members and this year they distributed 500 boxes of fresh produce and assembled 500 additional day goods thanksgiving baskets to give out. I would like to invite Minister Corvin Ostein and Minister
Corey Lee as well as Reverend Sonia Red, president of Franklin, President of Franklin Township Interfaith Council to join me, please. I also would like to invite uh one of our uh the director of our food bank.
All of you know food bank is amazing organization that they give out lots of food pretty much every day and more specifically during the Thanksgiving. So may I ask Derek Smith the director of food bank to come and join me as well.
Now let me read the proclamation. Whereas the tradition of Thanksgiving has been celebrated in America for centuries as a time to gather with family and friends to express gratitude for the blessings we have received. And whereas
the residents of Franken Township have much to be thankful for including our strong sense of community, dedicated public servants, thriving local businesses, excellent schools, and the natural beauty that surrounds us. And
whereas we are grateful for the first responders, healthcare workers, educators, volunteers, and all those who serve our community with dedication and compassion throughout the year. And whereas Thanksgiving remind us of our
responsibility to care for our neighbors, particularly those fa facing hardship and to support the charitable organizations and food banks that provide sense essential services to those in need. And whereas this season
calls us to reflect on the diversity and resilience of our community and to celebrate the many cultural traditions that enrich Franklin Township and make it a welcoming home for all. And whereas we recognize that Thanksgiving is an
opportunity to come together across differences to strength the bonds of friendship and family and to renew our commitment to building a more compassionate and united community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor
and the council of Franken Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 27th, 2025 as Thanksgiving Day in Franken Township, and encourage all residents to gather
safely with loved ones to share in the spirit of gratitude and friendship. Remember those who are less fortunate and support local charitable efforts. Express appreciation for the many blessing we enjoy as members of this
community and reflect on our shared values of kindness, generosity and civic responsibility. In witnessed where whereof, we have here unto set our hands and cause and casual
the seal and Franklin of of Franken Township to be affixed this 25th day of November 25. Again, I wish everybody a very happy Thanksgiving. I have copies of proclamation which I will give to each
one of you if I may. and yours and yours and Derek yours comes with a $50. Now, there is a story about this $50 that I'd like to share with you. Just take a couple of minutes. So, last week
we were the council members, we were at the uh League of Municipalities in in Atlantic City. By the way, this is not a gambling event. Okay. So I found the phone and I was hoping that the owner of the
phone will call because I couldn't call. They had locked the phone. After an hour, somebody called a gentleman by the name of Ryan. I answered the phone. I said, "Please don't hang up because I'm trying to find the owner of this phone.
This is not my phone." And so he said, "Oh, I'm with the owner. We've been trying." She found out that she doesn't have her phone. She panicked because she had every contact number on her phone. So, she came, we met after a few hugs
and Ryan picks up his uh wallet out and gives me a $50. I said, "I don't need money for this." I said, "I don't want to take it." He said, "No, you have to take it." I said, "I take it under one condition that I give this $50 to our local food bank." He agreed. So, I'm
giving this to local food bank. There you are. Okay. Um, so please, anybody wishes to say a few words. Good evening everyone. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the council for this honor. On behalf of the First
Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, our senior pastor, the Reverend Dr. Dante Arqu. We are grateful for this proclamation and the recognition of the ministry and service we strive for every day. For decades, FBCLG has worked to
uplift our neighborhoods, strengthen families, inspire hope, and serve with love of Christ. This proclamation is a reflection of the dedication of our leadership, our members, and every volunteer who quietly works behind the
scenes to make a difference. This community has always been at the heart of our mission and today's recognition encourages us to continue the work with renewed dedication. Thank you for your partnership, your support and for honoring the impact that
we make in this community. We are humbled and we are truly grateful. So, thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you, Dr. Karazzi, Mr. Mayor, Town Council, and the wonderful residents of Franklin Township. My name is Derek Smith. I'm the executive director of the
Franklin Food Bank. Uh on behalf of the Franklin Food Bank staff, volunteers, trustees, and partners, uh we really appreciate this proclamation. This is certainly an interesting time of year. Um, we usually see about a 20%
spike this time of year in the neighbors that come to the Franklin Food Bank to shop. Add on top of that um the SNAP freeze which we all just went through which added another about 20% of people on top of that. And just with the
soaring prices of gas and housing and health care this year, we've just been tracking about 25 to 30% above what we usually see. It has been a challenge certainly to keep up with the need here in town. We
have met that challenge because this community continues to support the work that we do. We have seen an increase in the financial donations to the Franklin Food Bank. And it is a combination of somebody walking in with $5 in their pocket to say, "Please take my last five
and put it towards food." to people walking in with a $10,000 check saying, "I don't want any props for this. Just take this check and put it towards food." We've seen a significant increase in food drives coming to the Franklin Food Bank and an amazing increase in the
amount of volunteers. We are supremely grateful. There's no way that we could support the needs of this community without the support uh that we're getting from everybody uh here in Franklin Township. One thing I will say, it is always always great to
see the increase of support during this time of year. But as we know, those who are food insecure were food insecure well before Thanksgiving. They will be food insecure after Thanksgiving. They'll be food insecure before Christmas. They'll be food insecure
after Christmas. Same with Eid. Same with Hanukkah. Same with Kwanza. So, as you continue to support the food bank, and trust me, we appreciate the surge of support that we get during the holiday season, we also must remember that beyond the holiday season, those
who are the most vulnerable, the most marginalized, the most disenfranchised among us continue to suffer, where we all know food is a human right, not a privilege. So, thank you again on behalf of the Franklin Food Bank. We appreciate all of the support and please keep us in
mind well beyond this holiday season because the need is still there and I'm confident that the support will be there as well. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Uh I am Reverend Sonia Red, president of the Franklin Township Interfaith Council. And as
anytime you hear me speak, the one thing I always say, I love our community. I love our community. I love the diversity of our community because it is a beautiful mosaic of God's creation. And the blessing is that the example that you see with First Baptist Church, of
which I am a member, um is that we care about one another. We serve in this community and as the Franklin Township Interfaith, we serve in this community also. And I love our our Franklin Food Bank. I thank God for Dr. Kurazzi who's
always working in the community. And I thank God for just the recognition of all of us who serve in this community because we are our one we should be our neighbor's keeper one to another. And this is what it means to be your neighbor's keeper. And so I'm very
grateful. And the word of God tells us uh the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul. And the second is to love your neighbor. And that's what it's about. And I pray that Franklin Township will continue to do just that. All of us
working together to make sure that none of us goes hungry, none none of us are homeless, and that we're all working continuously to make one another all that we can be. And so I thank you for just uh allowing us to just be here and
share in this uh Thanksgiving acknowledgement. Good evening everyone. My name is Minister Corey Lee and I'm the new kid at First Baptist. And so that's why I'm kind of hanging out in the back, but I'm over u missions, evangelism, and social justice. And uh I highlight social
justice because uh part of my role is to come alongside you all to make sure that those that are on the margins, those that are oppressed, those that are uh often forgot uh are not forgot about on our watch. And so if there's anything that I can do to help support just like
we're doing for Thanksgiving, um my my goal is to support year round. And so I'm grateful for the honor to be here this evening and I look forward to working with you. Thank you for welcoming me and my family to this area. >> And can we take a picture? And and
Maria, would you please join us? And and mayor, would you kindly join us, please? Okay. So, we'll just take a picture together. I'll move this a little bit back. Let's see. Do you want it to sat at the front?
Thank you. The question that wasn't answered is who gets to deduct the $50 on their income tax. U there we have two proclamations left, but I'm going to call through them out
of order because the uh group that has the longest drive home or someone with the longest drive home gets to go first. Uh, so there's a commendation from the police to our former public safety director
who has to go back to Baltimore tonight. No. >> All right. Uh, good evening everyone. Hope everyone had a pleasant day. Um, my name is Lloyd Frederick's. I am the acting public safety director now. >> And today we are acknowledging our former public safety director, Coella
Mayweather. I'm sure you all have met her before. She's very vocal. Um but um we are thanking her for all that she had done for us here in Franklin while she was here. It's not often you get a boss that's holistic, that's humble, and that that has your best interest at heart all
the time except for when she's angry, right? Um but it's that's sobering for us as officers, young officers. And um it's embodied in me to follow in her footstep to provide the same type of
service to the younger officers that we have. So with that being said, usually when someone's leaving, what do we us what do you usually get them? A plaque, right? A pen or something. So when she was leaving, I was like, "Uh, so we're we're going to get you some." She's like, "Don't come in here with no
plaques. I don't want to see any plaques." So I said, "Okay." So you know, this is Captain Vince Wilson. His brain is just always going 100 miles an hour. So I'm like, "What do you think we can we can get her?" And he's like, "Oh, give me a second. Let me think." About an hour later, he calls me back. He's
like, "I got it." I'm like, "What?" He's like, "A clock." And I'm like, "Clock? Okay. That sounds that sounds like time infinite keeps going." And when we got the clock for her, she was happy. She's like, "Thank you." And again, that is how she makes us work and think, right?
Right. Don't try always go down the same lane that everyone else is doing. Create a new road. create a new path and bring new visions to whatever you're doing, whatever endeavor. So on this plaque on this uh on this clock
that has a plaque, I'm sorry. Um this is presented to Qulla Mayweather, public safety director, with deep appreciation for your leadership, inspiration, and dedication. Your vision has empowered us all, and your impact will be lasting. You will be truly missed. and from the
Franklin Township Police Department. We appreciate you always and forever. >> Uh I just want to say um thank you again. I I did get a very very fond farewell uh when I was leaving um to take on a new opportunity for myself and
my family. But I just want to say to the council, I appreciate tremendously the fact that you placed trust in me. Um, township manager Vaughn Locker, listen, I would not have been able to do my job the way I was able to do my job without
their support and their, you know, like, okay, we'll trust in you. We're going to do this. And I know a lot of times when they saw us going down certain paths, they didn't know where it was going. But the fact that because I do stalk Instagram and I do sometimes call and like what's going on? Um that things are
still running well and I'm not here. I did my job and that's what I was supposed to do. I was supposed to come help fix things and allow them to carry on um on their own, you know. So to watch the three of them, you know, when
I came here, um I know Vince was a patrolman, detective, >> sergeant. So, and I leave and all three of them are captains and they're thriving. And you know, I trust in them to run this department. I trust in them
to keep all of you safe. Uh because guess what? Job well done. And I appreciate all of you. And again, I thank you. And mayor, you're wrong. This is home. I took a job in Baltimore, but New Jersey is still my home. So, we'll see.
Um, Councilman Rom's not here, but uh, I always joke with him all the time. I keep looking at different things, different properties, and he's always coaching me. You might like this over here. So, guess what? It's not over yet. It's not over. All right. Thank you,
environmental. >> Thank you. Welcome back. Good to see you. Nice treat. Uh so the next set here um is environmental commission awards. So Paul Watilsky who is the chair of the environmental commission is joining me
here. The environmental commission is very active and um when they were putting together this year's nominees, which I believe are the first in this category, uh Jessica Johnson, who is a longtime member previously of the environmental commission, was the first
person that came to mind uh to be a recipient of the award. So, I'm going to take a little bit of a moment to talk about her, but maybe you can come up and I think you have some members of your family here who are welcome to come and join. That's your husband, Merrick. >> Well, her husband serves on the
agricultural committee as as well here in Franklin. So, both um have service to the municipality, which we appreciate. Um so, not only was she a member of the environmental uh commission, but she actually her farm that they work on
together um here locally in town is a regenerative and sustainable agricultural farm. and that uses those types of practices. Um she is integral in many of the events that have happened in the town. Um engaging in education for the public and ensuring that the
commission was focused on promoting and advertising new pending legislation, upcoming programs, innovative strategies for energy efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency across the municipality. She is truly passionate about making our community stronger. I know that because
she reaches out to me. Um, which you should continue to do and thank you for that. Um, making it healthier. We had a great health assessment that we did. We are gold certified under sustainable Jersey uh for that. It's a gold star award. It's not actually a certification, but anyway. Um, uh, and
Walter's here from the environmental commission, too. We appreciate your service um, and making things better. And people really followed her leadership. And it's quite a lot of time that the commission meets every two weeks. And I don't think it was her passion that made her leave as much as
it's a lot of time. And so, um, running a farm is is, uh, quite extensive as well. And so, we just want to extend our appreciation and gratitude for all the work that you did over the years, um, and for you to be this year's environmental stewardship award recipient.
>> That's what you're here for. Come on. >> Come on up. >> You're going to get blocked now. You got to go on that side. >> I got it. I got it. >> I got one chin or two chin. >> I should be asking that question.
>> Do you want to say something? >> Oh, I I'm not prepared to say anything. Um, but those who know me know I am not usually short uh for words. Um, thank you so much to all of you. The the work the Environmental Commission does is incredibly important. I know
sustainability sometimes gets this uh branding as something trendy, but it's really what makes things last. I know that sounds corny, but it's true. Um, the little changes that each of us make every day to be more sustainable have a lasting effect, and that's partly what
the Environmental Commission tries to um help educate and illustrate and bring forth. So, thank you so much. Uh, I'm going to I'm going to go have a glass of wine now. >> Champagne. Champagne or procco. Uh, welld deserved. And you know, things
from pollinators. Amazing. >> Um, pollinators working on leave the leaves so that the critters can grow underneath have been initiatives. And then, um, we used to say don't mow to, uh, or don't mo, but then we change it to don't mow to Earth Day because our
grass grows a little bit too long. those things really make a difference. So, we we appreciate that. >> This guy is great. He's so helpful. Um and then, um next up is our our other award. And this one is personally for me sort of over my political career important too because before coming on
council, I was on the school board in Franklin Township where I had the honor to be school board president. And then I lost my reelection and there were new leadership there which was awesome. And then I got back on the school board, but I wasn't in leadership. I just got to be a schoolboard member and watch amazing
things happen and it was uh great. And on my way out I asked for one thing which was that the school step up and do more in the area of sustainability. There were other priorities that were more pressing and I would say I'm very proud to see what they have done in that
area and growing to make sure that our young children are learning about how they can leave their children a better more sustainable future and that starts in our schools with our teachers but is in throughout everything the district is
doing from solar panels to recycling to water usage. Um, and one of the major things was the Claremont school, which uses half of the electricity and half the water of the other schools because it's lead gold certified. That was a decision by the board of education when we built it to build it that way. And so
the next award recipient is the Pinerove Elementary School. >> Uh, and we're going to invite up Yeah. Dr. Longren to re uh to be the recipient there. And I think we have the principal as well, right? >> Oh, come on up. Everyone, everyone from Pine Grove, come on over. which is also
my old neighborhood. So, uh, come on over Pinerove. It's amazing. Yeah, this is great. Congratulations. And when they say it takes a village, um, it really does. So, the Sustainable Jersey certification is quite an
undertaking. It is a point system and I was on the board of sustainable Jersey. There's lots of different ways that you can do things and there's all these matrixes, but it's a lot of work. And so to everyone who's standing up here and probably some people who couldn't make it tonight, friendly faces, new faces,
um for me, I just want to extend a big congratulations on behalf of everyone in the township and particularly our young people to learn right alongside you these these practices. Um uh the Pinerove Elementary School obtained the most points under the sustainable Jersey
schools program in all of the Franklin Township District schools. That total points is 405. They were earned through programs and policies, including creating and updating an Energy Star profile to monitor energy efficiency and conservation projects and savings over
time. Promoting locally grown foods to all students, even beyond the cafeteria, creating and maintaining a community garden on site, which if you haven't seen, is really a lovely experience. Developing an ongoing partnership with the Franklin Food Bank. Derek's here. We heard how important that is for our
community and educating the student body and providing volunteer hours for engagement with the food bank and holding a green fair and an IT STEM uh steam night with a competition focused on sustainability and renewable energy. the students, the parents, the faculty
and staff and administration our models for other schools throughout the district how to work as a team and successfully implement these impactful and meaningful programs and policies and that conserve these energy and protect our environment. And so I want to invite up um someone who I got to know through
my time on the school board, the assistant superintendent Dan Logan and the principal Edgar Vasquez Molina and their staff from the Pinerove Manor School. if the principal and superintendent, assistant superintendent want to share some of their experience. Um, but I just again thank you for all
your hard work on this project. Thank you for the kind words. Uh, Mr. Paznak, I I do see Bill Grippo also in the audience who uh, truth be told, I think was the first person I heard of who got in my ear to get us going at
McAfee first and then it spread throughout the district. But we're so proud of what uh of what Pinerove accomplished in this most recent year and um I do want Edgar to say a word, but also the principal at the time was Hennessy Miles for a lot of that time um
and helped achieve that. I know we're going to talk about Franklin High School in just a moment, but Pinerove Edgar, anyone in this group, you should be so proud of everything you've done. If any of you wants to say a word, be be our guest. Come on up. Thank you.
Good evening everyone, mayor. And um yeah, no words ready for tonight, but I do want to, you know, acknowledge all the hard work that Miss Miles did while she was at uh Pine Grove. And you know, a true true legacy that she left and that I'm very honored to carry on uh for
Pinerove. And of course to Miss Cahoun and and her team that all this work was possible due to her guidance, her leadership in our green team at Pinerove. Uh shout out to Mr. Stewart who continues to take care of that
community garden. Um to Miss Hells who continues to work with that partnership with uh Franklin Food Bank and of course the rest of the team because it truly does take a village. So again, thank you so much for this uh recognition and you know we're moving in the right direction
to ensure that our students understand the importance of sustainability and that we build a bright future for our students. Thank you. the picture all together. >> And it was really hard for the environmental commission to make a a
decision. So, they also have two honorable mentions which are also schools, the Franklin High School and the Franklin Middle School, which don't get official plaques, but they can keep work working to earn more points. Um, that made great strides for sustainable Jersey program. The Franklin High School
and Middle School each earned 355 points. Um and well 355 for the high school and 350 for the middle school and they got silver certification which is really the highest level and anything higher than that still silver just higher numbers. Um both schools have
active green teams. These are made up of faculty and students all working together. professional development opportunities for the faculty and staff. And they've made some significant upgrades to their opera operations to conserve energy and also to engage in the community events and the public education and focus on equity and
inclusion in those efforts as well. Uh the council and the environmental commission, we extend our appreciation. This is really important for our municipality. This is a great example that you can lead by, but a great place to live and work. And for us to breathe cleaner air, um it just makes a huge
difference. And so, um, I don't know if there's anyone from the high school or middle school who also want to share a little bit of something, but you're welcome to do that as well. And we have certificates for you. And then maybe we'll get this thing out of the way and we'll take a picture together here. And then >> Mr. Brundage is >> of course
up team >> and uh he's gonna tell you about just a couple things we've done. >> I'm gonna be like the state. >> Yeah. Hi. This is how we do it. >> I want
I know you're professional. Yeah. Okay. You don't have those at us. >> Hi. I want to thank um the mayor and the council me uh members for bringing us here. Um I also want to thank our amazing green team and our students. Sustainable for Jersey for schools is a
beautiful wonderful initiative. um from access to healthy water to to gardening to um indoor air quality um promoting programs that promote physical fitness. It's just a wonderful way to uh involve
students and staff in a meaningful platform. And I also want to um acknowledge that um we're having our fourth annual green fair. It's growing every year. this year. Um Paul's wife works for the uh agricult county
agricultural development and um we're in contact with local farms where they're going to bring their animals for a petting zoo and um they're also going to sell their their produce. So instead of the community going to the farm, the
farm is going to come to us. So I hope everybody can come out. The date the date is the 24th of um April. >> 25th >> 20 I'm sorry the 25th. It's on the brochure. 25th of April from 11 to 2:00
we have electric car shows. Um we have the Franklin Township Public Library is there. The um Franklin Township Environmental Commission. Um it just goes on and on. We're going to have plant sales. We have raffles for um and
poetry contests where kids um submit poems about sustainability. It's just a wonderful wonderful platform and um I'm so proud of my team for um you know constantly staying involved and
um leading the way um for promoting sustainability. And I want to thank everybody and I'm gonna leave some more flyers on the table outside. Um and um I hope to see everybody out there and thank you. Thank you very much.
>> Sure. Can I have my team? >> I got that. >> I don't know who takes it. >> Thank you. Perfect. >> My wife just
came. >> Thank you. >> I like that. Jim, >> I will run the meeting. >> Jim, thank you very much. I will run the meeting. >> This work session regular meeting of the
township council is called to order. Madame 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 700 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. >> Okay. And now, please call the role. >> Councilman Embarrison. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> here. >> Councilman Karazzi, >> here. >> Mayor Kramer,
>> here. Councilman Oniaka, Council Member Pataznik, >> present, >> Deputy Mayor Rudin, Councilman Vasinella >> here, >> Councilman Right. >> Okay, we've obviously already done commendations and proclamations. Uh, do
with do I have a unanimous consent to open to the public? Hearing no one uh declining, we are open for public session. Anyone may speak on anything to do with the uh with
government. Uh five minutes limit. Uh no yielding of time may only come up once. >> Hello, my name is Tony Faber. I'm actually from Scotch Plains, although I grew up not far from here. Thank you for uh allowing me five minutes. Uh I'm here
to urge all of you to uh adopt a resolution in support of the Immigrant Trust Act. The Immigrant Trust Act is legislation which is currently sitting before the Assembly and Senate in
Trenton. And what it does is it uh puts a separation legally between uh local governments and federal immigration authorities and ICE. Um, as you um are no doubt aware, there have
been many illegal activities across the country and right here in New Jersey and not far from here. Uh, uh, conducted unfortunately by ICE and other immigration authorities. People being pulled out of their cars, having their
windows broken merely for the color of their skin. People arrested without warrants. people taken away who were here legally on huge raids in Edison and Woodbridge where people had work permits and green cards. But that doesn't matter
to the way ICE is currently being administrated. And this immigrant trust act does some important things. It prevents raids from taking place in hospitals. Uh it takes prevents them from taking place in schools. So people can do things that need doing without
fear that they will uh be deported. For instance, just for going to a hospital, for getting their license at the DMV, or for even reporting a crime. Uh if local governments and police can cooperate with ICE, then that means that uh people
will not cooperate in the community with uh with the local police, which makes everybody less safe. Um, this legislation is is sitting there. It's considering being moved. I really know
that Franklin Township is an inclusive uh community that takes care of vulnerable people. And I urge you to follow in the footsteps of the dozens of communities that have been putting their voices forward to support this legislation, including just recently
Highland Park, New Brunswick, and uh Somerset County itself. Uh, I invite you also, I sent you all an email so you can look at what a sample resolution would mean along with some links. And I also invite you to check in with your colleagues at uh the Somerset County
Board of Commissioners and and ask them why they passed a similar resolution. Anyway, thank you very much for your time. Take care. Hi, Katherine Hunt from Enro Township and I'm on the green team there and this was great to see you today.
Um, and I wanted to speak in favor of a resolution uh for the immigrant trust act. Um, I've found that as I go to talk with legislators, uh, when I finally get them kind of
backed into a corner, they will tell me that it's really leadership that have prevented several, um, social justice bills from advancing through the legislature, through the normal course through the committees and so forth.
That has to happen. Um, and they've been preventing it all year and now dragging their feet through the lame duck. Um, so we're hoping that we can get some influence to um, get their attention and
realize that people really do care. We care about our neighbors and we care about our rights. You know, we care about our rights, too. We care about our constitution. We want the rule of law, not the rule by fiat. So, we're looking forward to to try to support our
constitution and um what we're asking is that you will pass a resolution in favor of the immigrant trust act. Now, there are many wherees, you know, whereas and then there will be a sentence. Uh when you pass resolutions, um one of the
things that the immigrant trust act will do, it will expand critical protections. Immigration questions will only come up if if necessary uh for determining eligibility of p for public service and
law enforcement and will not voluntarily share information with ICE. So your information is protected. That's for all citizens including our immigrants. Advance accountability. Law enforcement agencies must receive training and will
that train the funds will be provided for training as well. and annually report on immigration enforcement requests and compliance so there is accountability. It will set model policies that keep information safe prohibiting the sharing
and collection of immigrant information at places like health care facilities when you go to register your children for school, public schools, public libraries, shelters and more. The Immigrant Trust Act is important to
workers, parents, survivors, students, and so many more. Um, so I hope that you will consider passing a resolution in favor of the Immigrant Trust Act, and I'll hope to hear from you soon. Looking forward looking forward to it
very much. I know you people with hearts and you care. Um, we care about our neighbors and we care about our own rights. Yeah. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Anyone else?
>> Who's coming up? >> Go ahead, Mr. >> I was going to give you give you a could do. It's it's getting to a point where I have to jot down one word little words on my phone so I don't forget what I have to say. Uh Bill Grio Pier Street.
I'm going to make it quick. First of all, Ed, I don't think you remember um the green team. It's great to see here and see the expansion years ago. I went to a uh League of Municipality thing and I picked up a
flyer and it said sustainable New Jersey. I was a principal of McAfee. I didn't know what the heck it was. Some lady was there. She was very friendly. They knew who Patasic was though. I said, "Oh, I got I got an end now." Anyway, I uh I brought them into the district, met with Dr. Ravali, and
that's how this all started. We started with a little green team >> collecting the recyclables, and now it's all over the district. It's it's so wonderful to see. So, I like to give historical things. That's one. >> But there's a real historical thing today. 62 years ago today, JFK was
buried. The township council, you at that time dedicated the JFK Boulevard in his memory, the first municipality in the country to make an official dedication
like that that quickly. Just named the boulevard after him that night. Uh 1963, November 25th. You know, back then the funeral was right away. Three days. I don't I don't know how they did it, but anyway, that's a little history. Um, so
I wanted to thank congratulate the council on the your magnificent victories November 3rd. You got four years to get a lot of great things accomplished on top of what you've already accomplished. So congratulations. This guy here, Lort, is
doing a great job with the Franklin 250. I'm sure I'm sure you heard from him already. He's doing a wonderful job with the mayor. Um, thank you. The gazebo looks great. We've got lights. We've got holiday lights.
We've got somebody that hydro seated the lawn so you don't have to break your ankles. So, um, it's really beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But, and the women's club planted bulbs all over the place, so I'm really happy about that.
Big news, and I'm I'm sure you've heard of it already. Franklin High School Magical Singers will be lighting the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center December 3rd. This is huge. You know, no one comes to a board
of ed meeting and criticizes our school if I'm in the front. They don't get out of the room. They don't get Our high school's fantastic. Oh, I have a Tony Award winner with a
with Aaliyah Joy Moon and now this just December 3rd, you're watching on TV. It's worldwide that event. It's not just New York and our kids are going to be singing Joy to the World. I mean, I I can't I don't even think it's been it's
public because it was in the Franklin Reporter. So, I just wanted to thank the town for that. Um, I think I think that's about it. Except I'm really hoping that in the next four years, two things are
definitely accomplished. We definitely need a new food bank. When I I was in there today with the volunteers just to take some pictures, it's jammed with people. The parking is
not right. I mean, whatever this town has to do, if you're going to have a food bank, do it right. Is Derek still here? >> Oh, he's still there. Anyway, he does a phenomenal job also. And the last thing, you know, I sing this song every time.
The YMCA's got to be done in your tenure, four years. So, whatever you could do, I got a one minute and 10 seconds. Whatever you could do to help us make it happen, that's important. The food bank is very important. The why
is very important for the life of a community. Okay. Thank you and have a great four-year term and a good holiday. Anyone else? >> They don't like when I get up there. My audience is gone.
Bob Lort, thank you. Bill, >> just to let you know that those kids will be in the ceremony in and the musical >> come January 10th, which we'll talk about right now. >> Hold on one second. Amory, I need you to
turn off and me to turn on the the TVs. >> You have unlimited time. >> Apparently, that will be the end result of it. Yes. >> 250 minutes. >> I have I have a timeout. You have a timeout.
>> Coach gets three. >> Let's see how we do here. TVs are on. We can do this. Hold on. >> Okay, let's try it this way. My My screen is doing something here.
>> No, I shouldn't have to do anything to be perfectly honest with You should have to plug it in. >> Yeah, >> I can do that. >> And then it's going to give you an option of >> duplicate. Put the duplicate. I said this one. >> Yeah, we can try. >> See, there you go.
>> Ah, there we go. >> Okay. Shouldn't have to do that. >> All right. I council, thank you very much. I'm giving you an update. So January 4th is going to be the very big first
thing that we're going to do all of next year. We have every we have stuff lined up every single month next year, but this is going to be one of the largest ones. It's going to be the after the battle of Princeton and you can dine
with Washington and his officers. Um that is going to be on January 4th. uh and Tara restaurant 12 to 2 pm. You can get your tickets on uh Evanbrite. You'll be able to sit with the general
with his other generals which is going to be General Knox and his general Green which was Washington's favorite. After that, we would proceed to the Presbyterian Church along Church Street,
which I'm going to ask uh Mr. Vaughn locker at another meeting to close off so that we can have the generals on horseback miked up. There'll be um another person there who will George Luck who will actually tell you the
story, but you'll be able to hear exactly what the generals are saying whether to attack the British into um New Brunswick to finish him off or go to Jockey Hollow in Morristown and camp for
the winter. So with that, I hope everybody comes to that. That's going to be really neat. Um, I'm looking forward to that. We're gonna have a kind of a walkth through next week. Next is January 10th, which is Salute to
America, and that's going to be Song Dance History. Uh, Terry Sergio. She's going to shoot me every time I mention her name wrong. Um, it's going to be Saturday the 10th, 7:00, Franklin High School. It's $10. We have all the
children's choirs. Uh you could see up there, matter of fact, the uh kids who won the award to go to um the lighting of the Christmas tree as you see they're on there and they will
be there. So, we have a lot of the different schools uh are bringing folks the the kids and they're they're going to be performing uh all the different songs from 1776. Uh there'll be some poetry uh Hamilton
and um there'll be a little the coin sale. There'll be a uh intermission where we set up where project graduation will be selling some of the refreshments and whatever they make goes to the um project graduation. So with that, uh
does anybody have any questions at all? >> I think I $20 for the coin. >> No, you paid 10 because you Well, you paid 20 because you got two. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. That's good math. 10, you got to 20. I'm I I think I'm not a teacher like you
were, Ed, but I think that's correct. >> So, all of all of those first events were on the 4th. >> The first events on the fourth. Yes. So, what's going to happen is we're in conjunction with Milstone Valley Historic Society.
>> So, we're going to partner with them. They're going to collect the money and then that money is going to go into an account and that will pay for an event in August which is going to be the uh >> march to Yorktown. So we're trying to
>> not have the town be boggled with so much if that's a word. Um but Princeton um Battlefield Society is one that's also going to we're it's in conjunction with all of us so we can get a nice turnout. Um
>> it looks good. >> I understand Kingston is all excited about this and we'll have flyers and everything are going down there. But it's going to be a really neat event. I'm looking forward to it. I may get a officer's uniform myself. >> Okay. Well, I'll just mention one thing.
I know there was a request for a sign for to commemorate the conference on horseback. >> So, so there is a sign there. Um, and if the uh organizers want a new sign, we will be more than happy to um erect one
there and to have the public works department create it. And I've asked for the verbiage that should be included on that. So, you're waiting on that. So I have not received that yet, but there is in fact a historical marker there already documenting that that is the location where the conference on
horseback took place. >> Is it one of those brass ones? >> It is. No, it is a it is a sign much like a a highwayformational sign that is at the Church Street and Route 27 along the um the wall of the cemetery
>> because it makes me think it should that should be ready. So, I'll I'll get back with you. >> Absolutely. Okay. Yeah, we're going to we're going to mostly have that on the street. I kind of really don't want anybody tracing into the cemetery. You know, we may have the uh I have the General Washington's command flag. So,
that may be in that one spot. So, you'll know exactly where that spot is. >> Mayor, >> so first the trivial um it's been pointed out to me you haven't you didn't say your name and address. I'm sorry, >> you didn't say your name and address.
>> Bob Lour, 265 South Middle Bush Road, Somerset, New Jersey. >> And I would like to point out that I'm in agreement with Mr. Grippo. Mr. Lord is doing an excellent job. >> Well, thank you. >> bothering me at least four or five times a day >> at least, >> but >> twice on Sunday.
>> He's really working very very very hard on this. >> So, I I want to thank you all for I I hope that all of you are there. I mean, it it'll be nice to to uh have that lunchon. The menu is incredible. I mean,
>> under Terror really did a nice job with um um the menu. And also, I believe that there's going to be wine and some beer served too. And the wine is basically um not basically is going to be named
after three battles in New Jersey. So, it's a commemorative wine that is from a New Jersey vineyard, >> right? >> So, it'll be nice. All right. And um >> and for those of you who are wondering
what it says on these because you can't read them, um there is a Franklin 250 uh page on our website and these both of the the documents that I put up on the screens will be included on that website. I think that uh over the
weekend it's going to be a news blast to all the agent the um newspaper Franklin 250 website um Franklin reporter I believe tap. So everybody is going to get that um press releases that that are
done and just waiting uh probably till after Thanksgiving to send it all out and then the the links and the websites for the tickets will also be there too because you'll be able to do all of that. >> Yep. So that's my report. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? >> And Marie, you may resume control. >> Javon Walker, 15 Street. Um I didn't have much to say, but uh I was kind of surprised um about the ask for the resolution on the immigrant trust act. If there's a lack of action within
the general assembly and the state lawmakers, um I myself as a resident of Franklin Township of asking if the township council can consider um authorizing uh an ordinance or resolution in support of the immigrant trust act. Um there are so many ties for
immigrants to Franklin Township, not the state in general. We have kids that go to schools. We have people that may be undocumented but own property and directly pay taxes that that fund your own salaries, police salaries. of open open uh space everything. So I I again
I'm asking if the council will consider creating a um creating a resolution because again these immigrants have too many ties to have so many ties to the community not just from their their financial contributions but the social value and the social impact cultural
impact that they bring to the community. again, even the World Cup idea, the amount of different food options that we have, the amount of dances, the amount of just cultural arts in general. Um, again, I think it would be a a serious
drop if the township does not consider it considering that there there's no action at the state level. Um, if Highland Park's already authorized, if New Brunswick's already done it, it's already within LD17. If New Brunswick's doing it, Franklin Township could be the
next Domino, Piscataway, Bound Brook, blah blah blah. Um, again, just at least consider this request from a resident within uh Franklin Township. That's all I'm asking. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, anyone else? There's only one person
who hasn't spoken. Uh, seeing none, I ask for unanimous consent to close public portion. hearing no disscent uh public portion is closed. Um
answers to the public questions. So the uh immigrant trust act seems to be the thing that needs an answer. Um you know what? I'm going to take the hit on it not being on the agenda. I didn't shepherd that between the election and
the uh New Jersey League of Municipalities. Um it slipped off my plate. Um, I will discuss it with council and uh I'm expecting we'll see it on the next agenda. Um,
I think that's the only thing really to answer. Uh, so we are on to council comments and reports. Only five of us. Let's see how long we can make this. Mr. Baznik, >> happy Thanksgiving everyone. Have a safe
holiday. Thank you. >> Excellent. Mr. couple quick uh things. There's something called goal zero. Uh basically, unfortunately, accidents, fatalities are up this time of year. It's chaos with
everybody with the holidays. Our police department is going to be out there to special program. Grant money is sponsoring it. So, we'll have more enforcement um tomorrow, Wednesday. Crazy day. Everybody knows day before Thanksgiving. So, we will be out there and they will be enforcing the law to
make things safer in Franklin. Goal zero statewide effort. Please, please, um not just tomorrow, but every day heading into holiday season, drive safely. Um and our police will be enforcing the laws. Um look out for
scams are on the increase. Every corner you turn, especially this time of year, there's more scams. It's terrible. one that we public safety wants people to realize that and there's a lot uh being said recently about homelessness. Long
story short, we don't have a problem in Franklin, but there are homeless people. If there's ever an issue, reach out to the local police. There are services the county provides and nonprofits. If people don't want to reach out to the police forever reason, statewide does a
dial uh star. Is it start? Nope. 211. Dial 211. 211 >> if you or someone you know needs assistance with with um homelessness. Other than that, uh that was main things with the public safety meeting, but I felt they were important enough to
mention. Congratulations. That thing about Golden Blues, also known as the Magicals, I know I asked a clerk because I heard about it just a few hours ago. Great stuff. Amazing. It's going to be on that um event with the tree lighting. Other than that, I did want to mention and congratulations to Pine Grove. I'm
not going to go on to it. I went to high school high school uh kindergarten there a long long long time ago. One of the oldest I think the oldest existing public school buildings in Franklin Township and still running. You don't have to be big and fancy or this or that. It is a great school was always a
great school and they are uh doing obviously great things uh with uh green initiatives. Um, so the only other thing I wanted to mention, um, holiday season in Somerset, Sunday, December 14th,
2025, 3M, Franklin High School at our theater, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band, holiday performance. People pay $50, $100 to see something that caliber at at at other theaters. Free holiday season, Somerset, Sunday, December 14,
2025. It's a great theater we have up at the um high school. um other things to talk about. We'll pick it up in December. Thank you, mayor. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone and a safe one. >> Thank you, Ms. Francois. >> Mayor, I'm also in support of the
immigrant trust act and I hope next time we meet we will pass that resolution. Happy Thanksgiving everybody. God bless you and God bless America. >> Dr. Kurazzi. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I had the
opportunity to go to uh uh Bradley Community College workforce training center and this is a great center that they provide innovative programs that connect learners to opportunities and
also employers to talents and also communities to equitable growth. So if you know anyone especially the high school graduates that they like to learn some skills make good money and get the
basically employment right uh after they graduate this is the place to go through valley community center is amazing place I uh I highly recommend um I also had the opportunity to attend um couple of thanksgiving events and they were
gatherings of various faith groups as well as community members. There was a key the key messages that I hear and I shared were messages of gratitude and call for unity, mutual respect, sharing and caring. And uh we had um the senior citizen
committee meeting and there is an ongoing concern about transportation and the current bus services that take seniors to their club club meetings that usually is at 10:00 but uh somehow it's getting there uh after that. And so to
help me to better better understand the issues, I will be taking a ride from the central bus station until we arrive at the senior center and to help me to better understand the issues and hopefully come up with a proper solution to address the concerns of senior
citizens. We have couple of uh upcoming committee meetings. On Wednesday, December 3rd, we have the advisory board of health meeting uh starting at 7:30 and the human relations commission meeting will be on December 16th
starting at 7:00 and both will be at the hall hall across from this chamber and happy Thanksgiving again everyone. Thank you Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you Dr. Karazzi. Uh for my comments, happy Thanksgiving. Don't
discuss politics. M Mr. Vorlock. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just have one uh upcoming event to report on, and that is um next Friday, December 5th, here in the municipal complex from 6:00 to 8:00,
we'll have our annual holiday tree lighting. It's now the festive holiday season. Um it'll start at 6 at the gazebo. Uh make its way over to um the uh community senior center for cookies, cocoa, and crafts for the kids. And uh
if you are so inclined, you can have your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. So um always a fun time and uh some entertainment from the kids and uh light our tree out in the municipal complex. And that's all I have, Mr.
Mayor, other than I hope everyone does in fact have a happy Thanksgiving. >> Uh, and look out for the um second chance for animals um uh photo with Santa >> Santa Claus, right?
>> Santa Claus. I I'm sorry I don't know the date, but um uh >> I don't know that we've gotten a date, but I'll look while we're going here and if I find it >> date, but uh I think it's December 6th. because I promised I'm going the first
day so that they can uh >> Do you guys know when it is? >> December 6th. >> December 6th at I think 10 >> following day, >> right? And you'll do a live stream. >> Excellent.
>> Um okay, council discussion items. There are none minutes. Uh, I present the following minutes to the township council for approval. Township council work session regular meeting November 10th. Uh, any do I have a motion on the minutes?
>> Mayor, you're down to four people. >> Oh, that's right. Mr. Best Mr. Patasnik left the room. You're right. Thank you. >> Oh, you're welcome. >> Now we're down to three people. >> He's coming. He's coming, Jim. I see
him. Well, he was coming. Here he comes. >> There he is. Okay, there we go. >> Mr. Taznink, you can't leave the room. Not a quorum. >> We could have never mind. >> Second. >> Should have made a motion for that. >> There was a motion in a second. >> Moved and second. Any discussion? Anyone
would like to pull an item on the minutes? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kurazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. Council member Vatausnik. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Approval of the warrants in
the amount of 31,617,757.71 on November 25th, 2025 are presented to the township council for payment. Do we have a motion on the warrants? >> I move that the warrants as read be paid. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any question on the warrants? Anyone like to pull an item?
Madame Clerk. >> Councilwoman Francois, yes. Councilman Kurazzi, yes. Mayor Kramer, yes. Council member Vaznik, yes. Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Thank you. Public hearing and adoption on second readings. First reading is
when we announce to the world that we are considering an ordinance. Second reading is when the public is allowed to speak on the ordinance and we then consider the vote. Uh, ordinance 4484-25. Which which one is the one we're handling specially? Okay.
>> Uh, an ordinance releasing the releasing, extinguishing, and vacating the rights of the public to a portion of the street known as Executive Drive in the Township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey is presented for public hearing. The public hearing has been noticed as required.
Before I open to the public, I'm going to explain um I won't go into the details, but we can't vote on this yet because the parties involved have not finished uh discussing it, but the public hearing
was noticed. So, we'll have the public hearing now and then on December 9th, we will have the vote without public hearing because we've already had the public hearing. It sounds crazy, but that's what the law pushes us towards.
>> So without do I have unanimous consent to open to a public hearing. >> Hearing no dissension, um we are open to the public. Same rules as last time, but on this item only. Seeing no one come forward, do I have uh
unanimous consent to close to the public hearing? Without disscent, public hearing is closed. >> Do we have a motion to adopt? >> No. >> Oh, no. Right. >> Motion to motion. Thank you. Motion to
table until December 9th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Then seconded. Any discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilwoman France. >> Yes. >> Councilman Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pataznik. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. Thank you for helping me through that. Ordinance number 4485-25. An ordinance amending the municipal code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset, New Jersey. More particularly, chapter 226, vehicles and traffic
section 226-13. Parking prohibited at all times on certain streets. Uh Brookline Avenue is presented for public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required. Do we have uh I'm sorry. Do I have unanimous consent to
open to the public? Without dissension, we are open to the public. Same rules. Seeing no one come forward, I'd ask for comm unanimous consent to close to the public.
Hearing no dissension, we are closed to the public. Do we have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Second. moved and seconded. With only five here, you got to do more. Got to work harder.
>> Any discussion on the motion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilwoman Franswis. >> Yes. >> Councilman Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Council member Bataznik. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. Ordinance number 4486-25, an ordinance accepting an easement
agreement for the pump station and associated utility infrastructure from Princeton Route Route 27 LLC for the premises known as block 5.02, lot 53 as per docket number CBA 24
00015 is presented for public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required. Do we have uh unanimous consent to open to the public? Without the uh descent, we are open to
the public. Seeing no one come forward, do I have unanimous consent to close to the public? >> Yes, >> we're we're without dissent. We are closed to the public. Uh do I have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Second. Second.
>> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Councilman Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Council member Bataznik. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> We have no ordinances on first reading. Uh consent agenda. Items A through K is
listed on the consent agenda portion of the meeting are presented to the township council for adoption. Do we have a motion on the consent agenda? >> Some moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> I have one question. >> Yes. >> On F, Mr. Monlocker, we had to extend
that to get that job training done. >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> And Mr. Mayor, that just would draw attention to um J establishing a policy to purchase hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles
whenever practical. I believe that was one that you drew attention to when I made my presentation on New Jersey best practices. Uh and uh so now it's on an agenda. >> Yes. It's to adopt a policy which
basically states if a department head wants to buy a vehicle that is not electric, they have to justify the reason why it's not electric. And the manager will also report to council at the budget meeting uh how many electric and how many non-electric vehicles we'll
be getting. >> Electric or hybrid? >> Electric or hybrid. >> Correct. >> Okay. Because I know we use them wisely often. Thank you. Ready to go. >> Any other uh questions? >> Madam Cler. >> Councilwoman Francois? >> Yes. >> Councilman Karazzi? >> Yes.
>> Mayor Kramer? >> Yes. >> Council member Vaznik? >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasanella? >> Yes. There are no resolutions to be voted on separately. There is no old business. There is no executive session. Um the Do I have a motion to adjurnn?
>> Yes. Motion. >> Second. >> Move within seconded. Happy Thanksgiving. Be well. Franklin say all in >> Oh, I didn't sorry. All in favor.