Franklin Township Council Meeting - March 11, 2025
Franklin Township Council Meeting - March 11, 2025
The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. The session included three proclamations, public comments on ranked choice voting and backyard chickens, a contentious public hearing on the Fire District No. 4 budget, introduction of two ordinances, and approval of a consent agenda. The council also appointed a new member to the Hamilton Street Advisory Board.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution #25-100 – Authorize Tax Title Lien Redemptions
- Resolution #25-101 – Authorize Refund of Tax Overpayments
- Resolution #25-102 – Adjust Water Charges for Hardships (three properties: 90 Jefferson Street, 68 Timberhill Drive, 145 Saratoga Court)
- Resolution #25-103 – Award Purchase of One Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD (Nielson Ford of Morristown, not to exceed $44,552.90)
- Resolution #25-104 – Authorize Grant Submission for FY2025 NJ Dept. of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program ($4,889.80)
- Resolution #25-105 – Authorize Stormwater Detention Facility Maintenance Agreement for 50 DeMott Lane
- Resolution #25-106 – Authorize Stormwater Detention Facility Maintenance Agreements for 295 Girard Avenue and 297 Girard Avenue
- Resolution #25-107 – Authorize Person-to-Person Transfer of Plenary Retail Consumption License (Overhill, LLC to NK Liquors, LLC at 2011 Route 27, Somerset)
- Resolution #25-108 – Authorize Release of Performance Guarantee for Breit Industrial Canyon Holdings (bio retention basin, $227,610.00)
- Resolution #25-109 – Accept 2024-2025 New Jersey Governor's Council on Substance Use Disorder (GCSUD) Funding for Municipal Alliance ($8,852.00)
- Resolution #25-110 – Issuance of Special Event Permit for Renaissance Cyclists Defeating Cancer United Inc. Bike-A-Thon (September 20, 2025, 8 AM to 3 PM, Franklin Township Senior Community Center)
- Resolution #25-111 – Issuance of Special Event Permit for Garden State Track Club 5k & 10 Miler (March 23, 2025, 9 AM to 12 PM, Colonial Park)
All consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Alex Clark (396 Hamilton Street) – Expressed support for ranked choice voting, advocating for state bills S1622 and A4042. He argued that ranked choice voting eliminates the spoiler effect, allows voters to vote sincerely, and ensures winners have majority support. He requested the council consider a resolution in support of the enabling legislation.
- Lydia Lacey (1036 Canal Road, Griggstown) – Voiced strong support for allowing backyard chickens in Franklin Township. She described her positive experience keeping hens, noting they are easier than cats or dogs, provide fresh eggs, and foster community connections. She emphasized that roosters present a different issue, but hens are a joy.
- Donna L. (12 Windhurst Drive, Somerset) – Chair of the Board of Health Advisory Council, cautioned about avian flu risks associated with backyard poultry. She noted that wild waterfowl can transmit the virus to flocks and that conjunctivitis can be an early symptom of Type A flu. She urged careful biosecurity measures.
- Bill Connell (25 Spring Street) – Raised concerns about noise from roosters and questioned the fine for accidental rooster ownership. He asked how residents would be expected to dispose of an unwanted rooster given the ordinance's prohibition on killing it on the property. He also opposed allowing chickens on lots smaller than R-15 (15,000 sq ft).
- Cora Dumay (1621 Amlo Road) – Troop leader for Girl Scout Troop 60327, thanked the council for the Girl Scout Week proclamation and introduced three young scouts: Taylor, Tilla, and Olivia, who each expressed gratitude and described their involvement in Girl Scouts.
Discussion Items
Fire District No. 4 CY2025 Budget (Public Hearing & Resolution)
The council heard a public hearing on the rejected Fire District No. 4 budget. Councilman Pataznik presented a detailed analysis showing that the Franklin Township share of the shared service agreement with South Brunswick Fire District 3 should be based on equalized assessed values, not the 10% figure used in the rejected budget. Using state equalization tables, he calculated Franklin's ratable share at 5.7%, resulting in a recommended budget of $48,573.66—a 43% reduction from the proposed $75,688.88. He noted that the 2024 contract language required a negotiated payment, and that the 10% allocation appeared to be based on outdated assessed values.
Representatives from Franklin Fire District 4 (including Commissioner and Treasurer) supported the council's analysis, stating that the 10% figure had been overestimated for years and that the equalized valuation method is standard. They emphasized that fire protection would continue through mutual aid and that they had already begun exploring alternative arrangements if the contract with South Brunswick cannot be renegotiated.
Representatives from South Brunswick Fire District 3 (Chairman Steve Matabianco and Treasurer) disputed the council's numbers, arguing that the 10% figure was not in the contract and that the council's itemization improperly removed certain costs (e.g., salaries, radios). They claimed the budget was negotiated in good faith and that the council's analysis was
Meeting Transcript
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, March 11, 2025. Please all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation by Councilman Ambarris. If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart. Amen. Councilman Embarrison. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka. Councilmember Batznick. Present. Deputy Mayor Dean. Here. Councilman Vassanella. Here. Councilman Wright. We are to item number five. Uh commendations and proclamations. We have three. Can get a copy of the agenda near the clerk. The first one is by Councilman Vassanella, the 2025 Girl Scout Week Proclamation. Is there anyone here from Girl Scouting? Great. Hello? Okay, it is working. The battery might be running a little low. Is there anybody here from Girl Scouting? Yes. Okay. Um, you can wait till I read this in and come up. So Franklin Township has been blessed with a lot of scouting activities over the decades, and we're we're thrilled that the Girl Scouting is still thriving in our township. Umas Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a national organization dedicated to the empowering young girls to become leaders who make a positive impact on their communities. And whereas Girl Scout Week is celebrated annually to honor the legacy of the Girl Scouts and the enduring values of courage, confidence, and character they instill in young girls. And whereas from March 9th to March 15th, 2025, Girl Scout troops across Franklin Township will participate in community service, leadership, development, activities, and activities that teach the importance of service to others and personal growth. And whereas Girl Scouts are an integral part of Franklin Township's vibrant community, contributing their time, talent, and energy to make a difference in the lives of others. And whereas the dedicated volunteers, leaders, and families of Girl Scouts of Franklin Township continue to support the mission of the Girl Scouts by nurturing the next generation of women leaders. Now therefore, we both Kramer Mayor and James Fascinella, Councilman of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the entire Franklin Township Council, do hereby proclaim the week of March 9th through 15th, 2025 as Girl Scout Week at Franklin Township and encourage all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of the Girl Scouts and their leaders. By all means, um I'd like to say that Girl Scout being a Girl Scout means to be sisters of other Girl Scouts, and much more to say. We help each other and we help others. No one can hear on them without the mic. I was just saying, ask what troop you're in. Oh, you got you're wearing your oh show everyone. Six zero three two seven Girl Scouts here. So I'm sure you can find them online, Google up Franklin Girl Scouts, but they do a wonderful job. We have a stream cleanup coming up if you want to put in any service hours.
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