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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - April 23, 2024

Township Council — Tuesday, April 23, 2024

BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey

SessionTownship Council

DateTuesday, April 23, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:47:36

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0:00

This call to order.

0:01

Madam Clerk.

0:05

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

0:19

on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024.

0:22

Thank you.

0:23

If we could all stand for the Pledge Allegiance, followed by the invocation from Councilmember Patazny.

0:28

Deputy Mayor Patazny.

0:46

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

0:59

And may we find peace in the Middle East for our brothers and sisters that are suffering there and peace for the Ukrainian people.

1:08

Amen.

1:20

Councilwoman Barrison.

1:22

Here.

1:22

Councilwoman Fresla.

1:24

Councilman Karazi.

1:26

Mia Kramer.

1:27

Here.

1:27

Councilman Oni Jaka.

1:28

Yes.

1:29

Deputy Mia Pataznik.

1:31

Present.

1:31

Councilwoman Udin.

1:33

Here.

1:33

Councilman Vassanella?

1:34

Here.

1:35

And Councilman Wright.

1:38

Thank you.

1:39

Uh Councilman Wright, you had uh no amendment to the agenda.

1:51

Uh we have commendations and proclamations.

1:54

The 2024 Arbor Day proclamation by Councilman Vassanella.

2:12

And Shade Tree Chairman Extraordinaire.

2:35

There you go.

2:40

Okay.

2:42

All right.

2:43

It's that time of year again.

2:45

I'm sure many of you know have or have heard about Arbor Day, but I'll read this proclamation and we'll all learn a little bit more about it.

2:53

Whereas in 1872, Jay Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Arc Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, where the holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than one million trees.

3:09

And whereas National Arbor Day is celebrated annually in April by communities nationwide as a time to promote the benefits of trees.

3:15

And whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air, sequester carbon, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife.

3:29

And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products, and whereas trees in our township increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community.

3:43

And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

3:48

And we're as the township of Franklin has recognized the value of trees by creating a shade tree commission to promote tree conservation and planting and maintaining trees on public property throughout the throughout the township.

4:00

And whereas in a 2016 proclamation, the Township of Franklin adopted a tree canopy cover goal of 42% to preserve and increase its valuable tree canopy.

4:11

And whereas the Township of Franklin has been a proud tree city USA for 22 years.

4:17

And whereas the Shade Tree Commission in partnership with the Franklin Township Board of Education will host an Arbor Day event on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at the Township Gazebo, right outside our municipal building.

4:29

Now therefore, we James Vassanella, Councilman, and Philip Kramer, Mayor, on behalf of the entire Franklin Township Council, do by here do hereby proclaim Friday, April 26th, this Friday, 2024, as Arbor Day 2020.

4:48

As Arbor Day 2024 in the Township of Franklin, Somerset County, and I urge all citizens to gener to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands for this and future generations.

5:01

So sorry it was so long but hopefully informative and interesting.

5:05

We take for granted trees, I think a lot.

5:08

We all do.

5:08

It gets me an annoyance when the leaves are falling, or there's a branch that has to be cut and you can't reach it with your pole saw.

5:13

But overall, from if one if half of the things in here they talked about trees, boy, that is sounds like the magic bullet to everything.

5:21

The magic pill to make everything better, obviously, the environment, everything from property values to just generally how people feel and the um the positive health benefits.

5:31

But I'm not going to go on and on.

5:32

I do want to uh introduce Steve Golhooli, one of the hardest working chair persons of any committee we have in Franklin Township.

5:40

Uh Arnie Schmidt, he's a little more bashful, he's in the back.

5:43

He's also been an incredible asset and contributor to the Shade Tree Commission.

5:47

Um, and many of people in the audience here I recognize that are involved in conservation efforts.

5:52

So I'm gonna turn it over to Steve.

5:54

But please, um, if you can't come out Friday for the event we're doing, just in general, try to celebrate.

6:00

Um, and maybe uh Steve will give you a couple more ways you could do that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Water And Wastewater Management██████████████14%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Public Works███████████11%

Procedural██████████10%

Traffic Safety█████████9%

Environmental Protection████████8%

Community Engagement████████8%

Pipeline Safety█████5%

Historic Preservation█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - April 23, 2024

The Franklin Township Council met on April 23, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included commendations, public discussion, approval of warrants, ordinances, and a consent agenda with numerous resolutions. Key highlights included the proclamation of Arbor Day and commendations for the Gas Compressor Station Opposition Ad Hoc Committee for successfully opposing the Williams Transco NESE project.

Commendations & Proclamations

2024 Arbor Day Proclamation: Presented by Councilman Vassanella, recognizing the importance of trees and the township's 22-year Tree City USA status. Steve Golhooli, Shade Tree Commission Chair, noted that over 70 trees were planted last year and 150 planned for Hamilton Street this year.
Gas Compressor Station Opposition Ad Hoc Committee Commendations: Presented by Deputy Mayor Potosnak. The committee's seven-year advocacy led to Williams Transco abandoning the proposed compressor station (NESE project) on April 10, 2024. Several speakers including Linda Powell, Patty Cronheim, and Assemblyman Joe Danielsen praised the grassroots effort.

Public Discussion

Debra Inman (67 Roberts Rd) questioned the Right to Farm Act regarding a rooster on Phillips Road and a food truck obstructing views at Ralph Street/Roberts Road intersection.
Loretta Evans (60 Roberts Rd) also complained about the food truck and rooster noise, and asked about decibel readings.
M. Patel (29 Julie Court) raised concerns about overflow parking, lack of sidewalks and lighting on Westminster, and a broken chain on Ari Drive.
Sheila Murph (4 Debra Drive) complained about cars and trucks parked on Debra Drive/Victoria, lacking sidewalks and lighting.
Unidentified resident (17 Julie Court) echoed parking problems.
Ted Chade (159 Old Georgetown Rd) advocated for more tree planting east of Franklin Boulevard and south of Hamilton Street, and progress on tree maintenance.
Debbie Stewart (22 Farrington Rd) commended the Compressor Task Force, asked about School House Road sidewalk, better shops in the shopping center, and multi-purpose paths on Mettlers Road.
John Tibbs (25 Parkside St) commended the Compressor Committee, asked about community garden at Naaman Williams Park, complained about speeding on Mark Street, and questioned funding for the Youth Center vs. Somerset Community Action Program.
Albert Brown (1 Devinchy Court) complained that Rue Chagall was paved but Devinchy Court was not, and equipment was parked on his street blocking his mailbox.

Council Responses

Mayor Kramer and Township Manager Vornlocker responded: Road paving graded by condition; $4 million allocated this year. Roosters prohibited as livestock (poultry included) and will be enforced. Food truck: call police and zoning. Westminster is private road, responsibility of HOA; parking enforcement for commercial vehicles will be checked. Chain on Ari Drive: contact DPW. School House Road multi-purpose path being installed by Summerfields developer. Economic Development Director pursuing businesses for shopping center. Community garden at Naaman Williams Park to be restored by DPW and Community Baptist Church with raised beds. Mark Street speeding referred to police. $300,000 funding for training at-risk youth in construction trades (three semesters). Councilman Vassanella suggested a newsletter blurb about roosters.

Council Comments & Reports

Councilman Onyejiaka noted Westminster parking problem since 2022.
Councilman Anbarasan reported on Chamber of Commerce gala, Planning Board warehouse application, upcoming job fair (April 24), Tour de Franklin (April 28), Zoom meeting on retail signage (April 29), and meeting with RVCC for college-level courses at Consolata campus.
Councilman Vassanella acknowledged St. Matthias students in drug-free contest, congratulated Compressor Committee, noted Opening Day for Franklin Township Baseball, reported on Public Works Committee meeting (water system concerns) and Easton Avenue Corridor Study meeting (fall public meeting coming).
Councilwoman Uddin reported on Public Works meeting regarding water ordinance, wished happy spring holidays.
Councilman Wright announced Juneteenth event on June 15, supported community garden restoration.
Deputy Mayor Potosnak wished happy Passover.
Mayor Kramer reported on Teams meeting about traffic improvements at Jacques Lane, South Middlebush Road, and Cortelyous Lane intersections.

Township Manager's Report

Robert Vornlocker highlighted the Meadows Foundation's financial needs and urged residents to become members (adult $15, senior $10, family $20).

Consent Calendar

All consent agenda resolutions (24-153 through 24-169) were approved unanimously. Key items included:
- Resolution #24-155: Award of Cedar Brook Water Main Replacement to Kulpeksa Land Improvements for $987,231.
- Resolution #24-156: Award of Zeller Dr Area Resurfacing to Fischer Contracting Inc. for $641,718.38.
- Resolution #24-158: Extension of water supply agreement with NJ American Water from Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2048.
- Resolution #24-160: Rescind contract award for Main Street Area Water Main Replacement due to missing ARP paperwork; will be rebid.
- Resolution #24-161: Rescind CDBG housing rehabilitation contract for 12 Edward Drive.
- Resolutions #24-165 to #24-168: Authorize 2024 tax rates for Fire Districts 1-4.
- Resolution #24-169: Authorize fireworks displays at The Palace at Somerset Park in May 2024.
Councilman Vassanella asked about the water contract extension; Attorney Rainone explained the necessity of long-term commitment for water supply stability.

Key Outcomes

Ordinance No. 4435-24 (amending land development checklists) adopted on second reading unanimously.
Ordinance No. 4439-24 (amending water charges) introduced on first reading with a 20% increase in water rates (median increase $69/year) and new $16/year meter fee. Public hearing set for May 14, 2024.
All consent agenda resolutions passed unanimously.
Warrants totaling $7,116,329.89 approved.

Meeting Transcript

This call to order. Madam Clerk. In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act of the State of New Jersey, adequate notice of the work session regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council was made as required, indicating that this work session regular meeting will take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024. Thank you. If we could all stand for the Pledge Allegiance, followed by the invocation from Councilmember Patazny. Deputy Mayor Patazny. Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek our own way, whatever sources of inspiration will grant us strength and power in our thoughts and our decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times. And may we find peace in the Middle East for our brothers and sisters that are suffering there and peace for the Ukrainian people. Amen. Councilwoman Barrison. Here. Councilwoman Fresla. Councilman Karazi. Mia Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka. Yes. Deputy Mia Pataznik. Present. Councilwoman Udin. Here. Councilman Vassanella? Here. And Councilman Wright. Thank you. Uh Councilman Wright, you had uh no amendment to the agenda. Uh we have commendations and proclamations. The 2024 Arbor Day proclamation by Councilman Vassanella. And Shade Tree Chairman Extraordinaire. There you go. Okay. All right. It's that time of year again. I'm sure many of you know have or have heard about Arbor Day, but I'll read this proclamation and we'll all learn a little bit more about it. Whereas in 1872, Jay Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Arc Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, where the holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than one million trees. And whereas National Arbor Day is celebrated annually in April by communities nationwide as a time to promote the benefits of trees. And whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air, sequester carbon, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products, and whereas trees in our township increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. And we're as the township of Franklin has recognized the value of trees by creating a shade tree commission to promote tree conservation and planting and maintaining trees on public property throughout the throughout the township. And whereas in a 2016 proclamation, the Township of Franklin adopted a tree canopy cover goal of 42% to preserve and increase its valuable tree canopy. And whereas the Township of Franklin has been a proud tree city USA for 22 years. And whereas the Shade Tree Commission in partnership with the Franklin Township Board of Education will host an Arbor Day event on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at the Township Gazebo, right outside our municipal building. Now therefore, we James Vassanella, Councilman, and Philip Kramer, Mayor, on behalf of the entire Franklin Township Council, do by here do hereby proclaim Friday, April 26th, this Friday, 2024, as Arbor Day 2020. As Arbor Day 2024 in the Township of Franklin, Somerset County, and I urge all citizens to gener to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands for this and future generations. So sorry it was so long but hopefully informative and interesting. We take for granted trees, I think a lot. We all do. It gets me an annoyance when the leaves are falling, or there's a branch that has to be cut and you can't reach it with your pole saw.

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