Franklin Township Council Meeting - February 25, 2025
Franklin Township Council Meeting - February 25, 2025
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.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution #25-085 – Authorize Tax Title Lien Redemptions.
- Resolution #25-086 – Award contract for veterinary services to Easton Avenue Animal Clinic (not to exceed $35,000).
- Resolution #25-087 – Award non-fair and open professional services agreement for medical insurance TPA with Aetna Life Insurance Company (not to exceed $1,620,000).
- Resolution #25-088 – Extend competitive contract for SCADA software and system maintenance with Longo Electrical-Mechanical Inc. (not to exceed $150,000).
- Resolution #25-089 – Award bid for timber guiderail repair/raise as needed to J. Fletcher Creamer & Son Inc. (not to exceed $100,000 per year).
- Resolution #25-090 – Rescind snow removal contract for municipal complex with Patriot Paving, LLC.
- Resolution #25-091 – Amend Resolution #24-415 to award software/software maintenance/network support contracts to Edmunds & Associates, Spatial Data Logic, GovOS, and Starnet Solutions, Inc. (totals not to exceed $257,000).
- Resolution #25-092 – Award state contract for Dell Technologies laptops/desktops/servers (not to exceed $42,000).
- Resolution #25-093 – Appointment of Municipal Prosecutor to prosecute violations of township ordinances.
- Resolution #25-095 – Support passage of New Jersey Climate Superfund Act.
- Resolution #25-096 – Authorize refunds for construction water meters escrow to RC Andersen LLC ($1,641.21), Oswald Enterprises Inc. ($2,851.28), Speedwell Construction ($252.41), and National Water Main Cleaning ($2,404.31).
All consent agenda items were adopted unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Robert Scott Pain (209 Super Court) expressed support for Resolution #25-095, stating that large carbon polluters should pay for climate change remediation and that action is needed now.
- Unnamed speaker also supported the Climate Superfund Act, saying it would ensure residents are not unfairly penalized by fossil fuel companies.
- Linda Powell (22 Buffer Drive) thanked the council for considering the Climate Superfund Act and also thanked Assemblyman Joe Danielson for co-sponsoring the Immigrant Trust Act. She expressed gratitude for the council's consistent support of resident health and safety.
- Carol Peterson (12 Lake Avenue) complained about idling trucks in her neighborhood, stating they cause noise, vibration, and air pollution, and that vandalism has occurred. She requested no-idling signs and enforcement, noting that trucks idle for hours at night and sometimes shake her bed.
- Marcel Rodriguez (657 Hamilton Street) from WeShop C V D, a health and wellness store, explained that they applied for a cannabis dispensary license but the CRC denied it because the township ordinance no longer allows new dispensaries. He asked the council to consider changing the ordinance to allow his business, which he said is community-focused and affordable.
- Doc Cunningham (11 Star Course Somerset) commended the council for providing a "know your rights" link on the website. He also praised Captain Hebron for his 27 years of service and announced the formation of the Hometown Civic Leaders Coalition (HCLC), aimed at promoting civic engagement. He urged the council to support the coalition.
- Speaker (likely John Tibbs) made an official demand that the top floor of the building at 429 Lewis Street be given to the Somerset Community Action Program (SCAP). He also raised concerns about gentrification and displacement of black residents from the Fourth Ward, criticizing fees for youth programs (e.g., $176 for test prep, $64 for basketball).
- Benjamin Guy (35 Patent Drive) announced a civil construction program for adults starting March 3, in partnership with the Board of Education and SCAP, offering stipends, child care, and transportation. He also asked who is on the affordable housing assessment subcommittee, seeking transparency, and noted that the state deadline is June 30. He mentioned that the youth center is receiving an award this week.
Discussion Items
- Swearing-In of Police Officers – Public Safety Director Bella Mayweather oversaw the swearing-in of new officers (Matthew George, Deshaun Jones, Patel, Rodriguez, Peterson, Caseum, Solomon), promoted sergeants (Kevin Friziola, Manuel Rios, Robert Young), lieutenants (Stacy Grant, Trevor Wilson), and captains (Brandon Domator, Vincent Wilson). She noted that 49 officers have been hired in five years and 27 of 31 supervisors have been promoted during her tenure. Mayor Kramer expressed pride and gratitude for the police force.
- International Mother Language Day Proclamation – Deputy Mayor Uddin read a proclamation declaring February 21, 2025, as International Mother Language Day, encouraging linguistic diversity. Speakers noted that over 60 languages are spoken in Franklin Township, and a celebration was held at the library.
- Public Comments on Cannabis Licensing – Council members responded to Marcel Rodriguez's request. Councilman Carazi (likely) explained that the township ordinance caps dispensaries at 18, but the state has issued 23 licenses for Franklin Township. Those already approved can open; if any close, no new licenses will be issued until the number falls below 18. The council stated they cannot accommodate new requests unless the ordinance is changed.
- Idling Truck Complaints – Mayor Kramer and others acknowledged Carol Peterson's concerns and said they would look into idling signage and the road conditions.
- Affordable Housing Assessment – Manager Mark Healy and council members provided details. The state deadline for the affordable housing plan is June 30. The third-round obligation (2076 units) was met with 1965 built and occupied (95% completion). The surplus of 86 units was reduced to 19 due to projects not built. The ad hoc affordable housing committee includes council members (Councilman Wright, Deputy Mayor Uddin, Councilman Onajaka, Councilman Vasanella) and planning board members. The committee has held three meetings and will continue. A vacant land analysis reduced the future obligation from 714 to 623 units. Councilman Wright corrected Mr. Guy's earlier claims, stating that the numbers were thoroughly vetted.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Staff (likely from planning) presented the overview of the 2025-2029 consolidated plan. Franklin receives CDBG funds due to its population (over 50,000) and low-income census tracts. Two community meetings are scheduled for April 2 and 16, with a final public hearing on June 24. An online survey starts March 1. The program has funded over 106 single-family home rehabilitations. A public hearing was held; no public comments were made.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda Adopted – All 11 resolutions were approved unanimously.
- Minutes Approved – Minutes from January 7 and January 28, 2025, were approved.
- Warrants Approved – Payment of $26,461,033.11 was authorized.
- Executive Session Authorized – Resolution #25-097 was passed to enter executive session to discuss potential land acquisition for open space preservation (Gouda/El-Khabtib property at 360 Franklin Blvd. and Negri Farm, LLC at 408 Skillmans Lane). No official actions were taken after the session.
- Appointment of Municipal Prosecutor – Resolution #25-093 formalized the appointment of the township attorneys to prosecute ordinance violations, as requested by the administrative office of the courts.
- Council Liaison Appointed – Mayor Kramer nominated Councilman Jim Vasanella as liaison to the Stigma-Free Council, which was approved without objection.
- Upcoming Events Announced – Pride 2025 planning session on February 28; Hamilton Street Safety Improvements public information session on March 12; CDBG community meetings on April 2 and 16; affordable housing plan adoption by June 30.
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 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.
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