OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026

Township Council — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BodyFranklin Township, New Jersey
SessionTownship Council
DateTuesday, July 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:57:55

Transcript — Verbatim
0:53

This work session regular meeting of the township council is called to order.

0:57

Madam Clerk.

0:59

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.

1:13

on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026.

1:17

If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and remain standing for the invocation from Deputy Mayor Alex Carazi.

1:25

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic on which it stands underground indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:42

As we gather here today, as members of Township Council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community.

1:56

Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence.

2:25

Councilman Barrison?

2:26

Here.

2:26

Councilwoman Francois.

2:28

Deputy Mayor Carrazi?

2:29

Here.

2:30

Mayor Kramer.

2:31

Here.

2:31

Councilman Nodijaka.

2:33

Councilman Singh.

2:35

Councilwoman Udin.

2:37

Here.

2:37

Councilman Vasanella.

2:38

Here.

2:39

Councilman Wright.

2:41

So commendations and proclamations.

2:44

The agenda is slightly different today.

2:46

We're gonna have commendations and proclamations, then we're gonna have two discussion items that will look a little bit like accommodations and proclamations.

2:54

So we have five presentations in all.

2:57

First accommodation honoring Hannah.

3:00

Um Didevar.

3:04

And Manha Opal.

3:06

Manhall O'Paul.

3:08

Yeah, Hannah is not here, so can we go to number Bay?

3:12

So they she can also join us.

3:14

So you let me mispronounce those names and then go.

3:18

Well they are here actually.

3:19

So we we are good.

3:20

Please note that Madam Clark.

3:22

All right.

3:23

Are they here?

3:24

Yes.

3:24

They heard you.

4:00

So as most of you know, we have quite a few members of our community member uh community who have food insecurity.

4:20

But we are very fortunate in Franklin Township.

4:23

First of all, we have a nice food bank.

4:28

We have great community members, both individuals, businesses, organizations, that they help food bank to make sure our neighbors will have enough food.

5:00

Today we're going to recognize two fourth grade students.

5:03

These are from public uh private school, small private school in our township, Sadig School, and they took initiative, and uh you're going to be learning about the initiative they took to help food bank.

5:16

And so I'd like to invite those two students, Hannah Didevar, and Manha O'Call.

5:31

And their parents, as well as the principal of the school, welcome to come and join us as well.

5:38

So I'd like to ask our mayor to read this proclamation, please.

5:45

And accommodation, actually.

5:49

Thank you.

6:00

We, Philip Kramer, Mayor, and Alex Crossi, Deputy Mayor, of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Township Council and all residents of Franklin, hereby extend our sincere appreciation and commendation to Hannah and Manha, fourth grade students at Sadid School.

6:24

After witnessing individuals' needs in food of food uh assistance within our community, Hannah and Mana were inspired to take action, demonstrating remarkable compassion, initiative, and leadership.

6:40

They independently organized a fundraising effort to support the local food bank, which provides essential assistance to community members experiencing food and security.

6:51

Without assistance from school staff or their parents, Hannah and Manha created a solid, created and sold homemade items, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, to their fellow students.

7:08

Through their hard work and dedication, they raised $203 and further inspired third grade students to contribute additional funds.

7:23

These actions served as a source of inspiration to the entire school community and demonstrated that young people can make a meaningful difference through kindness and service.

7:34

Their passion and commitment to helping others set an outstanding example for students everywhere, showing that caring for one's neighbors is not solely the responsibility of adults or organizations, rather, individually, regardless of age, has the ability to positively impact their community throughout acts of through acts of generosity and compassion, no matter how small.

8:02

This commendation is presented in recognition to Hannah and Mana, exceptional goodwill, community spirit, and dedication to serving others.

8:12

The leadership of Franklin Township proudly acknowledges and celebrates their efforts.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Short Term Rentals█████████████████████21%
Cannabis Regulation███████████████████19%
Personnel Matters███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Community Engagement███████7%
Public Safety███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Veterans Recognition█████5%
Youth Programs████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Franklin Township Council Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Franklin Township Council held a regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the municipal building. The council adopted several ordinances, including land use amendments, fee updates, open space acquisitions, and introduced new ordinances on cannabis regulation and short-term rentals. Public comment focused on short-term rental nuisances, councilmember residency concerns, and cannabis business fees. The council also recognized community members, awarded police re-accreditation, and approved a veterans banner program.

Commendations & Proclamations

  • Commendation for Hanna Didehvar and Manha Uppal - Deputy Mayor Kharazi presented a commendation to two fourth-grade students from Sadid School who independently raised $203 for the local food bank by selling handmade items. The students received a framed commendation.
  • Proclamation for Debe Myers Davis - Councilwoman Francois read a proclamation honoring Debe Myers Davis for her work leading Girl Trek, Ram in the Bush (supporting Ugandan women), and her health ministry at First Baptist Church. The co-founder of Girl Trek was present.
  • GS10 Scholarships - Detective Bobby T. Brown and Major Chen presented scholarships from the Garden State 10 race to six students: William King, Derek Allegria, Morgan Krause, James Chavez, Eli Zavatsky, and Liliana OCPenty (absent). The scholarships support youth programs and JROTC.

Council Discussion Items

  • Police Re-Accreditation - Harry Delgado, Director of NJSACOP, presented the Franklin Township Police Department with its fifth re-accreditation, noting that fewer than 4% of agencies achieve this milestone. Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks and Sergeant Robert Young were recognized.
  • Hometown Heroes Program - Edna Argoyo Hitchner of the Human Relations Commission proposed a program to hang banners honoring veterans at the municipal complex and DeMott Lane. Cost is $2,052 per banner (family-funded). Council gave unanimous approval to proceed with planning, aiming for a Veterans Day launch and spring 2027 installation.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Shanik Davis (227 Blake) - Asked about online permit purchasing for the brush pass and expanded convenience center hours. Also questioned how Franklin coordinates with neighboring municipalities on major redevelopments (e.g., Parker Senior Living in New Brunswick).
  • Deborah Inman (67 Robert Road) - Raised concerns about Councilman Wright's residency, property violations, and an overdue water bill. Requested that Wright disclose his address and asked council to clarify residency requirements. She noted a council member stated Wright lives in the 4th ward.
  • Copper Mine Road Residents (multiple speakers) - Denise (60 Copper Mine), Matt Penchak (49 Copper Mine), Barbara (49 Copper Mine), Guy Troy Chuck (65 Copper Mine), Ahmed Yearwood (70 Copper Mine), Meg Collin (50 Copper Mine), and others described ongoing noise, large parties, DJs, buses, and safety issues at 60 Copper Mine Road. They urged the council to strengthen the short-term rental ordinance with strict penalties and noise restrictions. The property owner, Ellen, apologized, denied intent to host events, and said she would be more careful. Her partner, Neil Lominoff, argued the property is for family gatherings and asked for neighbor communication.
  • Doc Cunningham (Stout Court) - Announced a Civic 250 event on Thursday at Cedar Hill Prep School to discuss America's founding and future. Noted that 61% of Gen Z are unaware of America 250.
  • Javon Walker (15 Kune Street) - Presented evidence that Councilman Wright has not filed his financial disclosure form (due April), has a delinquent water bill with no usage change since September 2025, and questioned his residency. Requested official answers from Wright and the council.
  • Aaron Epstein (Fresh Grow, 15 Worlds Fair Drive) - Opposed the proposed $20,000 annual license fee for cannabis cultivators, stating Fresh Grow already pays $150,007 in transfer taxes annually. Argued fees should be based on regulatory costs, not revenue generation. Noted the original ordinance lacked a fiscal analysis.
  • Trent Brinkovsky (Blue Harvest, microcultivator) - Expressed concern that a $20,000 fee would close his micro business. Later learned that the revised ordinance charges $500 for microbusinesses, which he appreciated.
  • Other - Ellen (owner) apologized to neighbors. Barbara (49 Copper Mine) questioned parking and drainage issues. Guy Troy Chuck raised septic concerns. Ahmed Yearwood highlighted safety on narrow roads without sidewalks or lighting.

Discussion Items (Council)

  • Short-Term Rental Ordinance - Township Manager Vornlocker detailed the proposed ordinance (315-3, 315-9) including noise compliance, parking rules, and maximum occupancy based on square footage. The ordinance also prohibits sub-leasing and overnight-only rentals. He noted that many existing complaints are already illegal under current codes.
  • Cannabis Ordinance - Councilman Embarrasson proposed amendments to the fee structure, combining tiers for cultivators and reducing manufacturing fees. After debate, the council adopted amendments: Tier 1-2 cultivators at $2,500, Tier 3-4 at $5,000, Tier 5-6 at $10,000; manufacturing up to 10,000 sq ft at $7,500, over 10,000 sq ft at $10,000; retailer fee remained $5,000; microbusinesses at $500. The revised ordinance was introduced on first reading.
  • Councilman Wright's Response - Wright acknowledged his water is shut off due to a pipe burst, explained he is renovating his home at 139 Fuller Street, and stated he still votes in the 4th ward. He admitted forgetting to file his financial disclosure form but said he would do so. He challenged critics, noting he has walked the ward and asked for donations to help with repairs.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Ordinances (Second Reading) - Ordinance 4509-26 (land development master plan updates), 4510-26 (planning and zoning fee updates), 4513-26 (authorize open space acquisition at 287 Cedar Grove Lane), and 4514-26 (appropriated $5,460,000 from Open Space Trust Fund for the acquisition). All passed unanimously.
  • Introduced Ordinances (First Reading) - Ordinance 4515A-26 (cannabis regulations, replacing previous version) with fee amendments, and Ordinance 4516-26 (short-term rental regulations). Both will have public hearings on August 11, 2026.
  • Consent Agenda - Resolutions 26-291 through 26-319 approved, including tax lien redemptions, refunds, bond releases, contracts for police vehicles and firewalls, grant applications, hunting program, fireworks, stormwater agreements, and more.
  • Separate Resolutions - Resolution 26-320 (person-to-person liquor license transfer from Rukh Catering to Siya 999, LLC) and 26-321 (document imaging contract extension) approved.
  • Minutes and Warrants - Minutes of June 23, 2026, approved; warrants totaling $4,793,988.04 approved.
  • Old Business - No nominations for board/committee vacancies; carried over.

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, July 14th, 2026. If we could all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and remain standing for the invocation from Deputy Mayor Alex Carazi. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic on which it stands underground indivisible with liberty and justice for all. As we gather here today, as members of Township Council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community. Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence. Councilman Barrison? Here. Councilwoman Francois. Deputy Mayor Carrazi? Here. Mayor Kramer. Here. Councilman Nodijaka. Councilman Singh. Councilwoman Udin. Here. Councilman Vasanella. Here. Councilman Wright. So commendations and proclamations. The agenda is slightly different today. We're gonna have commendations and proclamations, then we're gonna have two discussion items that will look a little bit like accommodations and proclamations. So we have five presentations in all. First accommodation honoring Hannah. Um Didevar. And Manha Opal. Manhall O'Paul. Yeah, Hannah is not here, so can we go to number Bay? So they she can also join us. So you let me mispronounce those names and then go. Well they are here actually. So we we are good. Please note that Madam Clark. All right. Are they here? Yes. They heard you. So as most of you know, we have quite a few members of our community member uh community who have food insecurity. But we are very fortunate in Franklin Township. First of all, we have a nice food bank. We have great community members, both individuals, businesses, organizations, that they help food bank to make sure our neighbors will have enough food. Today we're going to recognize two fourth grade students. These are from public uh private school, small private school in our township, Sadig School, and they took initiative, and uh you're going to be learning about the initiative they took to help food bank. And so I'd like to invite those two students, Hannah Didevar, and Manha O'Call. And their parents, as well as the principal of the school, welcome to come and join us as well. So I'd like to ask our mayor to read this proclamation, please. And accommodation, actually.

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