OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting - March 10, 2026

Township Council — Tuesday, March 10, 2026
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, March 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:22:45

Transcript — Verbatim
0:16

This work session regular meeting of the Township Council is called to order.

0:19

Madam Clerk.

0:21

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.

0:35

on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.

0:37

Next is the Pledge of Allegiance, and we're fortunate enough to have our Girl Scout troops lead us in the pledge.

1:22

And to the Republic of which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, the liberty, and the justice fall.

1:32

Please remain standing for the invocation by Councilman Vassanella.

1:44

May those assembled here today enjoy the many offerings of our township.

1:48

May we all abide by the rules we've established, those of trust, fellowship, and ethics, and may we place service above self and all else in our daily endeavors.

1:58

May we also always test ourselves and our efforts to be sure they are the truth, good for all concerned, and of benefit to mankind, and also to provide peace and understanding throughout our community and throughout the world.

2:18

Amen.

2:24

Madam Clerk, please call the role.

2:26

Councilman Embarrison.

2:28

Here.

2:28

Councilwoman Francois.

2:30

Here.

2:30

Deputy Mayor Carrazi.

2:31

Here.

2:32

Mayor Kramer.

2:33

Here.

2:33

Councilman Onichaka.

2:35

Councilman Singh.

2:37

Yes.

2:38

Councilwoman Udine.

2:41

Councilman Vassanella?

2:42

Here.

2:43

Councilman Wright.

2:46

Um we're now to item number five.

2:48

Agendas are available near the clerk.

2:52

The first proclamation is the Girl Scout Week proclamation.

2:57

And Councilman Vassanella is our resident scout.

3:03

So he's going to lead this.

3:07

Thank you, Mayor.

3:38

Thank thank you.

3:39

Battery might be going a little low, but I think you can all hear me.

3:44

So tonight we're here to honor what is uh what's filling most of our chambers.

3:50

Uh the Girl Scouts.

3:52

And I don't know if that's a Brownie troop.

3:54

Is that Brown?

3:55

Okay, Brownie Troop and Girl Scouts, kind of the same as like uh Cub Scouts and Scouts in general in Scouting USA, formerly known as Boy Scouts.

4:04

So I'm glad that both the younger and the older scouts are here tonight from the Girl Scouts.

4:09

So I'm not going to read the entire thing because it's really long, but um the part I think is most relevant.

4:14

Whereas March 12, 1912, Girl Scouts of A The United States of America was founded with a mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

4:26

And whereas reflecting upon the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Girl Scouts is an important part of the American story as it launched a girl-led movement that celebrates girls' independent spirits, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths and forge their own opportunities.

4:44

And whereas the Girl Scout leadership experience offers girls 21st century programming and science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and beyond, encouraging girls to make meaningful connections and develop invaluable skills, life skills along the way.

5:02

And whereas 2026 marks the 100th World Thinking Day, an annual celebration hosted by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and celebrated by Girl Scouts in 153 organizations.

5:24

And whereas in July 2026, Girl Scouts will host the 58th National Council session and Girl Scouts Unite event celebrating the ways Girl Scouts make history in Washington, D.C.

5:35

The convention where over 10,000 Girl Scouts and alumni will celebrate and reflect upon the history of Girl Scout movement alongside fellow change makers, dreamers, and doers.

5:45

And whereas Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey serves 13,000 girls across New Jersey.

5:51

Therefore, Philip Kramer, Mayor, and James Lesson, Councilman of the Township of Franklin do hereby applaud the Girl Scout movement and Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey for 114 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

6:23

So seriously, uh it it says a lot about the organization, but I don't want to talk about it.

6:28

If there's one or two representatives like to come up and say a word, why don't we get all of the girls?

6:32

Or all the girls that want to come up and get a picture, and then if one of the uh leaders want to say something, that's fine too.

6:37

Um come on up and maybe the uh uh the brownies and a leader come on up could go in the first row and uh girl scouts go in the second.

6:51

A little over there towards Miss Cameron.

6:53

Yes, no one come on there in the middle.

6:55

Brown right in the middle.

7:03

Come on down, okay.

7:07

That's right.

7:22

Wow.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████████████27%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Workforce Development████████████████16%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Women's History Month█████5%
Youth Programs████4%
Public Health████4%
Historic Preservation████4%
Land Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Franklin Township Council convened on March 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for a work session and regular meeting. The agenda included multiple commendations and proclamations, public comments, council committee reports, adoption of four ordinances on second reading, approval of a consent agenda with nine resolutions, and authorization of an executive session.

Commendations & Proclamations

  • Girl Scout Week: Proclamation recognizing the 114th anniversary of Girl Scouts, 100th World Thinking Day, and the upcoming 58th National Council session. Girl Scout leaders and troop members attended.
  • Women's History Month: Proclamation with the 2026 national theme “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” Accepted by a Girl Scout leader.
  • Police Department Commendation: The Council praised Detective Vargas and Officers Reggae and Nique for performing CPR and using an AED on January 19, 2026, saving the life of Jeffrey Sullivan. Sullivan and his employer donated funds for eight bulletproof vests for incoming officers.
  • Civil Construction Program Graduates: Councilwoman Francois recognized Jeff Shearer (Brynshire Consultants), Mark Harris (SCAP), and six graduates. The program used CARES Act funding to provide NCCER-accredited training (carpentry, electrical, solar, OSHA 30, CPR). Graduates reported an average salary increase of $35,000–$45,000. Graduate Asia Daniels spoke about starting her own LLC; a parent expressed gratitude for her son’s new skills.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bill Connor (25 Spring Street) thanked Councilman Wright for his service and defended the township’s snow response.
  • Javon Walker (15 Kuhn Street) praised the council for consistently choosing justified proclamations.

Council Reports

  • Councilman Onichaka: Reported on the Human Relations Commission meeting, including plans for the 2025 national big advisory, an upcoming presentation by the public safety director, and library outreach.
  • Councilman Vassanella: The Public Works Committee is 95–98% finalized on the 2026 road repaving list targeting $3 million. The committee will also review snow removal ordinance language.
  • Councilman Singh: Met with residents of Princeton Highlands and Woodfield Estates regarding a pedestrian crossing and traffic light; coordinated with South Brunswick. Announced four First Ward roads to be paved: Copper Mine, Sterling, Stockton, and Stewart.
  • Councilwoman Uddin: Planning a fraud prevention seminar at Canal Walk as part of a “Connect with Councilwoman” series. Noted the road paving schedule will be posted online.
  • Councilman Barrishon: The Land Use Committee reported progress on Catalpa Park (to be bid, construction hoped for May 11). Planning Board approved a 14-home development off Cedar Grove.
  • Councilwoman Francois: Highlighted the impact of the Civil Construction Program and encouraged residents to explore library and youth center programs.
  • Deputy Mayor Carrazi: Reminded residents of the property assessment appeal deadline (May 1) and to apply for property tax relief. The Advisory Board of Health is working on a transportation grant for food bank access.
  • Mayor Kramer: Noted the library offers digitization services and a telescope loan program. Advised checking actual property tax paid vs. assessment card amounts.
  • Township Manager: Cautioned about using assessment card amounts for tax returns; recommended the online payment portal or contacting the collector’s office. Announced a Women’s History Month Living History event on March 28, 1–4 p.m., at Franklin Township Middle School SGS campus, featuring revolutionary women and a community quilt project for the Franklin 250 time capsule.

Ordinances Adopted (Second Reading)

  • Ordinance 4496-26: Replaces Article XXXIII on Affordable Housing Development Fees to comply with the Fair Housing Act and UHAC. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 4498-26: Amends Chapter 284 (Recycling) to update convenience center fees, including a fee for branches/brush. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 4499-26: Amends Chapter 115 (Dogs and Other Animals) on late licensing fees. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 4500-26: Amends Chapter 180 (Fees) regarding wedding and civil union fees. Adopted unanimously.

Consent Agenda

  • Resolutions #26-114 through #26-122: Approved unanimously. Items included tax title lien redemptions, tax overpayment refunds, four special event permits (Pesach Time Tours, Legacy House Music Festival, Rhythm and Blues Summerfest, Garden State Track Club 5K, RCDCU Bike-a-Thon), bond issuance for Rutgers Preparatory School (with no cost or risk to the township), and a $8,498.90 Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder grant.

Key Outcomes

  • Minutes of the February 10, 2026 meeting approved unanimously.
  • Warrants totaling $3,559,164.42 approved unanimously.
  • All four ordinances adopted unanimously on second reading.
  • Consent agenda (9 resolutions) approved unanimously.
  • Edna Pickner appointed as Alternate #2 to the Advisory Board of Health for a two-year term by acclamation.
  • Resolution #26-123 authorizing executive session for attorney-client privilege on pending litigation was approved unanimously.
  • The meeting adjourned to executive session with no further public business.

Meeting Transcript

This work session regular meeting of the Township Council is called to order. Madam Clerk. 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, March 10th, 2026. Next is the Pledge of Allegiance, and we're fortunate enough to have our Girl Scout troops lead us in the pledge. And to the Republic of which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, the liberty, and the justice fall. Please remain standing for the invocation by Councilman Vassanella. May those assembled here today enjoy the many offerings of our township. May we all abide by the rules we've established, those of trust, fellowship, and ethics, and may we place service above self and all else in our daily endeavors. May we also always test ourselves and our efforts to be sure they are the truth, good for all concerned, and of benefit to mankind, and also to provide peace and understanding throughout our community and throughout the world. Amen. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Embarrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Deputy Mayor Carrazi. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Onichaka. Councilman Singh. Yes. Councilwoman Udine. Councilman Vassanella? Here. Councilman Wright. Um we're now to item number five. Agendas are available near the clerk. The first proclamation is the Girl Scout Week proclamation. And Councilman Vassanella is our resident scout. So he's going to lead this. Thank you, Mayor. Thank thank you. Battery might be going a little low, but I think you can all hear me. So tonight we're here to honor what is uh what's filling most of our chambers. Uh the Girl Scouts. And I don't know if that's a Brownie troop. Is that Brown? Okay, Brownie Troop and Girl Scouts, kind of the same as like uh Cub Scouts and Scouts in general in Scouting USA, formerly known as Boy Scouts. So I'm glad that both the younger and the older scouts are here tonight from the Girl Scouts. So I'm not going to read the entire thing because it's really long, but um the part I think is most relevant. Whereas March 12, 1912, Girl Scouts of A The United States of America was founded with a mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. And whereas reflecting upon the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Girl Scouts is an important part of the American story as it launched a girl-led movement that celebrates girls' independent spirits, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths and forge their own opportunities. And whereas the Girl Scout leadership experience offers girls 21st century programming and science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and beyond, encouraging girls to make meaningful connections and develop invaluable skills, life skills along the way. And whereas 2026 marks the 100th World Thinking Day, an annual celebration hosted by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and celebrated by Girl Scouts in 153 organizations. And whereas in July 2026, Girl Scouts will host the 58th National Council session and Girl Scouts Unite event celebrating the ways Girl Scouts make history in Washington, D.C. The convention where over 10,000 Girl Scouts and alumni will celebrate and reflect upon the history of Girl Scout movement alongside fellow change makers, dreamers, and doers. And whereas Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey serves 13,000 girls across New Jersey. Therefore, Philip Kramer, Mayor, and James Lesson, Councilman of the Township of Franklin do hereby applaud the Girl Scout movement and Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey for 114 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

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