OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting – April 8, 2025: Budget Introduction, Affordable Housing, and Proclamations

Township Council — Tuesday, April 8, 2025
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, April 8, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:08

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

I see.

0:02

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 will take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m.

0:14

on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025.

0:16

Thank you.

0:17

Please all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation by Councilman Alex Carazi.

0:25

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:32

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:41

As we gather here today, as members of the Township Council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community.

0:55

Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and those things upon which future generations can build with confidence.

1:09

Let us continue to strive to make a better world.

1:12

Amen.

1:13

Amen.

1:14

Thank you.

1:15

Madam Clerk, please call the role.

1:19

Councilman Embarrison.

1:20

Here.

1:21

Councilwoman Francois.

1:23

Councilman Karazi.

1:25

Here.

1:25

Mayor Kramer.

1:26

Here.

1:26

Councilman Oni Jaka?

1:28

Councilmember Pasnik.

1:29

Present.

1:30

Deputy Mayor Udine.

1:32

Councilman Vessanella.

1:33

Here.

1:34

Councilman Wright.

1:35

We're down to item number five on the agenda.

1:38

Copies of the agenda are there by the clerk.

1:42

Next item is the commendations and proclamations.

1:47

Arab Heritage Month Proclamation by Dr.

1:50

Karazi.

2:05

What a surprise.

2:06

On your statement to me, what a surprise.

2:11

He missed the Pledge of Allegiance, though.

2:15

Dear respected community members, let's turn this on.

2:18

It's on.

2:21

Good evening.

2:24

As values of diversity and unity and our democracy are challenged at various corners of our nation.

2:32

We are blessed that the leadership in Franklin Township takes every opportunity to celebrate diversity and recognize contribution of our community members.

2:45

In the United States, pretty much every month is dedicated to recognize people of different heritage who make up our great nation.

2:56

For example, April is American Arab American Heritage Month, and May will be Jewish American Heritage Month.

3:06

Today, we have a proclamation to recognize and appreciate our Arab American community members.

3:27

Any other person who wishes to join, please come to join us as well.

3:33

So, Mr.

3:34

Mayor, would you like to read this?

3:36

Because your voice is always better than mine.

3:39

I can read it, thank you.

3:41

All right.

3:44

Whereas Arab Americans have a rich history and a profound impact on the culture, society, and economy of the township of Franklin, contributing to the diversity and strength of our community.

4:00

And whereas Arab Americans have played key roles in a wide range of fields, including science, medicine, business, education, government, the arts, and social justice.

4:14

And whereas Arab American communities come from a variety of countries, including but limited to Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, and many others, each contributing their unique culture, traditions, languages, and practices to the American mosaic.

4:38

And whereas Arab Americans Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diversity and contribution of our Arab Americans while also reflecting on the challenges they have faced and continue to overcome.

5:00

And whereas we recognize the importance of building greater understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up the township of Franklin and the integral role Arab Americans play in shaping our community's future.

5:13

And now therefore, we Alex Carrazi, Councilman, and Philip Kramer Mayor to hear our proclaim the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month in Franklin Township, and encourage all citizens to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans to our community and country.

5:36

We urge all individuals, organizations, and institutions to participate in educational programs, cultural events, and community activities that celebrate the beauty of Arab Heritage, honor its legacy, and promote unity, understanding across all cultures.

5:58

Thank you very much.

6:21

Thank you.

6:27

I just want to say if the world got along as well as Alex and I do, there'd be no problems.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Fiscal Sustainability████████████████████20%
Energy And Environment█████████████████17%
Procedural████████████████16%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Affordable Housing██████████10%
Energy And Innovation███████7%
Arts And Culture███3%
Youth Programs███3%
Taxation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting – April 8, 2025

The Franklin Township Council convened on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting included the adoption of the CY2025 Municipal Budget introduction, the endorsement of a Fourth Round Affordable Housing Mediation Settlement, and several routine resolutions. Council members present included Mayor Kramer, Deputy Mayor Uddin, and Councilmembers Anbarasan, Kharazi, Onyejiaka, Potosnak, Vassanella, and Wright (arrived late). Councilwoman Francois was absent. The meeting lasted approximately two hours.

Commendations & Proclamations

  • Arab American Heritage Month: Councilman Kharazi read and presented a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month in Franklin Township, recognizing the contributions of Arab Americans to the community.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Skip Schaeffer (2 Laird Terrace): Expressed concerns and asked detailed questions about the Township’s energy aggregation plan, including the consultant used (Gable Associates), potential rate increases (PSE&G residential increase of 17–20% in June), opt-in vs. opt-out, and sustainability goals. He also shared a negative personal experience with a community solar program (Ever Solar/Arcadia billing issues).
  • Bill Connell (25 Spring Street): Thanked the Mayor for responding to his letter in the Franklin Reporter regarding the budget and praised the public forum discussion.
  • Doc Cunningham (11 Staudt Court): Commended the Youth Center video and the “Sounds of Tomorrow” group. He thanked Councilman Vassanella and Deputy Mayor Uddin for participating in the upcoming Civics Forum on May 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He outlined event logistics, including watch parties and seeking co-hosts from each ward.
  • Sean Hebbon (37 Clyde Road): Expressed his pleasure in co-hosting the Civics Forum and emphasized the importance of civil discourse and understanding government.

Council Comments & Reports

  • Councilman Kharazi: Announced the Trails Advisory Committee meeting (April 9), police mobilizations (“Put Your Phone Away or Pay” and “Click It or Ticket”), and a “Coop Dreams” information session on raising backyard chickens (April 17, 7:00 p.m.).
  • Councilman Onyejiaka: Reported that furniture is still being left roadside; requested signs with penalties. Manager Vornlocker said he would speak to the Department of Public Works.
  • Councilman Anbarasan: Reported on the Master Plan Study Hearing at the Planning Board (public comments received), Land Use Committee, Sewerage Authority, and YMCA Steering Committee. He commended the water meter replacement program and announced an Affordable Housing Seminar on April 24, 6:00–7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
  • Councilman Vassanella: Addressed pothole and crack complaints; noted that more work will occur in the coming weeks. He looked forward to the Civics Forum and referenced the Hamilton Street Budget.
  • Councilman Potosnak: Announced an Energy Town Hall Meeting (Assemblyman Danielsen in partnership with Mayor Kramer and Councilmember Potosnak) on April 23, 7:00–8:30 p.m., focusing on rising energy costs.
  • Deputy Mayor Uddin: Reported on CPR training (full session), fire prevention meetings at Canal Walk and Somerset Run, and a complaint about dump trucks dumping dirt on Schoolhouse Road (resolved – trucks will reroute). She supported the “Hate Has No Room Here” signage and announced a Fire Prevention meeting on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Mayor Kramer: Noted that the Council Chambers temperature was 27 degrees.

Township Manager's Report

  • Robert Vornlocker: Announced a Teen Speak virtual parent workshop (“Every Conversation Matters”) on April 23 and April 30, 6:00–8:00 p.m., sponsored by Empower Somerset and the Franklin Township Stigma Free Council.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously (8-0-1 absent) with the exception of Resolution #25-140 which was pulled for separate vote:

  • Resolution #25-138: Removal of a duplicate tax assessment for 1865 Amwell Road (Birch Glen subdivision) – assessment set to $0.
  • Resolution #25-139: Release of a performance guarantee ($4,081.20 cash bond) for JWH Real Estate Holding Corp. for water work at 1100 Randolph Road.
  • Resolution #25-141: Award bid for Boiler Replacement at Franklin Township Senior Center – Whitfield Schneider Enterprises, Inc. – $309,650.00.
  • Resolution #25-142: Award bid for Newkirk and Evergreen Resurfacing – Riverview Paving – $199,999.48.
  • Resolution #25-143: Award purchase of Reinforced Concrete Pipe – Ferguson Enterprises, LLC – Not to exceed $100,000 per year (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027).
  • Resolution #25-144: Award purchase of Crack Sealing Material – Crafco, Inc. – Not to exceed $100,000 per year (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027).
  • Resolution #25-145: Award purchase for outfitting (4) 2025 Ford Patrol Cars – East Coast Emergency Lighting, Inc. – $97,454.76 (State Contract #17-FLEET-00761).
  • Resolution #25-146: Award CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Contract for 137 Martin Street – Francen Construction – $23,500.00.
  • Resolution #25-147: Award CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Contract for 246 Glastonbury Lane – Ebanks Enterprises, LLC – $20,025.00.
  • Resolution #25-148: Award CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Contract for 161 Arlington Avenue – Ebanks Enterprises, LLC – $15,025.00.
  • Resolution #25-149: Award Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Agreement – Phoenix Advisors – Municipal Advisory and Continuing Disclosure Services.
  • Resolution #25-150: Amend Non-Fair and Open Professional Services Agreement – Financial Consulting Services – PFK O'Connor Davies, LLP – Additional $10,035.00 (new total $445,035.00).
  • Resolutions #25-151 through #25-156: Issuance of Special Event Permits for several events (Cigar Car Show, House Music Festival, Community Unity Day, 3v3 Basketball Tournament, Church Heritage Annual Fair, Grand Opening of Sparkology Dispensary).
  • Resolution #25-157: Authorized grant application to the Gary Sinise Foundation – First Responder Outreach Grant Program.
  • Resolution #25-158: Authorized Stormwater Detention Facility Maintenance Agreement – Hawthorne Management, LLC – 2 Hawthorne Drive.
  • Resolution #25-159: Authorized Stormwater Detention Facility Maintenance Agreement – VFV Properties, Inc. – 320 Cedar Avenue.
  • Resolution #25-160: Endorsed a Fourth Round Mediation Settlement concerning the Township’s Fair Share Obligation for affordable housing (2025-2035): Present Need 268 units, Prospective Need 659 units.
  • Resolution #25-161: Authorized Tax Title Lien Redemptions (total $39,557.59).

Separate Vote on Resolution #25-140

  • Resolution #25-140: Award contract to Central Jersey Housing Resource Center (CJHRC) as Administrative Agent for Affordable Housing Restricted Re-Sale Units at Promenade @ Somerset – Amount not to exceed $11,500.00. Councilman Vassanella abstained due to his volunteer board membership with CJHRC. The resolution passed 7-0-1 (abstention) with one absent.

Discussion Items

CY2025 Hamilton Street Special Improvement District Budget

  • Resolution #25-134 (Read by Title) and Resolution #25-135 (Adoption) were approved unanimously. The budget totals $40,228.00, with $34,000 assessed to property owners. Funds support general administration ($10,500), marketing ($23,500), and public safety ($6,228). A public hearing was held with no comments.

CY2025 Municipal Budget Introduction

  • Ordinance #4461-25 (CAP Bank) passed on first reading unanimously.
  • Resolution #25-136 (Self-Examination) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution #25-137 (Introduction and setting public hearing for May 13, 2025) adopted unanimously after a detailed presentation.

Budget Summary (as presented by Township Manager Robert Vornlocker):

  • Total Municipal Budget (before grants): $73,203,524.39, an increase of $4,191,385.04 (6.07%) over CY2024.
  • Major increases: Health insurance (+$1,390,061 or 15.19%), liability/workers' comp (+$131,496 or 9.63%), pension/Social Security (+$139,141 or 1.81%), debt service (+$1,209,222 or 35.40%), library tax (+$283,842 or 5.93%), utilities (+$280,000 or 10.39%), software licensing (+$201,794 or 41.16%), salary/wages (+$598,150 or 2.23% – below inflation). Offsetting reductions of $305,566 in several departments.
  • Use of fund balance: $11.9 million (increase of $2.6 million or 28.04% over last year).
  • Infrastructure: $4 million for road resurfacing, $1.2 million for road-related projects.
  • Amount to be raised by taxes: $38,993,310 (increase of $1 million or 2.63% from CY2024).
  • Total assessed valuation increased 12.16% (from $14.887B to $16.697B). Average home value rose from $477,100 to $555,485 (+16.43%). The municipal-only tax increase for the average home is $83.23 (from $1,216.61 to $1,299.83). Mayor Kramer noted that without any levy change, assessment increases alone would have raised the average tax by $46.40; the council’s action added $36.83.

Ordinance #4462-25 (First Reading) – Amendment to Fee for Redemption Requests

  • Introduced unanimously; public hearing and final adoption set for April 22, 2025. The ordinance sets a $50 fee for redemption calculation requests.

Key Outcomes

  • All resolutions on the Consent Agenda were adopted unanimously (8-0-1 absent) except Resolution #25-140 which passed 7-0-1 (abstention) with one absent.
  • CY2025 Municipal Budget introduced; public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Fourth Round Affordable Housing Mediation Settlement endorsed (268 Present Need units, 659 Prospective Need units, 2025-2035).
  • Special Event Permits issued for multiple community events from April through July 2025.
  • Several contracts awarded for infrastructure and housing rehabilitation.
  • Appointments and vacancies for boards, committees, and commissions were noted as old business; no nominations were made.
  • The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

I see. 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 will take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. Thank you. Please all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation by Councilman Alex Carazi. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. As we gather here today, as members of the Township Council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community. Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and those things upon which future generations can build with confidence. Let us continue to strive to make a better world. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Embarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Councilman Karazi. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka? Councilmember Pasnik. Present. Deputy Mayor Udine. Councilman Vessanella. Here. Councilman Wright. We're down to item number five on the agenda. Copies of the agenda are there by the clerk. Next item is the commendations and proclamations. Arab Heritage Month Proclamation by Dr. Karazi. What a surprise. On your statement to me, what a surprise. He missed the Pledge of Allegiance, though. Dear respected community members, let's turn this on. It's on. Good evening. As values of diversity and unity and our democracy are challenged at various corners of our nation. We are blessed that the leadership in Franklin Township takes every opportunity to celebrate diversity and recognize contribution of our community members. In the United States, pretty much every month is dedicated to recognize people of different heritage who make up our great nation. For example, April is American Arab American Heritage Month, and May will be Jewish American Heritage Month. Today, we have a proclamation to recognize and appreciate our Arab American community members. Any other person who wishes to join, please come to join us as well. So, Mr. Mayor, would you like to read this? Because your voice is always better than mine. I can read it, thank you. All right.

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