The Franklin Township Council held a work session/regular meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the municipal building. The meeting included swearing-in of police officers, a proclamation for International Mother Language Day, public comments on the New Jersey Climate Superfund Act, idling trucks, cannabis licensing, and affordable housing, as well as adoption of a consent agenda and approval of minutes and warrants. Council members also provided updates on community events, committees, and the upcoming CDBG program.
All consent agenda items were adopted unanimously.
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 meeting would take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. We could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing by the for the invocation, which I will initiate to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands for a nation under liberty and justice for all. So it was back in 2016. 2016 that the council first stood up and took a pledge to stand for the other. So I thought he might meet us in it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and good evening, everyone. As Mr. Mayor said, uh 2016, this council took this uh pledge. And not only this council, the following year, all the students in Franklin Township, and in many occasions, many of the people have taken this pledge. We pride ourselves because we are the second most diverse community in New Jersey, and you can look around it and you'll see who we are. So I'd like to read this and please uh just uh read it together. While interacting with members of my own faith or ethnic community, or with others, if I hear hateful or derogatory comments from anyone about members of any other community, I pledge to stand up for the other and challenge bigotry in any form. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Madam Clerk, it's time to call the roll. Councilman Embarrison. Here, Councilwoman Francois. Councilman Carazi. Here Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka. Yeah. Councilmember Bataznik. Present. Deputy Mayor Udine. Here. Councilman Vasanella. Here. Councilman Wright. So a little uh announcement to excuse myself. I'm usually like 15 or 20 minutes early. I came only five minutes early today because I was getting my new hearing aids fixed or fitted. And things sound different to me. So if I act a little strange tonight, it's because I'm trying to cope with getting used to them. Um next item is item number five, commendations and proclamations, copies of the agenda up near the clerk. First item, swearing in of police officers. I'll leave it to the director. No. No. Some sort of power. All right. Good evening, everyone. I am the public safety director for Bella Mayweather. Tonight we will have the swearing in for our newly hired officers, our newly promoted sergeants, lieutenants, and captains.