The Franklin Township Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. The meeting included proclamations, public discussion, council reports, a presentation and vote on Catalpa Park development, a public hearing on FY2026 CDBG applications, approval of minutes, warrants, introduction of an ordinance, and approval of a consent agenda. All actions were unanimous unless noted.
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 24th, 2026. Please all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and then remain standing for the invocation by Councilman and Barrison. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the public for which it stands. One nation. Let us take the next few moments of silence to each seek in our town in our own way. What are our sources of inspiration will grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all people at all times. Amen. Amen. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Councilman of Arrison. Here. Councilwoman Francois. Here. Deputy Mayor Carrazi. Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Noni Jaca. Councilman Singh? Yes. Councilwoman Udin? Yes. Councilman Vassanella? Yes. Councilman Wright. So we have a few commendations and proclamations. Item number five on the agenda. Anyone wanting a copy of the agenda? You can find it near the clerk. The first by Councilman Vassanella regarding Kevin Abuzio. Okay. So this is one milestone. I wish we never had to celebrate or acknowledge. But uh just going to start out real quick by saying of April 11th, 2006. That was about two and a half weeks will be 20 years. I got the worst phone call. I was only on council a few months, the junior council person. I got on a phone call, which to this day, unfortunately, is the worst phone call I ever got as a councilman. And that was from our then manager Ken Daly. Who informed us of the uh catastrophe. So anyway, I specifically just pulled a couple paragraphs. Um party executive summary to give you an idea of what happened that day. On April 11, 2006, the East Franklin and Community Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a possible single single family dwelling fire at Whittier Avenue in Franklin. East Franklin Fire Department Chief Dan Krasinski responded and was notified while still en route that the police department was on the scene reporting a working fire. When Chief Krasinski arrived on the scene, he reported a well-involved fire. He immediately requested second alarm assignment, be dispatched, and directly contacted the namory New Brunswick Fire Department to request assistance. Chief Krasinski and police officers confirmed that an elderly female resident was still inside the home. Approximately 15 minutes after dispatch, as the members of the interior crew were nearing the front door, the floor suddenly collapsed, causing causing a rescue personnel and resident victim to fall into the basement.