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.
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.
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.