Franklin Township Council Work Session Regular Meeting - December 10, 2024

The Franklin Township Council held a work session and regular meeting on December 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included council comments on various township projects and services, approval of warrants totaling $3,948,716.20, introduction of an affordable housing ordinance, adoption of a 25-item consent agenda, and an executive session on potential litigation. Following the executive session, the council voted to authorize a redevelopment investigation.

Consent Calendar

• Warrants: Approved payments totaling $3,948,716.20 for December 10, 2024.
• Consent Agenda (Resolutions #24-396 through #24-420): Adopted unanimously with all 9 council members voting in favor. Items included the 2025 council meeting schedule, liquor license transfers/renewals, amendment to engineering services agreement (increase from $130,000 to $240,250.50), award of CDBG administration contract ($55,000/year for five years), document imaging contract ($180,000 for construction/planning/zoning records), special event permit for Middlebush Reformed Church Living Nativity (December 14, 2024, 5-8 PM), 2025 fire district salaries, certification of CY2023 municipal audit, CY2024 budget transfers, tax title lien redemptions, refunds, water charge adjustment for hardship leak ($82.93), cancellation of small balances, release of performance guarantees, change order for Drake Road Area Resurfacing (increase to $727,214.73), award of software/network support contracts, insurance broker renewal, adoption of CJJIF safety incentive program, dental insurance renewals (Aetna $390,000, Cigna $6,500), employee coaching contract ($120,400), and support for farmland preservation program.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward to speak during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Parks and Recreation: Township Manager Robert Vornlocker provided updates on Catalpo Park (still awaiting DEP permits, expected to go to bid by January 2025), ongoing park maintenance by Public Works, and confirmation that Middlebush Park playground was replaced about five years ago and meets current standards. Councilman Wright discussed a resident suggestion to upgrade the Middlebush play area, but manager noted it is already up to standard.
• Speed Humps: Councilman Wright outlined a community-driven process for installing speed humps, citing a case on Appletman Street where three of four adjacent residents supported it but one objector blocked it. He invited residents to email him if interested, offering to visit personally.
• Master Plan Traffic Study: Councilwoman Shepa Uddin reported the study is still in progress, with an internal community meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, and a public session to follow once findings are compiled.
• Website for Studies: Councilman Vassanella requested a clear, concise posting on the township website listing all active studies (federal, state, county, municipal) with links to surveys and public participation opportunities. Township Manager agreed to follow up.
• Affordable Housing: Councilman Vassanella shared updates from the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center board meeting, noting that nearly 25% of those seeking affordable housing are living with family. He emphasized the regional challenge of meeting affordable housing goals.
• Tree Canopy and Forestry Plan: Councilman Vassanella reported on the Shade Tree Commission’s work, including a decadal forestry management plan and a tree maintenance/planting guide to ensure proper care of new trees.
• YMCA: Councilman Carrasi expressed eagerness for a YMCA in Franklin Township, noting ongoing efforts behind the scenes. Councilman Embarrasson confirmed participation on the YMCA campaign steering committee.
• Historic Preservation Commission: Councilman Embarrasson praised the commission for processing eight applications in two hours, highlighting Chairman Andrew Murian’s professionalism.
• Human Trafficking Awareness: Councilman Carrasi noted that January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, with educational curricula available for K-12, and announced a town hall meeting on opioid settlement funds on December 18, 2024, at 7 PM.
• Other Announcements: Councilman Carrasi recognized Dr. Donna Lisi as the Governor’s Council Volunteer of the Year. Councilman Onyejiaka reminded residents to be vigilant during the holiday season due to increased crime. Deputy Mayor Pitasnik provided an update on a traffic warrant study at Route 27 and Princeton Highlands Boulevard. Councilwoman Uddin reported that animals at the shelter are removed during fireworks. Township Manager Vornlocker announced a free rabies clinic for dogs on Saturday, December 14, from 8-10 AM at the animal shelter.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance Introduction (No. 4458A-24): Introduced on first reading to amend the municipal code regarding affordable housing by establishing a municipal housing liaison. The ordinance will have a public hearing and final adoption on January 7, 2025. Passed unanimously (9-0).
• Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously (9-0).
• Executive Session: Authorized Resolution #24-395 to enter executive session for potential litigation related to redevelopment. The council entered at approximately 7:30 PM and returned at approximately 9:07 PM.
• Redevelopment Investigation (Resolution #24-421): Following executive session, the council voted 8-0-1 (Councilman Wright stepped away and did not vote) to authorize the Planning Board to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether certain parcels qualify as an area in need of redevelopment under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 PM.