Franklin Township Council Meeting - October 8, 2024
Franklin Township Council Meeting - October 8, 2024
The Franklin Township Council met on October 8, 2024, at 12:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, discussion of amendments to the special events permit and noise ordinances, introduction of ordinances on parking and cannabis retail caps, approval of the consent agenda, and a separate resolution for a grant application.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution #24-344: Authorize Tax Title Lien Redemptions
- Resolution #24-345: Authorize Refund of Tax & Water Overpayments
- Resolution #24-346: Adjust Water Charges for Water Leak Hardships
- Resolution #24-347: Authorize Refund of Invalid Tax Title Lien Redemption
- Resolution #24-348: Authorize Release of Performance Guarantees - Street Opening Bonds
- Resolution #24-349: Award Contract - Little League Field Lighting Improvements (amount TBD)
- Resolution #24-350: Award Purchase - 7-ton Dump Trailer ($15,498.00)
- Resolution #24-351: Authorize Grant Submission - 2024-25 Municipal Alliance Grant ($17,704.00)
- Resolution #24-352: Award State Contract - Ten Panasonic Tablets for Police ($36,400)
- Resolution #24-353: Authorize Application for Equipment through 1033 (LESO) Program
- Resolution #24-354: Authorize Township Manager to Execute NJDEP TWA Documents
- Resolution #24-355: Authorize 63 South Middlebush Road to Install Well All items were approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Ben McGuard (35 Patent Drive) announced a Halloween event on Hamilton Street on October 26, 12-3 PM. He also raised concerns about affordable housing displacement from demolitions in New Brunswick, urging Franklin to advocate for displaced residents and to support workforce development programs for local youth in construction trades.
- Marlin Kwan (28 J's Corner) criticized the zoning board's approval of a warehouse on Cottontail (51,000 sq ft, not a fulfillment center as conditioned), and questioned the process for warehouse approvals despite the township's ordinance to prohibit them. He urged the council to consider a cap on warehouses similar to the cannabis ordinance. He also noted ongoing litigation for other warehouses.
- A resident (name not stated) asked about sidewalk maintenance on Schoolhouse Road (grass overgrowth), inquired about the traffic study community meeting (postponed), and echoed concerns about warehouse approvals, referencing a possible application that was submitted before the warehouse ordinance.
- Terry Thorson (18 Labed Drive) announced the 14th annual Somerset County Journey Through the Past (Oct 12-13) and the Witchy Woman event at the Meadows (Oct 18). She also noted that the traffic study community meeting was postponed for a steering committee meeting.
- Donna Lisi (12 Windhurst Drive) promoted the ageism awareness subgroup of the stigma-free council, with the next meeting on October 16 at the senior center.
- Alex Strauss (285 has the way) expressed frustration that a campaign mailer from the mayor stated warehouses would no longer be a permitted use, but the zoning board approved a warehouse. He asked if the township was bankrupt or needed money.
The township attorney clarified that the warehouse ordinance made them a non-permitted use, but applicants can still seek use variances from the zoning board. He also explained that the cannabis ordinance's cap is authorized by state law, unlike warehouses. The township manager added that warehouse approvals do not lower taxes; the tax levy is set independently.
Discussion Items
- Amendments to Special Events Permit Ordinance (4451-24): The proposal would require a permit for outdoor private events with over 100 attendees. The director of public safety and township clerk explained that the current ordinance lacks enforcement provisions, and a permit would help manage parking, noise, and safety. Several council members expressed concerns about government overreach and the burden on residents. The consensus was to draft the ordinance with a zero fee and bring it back for introduction. Deputy Mayor Paznik suggested adding language that the permit shall not be reasonably withheld. The council also discussed the 200-foot audible noise standard (see noise ordinance).
- Amendments to Nuisances/Noise Ordinances (4452-24): The director of public safety reported 845 noise complaints in the last 12 months, but the current noise meter ordinance is nearly impossible to enforce (only one summons in five years). The proposed nuisance ordinance would allow officers to enforce based on plainly audible noise from 200 feet, without requiring meters. The township attorney noted that the DEP requires a model ordinance for noise, but this nuisance ordinance would bypass that by moving certain provisions. Council supported the approach, with Councilman Vasanella suggesting tiered penalties for repeat offenders. The township attorney agreed to add minimum penalties. The ordinance will be revised and introduced at the next meeting.
- Cannabis Retail Dispensaries Ordinance (4456-24): Introduced on first reading. The ordinance sets a maximum of 18 retail cannabis dispensaries, grandfathering those with unconditional licenses before the effective date. Deputy Mayor Paznik expressed hope that the cap could be raised if demand grows, noting Franklin is surrounded by municipalities that ban or limit dispensaries. Councilman Wright voiced concerns about over-saturation on Hamilton Street in his ward. The township manager estimated annual revenue of $300,000-$400,000 (about 1% of the tax levy). The council voted to introduce the ordinance (9-0).
- Ordinance 4455-24 (Parking Prohibited on Oakbrook Place): Introduced on first reading. This corrects errors in a previously passed ordinance.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamations adopted: October 8, 2024 as Patriotic Matthew Day; October 9, 2024 as Ageism Awareness Day; October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A moment of silence was held for Vivian Cotterell.
- The Special Events Permit Ordinance will be revised with a zero fee and brought back for introduction.
- The Nuisance/Noise Ordinance will be revised with tiered penalties and introduced at the next meeting.
- Ordinance 4455-24 (Parking on Oakbrook Place) introduced; public hearing set for October 22, 2024.
- Ordinance 4456-24 (Cannabis dispensaries cap) introduced; public hearing set for October 22, 2024.
- Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
- Resolution #24-356 (JAG Grant application) approved unanimously.
- Appointments to Advisory Board of Health: Kimberly Banks (regular) and Fatima Banna (junior) approved by acclamation.
Meeting Transcript
May we abide by the rules we've established, those of trust, fellowship, and ethics, and may we place service above self in all of our daily endeavors. May we always test ourselves and our efforts to be sure they are the truth for all good for all people and for the benefit of all of mankind. And may we provide peace and understanding to all. Amen. Please call the roll. Councilman Embarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Councilman Carazi. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman O'Nichaka. Here. Deputy Mayor Paznik. Present. Councilwoman Udine. Here. Councilman Vasanella. Here. Councilman Wright. Here. Run to item number five on the agenda. Copies of the agenda are there by the clerk. First commendation and proclamation is the patriotic Matthew Day proclamation by myself. Come on up. Whereas Matthew, a dedicated young citizen of Franklin Township, has been a Franklin student since kindergarten, and is affectionately known by his peers as Mr. USA for his outstanding patriotism and love for the American flag. And whereas Matthew's passion for the flag was first noticed at the tender age of six, and he is well known for his unwavering commitment to honoring the flag symbol, often reminding others, freedom is not free. And Matthew's deep respect for the American flag has earned him the trust and admiration of his classmates who frequently bring him tattered flags, knowing he will properly and respectfully dispose of them. And whereas Matthew has taken it upon himself to replace the American flags at various public sites around the township, including the JFK Memorial, whenever they become tattered or worn. And whereas Matthew has replaced 16 flags around town using his own funds, ensuring that the American flag is always treated with respect, the respect it deserves, and whereas Matthew's community spirit goes beyond his love for the flag, as he also takes time to visit nursing home residents with his beloved dog Henry, spreading joy and care to those who need it most, and whereas Matthew's patriotism extends to his personal life as he enjoys wearing patriotic clothes and has a deep appreciation for the music of Doris Day and Frank Sinatra, embodying the essence of the American culture and spirit, and whereas Matthew, at just eight years old, has shown an extraordinary sense of duty and love for his country and community, serving as an example of what it means to be a true patriot. Now, therefore I, Mayor Philip Kramer, along with the Township Council of the Township of Franklin, to hereby proclaim October 8th, 2024 as Patriotic Matthew Day in honor of Matthew's remarkable dedication to our community and the values of patriotism, freedom, and service. We encourage all residents of Franklin to join us in celebrating Matthew's inspiring contributions to and reflect on the importance of honoring and respecting our nation's symbols. Congratulations, Matt. And now, Matthew, could you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? 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, where liberty and justice for all. You want to say a word? Matthew teaches everyone he meets about the flag and what it represents. And he um he wants to be uh the president. Thank you, everybody. Thank you. Here's the proclamation. And I'm just glad he's eight years old, it gives me ten years to buff him up on my resume before he can run for mayor. That whenever time you leave a flag on the floor, um you always have to pick it up so you can be kind to the flag and be respectful to the flag and and always treat um the flag with respect and kindness. Who are these people? These are my friends from um Counterly Vote School, and um is in um my another class, one is with another class, and she is in my class. First, her name is Evelyn, Harry, and Charlie. Yes, sure.
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