Council is called to order.

Madam Clerk.

It's seven o'clock.

Hold on.

The mayor starts on time.

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

on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026.

Okay, if we could all stand for their pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the invocation by Councilman Embarrison, who's probably off balance because he's just got back from India.

So I'll be as mean as I can about it.

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 liberty and justice for all.

If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities.

If there's to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors.

If there's to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home.

If there's to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.

Amen.

Councilman Embarrison.

Here.

Councilwoman Francois.

Deputy Mayor Carrazi.

Here.

Councilman Oni Jaka.

Councilman Say here.

Okay.

Councilwoman Udin here.

Councilman Bassanella.

Here.

Councilman Wright.

And may the record show Councilman Francoise here.

Um commendations and proclamations.

Mr.

Carrazi is not here.

So Councilmember Embarrison was wearing reading one, and Councilwoman Udine was reading.

Kimberly's Kerrly's reading one.

You are reading the uh human trafficking.

You just can do the Councilwoman Udin, go ahead with yours.

I can do that one, yes.

Um Hello, can you hear me?

Okay.

So I will do the Muslim Heritage Month.

Whereas January has been recognized as Muslim American Heritage Month and Observance that celebrates the heritage culture contribution of Muslim Americans to the United States, and whereas Muslims have been part of America since its founding, with scholars estimating that at least 10% of the 10% enslaved Africans brought to North America were of Muslim origin.

And whereas it is important to recognize and honor the achievements of Muslim Americans while promoting greater understanding and respect and appreciation for the diversity of traditions and cultures that strain our community.

And now therefore be a result that Franklin Township Council does hereby proclaim January 2026 as Muslim American Heritage Month in Franklin Township and calls upon all residents, businesses, schools, organizations, and community groups to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and celebrations that recognize and honor the heritage and contributions of Muslim Americans.

Thank you.

And National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

This this proclamation is for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Whereas human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that denies millions of people their fundamental human dignity and freedom.

And whereas human trafficking involves the exploitation of men, women, and children through forced labor, sex trafficking, and other forms of coercion and abuse.

And whereas human trafficking can occur in any community, including Franklin Township, affecting victims and cities and rural areas alike in homes, businesses, and online spaces.

And whereas traffickers prey upon vulnerable individuals facing poverty, addiction, homelessness, or other hardships, using violence, threats, deception, and coercion to exploit their victims, and whereas survivors of human trafficking can deserve comprehensive support services, including safe housing, trauma-informed care, legal assistance, and pathways to economic stability and healing.

And whereas combating human trafficking requires a collaborative effort among law enforcement, service providers, businesses, organizations, schools, faith communities, and citizens.

And whereas Franklin Township is committed to raising awareness about human trafficking, supporting survivors and working to prevent this crime within our community.

Now, therefore be resolved that the Franklin Township Council does hereby proclaim January 26th, 2026 as National Human Traffic Awareness Month in Franklin Township and calls upon all residents, businesses, organizations, and community groups to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and advocacy to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

Thank you.

Without objection, we are open to the public.

Franklin reporter, do you have anything to say?

You're the only ones here.

Then I ask for unanimous consent to close to the public.

Without objection, we are closed.