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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Madam Clerk. No. In accordance with the Open Public Meetings 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 will take place at the municipal building at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. We could all stand and uh for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for Councilwoman Shepa Udin's invocation. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republicans under God in the visible liberty. If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there's 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 the 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. Present. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Oni Jaka? Yeah. Councilman Singh? Yes. Councilwoman Udeen. Here. Councilman Vassanella. Here. Councilman Wright. And uh I'd like to move to excuse Kimberly Francois for this meeting. Second that motion. Move in seconded. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion is carried. This it was unavoidable for her to for her to be here. For her to miss the meeting. Um commendations and proclamations. Uh I'm just informed by Mr. Wright. We're going to delay the uh commendation. Um next on the agenda is council discussion item. I'd I think I missed I the instructions I gave you were not clear. Okay. So I want to move the council discussion item to after the public discussion. Okay. So in fact, after council comments. So uh I'm making a motion to move to discussion item number six to um nine and a half. No ten and a half, sorry.