Franklin Township Council Meeting – February 24, 2026

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on February 24, 2026, at the municipal building. The meeting included public comments on snow plowing, a discussion and vote on a resolution barring federal immigration enforcement on township property, a public hearing and adoption of the Hamilton Street Special Improvement District budget and assessment roll, and adoption of several ordinances, including an update to the affordable housing code. The council also appointed a permanent Public Safety Director, approved warrants totaling $29,071,546.65, and authorized an executive session for potential open space acquisition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Inman (67 Robert Road): Expressed frustration with snow plow contractors, stating they pushed about six feet of snow onto her property, making it unsafe for children waiting at a nearby bus stop. She criticized the lack of oversight and called for the township to use its own plows or reevaluate contracts. She stated, "My neighborhood is always neglected. That side of town is always neglected. It's an afterthought."
• Renee McGuinness (93 Oakland Avenue, Somerset): Questioned the lack of updated information on the Hamilton Street Special Improvement District website regarding assessments and development progress. She urged public engagement and asked about the alignment of development with the original plan. Council members invited her to apply for a seat on the advisory board and attend the next meeting on March 2, 2026.
• Unidentified speaker (on Castleton Park easement): Asked about valve protection to ensure environmental safety regarding a gas pipeline easement. The mayor and manager explained that the new valve is remotely operated and safer than the manually operated 1940s-era valves.

Discussion Items

Snow Plowing Operations

Council members and the Township Manager discussed the challenges of clearing 18 inches of snow across 240 miles of roadway. Manager Vornlocker detailed that contractors are supervised by township foremen and equipped with GPS, but snow must be piled somewhere due to physics. Mayor and Councilman Wright noted that even council members' properties were affected. Several council members supported evaluating contractor performance and considering later deadlines for sidewalk clearing after major storms.

Resolution #26-112: Barring Federal Immigration Enforcement on Township Property

The council discussed and amended a resolution to prohibit the use of township property, facilities, and resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, except as authorized by a judicial warrant. The resolution mirrors Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #12. Council members expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing that it does not impede criminal law enforcement. Amendments corrected formatting and expanded authority to include the mayor and council.

Hamilton Street SID Budget and Assessment Roll

Two public hearings were held on the CY2026 budget ($26-101 read by title, $26-102 adopted) and the assessment roll ($26-103 adopted). The budget and assessment were approved unanimously after no public opposition.

Ordinances on Second Reading

• Ordinance 4494-26 (miscellaneous fees) adopted.
• Ordinance 4495-26 (Castleton Park easement for gas pipeline valve upgrade) adopted after public questions about safety—mayor confirmed the remote valve improves safety.
• Ordinance 4497-26 (repeal and replace affordable housing code for fourth round obligations) adopted after a detailed explanation by the Township Manager. The fourth round obligation is approximately 650 units spread across five sites, including a 100% affordable senior development on Franklin Boulevard.

Ordinances on First Reading (Introduced for future adoption)

• Ordinance 4498-26 (convenience center fees) introduces a small fee for brush and branch disposal due to rising costs; council noted the increase is modest to avoid illegal dumping.
• Ordinance 4499-26 (dog late licensing grace period) extends the fee deadline to February 10th, responding to a resident complaint.
• Ordinance 4500-26 (weddings and civil unions) allows all ordained council members and the clerk to perform ceremonies, not just the mayor or deputy mayor.

Appointment of Permanent Public Safety Director

Mayor Kramer announced the appointment of Lloyd Fredericks as permanent Public Safety Director, effective immediately after a national search. Fredericks thanked the council for their trust.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution #26-112 (Barring federal immigration enforcement) passed with amendments (9-0).
• Resolution #26-101 (Read Hamilton Street SID budget by title) passed (9-0).
• Resolution #26-102 (Adopt Hamilton Street SID budget) passed (9-0).
• Resolution #26-103 (Adopt Hamilton Street SID assessment roll) passed (9-0).
• Ordinance 4494-26 (Miscellaneous fees) adopted (9-0).
• Ordinance 4495-26 (Castleton Park easement) adopted (9-0).
• Ordinance 4497-26 (Affordable housing code update) adopted (9-0).
• Ordinances 4498-26, 4499-26, and 4500-26 introduced on first reading (9-0 each) with a public hearing and final adoption scheduled for March 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
• Consent agenda (Resolutions #26-104 through #26-111) adopted en bloc (9-0), including snow plowing contract amendment, firework display authorization, farmland lease extension, and other routine matters.
• Lloyd Fredericks appointed permanent Public Safety Director.
• Executive session authorized (Resolution #26-113) for potential acquisition of open space properties on Skillmans Lane, Route 27/Little Rocky Hill (9-0).
• Lalita Money nominated and appointed to the Human Relations Commission (by acclamation).
• Warrants totaling $29,071,546.65 approved (9-0).