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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Meeting - May 26, 2026: Budget Adoption, Proclamations, and Public Comments

Township Council — Tuesday, May 26, 2026

BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey

SessionTownship Council

DateTuesday, May 26, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:14:30

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:02

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.

0:15

on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

0:29

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States.

0:50

If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations.

0:54

If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities.

0:59

If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors.

1:04

If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home.

1:10

If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.

1:14

Amen.

1:27

Councilman Invarrison.

1:29

Here.

1:30

Councilman Franc Councilwoman Francois here.

1:32

Deputy Mayor Carazi.

1:34

Here.

1:34

Mayor Kramer.

1:35

I'm here.

1:36

Councilman Onichaka.

1:37

Here.

1:38

Councilman Singh.

1:39

Yes.

1:40

Councilwoman Udin.

1:42

Yes.

1:43

Councilman Vasanella?

1:44

Here.

1:45

Councilman Ryan.

1:48

Okay.

1:49

Commendations and proclamations.

1:51

Our first one is the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation.

1:58

A councilwoman Ubine.

2:00

I don't know.

2:17

Yeah.

2:18

I got it.

2:33

Hello, everyone.

2:35

Good evening.

2:39

Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders encompass more than 50 distinct ethnic groups with whose heritage, culture, and contributions have shaped and strengthened the United States for generations.

2:51

And whereas Congress designated May as AAPI Heritage Month, honoring milestones, including the arrival of the Jap first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 1869, built in large part of Chinese laborers.

3:14

And whereas Franklin Township proudly recognizes its AAPI residents, families, and community organizations, including OCA, New Jersey, whose dedication to scholarship, civic engagement, and cultural pride made make our township stronger.

3:29

I'll therefore may be proclaimed that we, the undersigned mayor Philip Kramer and Councilman Shepa Udin of Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, to hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

3:47

Thank you.

3:47

Is there anyone here that would like to ro it?

3:53

Anyone else that would like to join and take this as well?

3:56

AAPI.

3:58

This is the AAPI.

4:03

We actually had an event in um Newark last uh two weeks ago for AAPI.

4:11

I was invited as a guest speaker for NGIT and um OCA, the organization they give out scholarships for high schoolers.

4:18

Um so some of our Franklin High School kids um applied to it.

4:22

And um though they weren't selected, it was a very large submission of um scholarship uh participants, but it was really good to see that they actually attended it and um I was able to present this to them as well, and now I'm presenting it to you.

4:36

Thank you.

4:44

The next is uh Pride Month presentation.

5:07

Please join me.

5:12

So what you're seeing here before you is the Pride Celebration Committee.

5:18

Um let me read the certificate.

5:25

Oh, wait, new proclamations.

5:31

Colors.

5:33

Um Township of Franklin County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, Mayor and Council Proclamation, Pride Month, June 2026.

5:43

Whereas the Township of Franklin County of Somerset, state of New Jersey is vibrant and diverse community built upon the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all people.

5:57

And whereas June has been recognized naturally and nationally and internationally as Pride Month, a time to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other members of the LGBTQ plus community, and to honor the history and ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights, and whereas the Township of Franklin is home to the LGBTQ plus residents, families, students, businesses, business owners, and community members who contribute immensely to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community, and who is deserved to live openly, safely, and with full dignity, and whereas visibility, inclusion, and education remain essential tools in combining prejudice and combating prejudice, supporting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ plus youth, and fostering a community where every person feels seen, welcome, and celebrated, and whereas the mayor and council of the township of Franklin stand in solidary solidarity with the LGBTQ plus residents and with all those who continue to advocate for a more just equitable and compassionate society.

7:24

Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the mayor and council of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey do hereby officially designate June 2026 as Pride Month in the Township of Franklin and call upon all residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ plus community members and to stand in solidarity with those who continue to face discrimination and hardship and to reaffirm or share commitment, our shared commitment to a Franklin Township that is welcoming, inclusive, and a place where all may thrive.

8:09

Proclaim this 26th day of May and the year 2026.

8:17

So this is to celebrate Pride Month and also to announce the Pride Day at the gazebo, or as we like to call it the gazebo.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Engagement████████████████████████24%

Budget Equity Analysis████████████████████████24%

Procedural████████████12%

Public Safety████████8%

Community Engagement███████7%

Cannabis Regulation█████5%

Public Health████4%

Technology and Innovation████4%

Water And Wastewater Management███3%

Summary of Proceedings

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).

Meeting Transcript

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, May 26, 2026. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart. Amen. Councilman Invarrison. Here. Councilman Franc Councilwoman Francois here. Deputy Mayor Carazi. Here. Mayor Kramer. I'm here. Councilman Onichaka. Here. Councilman Singh. Yes. Councilwoman Udin. Yes. Councilman Vasanella? Here. Councilman Ryan. Okay. Commendations and proclamations. Our first one is the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation. A councilwoman Ubine. I don't know. Yeah. I got it. Hello, everyone. Good evening. Whereas Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders encompass more than 50 distinct ethnic groups with whose heritage, culture, and contributions have shaped and strengthened the United States for generations. And whereas Congress designated May as AAPI Heritage Month, honoring milestones, including the arrival of the Jap first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 1869, built in large part of Chinese laborers. And whereas Franklin Township proudly recognizes its AAPI residents, families, and community organizations, including OCA, New Jersey, whose dedication to scholarship, civic engagement, and cultural pride made make our township stronger. I'll therefore may be proclaimed that we, the undersigned mayor Philip Kramer and Councilman Shepa Udin of Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, to hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Thank you. Is there anyone here that would like to ro it? Anyone else that would like to join and take this as well? AAPI. This is the AAPI. We actually had an event in um Newark last uh two weeks ago for AAPI. I was invited as a guest speaker for NGIT and um OCA, the organization they give out scholarships for high schoolers. Um so some of our Franklin High School kids um applied to it. And um though they weren't selected, it was a very large submission of um scholarship uh participants, but it was really good to see that they actually attended it and um I was able to present this to them as well, and now I'm presenting it to you. Thank you. The next is uh Pride Month presentation. Please join me.

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