Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting – November 25, 2025
Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting – November 25, 2025
The Franklin Township Council met on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Municipal Building in a combined work session and regular meeting. The agenda included Thanksgiving and environmental commendations, public comments, council and township manager reports, approval of minutes and warrants, public hearings on three ordinances, and an 11-item consent agenda. All roll call votes were approved by the five council members present.
Commendations & Proclamations
- Councilmember Kharazi read the Thanksgiving Proclamation declaring Thursday, November 27, 2025, as Thanksgiving Day in Franklin Township. She noted First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens distributed 500 boxes of fresh produce and assembled 500 additional Thanksgiving baskets. Derek Smith, executive director of the Franklin Food Bank, accepted a copy and reported demand running about 25–30% above usual, with increased donations and volunteers; he stressed that need continues beyond the holiday season. Kharazi also gave the food bank a $50 reward she received after returning a lost phone.
- Acting Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks presented former Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather (transcribed as Quavella Mayweather) with a clock and plaque from the police department for her leadership; Maeweather thanked the council and said New Jersey remains her home.
- Environmental Commission Stewardship Awards went to Jessica Johnson, a longtime commission member and regenerative/sustainable farmer, and to Pine Grove Elementary School, which earned 405 points under the Sustainable Jersey Schools program, the most among Franklin Township schools. Franklin High School (355 points) and Franklin Middle School (350 points) received silver-certification honorable mentions. A fourth annual green fair was announced for April 25.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tony Faber of Scotch Plains urged adoption of a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act, arguing it would separate local government from federal immigration enforcement and protect hospitals, schools, and other sensitive locations; he cited support from Highland Park, New Brunswick, and Somerset County.
- Catherine Hunt of Monroe Township spoke in favor of the Immigrant Trust Act, describing its protections, reporting requirements, and model policies, and asked Franklin to pass a supporting resolution.
- Bill Grippo of Pierce Street congratulated the council on the November 3 election results, recalled the JFK Boulevard dedication 62 years earlier, praised the Franklin 250 committee, and urged progress on a new food bank and the YMCA during the next four years.
- Bob LaCourt of Somerset gave a Franklin 250 update: a January 4 'Dine with Washington' event after the Battle of Princeton, a January 10 'Salute to America' program at Franklin High School, and an August 'March to Yorktown' event. He also discussed a historic marker and a possible Church Street closure.
- Javon Walker of Franklin Township asked the council to consider a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act, citing immigrants’ financial, social, and cultural contributions and neighboring municipalities’ actions.
Council Comments & Reports
- Councilman Passanella highlighted 'Goal Zero' police enforcement before Thanksgiving, scam warnings, the 211 homelessness helpline, and a free Raritan Valley Symphonic Band concert on December 14 at Franklin High School.
- Councilwoman Francois expressed support for the Immigrant Trust Act and said she hoped the council would pass the resolution at the next meeting.
- Dr. Kharazi reported on a visit to Raritan Valley Community College’s Workforce Training Center, Thanksgiving interfaith gatherings, and an upcoming bus ride to investigate senior transportation concerns; he listed December committee meetings.
- Township Manager Vornlocker announced the annual holiday tree lighting on Friday, December 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the municipal complex, with cookies, cocoa, crafts, and Santa photos.
Consent Agenda
- Approved unanimously by roll call an 11-item consent agenda:
- Resolution #25-486: tax title lien redemptions.
- Resolution #25-487: duplicate tax sale certificates for RTLF-NJ II, LLC.
- Resolution #25-488: release of a street opening cash bond for Arco Design/Build Industrial at 200 Cottontail Lane, $1,610.14.
- Resolution #25-489: 2026 council meeting schedule.
- Resolution #25-490: support for continued farmland preservation under the state Planning Incentive Grant.
- Resolution #25-491: extension of the Somerset County Action Program MOU for job training through October 31, 2026.
- Resolution #25-492: Adobe Creative Cloud software renewal with SHI, not to exceed $24,079.50.
- Resolution #25-493: Senior Center VCT flooring with Commercial Interiors Direct Inc., not to exceed $43,341.91.
- Resolution #25-494: final change order for Town Hall sidewalk replacement, increasing from $57,015.00 to $60,392.00.
- Resolution #25-495: policy for purchasing hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles whenever practical.
- Resolution #25-496: special events permit to Middlebush Reformed Church for a Living Nativity, December 13, 2025, 5–8 p.m., at Thomson Park.
Ordinances – Public Hearings and Adoption
- Ordinance No. 4484-25 (vacating a portion of Executive Drive): public hearing held with no testimony; the council unanimously tabled adoption until December 9, 2025, because the parties had not finished discussions.
- Ordinance No. 4485-25 (parking prohibited at all times on Brookline Avenue): public hearing held; adopted unanimously.
- Ordinance No. 4486-25 (accepting a pump station easement from Princeton Route 27, LLC for Block 5.02, Lot 53): public hearing held; adopted unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Approved the November 10, 2025 work session/regular meeting minutes.
- Approved warrants totaling $31,617,757.71.
- Tabled Ordinance 4484-25 to December 9, 2025; adopted Ordinances 4485-25 and 4486-25.
- Adopted the 11-item consent agenda.
- Mayor Kramer said he expected the Immigrant Trust Act resolution to appear on the next agenda.
- No resolutions were voted separately, no old business was discussed, and no executive session was held before adjournment.
Meeting Transcript
Members, and this year they distributed 500 boxes of fresh produce and assembled 500 additional day goods Thanksgiving baskets to give out. I would like to invite Minister Corbin Augusteen and Minister Corey Lee as well as Reverend Sonia Redd, president of uh Franklin, president of Frankentownship Interface Council, to join me, please. I also would like to invite uh one of our uh the director of our food bank. All of you know food bank is the amazing organization that they give out lots of food pretty much every day, and more specifically during the Thanksgiving. So may I ask Derek Smith, the director of food bank to come and join me as well. Now let me read the proclamation. Whereas the tradition of Thanksgiving has been celebrated in America for centuries as a time to gather with family and friends to express gratitude for the blessings we have received. And whereas the residents of Frankentownship have much to be thankful for including our strong sense of community, dedicated public servants, driving local businesses, excellent schools, and the natural beauty that surrounds us. And whereas we are grateful for the first responders, healthcare workers, educators, volunteers, and all those who serve our community with dedication and compassion throughout the year. And whereas Thanksgiving reminds us of our responsibility to care for our neighbors, particularly those facing hardship, and to support the charitable organizations and food banks that provide a sense essential services to those in need. And whereas this season calls us to reflect on the diversity and resilience of our community and to celebrate the many cultural traditions that enrich Frank Township and make it a welcoming home for all. And whereas we recognize that Thanksgiving is an opportunity to come together across differences to strengthen the bonds of friendship and family and to renew our commitment to building a more compassionate and united community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and the council of Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 27th, 2025 as Thanksgiving Day in Frankensteinship, and encourage all residents to gather safely with loved ones to share in the spirit of gratitude and friendship. Remember those who are less fortunate and support local charitable efforts, express appreciation for the many blessings we enjoy as members of this community, and reflect on our shared values of kindness, generosity, and civic responsibility. In witness very whereof we have hereunto set out our hands and cause and casual the seal and Franklin of Frankentownship to be fixed this 25th day of November 25. Again, I wish everybody a very happy Thanksgiving. I have copies of proclamation which I will give to each one of you, if I may, and yours and yours, and Derek, yours comes with a $50. There is a story about this $50 that I like to share with you. Just take a couple of minutes. So last week, we were the council members, we were at the uh League of Municipalities in in Atlantic City. By the way, this is not a gambling event. Okay. So I found the phone and I was hoping that the owner of the phone will call because I couldn't call. They had locked the phone. After an hour, somebody called, a gentleman by the name of Ryan. I answered the phone. I said, please don't hang up because I'm trying to find the owner of this phone. This is not my phone. And so he said, Oh, I'm with the owner. We've been trying, she found out that she doesn't have her phone. She panicked because she had every contact number on her phone. So she came, we met after a few hogs, and Ryan picks up his uh wallet out and gives me a $50. I said, I don't need money for this. I said, I don't want to take it. He said, No, you have to take it. I said, I take it under one condition that I gave this $50 to our local food bank. He agreed, so I'm giving this local food bank. There you are. Okay. So please, anybody we should say if you're a word. Good evening, everyone. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the council for this honor. On behalf of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, our senior pastor, the Reverend Dr. Dante Art Creek, we are grateful for this proclamation and the recognition of the ministry and service we strive for every day. For decades, FBCLG has worked to uplift our neighborhoods, strengthen families, inspire hope, and serve with love of Christ. This proclamation is a reflection of the dedication of our leadership, our members, and every volunteer who quietly works behind the scenes to make a difference. This community has always been at the heart of our mission, and today's recognition encourages us to continue the work with renewed dedication. Thank you for your partnership, your support, and for honoring the impact that we make in this community. We are humbled and we are truly grateful.
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