OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - September 24, 2024

Township Council — Tuesday, September 24, 2024
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, September 24, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:34:33

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

This work session regular meeting of the township council is called to order.

0:12

Madam Clerk.

0:13

In accordance with the open public meeting act of the 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.

0:28

at on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024.

0:33

If we could all stand for the Pledge Allegiance and then remain standing for invocation by Councilman Sheepa Udin's.

0:42

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:49

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:03

Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek in our own way.

1:08

Whatever sources of inspiration will grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times.

1:19

Amen.

1:26

Madam Clerk, please call the role.

1:28

Councilman Inbarrison.

1:30

Here.

1:30

Councilwoman Francois.

1:32

Here.

1:32

Councilman Carazi.

1:34

Here.

1:34

Mayor Kramer.

1:35

Here.

1:35

Councilman Oni Jaka.

1:37

Yeah.

1:37

Deputy Mayor Petasnik.

1:39

Councilwoman Udine.

1:41

Here.

1:41

Councilman Vassanella.

1:42

Here.

1:43

Councilman Ray.

1:45

We now have four proclamation presentations.

1:50

First is the Czech presentation to Somerset County YMCA from Assemblyman Joe Danielson.

1:56

You have the stage, Assemblyman.

1:59

You can face the audience if you'd like.

2:04

Thank you, Mayor.

2:05

I'd like to uh call up um Bill Grippo and the representatives from the YMCA.

2:10

If you have a moment.

2:14

A couple of years by the way, Mayor, thank you.

2:17

Former Mayor Francois and Council Mayors, uh Council members.

2:20

Uh thank you for having me tonight.

2:23

I'm very happy to uh come to your meeting again with a presentation of money for critical services here in Franklin Township.

2:32

Um a few years ago, uh Bill Grippo came to my office and was uh explaining me the concept that he's been talking about since at least 2005 and how the critical services that are provided by the YMCA are desperately needed by the families and the children of Franklin Township, and we are a perfect community to host a YMCA.

2:59

Well, fast forward uh quite a number of years, uh we are here today.

3:04

So from that conversation, I met the the representatives of the YMCA, and so did council members and other community leaders, and um they've selected a home in Franklin Township and um with partnership with the township council uh using their land, and um I immediately asked how much is this going to cost?

3:29

Now they think it's gonna cost 30 million.

3:33

I think it's gonna cost 40 million.

3:35

But yeah, what uh uh regardless of how much it costs, the ball has to start rolling of getting money in.

3:43

And while we're waiting to build this project, there's families that need the critical services they provide.

3:50

There's children uh that need these services, everything from health care, studying, gymnasium, and of course the classic swimming lessons.

4:01

And there are children who drowned in Franklin Township because they don't know how to swim, and people around them that could have otherwise saved them also do not know how to swim.

4:12

But I'll let them talk about their services.

4:15

So I committed to committing to them and the vision of getting state budget money for the YMCA because for this to be a reality, no one organization can afford to pay 30, 40 million dollars.

4:32

It's gonna be a multi-level partnership, starting from the state, then the county, and then the municipality, and then of course, donations from the community.

4:45

Um, luckily, this YMCA will be will probably uh serve not only Franklin Township, but South Brunswick and the North Brunswick community.

4:55

So that that's two counties.

5:00

So I'm asking everyone to help me inspire those at the state to continue giving them money.

5:05

And our two counties and their commissioners, they need to pony up money for this to be successful, or else it will not happen.

5:15

Additionally, the YMCA no doubt will make a strategic partner out of our Franklin Township Youth Center.

5:23

Can you imagine transportation in between then?

5:27

We made a wonderful commitment and investment into the Youth Center, and the YMCA will be a strategic partner in that.

5:35

And additionally, with the Somerset County Action Program also.

5:40

And now the ball starts rolling today with this presentation, and hopefully it will continue.

5:48

So first, thank you, Bill Grippo, for uh stalking me for several years until we do that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Youth Programs██████████████████18%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Community Engagement███████████11%
Public Works███████7%
Traffic Safety█████5%
Transportation Safety████4%
Open Space████4%
Parking Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - September 24, 2024

The Franklin Township Council held its regular work session and meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Municipal Building. The meeting included multiple commendations, public comments, discussion on the Hamilton Street traffic and parking study, adoption of ordinances on second and first readings, and approval of a consent agenda with 17 resolutions. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Commendations & Proclamations

  • Check Presentation to Somerset County YMCA: Assemblyman Joe Danielsen presented a $750,000 state budget check to the Franklin Township YMCA. YMCA representatives emphasized this initial funding will help launch a capital campaign for a new facility estimated to cost $30–40 million. The YMCA will serve Franklin, South Brunswick, and North Brunswick.
  • Garden State Track Club Scholarships: Five graduating high school students (Hansel Jimenez, Samantha Hanlon, Sophia Peralta, Melanie Menesis, Daniel Quaisbert) received scholarships funded by the Garden State Track Club and coordinated with the police department. Recipients were recognized for their involvement in youth programs such as JROTC and Franklin Fit.
  • Central Jersey College Prep Charter School – IMUN Proclamation: The council honored the school’s Model UN team for winning Best School Delegation at the International Model United Nations competition in 2023 and 2024, competing against schools from Japan, India, China, and others. Students and advisors were recognized.
  • Samudhra Premium Restaurant and Lounge – 5th Anniversary: A proclamation celebrated the restaurant’s fifth anniversary, recognizing its cultural contributions and community support.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bill Grippo (Pair Street, Somerset): Thanked the council for supporting the YMCA project and acknowledged multiple council members and the mayor for their roles.
  • Paul Arias (Lindsay Court, Franklin Park): Raised two issues: 1) FEMA flood zone map changes affecting his home’s insurance; he asked if the township knew of the update and if maps would be revised. 2) Inquired about zoning regulations for selling home-baked goods (cottage food industry). Council members directed him to Scott Thomas (engineering department) for flood maps and to the Somerset County Health Department for cottage food licensing.

Discussion Items

  • Township Manager’s Report:
    • Hamilton Street Studies: Clarified the difference between the 2019 Somerset County safety improvement study (federally funded, focused on safety features) and the township’s 2024 traffic and parking study (Bright View Engineering, $56,985). The new study will analyze current and future parking demands (on-street and off-street) as related to development, and make recommendations on zoning requirements for off-street parking. It is a traffic and parking analysis, not a planning study.
    • Franklin Day Festival: Announced for September 28, 2024, at Colonial Park, Lot C, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Features include entertainment, vendors, petting zoo, pony rides, and a building permit amnesty program. Premier sponsor is the Gillis organization (Marty Gillis, McDonald’s franchisee).
    • Building Permit Amnesty: Residential property owners who completed work without required permits can apply for permits at Franklin Day without penalties (permit fees still apply). This helps homeowners comply before selling.
  • Council Comments and Updates:
    • Councilwoman Uddin: Announced Government 101 session on September 30 at 7 PM, Master Plan Traffic Study public meeting in October, and upcoming signage improvements on New Brunswick Road.
    • Councilman Vasanella: Reported on the Hamilton Street Corridor Study (local officials briefing #1), a federally funded project expected to reach construction by 2029. He also reminded about Franklin Day.
    • Councilwoman Francois: Promoted Assemblyman Danielsen’s free expungement clinic on October 1 at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. Praised investments in youth including the YMCA, Youth Center, and scholarships.
    • Councilman Barrison: Announced Franklin Food Bank received Nonprofit of the Year award from Somerset County Business Partnership. He will serve on the YMCA campaign steering committee. Diwali celebration scheduled for October 12 at Franklin High School, 5–8 PM.
    • Councilman Oni Jaka: Thanked attendees at the groundbreaking of the Dawudu Islamic Mosque.
    • Councilman Karazi: Made health-related announcements (September Pain Awareness Month, cannabis safety cards for dispensaries). Promoted Human Relations Commission meeting on September 25, Franklin Day trails booth, and Palestinian Culture Day on October 27 at Colonial Park.
    • Mayor Kramer: Reported that Fire District 3 crisis was averted; thanked staff and attorney Lou Renone. Encouraged voting by mail.
  • Ordinance No. 4450-24 – Second Reading: Amended Chapter 226 (Vehicles and Traffic) to allow traffic and parking enforcement on private property at Somerset Gate. Public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance No. 4453-24 – First Reading: Authorizes acceptance by donation of approximately 16.5 acres at 140 Coppermine Road (Franklin Fields LP) for open space preservation. The property cannot be developed due to insufficient road frontage. Public hearing set for October 22, 2024. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance No. 4454-24 – First Reading: Capital ordinance appropriating $23,500 from the Open Space Trust Fund to cover costs associated with the land donation (survey, legal, etc.). Public hearing set for October 22, 2024. Adopted unanimously.
  • Consent Agenda: Items A through Q (Resolutions #24-327 through #24-343). Councilman Wright requested clarification on Item H (award of contract to Bright View Engineering for the Hamilton Street SID Traffic & Parking Study). He questioned whether the study would address ride-share/delivery vehicle impacts and include side streets. Township Manager stated the study is a traffic and parking analysis, not a planning study, and that side streets are included within the SID parking area. No item was removed. Consent agenda adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Resolutions (Consent Agenda): All 17 resolutions adopted, including:
    • Resolution #24-327: Authorize tax title lien redemptions.
    • Resolution #24-328: Amend award of state contract for Office 365 Gov E3 (not to exceed $257,265.99).
    • Resolution #24-329: Award purchase of landscape trailer ($7,499).
    • Resolution #24-330: Award state contract for body-worn cameras and equipment – Year 4 ($132,514.64).
    • Resolution #24-331: Award purchase of plow for landscape truck ($8,643.52).
    • Resolution #24-332: Extend snow plowing contract (Year 3, $225,000).
    • Resolution #24-333: Extend janitorial services contract ($279,578).
    • Resolution #24-334: Award fair and open contract for Hamilton Street SID Traffic & Parking Study ($56,985).
    • Resolution #24-335: Authorize Partnership Health Center Franklin to withdraw funds as third-party administrator.
    • Resolution #24-336: Insert body-worn camera grant ($2,514.64) into CY2024 budget.
    • Resolution #24-337: Authorize LOSAP contribution to East Millstone First Aid Squad ($28,890).
    • Resolution #24-338: Authorize fireworks displays at The Palace at Somerset Park.
    • Resolution #24-339: Issue special event permit to Franklin Baptist Church for flea market (September 28).
    • Resolution #24-340: Issue special event permit to Franklin Township Republican Municipal Committee for meet & greet (October 13).
    • Resolution #24-341: Authorize release of executive session minutes.
    • Resolution #24-342: Issue special event permit to Sister2Sister for Breast Cancer Run/Walk (October 5).
    • Resolution #24-343: Authorize stormwater detention facility maintenance agreement for 607 Elizabeth Avenue.
  • Approved Ordinances: Ordinance 4450-24 adopted on second reading. Ordinances 4453-24 and 4454-24 introduced on first reading; public hearings set for October 22, 2024.
  • Approved Warrants: Warrants totaling $16,510,609.53 approved for payment.
  • Building Permit Amnesty: Announced for Franklin Day (September 28) – homeowners can obtain permits without penalty (permit fees still apply).
  • Boards, Committees & Commissions Vacancies: Noted openings on Zoning Board, Human Relations Committee, and Advisory Board of Health. Applications available on township website.
  • Next Regular Meeting: October 22, 2024, 7:00 PM. Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

This work session regular meeting of the township council is called to order. Madam Clerk. In accordance with the open public meeting act of the 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. at on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024. If we could all stand for the Pledge Allegiance and then remain standing for invocation by Councilman Sheepa Udin's. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek in our own way. Whatever sources of inspiration will grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times. Amen. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Inbarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Councilman Carazi. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka. Yeah. Deputy Mayor Petasnik. Councilwoman Udine. Here. Councilman Vassanella. Here. Councilman Ray. We now have four proclamation presentations. First is the Czech presentation to Somerset County YMCA from Assemblyman Joe Danielson. You have the stage, Assemblyman. You can face the audience if you'd like. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to uh call up um Bill Grippo and the representatives from the YMCA. If you have a moment. A couple of years by the way, Mayor, thank you. Former Mayor Francois and Council Mayors, uh Council members. Uh thank you for having me tonight. I'm very happy to uh come to your meeting again with a presentation of money for critical services here in Franklin Township. Um a few years ago, uh Bill Grippo came to my office and was uh explaining me the concept that he's been talking about since at least 2005 and how the critical services that are provided by the YMCA are desperately needed by the families and the children of Franklin Township, and we are a perfect community to host a YMCA. Well, fast forward uh quite a number of years, uh we are here today. So from that conversation, I met the the representatives of the YMCA, and so did council members and other community leaders, and um they've selected a home in Franklin Township and um with partnership with the township council uh using their land, and um I immediately asked how much is this going to cost? Now they think it's gonna cost 30 million. I think it's gonna cost 40 million. But yeah, what uh uh regardless of how much it costs, the ball has to start rolling of getting money in. And while we're waiting to build this project, there's families that need the critical services they provide. There's children uh that need these services, everything from health care, studying, gymnasium, and of course the classic swimming lessons. And there are children who drowned in Franklin Township because they don't know how to swim, and people around them that could have otherwise saved them also do not know how to swim. But I'll let them talk about their services. So I committed to committing to them and the vision of getting state budget money for the YMCA because for this to be a reality, no one organization can afford to pay 30, 40 million dollars. It's gonna be a multi-level partnership, starting from the state, then the county, and then the municipality, and then of course, donations from the community.

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