Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting – November 10, 2025

The Franklin Township Council held its work session/regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, in the municipal building. The meeting included a World Diabetes Day proclamation, public comments, council and manager reports, introduction of two ordinances, approval of minutes and warrants, and unanimous adoption of the consent agenda.

Commendations & Proclamations

• Councilman Carazi read a proclamation designating November 14, 2025, as World Diabetes Day in Franklin Township. The proclamation cited that more than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, approximately 1.2 million are diagnosed each year, and diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. The proclamation was presented to Linda Powell of the Advisory Board of Health, who said nearly 60% of her kidney failure patients are affected by diabetes.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

• The Veterans Day ceremony will be held Tuesday, November 11, at 10:30 a.m. inside the council chambers, with coffee and donuts served; Colonel Jonathan Hart, a descendant of the first U.S. Army chaplain, will serve as chaplain.
• A NJDEP virtual hearing on air permits for the Transco NESI pipeline project is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 5:30–9:30 p.m.; registration is available through the township website.
• Other announced events included a Friendsgiving dinner at the Youth Center on November 19, 4–6 p.m.; a First Baptist Church Thanksgiving giveaway on November 15; a Somerset County SNAP food distribution drive-through on November 15 at 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater; an early Thanksgiving meal at CJCC; Assemblyman Danielson’s winter clothing drive through January 16; the Franklin 250 passport program; and the new ability to text 911 for emergencies.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Linda Powell (22 Buffer Drive) congratulated re-elected officials but expressed dismay at the November 7 approval by New York and New Jersey of water quality permits for the NESI pipeline. She said the past nine years of opposition had not changed the project and that the climate has worsened. She urged residents to register for the November 13 NJDEP air permit hearing and said the community must “stand up to the bullying and blackmail” from the federal government. She also presented a draft resolution on the Immigrant Trust Act, which she said would be stronger than the council’s earlier Immigrant Trust Directive and would allow local law enforcement, schools, courts, and hospitals to refuse to do ICE’s work; she described some federal actions as “immoral kidnappings.”
• Javon Walker (15 Kune Street) asked whether the township could do anything locally to allow minors to obtain restraining orders, citing the recent deaths of two high school girls in Cranford and a change.org petition. The township attorney responded that domestic violence restraining orders are governed by state statute, municipalities cannot supersede state law, and juveniles are covered under separate child abuse statutes, so any change would require action by the state legislature.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilman Carazi reported on the township food bank, saying about 10,000 residents depend on it, usage is up 25% over last year, and the food bank recently purchased $50,000 in food to meet demand.
• Councilman Anbarasan warned residents about cryptocurrency scams after a resident was victimized, and announced that a friend had pledged $1 million toward building a YMCA in Franklin.
• Councilwoman Francois highlighted the Veterans Day breakfast, the upcoming Friendsgiving dinner, and congratulated re-elected colleagues.
• Councilman Vasanella discussed sidewalk projects, a public works review of the self-sustaining convenience center, and the Bartha Woods “mini reforestation” project expected to move to planting in spring 2026. He also noted a Somerset County $40 farmers market voucher program for seniors 60 and older.
• Councilman Pataznik congratulated Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, reiterated opposition to the NESI pipeline, and reported that a regional stormwater grant was secured through Montgomery Township and the Watershed Institute.
• Councilman Wright called for public education on open space and affordable housing, proposing a town hall with redevelopment contractors; he also supported more sidewalks.
• Deputy Mayor reported on road paving carryovers, the NESI hearing, food assistance events, the winter clothing drive, restaurant week, and scam-prevention education.
• Mayor Kramer announced that 911 texting is now available, honored the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, described the Franklin 250 passport program, and said he is not running for Congress.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Township Council Meeting Schedule: Although the agenda listed the item as the “Proposed 2025 Township Council Meeting Schedule,” the discussion focused on the January 2026 reorganization. Council considered January 1, January 6, or Saturday, January 3. Councilwoman Francois noted that five people would be sworn in and that a Saturday would allow more family and community participation. Council agreed to hold the reorganization/swearing-in on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1 p.m., with the next regular meeting on January 13; a resolution adopting the calendar will be brought to the next meeting.
• CY2025 Best Practices Inventory: Township Manager Bornlocker explained that the state-required inventory has roughly 70 questions tied to state aid. The 2025 requirement was 32 points and Franklin achieved 39.5, preserving full state aid. A council member asked about the township’s electric vehicle procurement policy; the manager confirmed the current answer was “no” but said a formal policy could be considered. No vote was required.

Ordinances on Introduction & First Reading

• Ordinance No. 4485-25, amending Chapter 226 (Vehicles and Traffic) to prohibit parking at all times on Brookline Avenue, was introduced unanimously. The township manager said the change was requested by the Sewage Authority to ensure access to its pump station. A public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 7 p.m.
• Ordinance No. 4486-25, accepting a pump station and utility infrastructure easement from Princeton Route 27, LLC for Block 5.02, Lot 53 (ZBA-24-00015), was introduced unanimously. Councilman Anbarasan explained it would connect the township to American Water at the southern end of town, improving water supply and saving money. A public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the October 28, 2025, work session/regular meeting were approved unanimously.
• Warrants totaling $3,127,704.77 for November 10, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda, listed as items A through Q, was adopted unanimously. Notable resolutions included tax title lien redemptions; refunds of tax, water, and escrow overpayments; water charge adjustment for a hardship leak at 12 Boyard Court ($1,100.38); release of inspection escrows for Franklin Blvd. Commons and RPM Development; one-year extension of the Republic Services convenience/recycling center contract not to exceed $75,000; award of an Axon ALPR license and integration contract not to exceed $37,800; award of a Ferguson Water Works water department supplies contract not to exceed $800,000 per year; a housing rehabilitation contract at 25 Brook Street for $25,100; authorization for the Township Clerk to attend the IIMC conference in Reno, Nevada, May 16–21, 2026; certification of the CY2024 audit and corrective action plan; stormwater maintenance agreements with Millstone Valley Fire Department and Rutgers Preparatory School; and special event permits for Players Development Academy soccer events on November 22–24 and November 28–30, 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• World Diabetes Day was proclaimed for November 14, 2025.
• Council selected January 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. for reorganization/swearing-in and scheduled the next regular meeting for January 13, 2026.
• Ordinances No. 4485-25 and No. 4486-25 were introduced on first reading; public hearings and final adoption are set for November 25, 2025.
• The October 28, 2025, minutes and $3,127,704.77 in warrants were approved.
• The full consent agenda was adopted unanimously.
• There were no ordinances on second reading, no separately voted resolutions, no old business, and no executive session; the meeting adjourned after the routine motions.