Franklin Township Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the municipal building. The meeting included several proclamations, public comments on snow removal and other issues, adoption of the CY2026 municipal budget with a 7% levy increase, introduction of a parking ordinance, and approval of a consent agenda. The council also entered executive session for open space acquisition and YMCA contract negotiations.

Commendations & Proclamations

• Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation: Presented by Councilwoman Udin, designating May 2026 as AAPI Heritage Month.
• Pride Month Proclamation: Presented by Mayor Kramer, designating June 2026 as Pride Month and announcing a Pride Day event on June 13th at the gazebo from 12-3 PM.
• Central Jersey Community Center Commendation: Presented by Deputy Mayor Kharazi, recognizing CJCC for cultural enrichment, humanitarian service, and community programs. A representative thanked the council.
• Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day Proclamation: Presented by Mayor Kramer, designating June 4th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in Franklin Township. Hillary Kurchovy, Executive Director of NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome, spoke about the importance of awareness.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathleen Zapaticki (6 Darwin Road): Requested a township-facilitated paid snow removal program for seniors aged 65+, willing to pay but unable to find contractors. She cited personal injury and lack of neighbor assistance. The township manager explained legal and logistical challenges, including the need for a concession contract and bidding process. Councilmembers suggested alternative volunteer-based models via nonprofit senior clubs or youth organizations. Councilman Singh offered to share contacts of local landscapers.
• Shanik Davis (227 Blake Avenue): Asked about a 14-story senior living center proposed at 501 Eastern Avenue in New Brunswick, questioning traffic impact on Franklin. Mayor Kramer responded that the developer is not required to notify Franklin since the site is beyond 200 feet of the border, and recommended directing inquiries to New Brunswick.
• Marion Riley (122 Selby Court): Requested coordination of meeting dates between the Township Council and Board of Education to avoid conflicts, and asked for council members to attend school board meetings. Mayor Kramer noted it was the first scheduling conflict in 23 years and said he had raised the issue with the superintendent. Councilwoman Udin is the new school board liaison.
• Jim Johnston (34 Norwich Place): Voiced support for an ordinance to limit warehouses and ban data centers, citing environmental concerns and 71% public opposition to data centers nationally. He also criticized school tax increases (10% last year, 8% this year) and proposed state cuts to the Senior Freeze property tax relief program. Councilman Singh clarified the ordinance would remove data centers as a permitted use, and that separating it from warehouse regulations would delay the process.
• Jenna Jaredia (Gold Star Drive): Asked how the public is notified of budget meetings and suggested broader outreach. The township manager detailed existing notifications via website, email, social media, and local newspapers. Councilman Singh noted that despite these efforts, attendance remains low.
• Unnamed speaker (Dr6 for mining way): Criticized school board tax increases (61.9% of total tax) and urged the council to exert more control. Mayor Kramer explained that school tax increases are driven by state mandates on per-pupil spending and state aid requirements, and advocated for changing school funding to income tax.

Discussion Items

• Snow Removal for Seniors: Council debated the feasibility of a township-sponsored program. The township manager stated that engaging contractors would require a concession contract with a formal bid process. Councilman Singh noted that landscapers willing to do residential work exist. Deputy Mayor Kharazi suggested the senior citizen advisory committee or a nonprofit could organize volunteer efforts, but the township attorney cautioned against government-sanctioned committees due to liability.
• Data Center Ban: Councilman Singh explained that the proposed ordinance would remove data centers as a permitted use, effectively banning them unless a use variance is granted. He noted that separating it from warehouse regulations would delay both.
• Evening Meeting Schedule: Councilman Vassanella acknowledged the public's request for coordination with school board meetings and reported that he has become the school board liaison.

CY2026 Municipal Budget Adoption

• The council adopted the CY2026 municipal budget with a 7% levy increase (to $41.7 million). The average home value increased 3.1% to $572,541, resulting in a $613.21 tax increase, of which $437.21 is from the school district (61.9% of taxes) and $74.21 is from the municipality (13.3%). The budget amendment (#26-221) recognized a $166,000 grant that was offset by revenue, requiring no new public hearing.
• Key Increases: Liability insurance, recycling/trash, snow removal, health care, and salaries ($2 million combined). The township did not cut services or employees. Councilman Singh emphasized the budget was constructed without compromising public safety or essential services, and without layoffs.
• Public Hearing: No additional public comments after the mayor's presentation.
• Votes: (9-0) on reading budget by title, adoption of budget amendment, and adoption of the budget as amended.

Ordinances

• Ordinance No. 4508-26: Introduced on first reading to prohibit parking on Pine Grove Avenue between the firehouse and Highland Avenue, requested by the fire department for better access. Second reading set for June 9, 2026. (Unanimous vote)

Consent Agenda (Resolutions #26-223 through #26-237)

All items approved unanimously, including:

• Tax title lien redemptions, tax overpayment refunds.
• Release of street opening bond (33 Johnson Road).
• Award bid for timber guiderail emergency repair to Capela Construction Inc. (not to exceed $325,000).
• Final change orders reducing contract amounts for water main replacements and road resurfacing projects.
• Award contract for email archiving appliance replacement (Tangent, $30,000).
• Award GSA contract to CivicPlus for website redesign and digital services (4-year, year 1 not to exceed $95,450.60).
• Stormwater detention facility maintenance agreement (118 Charles Street).
• Special event permit for Elite Clubs National League soccer tournament at PDA/Morningside soccer complexes (June 26-July 1, 2026, 7am-7pm).
• Resolution requesting "The Crossing: A Revolutionary New Musical" be designated as official state musical.
• Authorization for sale of one Plenary Retail Consumption License (alcoholic beverage license, not cannabis) by sealed bid auction.

Other Business

• Appointment to Zoning Board: Peter Marsh was nominated and unanimously approved as alternate #3 (term ending 2026). Marsh holds a PhD in mathematics, lived in town 12 years, and served as executive dean at Rutgers.

Executive Session

• Resolution #26-238 authorized executive session to discuss potential acquisition of open space (287 Cedar Grove Lane) and contract negotiations with the YMCA. No official actions were taken afterward. The meeting was adjourned.

Key Outcomes

• CY2026 Municipal Budget adopted with a 7% levy increase (avg. home: $613.21 increase, municipal portion $74.21).
• Ordinance 4508-26 introduced (parking prohibition on Pine Grove Avenue).
• Zoning Board appointment: Peter Marsh approved.
• Executive Session: Authorized for open space acquisition and YMCA negotiations.
• All consent agenda items approved (including contract awards, change orders, and special event permit).