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.
The following items were approved unanimously (8-0-1 absent) with the exception of Resolution #25-140 which was pulled for separate vote:
Budget Summary (as presented by Township Manager Robert Vornlocker):
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.