Franklin Township Council Meeting – May 14, 2024

The Franklin Township Council held a work session/regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. The meeting included proclamations for Mental Health Awareness Month and commendations for youth leaders and the TEECS robotics team, extensive public comment on the Gaza conflict, and council discussion on several local issues. The council adopted multiple ordinances on second reading and introduced new ordinances, approved a consent agenda, and held a public hearing on the CY2024 municipal budget, which was not adopted pending review by the Department of Community Affairs.

Commendations & Proclamations

• Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation – Mayor Kramer and Councilman Kharazi recognized May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation noted that 1 in 5 Americans (20%) live with a diagnosable mental health condition, and with Franklin’s population of over 68,000, nearly 14,000 residents are affected. The township reaffirmed its status as a stigma-free community. The Stigma Free Council, co-chaired by Phyllis Beals and Safi Callan, reported on recent activities, including a $60,000 grant application and upcoming mental health first aid workshops.
• Commendation for Youth Leaders – A group of youth leaders from the Stigma Free Council were recognized for their work in promoting mental health awareness, including organizing events at Franklin High School, St. Matthias, and the Youth Center.
• TEECS Robotics Team Commendation – Councilwoman Uddin presented a commendation to the Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School FTC robotics team (Team 11754 Energy Smart) for placing third out of ten games at the 2024 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Idling Trucks – Mrs. Peterson (12 Lake Avenue, Somerset) reported chronic idling of trucks in a residential zone, with CO2 levels inside her home reaching 2,330 ppm and TVOC levels as high as 12. She requested enforcement of the state’s three-minute idling limit and more signage. The Township Manager noted that state law limits enforcement to police, health inspectors, or DEP/EPA inspectors, and encouraged residents to call the police. Only one anonymous complaint had been recorded.
• Gaza Ceasefire Resolution – Over a dozen speakers (including residents, students, clergy, and community leaders) urged the council to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speakers included Samina Sitar, Fat Malbana, Kamrol Nasser, Rev. Sonia Red (Franklin Interfaith Council), Sammy Katovic, Shamel Malik, Amina Undha, Ali, and others. They cited the death toll (over 35,000, including 15,000 children), the impact on local mental health, and the desire to heal divisions. Many noted that other New Jersey towns had passed similar resolutions. The council expressed sympathy but did not take immediate action.
• Mental Health Stigma – A resident shared a personal story of struggling with mental health and expressed gratitude for the Stigma-Free Council, stating it gave her “hope” and made her feel validated.
• Community Garden – Theodore Chase inquired about the status of the Neiman Williams Park community garden. The Township Manager reported that it is being renovated (48 plots, 4x8 feet, with ADA-compatible gardens) and that Community Baptist Church will manage it, with youth involvement planned.

Discussion Items

• Gaza Conflict and Council Response – Mayor Kramer and council members acknowledged the pain in the community but declined to pass a ceasefire resolution, stating it was outside the council’s lane. The mayor noted he is a “Jew and a Zionist” but respects the speakers. Councilman Kharazi suggested a community dialogue to heal divisions. Councilman Vasanella proposed an open forum with scholars. Councilman Wright shared a personal story of swearing in on the Quran. The council agreed to engage with clergy and explore dialogue.
• Council Reports – Council members reported on recent events: National Trails Day (June 1), Memorial Day parade (May 27), Juneteenth celebration (June 15), Police Youth Academy (July 11-19), and ongoing infrastructure issues on Easton Avenue (town hall May 20).
• Manager’s Report – The Township Manager noted the Police Youth Academy registration is open (30 spots, grades 8-12, deadline June 10).

Key Outcomes

• Warrants Approved – The council approved the May 14, 2024 warrants totaling $19,231,695.61 (unanimous).
• CY2024 Municipal Budget – The public hearing was held, but adoption was postponed because the Department of Community Affairs has not yet completed its triennial review. A temporary budget resolution (Consent Agenda item #24-175) was approved.
• Ordinances Adopted on Second Reading
  • Ordinance 4436-24 – Rezoning lots on Supra Court from RR-3 to R-10A (consistent with existing development). Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 4439-24 – Amending water charges: quarterly consumption, fire line service, and meter charges. The typical resident will see an increase of $69/year for water and $16/year for meter charges, but will not pay for a new meter after 20 years. Adopted unanimously.
• Ordinances Introduced on First Reading (public hearings set for June 11, 2024)
  • Ordinance 4440-24 – Anti-idling signage requirements.
  • Ordinance 4441-24 – Allowing three houses to be served by temporary wells until public water becomes available (related to the Rex property subdivision; master permit renewal expected in six months).
  • Ordinance 4442-24 – Accepting a sidewalk and utility easement at 490 Elizabeth Avenue.
• Consent Agenda Approved – All 19 items (Resolutions #24-172 through #24-191) were approved unanimously, including tax lien redemptions, refunds, water hardship adjustments, bond releases, bid awards (Skillmans Lane resurfacing, lead-based paint inspector, CDBG housing rehab contracts), special event permits, and contract extensions.
• Appointment – Councilman Wright nominated Senal Palakkal to the Recreation Advisory Committee; approved by acclamation.

Next Steps

• The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM, where first-reading ordinances will have public hearings. The CY2024 budget will be adopted once DCA review is complete.