The Franklin Township Council convened on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included a proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, lengthy public comment period centered on calls for a ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza, adoption of the CY2024 municipal budget, introduction of several capital ordinances, and approval of a consent agenda. No minutes were submitted for approval.
In accordance with the Elder Public Meeting Act of the State of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council, Ms. May is required indicating that this work session regular meeting would take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024. Thank you. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilwoman Francois. If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. Amen. Councilman Carrazi. Councilman Odi Jaka. Councilwoman Edine. Councilman Vassanella. Here. Councilman Ray. Thank you. If you want to follow along on the agenda, you're by the clerk. We're to item number five, commendations and proclamations. That's cool. Okay, then I'll just read it from up here. Whereas every day, 120 Americans are killed by gun violence, and more than 200 are shot and wounded, with an average of nearly 18,000 gun homicides every year. Whereas New Jersey has 427 gun deaths every year, with a rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000 people, a crisis that costs the state $5.3 billion each year, which 168.9 million is paid by taxpayers. New Jersey has the 45th highest rate of gun deaths in the United States. And whereas towns across the nation, including Franklin, are working to end senseless violence with evidence-based solutions, whereas protecting public safety in the communities they serve is a mayor's highest responsibility. And whereas gun violence prevention is more important than ever, as we see an increase in firearms homicides and non-fatal shootings, increased calls to domestic violence hotlines and increased gun violence. Now, therefore I, Philip Kramer, Mayor of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, on behalf of the Township Council, declare June 7, 2024 to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and encourage all citizens to support their local communities efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives. Thank you. We have a motion to open to the public. So moved. Second. Moved and seconded. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion is carried. We are open to the public. Anyone wishing to speak on anything related to government may do so. Please state your name and address. May only come up once, five minutes per person, no yielding of time. Hello. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Esteemed Council members. As we just observed on Memorial Day yesterday, I want to express my gratitude to all the soldiers for their service. I respectfully request a moment of silence from the Steam Council and those present here today. Let's remember those who lost their lives in service of this great nation, as well as countless innocent lives lost in ongoing conflict overseas, including those on October 7th and the 37,000, and counting Palestinians who have lost their lives due to ongoing genocide. Let's take a 30-minute silence. Certain words were spoken that did not fit the occasion. The community plea was simple.