Franklin Township Council Work Session Regular Meeting - December 10, 2024
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.
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 city 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. on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilman Oli Jacca. I pledge allegiance to the flag. The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. As we got out here today as members of the Township Council, we put us, we are mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community. Keep it in mind always the enduring values of life. Exactly our efforts in those areas on the things upon which for the generation can build with confidence. Amen. Councilman Embarrison? Yeah. Councilwoman Francois. Councilman Carrazi? Here. Mayor Kramer? Here. Councilman O'Nijaka? Yeah. Deputy Mayor Pitasnik? President. Councilwoman Udine? Here. Councilman Vassanella? Here. Councilman Wright. Um. The next item is executive session. Uh Councilman, Councilwoman Francois informed me that she was going to be a little late. Uh I'd be best that we're all the council are at executive session. Uh are able to attend the executive session. So we'll delay that until she arrives. There are no commendations or proclamations. We do I have a motions open to the public. So moved. Seconded. Moved and seconded. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. We are open to the public. Five minutes. Only can speak once, no yielding of time. Please state your name and address Mayor seeing no one coming forward on motion close to the public portion. Seconded. Moved and seconded. All in favor say aye. Aye.
openpublica.com