Okay, I want to call the meeting to order. Thank you for coming. Before we get started, I want to make a couple introductions. First of all, our new council liaison this year is Charles.
What's up? All right, I love Alex. >> Alex. Yes. Yeah. >> Shopendo is now a councilman. So he had to resign.
Commitments. So she resigned. So, we are lucky to have a new commissioner who was approved last night at the council meeting thanks to Charlie Lolita Manny.
She comes highly recommended to come on resora helps me welcome you. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. Uh before we get started, since we didn't have a meeting last month, we
could not okay the minutes for December 17th. So I would like a motion to approve. >> I'll move to approve. >> Second.
So that's been okay. Um, as we always do, we always try to have the presentation at the beginning of the meeting in case
our business. >> Carrie, can we take two minutes to just go around the room and introduce ourselves? >> Let's go around the room, introduce yourself. Clark Hitchner >> Charles and Frank.
>> Okay. All right. One more. >> One more thing. Um since this is our first meeting of the year, I have to appoint a a chairman and a vice chairman. U I'll
be happy to continue want to make a motion to that. Frank who who has been a vice chairman for a long time has the decided to
step down and our new vice chairman is Serena Satia. So we welcome Serena as a vice chairman. She be by myself >> on a plot board. Okay. >> Okay. Our our presentation this evening
is by Teresa Viva. She's the executive director of the Lassus American Unita. She's been working to create a space for the Mexican
American indigenous youth to this area. And I'm going to have Samina introduce us so she can make a presentation. >> Yeah. So, we're so happy to have Teresa here today. Um, as Gary said, she's the
executive director um of Lassos America Yidita and they it's a Mexican-American um community organization and they uh you know do programming to support um the indigenous community and provide education cultural programming. So, we were
connected to Teresa because we were, as you remember from the last meeting, we were looking into um the uh America 250 events happening in Franklin Township and we wanted to understand like what resources we had locally um uh to educate, you know, the community on the
indigenous uh history. So, we got a connection to Teresa and she told us um among other things about an initiative that she's putting forth. wanted her to come and talk a little bit about her organization and her work and also the initiative um that she is
working on um the commission. Teresa, please go ahead and >> Thank you. Thank you so much for the introduction and the opportunity to be here with you. Um we basically trying to um I said uh for more than three decades
we've been working with with uh straining of cultural preservation youth leadership labor rights education and equity asset resources for Hispanic and indigenous families across New Jersey. So we create like lassos means ties that bind us right ties because we
collaborate with different organizations in different counties where populations or Spanish or indigenous languages population has been growing so it's we work with 10 counties right through collaborations like and um we're here today because I think um the mission of
the human uh uh relationship commission for this goodwill cooperation and understanding of all residents which align line perfectly with the initiative we are proposing. Um Franklin Township I think is most as we know already you know the data we are very diverse
municipalities actually I live close by about 50 minutes here in Franklin um and uh so our population 80 to 20% we identify as Hispanic right or uh Latino and within this like as of 20% of this
in the summer county we speak other language than English at home Spanish of course but I think also we have workers that speak mistake um moa and other indigenous languages. Uh so therefore we know that it's not just temporary
residents they are raising raising our children's here. We also contributing workforce we pay in taxes we put in businesses which is amazing line of businesses in our our county or township uh and our township and then also the participating in the civic life. Right.
So, um, since we already celebrated the Hispanic heritage, which really we appreciate it because last year I was here, you know, to recognize the Hispanic Heritage Month, but I think we are proposing uh moving forward, right?
Um, we envision really a collaborative initiative that will serve both a cultural and civic hub for residents. uh mentioned before this space will host we want to have art exhibitions um of an indigenous artist, Hispanic
indigenous artist um dance rehearsals. Um we participate uh last year also in bringing our native dancers. I know you some of you saw but they dance beautiful and we want to continue having continue having space
where they can practice. Um we also have a labor right education for women. Very important to know you know a place where they can come and receive these workshops and health as well etc. So I sent you a proposal already. So some of these points are already there.
Um I think also those collaborations uh we also have with the consulates not only the Mexican consulate we have in New Brunswick but other consulates as well. We've been working with them and establish some kind of information on what kind of service they provide for the for the citizens, right? And through
this we also have interpretation for indigenous language uh free of charge. Everything that Lassos does is free of charge. And um so we have we've been offering translation for courts um health institutions
um and other governmental um governmental groups etc. so far as well as the as the support for the tenise and the uh now with the immigration issues we've been offering this translation um uh services
for free as well and I think um our county township already offers valuable program services but we still a year around constant space access to a space where we can as I say have all
this um uh skills or open these opportunities for people to to share with others, right? What what they know and the as I said the the knowledge and uh so we're not looking for or we're not asking for new construction. We actually
want to proposing a partner model in which if you have a space um we use a space empty space some some area that we can utilize for that purpose we'll be love to know about it and um so we
asking of course to have the opportunity to continue the the the conversation going to have maybe from your group to designate somebody to speak with us go through ideas how we can see in the future this space if it's
not possible this year maybe in the future but I think it's important uh to have a space where the Hispanic community in the in the township can have access to and propose ideas and contribute um and we also lassos is going to look for grants we already have
businesses who are offering um to collaborate with us in the matter we receive funding from other Johnson Foundation um equity now and different other sources. So I think we don't asking you or don't want you to be a
burden for the township. We want to be uh a collaborator in any matter that you can see in and want us to participate. We want you to know that lassos means as I said different organizations working together. So we only want to
know you that we here and we want to contribute to any way possible. Thank you. If I could just interject that um when Samina and I met with you, we were looking for um partnership, you know, in the Franklin 250. So um we spoke about
um the potential of organizing something where we work together that involves uh education as well as fund for the children. So in addition to the the space that Lassos is looking for, which I I believe this would have to go to a different body anyway. We would not be
uh >> Yes. uh charged with authorizing space. >> I have a problem I have a problem with that Eric's hooking up with the 250. >> Well, the the uh Bob came to our
meeting. He presented um and we suggested that we explore looking into doing something that somehow recognized the contributions and the fact that the indigenous community of the Lenny Lapi were here. you know, they were stewards
of this land before we were. Um, so Samina and I formed a subcommittee. We met with um advocates and um >> uh Samina actually attended a 250 meeting. I wasn't available. Um and so
they asked us to gather our thoughts essentially and come back and report. So, what we talked about at the last time we met too was somehow having some sort of educational program, something that's family fun where we What is your
question? >> My question is I I'm confused. >> You missed that meeting, John. >> Confused simply because 250 that meeting, >> huh? >> You missed that meeting. That's what >> I I couldn't understand, Gary.
>> I couldn't understand language. You just came in and run anything past me. >> That's why you're confused. >> I'm not confused at all. I think I'm my mind is dead, right? >> What's the question you have? >> My question was
how can this whole Mexican problems that they might endure have what kind of effect or what relationship does it have with the 250? when you talking about George is that the George Washington thing that that
Republicans I mean >> the 250 committee has organized uh a year-long celebration as year long it just started there year long as many places in in the United States have we're not the only town but we're very proud of what we're doing right yes I'm proud
>> um so um and what we're looking for is to collaborate with >> advocates indigenous community so that we can organize some event that recognizes contributions, educates,
brings people together. >> And I just want to add it to it that uh as we mentioned MexicanAmerican community or organization reality we are uh part of our work has been as indigenous people collaborate with the
Lenape and Ramapo uh in in celebrations. We already host it for years. So we have more than 30 years of service instead as indigenous and mystic. So as indigenous uh person we always uh connected with our relatives. So as we call it the native Americans group in the state and
we've been helping not only in the initiatives in the north and the south but also in powows and medicine ceremonies that are occuring in our staying in our county. That's what I've been like uh connected with also knowing
and we spoke about we know this land here summers in Franklin is native land and you have reservations and you have initiatives that mention us a lot so that's why we approached it because I know that our native people still here and we still looking into open those
spaces for be more visible right we know part of the history we're not part of uh a museum we're still here uh so we saw the opportunity to okay let's bring the lap up let's bring let's dance together they show that you know we play the drums what how we can contribute to the
250 in in our Franklin Township that's all >> any other questions thank you very much let us know the committee is meeting in the other room tonight. The the two
meeting have any questions? >> Speaker Serena with the head and we thank you. >> No, thank you. >> Looks like you're doing a good job. >> How many?
Well, from the 18 to 24% the majority are Mexican descendants, but we have we perform Guatemala, work from Guatemala. Okay. >> And of course Dominican business, Dominican businesses, >> but the majority are indigenous. So, >> we mix. But thank you so much for the
opportunity to be here to your service. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> No, this is for you. This is already been sent out, right? Thank you. Everybody has copy of that. We really appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thanks again, Teresa. Okay, let's let's move on. I'll >> Okay, so they know. Okay. >> Uh good evening everyone. I know >> we have a monthly police report. >> Yeah, that's good. >> Good evening everyone. I know Officer Do has been here uh and he's out today, so
I'm going to just replace him today. But we're part of the same unit, Community Relations Bureau. Um, just updated news. I know you guys may have probably uh saw the news that our acting director, Lloyd Frederick's, he is now our public safety
director of today. >> So, as of Yeah. So, no longer acting. So, >> as of today, Charlie, right? >> Yes. I thought you did. Yes. >> Yes. So, um that is a great thing for Franklin Township. I could say when I
was uh on midnights on patrol, he was my sergeant. So when I first came here in Franklin in 2017, working for Franklin 2017, I know that, you know, he was one of my sergeant. I saw him move up in the ranks and uh welld deserved and I think that FTPD
will be in great hands and also the town be in great hands. >> Okay, we'll do. >> Yeah. Yeah. So I'll make sure that I can message out maybe he can come out to the HRC committee and also the other uh committees that we have in town. and he's a busy guy, but he will make it
happen. All right. And um I trust and believe that. Um any updates? We do have a big um career fair, our biggest career fair that we're going to be attending at Keen University in Union County. Everybody familiar with that college? So, we have a lot of recruits that we do
recruit in the university. And why not one of the biggest universities besides Ruckers respectfully um you know, in Union County. And this is a law enforcement career fair. So there's going to be agencies from all over the state. And they will have a PTC, which
is a police training uh certification or just college students looking for a law enforcement career. And why not have them come to Franklin? All right. So that's the best way for us to recruit uh fresh talent and to make sure we, you know, fit up to the standards of
Franklin. >> And um who we going to hire? >> How many people were we going to hire? Are we looking to hire right now? Yes, we are hiring right now. Um, so this is a great opportunity and around springtime, we have a lot of these uh
career fairs and law enforcement fairs that we join at these colleges and a part of the recruitment, you know, and community relations. I'm a big part of that. So, we make sure we just have to keep recruiting. Yes. >> One, what' you say your name was? >> My name? >> Yeah.
>> Uh, Officer Belvin. >> Belvin. I know you right. >> Uh yeah, John, you know me for like >> Oh, you look I don't know. I'm sorry. I'll take my hat. >> I RECOGNIZE YOUR VOICE, BUT I DIDN'T LOOK to >> Maybe it's a hat or beard. I don't know.
I'm normally tan, but I didn't go anywhere. >> Oh, okay. Now, what is what is >> Officer Reed is my partner, so we're part of the same unit. >> Yeah. Uh the senior citizens academy. >> Uh yes, that's right over there. The
senior citizen building. Yeah, he's awesome. >> My partner say the final date of uh I'm not having many questions on this Manning. What was the final date for Coella to leave? I mean of >> I I'm not going to say her final date cuz I don't know. But I know that it was
of last year. Um I don't know. I had to Google it to see exactly where was her date. >> Well, she's still she's not there now. >> She is no longer the director. No, she is she is in uh Baltimore, I believe. >> In what? >> Baltimore. >> Baltimore. >> Maryland. Yeah, she's in Baltimore. I
can't just give you the date cuz I just know that it was last year. Um and she did a great job. So >> Oh, yes. Yes. >> That's why I call y'all Franklin, you know, >> end of last year. >> Yeah. End of last year. >> She came before us. >> Yes, she did. >> Question.
>> I wasn't a question. I just got comment. I think it's really nice that Franklin uh and through the police department they hire kids who went through uh Franklin. >> Oh yeah. So I think that's great. You know what I mean? >> Speaking of one of them. So I um >> that's why I brought it up.
>> So it's awesome. You know I think Franklin is a very diverse police department. You know you have New Brunswick. You have to be a resident in New Brunswick and all respect to them. Uh but you have to live in New Brunswick and I understand that and also kind of be there. I think you need a diverse community in your police department. You
need the natives, the people who are from Franklin. Also, you need surrounding towns to be in Franklin because sometimes they have the intel to tell us what's going on so we can be aware and we can get ahead of it rather than staying in our little jurisdiction. We have the surrounding towns like Hillsboro, you have Manville, Bound
Brook, South Bound Brook, New Brunswick, Piscataway, you name it. And I think that that's why Franklin is one of the best PDs. I'm not trying to sell you my police department. >> You get it? Any other questions? at last at our council meeting last
night and council Jako will testify and there was a lot of talk about the snow plowing. >> Oh yes, for sure. >> How did the police especially not with the last one but the
larger one that that we had? >> Oh, I could tell you a lot about it. I worked at snow patrol detail. So, um >> with how did the police department handle that? Great question. So, as far as this a lot of snow we've been getting, it snowed this morning. I couldn't believe it. I woke up and it was snow on the ground.
>> Yeah. So, um but the the snow patrol has been a detail that's been brought back with director Frederick's in charge and spearheading it. Now, the DPW and they've been working furiously throughout all day. I want to say 24 to
48 hours. These guys have been all around the clock. So, the plowing has been great. However, the issue has been parking because the plowing cannot the snow the snow plowers cannot plow the road unless the parking you know if you
have a driveway and you know people are parking on the street there is a township ordinance that we are issuing tickets and we're towing and it used to be kind of like hey move your car trying to take your time that last the snowstorm before we were kind of like
you know giving a lot of warnings and issuing a lot of summons and towing cars. But this last snowstorm, we were pretty much issuing and towing because that last snowstorm was pretty bad and we didn't want to risk the snow in the roadway, more
accidents, not safe for people to walk on sidewalks, walk their dogs. It was a lot of issues. So now we partner with DPW and we follow DPW when they're plowing the roads. So they can just call us immediately or we're on the scene.
We're towing and taking the car. >> Now, they have proper instructions on our website, on our social media of of the parking ordinance and the township ordinance. Now, if someone lives in a development, let's just say the Arbers,
the Arbor is on the opposite side of town in Ward One, I believe. Uh I believe so on Franklin Boulevard, right? It's very difficult with parking over there. So, they don't really have driveways, but that HOA needs to provide
better solutions for when the snow is on the ground, where are they supposed to park their vehicles because we have to plow Franklin Boulevard to one of our main roads in Franklin Township. So, with answering your question, we're following DPW as like we're taking their
back and we're either taking towing. I know that last night council will attest to that. >> Yeah, let me I heard it. >> We had we had a large complaint from a
lady from what four? >> Yeah. >> Robin. >> Mhm. >> Roberts Road. Yes. And I believe I was actually working that day on Roberts Wool before respectfully and and uh director Frederick's I believe spoke about it
>> and it was also um Ralph Street. >> Yeah. >> Frederick was uh was there yesterday >> when the issue came up the council most of us uh we have different views. >> Yeah. Some areas they complain, some
areas not complain but overall >> police department and the >> department works all the departments and they did a very good job. >> Okay. >> It wasn't it wasn't it wasn't that snow
was out of proportion. >> Yes. >> It was not easy sir and I'm telling you >> it was it was pretty bad storm. >> Yeah. So working in the snowstorms, I will tell you the difference between this snowstorm while everything they did a really good job was last snowstorm. The
snowstorm uh not this one but the one prior was ice. And when I tell you every road or every 5 minutes I had to go out and shake my windshield wiper cuz I couldn't see on my car. It just was freezing
because it was slush and ice and sleep along with heavy heavy snow. So, the mixture of that made it really difficult. So, it didn't look like they plowed the road, but they did. It's just it was so hard to get the ice off. But, we were very more prepared for this
snowstorm as a township. Not just the PD as a township last night. It was a lot of trouble. >> Oh, yeah. It was a big one. We get another snowstorm this weekend, I believe. >> This one we got was a fluffy snow. >> Yeah, I like that.
>> Yeah, I do that. >> I even shovel some people driveways. >> Any other questions? Good, please. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, let's move on. Um, I know I asked
Peter this before. Um, I know that Edna, Nora, and Peter were working on a to revised HRC Rosha when we asked the high school to also
get involved. So can you give us an update either Nora Edna or Peter? >> I think it's taken us about 250 years. >> Sorry. >> It's taken us about 250 years because of me because of me. Ed and Nord had done all
the work and I was uh actually I can't find the original that I not the original but the one we came up with but um were we going to ask the high school to be able to put the pamphlet together? Is that what >> Yeah, I I'd like that finish because we've been talking about it for a while.
>> Yeah. >> All right. Um nothing new on the flag pole stuff? >> No. As a matter of fact, councilman, I sent you the presentation because you don't have it yet. Um, since since we
didn't meet in January, um, so, um, Alex was going to take it to the council, but since he's no longer our liaison. Um, and you'll see it's a presentation put together to propose that we hang uh the
banners that honor living and deceased service members um who have served in the in the military. >> Um but we'll we'll catch you up. I think you know we can we can do that. You'll see once you see the presentation, you know, you can if you have any questions for us.
>> Have you sent it in? >> Yes, I sent it to you. Yes. Uh-huh. >> By email. Yes. And then I sent it again via my phone before this meeting. >> So I sent it to um >> Okay, I'll check. >> Um but I have to run to another meeting.
So can can we uh talk briefly about the um uh the Franklin 250. Mhm. >> Um so after Bob came and spoke to us, if you all recall, uh to share with us what was going to be done throughout the
year, you know, we've proposed looking into uh advising that we add something to the program. Their program is pretty full as we know. And I don't know, we I went to the program at the high school. It was magnificent program at the high school
that kicked this off in January, the 250. Um, so Samina and I were charged with uh meeting with members of the indigenous community and advocacy groups about trying to uh come up with a plan. I wrote like a three-page proposal about
the things we could do. I'm saying that that's no longer necessary for us to even review. um based on our and and Samina, interrupt me. Based on our conversations with uh members of the indigenous community and and advocacy
groups, part of part of those uh conversations and those emails, etc. are because Samina sought out some groups and others are because Alex shared with us contacts. So I I think that we can propose if we come to a consensus what
we would like to propose that we do. If you recall, Bob said the committee was already tasked with what they were doing. So, if we decide to do something, recommend something, then we're going to have to take charge of that. You know, we're going to have to help to organize that.
>> Who's happy to help you? Yeah. >> The the uh indigenous groups that we met with both already have uh educational and family programs that they have they have already put together. It wouldn't
involve reinventing the wheel. They do this all over the state already. So, it would just be bringing it to Franklin Township and finding a space to have it, whether it's the community center or um and also what time of the year we would have it. Um so, there's been um
we would just need to decide as a commission, are we interested in sponsoring something? And you know, we would need obviously to form a committee to get it done. So, it would still be advertised though as part of the the self.
>> Well, we have not we have not gone back to Bob and the committee. I know that they're meeting there right now, but I didn't know they were having a meeting. I don't think we knew they were having a meeting. No. Um, but Samina did attend the meeting, their initial meeting. When
Bob came here, he invited us. I wasn't available that night. But >> have you had you come to the meeting? didn't schedule it until you found out we have a meeting. >> So we we can >> part of the group, but >> happy to have you come.
>> Sounds like we could propose something to them and they would basically say that's fine, but like they they probably don't have the resources. >> As long as we're providing a lot of the labor force for it, they they include it in the overall >> and we would partner with the indigenous
community, you know, to make this happen. And like I said, they they already have programs that they have organized. So we would not need to reinvent the wheel. >> Who's spearheading the 250? >> Bob is Bob is >> Bob McCoy. Mhm.
>> And the players were along with that. >> So, so I think the question before us tonight is, and correct me if I'm wrong, is, you know, do do Samina and I put together, you know, a proposal for a educational fun
family event, you know, and then propose it to the 250 committee. But again, we would have to own it if we're going to do it. >> I think so. I can say it's a good idea >> and they do tie it in with the 250 like
new um new diversified groups coming into Franklin on top of the 250. >> Well, I'm sure they're part of some historical background of >> you know names and things like When Bob
came, we talked about um partnering with them and they have historians, frequent historians, right? >> Sabina spoke to a historian also. So yes, that would be um >> part of the history. >> Yes. But what I think we need to to
decide and move to whether or not you want us to come come up in tandem with what the indigenous community does with some kind of okay this is an event we propose it for this date. This is what would be involved.
>> Did they have uh >> didn't they have slaves during those period of time? >> I'm sorry. >> Didn't they have slave wasn't that slave period of time? There is a program happening at the uh Franklin uh at the Church of Lincoln Garden. >> I'm talking about 250.
>> I don't know. >> You mean 2 250 years ago? >> Was that the same time as slaves? >> They all had slaves during that time. >> Mhm. >> Oh, they all did have slaves during that time. Okay. >> Yeah. >> I just I didn't Oh, right. >> Yeah, that's a good idea. I saw names
around the town on this. Do we does that need to be adopted as a by vote? >> We should work on that and then next month we'll talk about some more by that time she should have something and you could talk to Bob court.
He's happy to talk to you. The mayor is also very much involved with 250 right Charlie. >> Yes. >> Absolutely. Okay. Um
because of the snowstorms and email. So I don't have anything else unless someone does. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 25th. Um, I already have the someone from our
public library come to talk about library circulation and everything else. She'll come to us next month. And then the following month, there's a new
pastor at Mia. Pastor in April of church. >> Yeah, I met him at the um he was in the swearing in. >> Yeah. Um he I met him at the Martin
Luther King Day. >> Yeah. Yeah. very good speaker to chill out. >> Uh just a reminder, you know, um Franklin U School District has a diversity night uh every year. We've been invited in the last couple years.
Uh Norah knows about it and Edna and I had we have a table all the time. That's um May 1st >> 6 to 8 over at uh Samson Gam. >> Yeah. We have a table which we sponsor the human relations commission here. So
just for everybody's uh uh information >> uh 50 years maybe and then the other thing is um Gary mentioned um the fact that we have a librarian coming in and the idea inviting the librarian was to
get an idea how they decide on books for our community the diversity of our community. And I think that's important and that's question is coming in not to talk about not as much as circulation but the fact is that we have so many um different cultures in our community. How
do they come out and come up with that you know it's for us to know you know as a commission. So that's purpose of her coming over. Gary and I talked a little bit about it. >> Uh who's that? Um Jennifer Miller. >> Terry. >> Terry Miller. I remember right.
>> Yeah. And she got back to you. Right. I I attempted to talk to her, but she's been out ill. >> So, I call him today, but she's out very uh I haven't >> Terry Miller. >> Okay. Anything else?
>> Just just a comment regarding the parking. I mean the residents are being ticketed in front of their own hole to the jump and start the car you know uh you know you are walking on the opposite direction to jump and start the car they
get a ticket I mean I think my suggestion is to issue a warning first you say you received a ticket >> yes >> for what what was the reason for >> starting my car my own house I got a ticket
>> what rule was What road? >> Stonley way. >> Oh, Stonyly Way. >> Yeah, that's the resial. >> That's the residential way. So, um, you were jumping your car and it was snowing. >> No, it was snowing. >> This was when
>> So, the officer has a right to just whether whatever officer you get. One's a war. Maybe an officer may give you a warning, may want to knock on your door. Another officer may just ticket you without a warning. >> Recommendation is to first issue if it's
the first time the first the resident is not aware in front of his own. >> When do you have that? When's your court date? >> Well, uh, end of this month. >> So, what you'll do is you'll say not guilty on the court date and then you will plead your case in the courtroom.
>> When they check your car, you have a for sale sign on it. >> What's that? Why don't they tow your car after you have a for sale sign on it? >> It depends on when the car is parked >> in a parking lot. It's private. >> Is it parked? Well, if it's private, that means that person who owns that lot
is going to be in charge of towing that. We don't tow in a private lot. >> I see. >> So, we don't tow on private property. >> However, residential roads, yeah, we do. But I that's my uh thing. You should my
not advice but if you feel that way you should do that >> the car is parked and without a list without any warning on the front or the back when the car be towed >> yes your cars your car has to be registered inspected
>> on the residential street. Now if it's in your driveway but it has to be registered and inspected have no insurance. >> Okay. Anything else? I'll Nothing else. I'll entertain a motion to our next
meeting is March 25th. Welcome aboard. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Thank you all. Have a good night. Good night.