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.
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.