leaving him without service.
• Kmart Redevelopment (Opposition): Many residents opposed the proposed 200-unit apartment project at the former Kmart site (Rutgers Plaza), citing zoning, traffic, infrastructure, and loss of retail:
  • Tom Baransky asked who would benefit financially (developer vs. residents) and argued the project would increase taxes and set a precedent for rezoning shopping centers.
  • Renee McGuinness opposed the loss of retail, noting TJX (TJ Maxx) profits of $13.3 billion, and called for more healthy food options and better pedestrian access to Johnson Park.
  • Wendy Multie (resident since 1975) opposed the project, citing flood risks (IHOP flooding during Floyd), school overcrowding, and police staffing shortages.
  • Elizabeth Tools (32-year resident) opposed the four-story building as unsightly and traffic-generating.
  • Arnold Schmidt noted overwhelming opposition on social media and that the zoning board will decide on April 4, 2024.
  • Catherine Sportak presented a petition with 1,375 signatures and warned of increased accidents and gridlock, estimating 400+ additional cars.
  • Kiki Anastasikos urged the council to protect the master plan and noted that in 2021 the council had opposed a similar application; she asked what changed.
  • Another speaker raised concerns about stormwater management, noting that the proposal lacks retention ponds.
• Workforce Training: Benjamin Garland critiqued the council for insufficient investment in youth training, citing a 2019-2020 resolution to start a workforce program that was not implemented. He claimed Franklin Township has the highest unemployment in Somerset County and argued for $10,000 per person training vs. $600,000 for incarceration. Council members responded that past programs had low enrollment and that funding would require tax increases.
• Political Sign: Christopher Grant complained about an offensive political sign on Mont Lane, asking about municipal code. The mayor noted it is protected First Amendment speech.

Discussion Items

• CDBG Program Presentations (Item #13):
  • Ally O'Brien (Franklin Food Bank) requested $100,000 for a mobile trailer to expand wraparound services (SNAP enrollment, cancer screenings, nutrition classes) currently held outdoors. The food bank serves only Franklin residents.
  • Sharon Clark (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) requested additional funding, noting 21% of clients are Franklin residents and that funds run out by early May.
  • Peg Wright (Center for Great Expectations) requested $20,000 for Katie's Place child development center serving residents in treatment programs.
  • Staff summarized 16 applications totaling $126,439 for public services (capped at 15% of grant), $155,657 for public facilities, and $65,129 for housing. The 2024 grant allocation is unknown but expected in May.
• Ordinances on Introduction and First Reading:
  • Ordinance #4432-24 (Lead-Based Paint Inspections): Introduced to comply with state law (effective July 2022), requiring inspections every three years or at tenant turnover for rental units built before 1978. A two-year certificate from the state exempts subsequent inspections. Penalties up to $1,000 per week for non-compliance. Council discussed the two-year/three-year discrepancy, noting it mirrors state law.
  • Ordinance #4433-24 (Cultural Arts Council): Introduced to add two alternate members to the committee.
  • Ordinance #4434-24 (Alcoholic Beverage Location Restrictions): Introduced to remove the 2,000-foot distance requirement between liquor licenses.
• Affordable Housing Mandate: The mayor reported that the state’s new affordable housing law (A4, signed March 20, 2024) will require Franklin to provide 800–1,000 affordable units, likely leading to about 5,000 new apartments (at 20% affordable). The township must submit a plan by January 31, 2025, and implement by June 30, 2025. An RFP for expert assistance will be issued to avoid builder remedies.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution #24-129 (Support for Griggstown Cell Service): Adopted unanimously (7-0). The resolution expresses support for establishing cell service in the Griggstown area to improve public safety.
• Ordinance #4430-24 (Deed Dedication): Adopted on second reading and final adoption (unanimous). Accepts a deed of dedication from Enclave at Canal Walk Condominium Owners Association.
• Ordinance #4431-24 (CAP Bank): Adopted on second reading and final adoption (unanimous). Allows the township to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a CAP bank.
• Ordinances on First Reading: All three introduced (unanimous) and set for public hearing and final adoption on April 9, 2024.
  • Lead-based paint inspections (4432-24)
  • Cultural Arts Council alternate members (4433-24)
  • Removing liquor license distance restrictions (4434-24)
• Resolution #24-130 (Firehouse Subs Grant): Adopted (unanimous). Authorizes the police department to apply for a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
• CDBG Presentations: Received; no decisions made. Applications will be evaluated after the 2024 funding allocation is announced (expected May 2024).
• Council Comments: Announcements included a RAD women’s self-defense program (April 9, 11, 16, 18), a job fair on April 24, and a sign-up for the Easton Avenue safety study (eastonave.com). Council also noted the Franklin Food Bank received a $1 million gift.