I want you to know all of you being here made me have to park three miles from here. 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 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. >> Thank you. you if we could all rise for the pledge of allegiance and then remain ri uh standing for an invocation by Councilman Charles Oni Jaka. I pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty, justice for all. If there is to be peace in the world,
there must be peace in the nations. If there is a there must be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the series. If there is to be peace in the series, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace
between neighbors, there must be peace in the homes. If there's to be peace in people in the home, there must be peace in the heart. Amen. >> Madame clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman embarrass >> here.
>> Councilwoman Francois, >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi >> here. >> Mayor Kramer >> here. >> Councilman Oni Jaka >> here. >> Councilwoman Udine >> here. Councilman Vasinella >> here. >> Councilman Wright >> here. >> Thank you. So, a little unusual for what
we do at most meetings. We're going to pick a council member tonight. Uh what happened was um Council Member Ed Patasnik resigned because he became the director of um environmental protection for the
state. Congratulations to him. But um that left a hole in the first ward that we have to fill. Uh when a someone resigns from council, the party that uh that member belong to or belongs to uh
picks three candidates. Those three candidates are presented to the full council and the full council chooses from them. The three candidates that were picked were Kuna Lakia, uh, Shiro Beth Bethl
>> Betha, sorry, and Shependrew Singh. Um, the uh though I've taken much ribbing about this, I'm I've asked for unanimous consent to open for a public hearing
specifically on this one item. If anyone has a comment pro, con or otherwise about who we are going to select, uh we are open for to the public for that. Two minutes to speak. >> You I'm sorry, Charles. I missed your
call. Break. Don't tell me. >> I'll tell you. Okay. >> Okay. >> Good evening, mayor and council members. First of all, congratulations to my dear friend Shubendu uh for uh he'll be sworn in as a
councilman today. >> Nothing but success. >> We haven't voted yet. >> Oh, you haven't voted in yet. >> So perhaps this would be better for the the regular public session. >> All right. Okay. I'll hold on till then. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Does anyone else wish to speak? >> Okay. I ask for unanimous consent to >> I ask unanimous consent to close public session without objection.
>> Is that gone? >> So with unanimous consent, all you have to do is say nothing unless you otherwise don't want uh the action to happen. So without objection uh public session is closed on this item
only. So we have the three names which I have discussed um to appoint the council person for the first ward. All three names are automatically in nomination. Um so I think we can call the role.
>> Okay. Councilman embarrass >> we're calling we're we're voting on actually I think that there are nominations >> nominations we have to take I think we probably >> we take they're not automatically a nominated >> uh no and I think that you have to make
somebody has to make a motion to nominate one and then you vote on that if that doesn't pass you >> okay >> so I make a motion to nominate Shubendu Singh uh for the W one council person. >> I second.
>> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Madame clerk, call the role on Mr. Singh. >> Councilman Barrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer,
>> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. Congratulations, Mr. Singh. If you could if you could come forward for the oath of office.
Okay. All right. Repeat after me. >> I s >> I s >> do solemnly swear >> soly swear >> that I will faithfully that I will faithfully uh as well that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established
>> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of
>> all the duties of >> council member Ward one >> council member Ward one >> of the township of Franklin >> of the township of Franklin >> according to the best of my abilities >> according to the best of my abilities that for him. >> Mr. Singh,
>> you could wait. Excuse me. >> Start earning. >> Excuse me. If you want to make some remarks, Mr. Singh, Mr. They're saying >> from there. >> Let's try this here. >> Check. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for believing in me. Serving on the council is an honor and a big responsibility and I accept that responsibility with a deep sense of gratitude
and humility. You know, as I reflect over the past few months, I am reminded how quickly life can change. It took us 20 minutes.
It took us just 20 minutes to lose our home of 25 years to a horrific fire. and not know what to do next. And I can't describe to tell you
the enormous strength and the incredible support that we have received from several of the people who are in the room today, who opened their homes to us,
who stood by us then and stand by us today. as we continue as we continue to rebuild our lives and rebuild our home. Thank you.
I'm very thankful to my family, my wife Ashuga, my daughter Ajita, my son Shivam who was not able to be here today, my in-laws Anga, Rakkesh, Ahant,
parents for their support, for their love, for their encouragement, and for their inspiration. Thank you. Thank you for being there. I've been fortunate I've been fortunate to have grown up in
a family where public service is a way of life. My grandfather was a freedom fighter. My father served in the Indian army.
My mother was a doctor. She was a surgeon. And as I have traveled and lived in countries, the desire and the intent to serve our community has stayed with me.
And I as I take on this responsibility, I'm fully committed to the vision that I have for my ward, for our community, and for the township, and to continue to build
on the work that I've done for the last 25 years. Serving on the council is an honor. An honor that I do not take lightly. It is about accountability. It is about making thoughtful decisions
and making thoughtful decisions when the choices could be difficult, could be complex and sometimes unpopular. It is about showing up.
It is about listening to our community and it is about working hard. Working hard also when no one no one is watching. It is about integrity and it is about trust.
Trust that must be earned over time. It is about equity and it is about inclusion. And I feel strongly about equity and inclusion because I'm convinced that health, safety, and quality of life
should not be determined by the community we live in and the zip code we live in. Access to essential services must be homogeneous across our community. for those who ran along with me for the
council position. There are six or seven of us that screened and I know some of them really well. Canal, Sammy, Cheryl,
we are all part of the same team. I salute your commitment to serve and I want to make sure that you continue to be active, you continue to stay engaged and you continue to stay committed
because I'm convinced that the best outcomes happen when we work together as a team. I'm very thankful to the mayor and the council for their trust and confidence in me.
I'm thankful to our dedicated township staff and I will continue to work with all of you including the folks in the room and the folks who are not here today to continue to uplift our ward,
our community and our township. So team, I am ready to get to work and I'm here to tell you that I'm going to be around. I'm going to be available
and I'm going to be accessible and together we will do what it takes to take us to the next level. Thank you again. God bless. Have a great Valentine's Day and President's Day.
So, the custom of council is to seat the new council member next to Mr. Vorn Locker who can explain to the new council member what's going on. >> As he's as he's taking his seat, I'd like to point out the dignitaries that are here
today. um chairwoman of the Somerset County Democratic Party and vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic Party, Peg Schaefer. Former Mayor Joel Shane, Sheriff Russo, Commissioner Director Robinson,
Clerk Steve Peter, Chairman Ron Jordan, and BOE member Mayer Rafi. Sorry if I missed anybody. Um, so we've had the remarks of the new council member. Madame Clerk, please call the role.
>> Councilman Embarrison, >> here. Councilwoman France. I >> think I heard. >> Yes. >> There. There you go. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oniaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Udin. >> Yes. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Uh we have one more cleaning up housekeeping to do about this. appointments to council leaison and standing committees. Uh financial
oversight standing committee. These are the committees vacated by councilman bas um basinella pataznik um >> forgot his name. to the financial oversight committee, public works standing committee, agricultural
advisory committee, board of education joint subcommittee member, board of education council leaison, fire chief association council leaison, Kingston village advisory committee, Franklin council person,
local energy uh council, township council member, um Kingston Village, advisory committee Franklin uh council member open space advisory committee and green team uh
committee member >> other words you don't have any days off >> are there any changes to those you wanted to be the school leaison >> yeah if it's uh okay with the council councilman Bendu just to lessen his
load. Um I can assume the board of education role if that is okay with you. >> Totally cool with that. Thank you. >> Unless there's further discussion >> or any other nominations,
we can do this by acclamation. All in favor say I. >> I. Say nay. >> Motion is carried. Get to work. Okay, we're on to item number six, commendations and proclamations. We start with Black History Month
proclamation by Councilman Oni Jaka and Councilman Wright. I can't. >> She's always slow moving. That's okay. Proclamation for Black History Month. Whereas, Black History Month provides an opportunity to honor the extraordinary
contributions, achievements, and resilience of African-Americans throughout our nation's history. And whereas the 2026 theme for Black History Month, African-Americans, and the arts celebrates the profound impact of black
artists, musicians, writers, performers, and creators who have shaped American culture and enriched our society. And whereas Franklin Township is home to a diverse community that values inclusion, equity, and the celebration of our multicultural heritage. Whereas
African-Americans have made immeasurable contributions to Franklin Township and Somerset County through the leadership, education, business, public service, and the arts and community development. head. Whereas the observation of Black History
Month reminds us of the ongoing struggle for civil rights, social justice, and equal opportunity and cause us to commit ourselves to building a more equitable
society. And now therefore, be it resolved that the Franklin Township Council does thereby proclaim February 26 as Black History Month in Franklin Township, Somerset, Camry, and New
Jersey, and encourage all residents to participate in ceremonies, programs, activities that honor the contribution of Africanameans to our community, our state and our nation. Be it further
resolved that we call upon all residents to commit themselves to the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect and to work together towards a future where all people are valued and their
contribution celebrated. Thank you. Madam Commissioner, >> thank you. >> We need someone step up. So, she like to say something. >> I didn't know I was receiving this. I
thought I was standing by you. Thank you for this honor. Um, African-Americans have uh helped to build this country. And it goes without saying that sometimes people forget and some people want to erase our history,
but black history is American history. The blueprint has been laid before us in this country. Liberty, freedom, and justice for all. includes all mankind, including
those that may not look like you, those that may not practice the same faith as you, those that might not speak your language. But nonetheless, America is a great place to live, work, visit, and we all are duty bound in
making sure as we celebrate this nation's 250th birthday, that we continue to make it a great place, that all can be welcomed, all will be embraced, all will be treated with compassion and dignity, and
that's the American way. Thank you. >> Next item is a commendation for the American Heart Month Proclamation by Deputy Mayor Karazzi. And while he's stepping to the podium, I'd like to recognize former Councilman Ted Chase,
who was uh two first W councilman ago. He snuck in on me. Good evening everyone and congratulations one more time and thank you official for coming. Thank you so much. So this one is really very important because we know
quite a few people especially um many of our community members are impacted by it. So this is a proclamation which says whereas cardiovascular disease including heart disease and stroke remains the
leading cause of this in the United States claiming more than 900,000 lives annually. And whereas heart disease and stroke account for more death than all forms of cancer combined.
and one in three Americans will die from cardiovascular disease. And whereas approximately 80% of the cardiovascular disease cases are preventable through
blood uh are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices including regular physical activities, healthy eating, not smoking and managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood
sugar level. And whereas National Wear Red Day observed on the first Friday in February raises awareness about heart disease in women which remains the leading cause of death for women in America. And whereas by raising
awareness about cardiovascular health during American Health Month, we can inspire residents to take actions to prevent their hearts and the hearts of other loved ones. Now therefore, be it resolved that the
Franklin Township Council does hereby proclaim February 2026 as an American Heart Month in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, and encourages all residents to learn about their personal risk factors for heart
disease and stroke. Adopt heart healthy behaviors including regular exercise, nutritious eating and stress management. Schedule regular health screening and checkups. Learn CPR and how to use an
AED. Support community efforts to promote cardiovascular health and wellness. Wear red on national wear red day to show support for heart health awareness. And be it further resolved that Franken Township Council urges all
residents to make their heart health a priority to and to support family members, friends, and neighbors in their effort to live hardy lives. Thank you very much and I hope you stay healthy
and with good hearts. Thank you. We will now open for general public discussion. If I have unanimous consent without objection, we're open for public discussion on anything to do with government. Um, we allow five minutes a
person. No yielding of time. May only come up once. Please state your name and address. >> Good evening. My name is Joyce Lee, 36 Timber Hill Drive. to Mayor Kramer and to the council
members. And first I want to say congratulation to you, Mr. S. I think I have your first assignment. I want to read what uh concern of the Park Hill State community and the senior sen center.
The first the first is snow removal at 10-M Run Boulevard. Over the past two winters, we consistently have problems with ice buildup on the exit side of the road. Cars are sliding into South Middbish
Road, which creates a serious safety concern for the residents and increases the risk of there being a major accident. I do have photographs. I don't know if it's appropriate to show them to you. Give them to the clerk.
>> Marie, >> now I understand that this winter brought significant snowfall, and I appreciate the challenges that come with that, but what I don't understand is why plowed snow is being pushed onto the sidewalks that our residents already pay
our homeowners association to maintain and clear. This results in added costs to us in two ways. Wasted tax dollars from insufficient snow removal and additional fees paid to our association to remove the snow that the snow plows
are placing on the sidewalk. I'm asking the council to address this practice with public works so they can address this with their private contractors who have been awarded these contracts. The second issue is the senior center. As you may know, uh there's no heat in
the building and um we've had some issues and has been brought to your attention previously. Can anyone provide us with any updates as to when if the project is being worked on and when we can expect heat?
>> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? I think now you just congratulations. Uh first of all, mayor and council, thank you very much. Uh >> name and address.
>> Sure. It's Kunal Lakia 8 Supra Court. Um Shuendu, congratulations. Um you have our support. we are rooting for you and we know that uh you're doing you're
going to do simply amazing. Okay. Um you know I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the council members um the screening committee um and the others uh who took time in understanding
each of our six or seven members who participated in this process and I really wanted to thank them. Um while we have a very able councilman uh that has been appointed uh my personal commitment
to the township to the ward to the residents remains and just like Shubendu I had laid out some vision u in my communications with you and I will definitely look forward to partnering with all of you in taking that ahead and
making Franklin Township the best place to live in America. Okay. So that was topic one for me. I I just wanted to thank everyone. But the other topic and it's very uh close to the
heart of 400 families who live uh in Princeton Highlands is the traffic light. Okay. Um anyone councilman Shuhendu knows about it. Right now where it stands is the Department of Transportation wants a
commitment from the Franklin Township on its portion of payment that needs to be made. Doesn't mean that it has to be paid tomorrow. They just need a resolution or some commitment letter from this township for that project to
proceed ahead. Um I'll also like to take this opportunity to sincerely request to all of you um that instead of we we are the road is as you all know is divided between Franklin and South Brunswick
the cost has been revised. I believe it now stands at about 75,000 total for those traffic lights and crossing. I urge this council to help us. It's about safety. There have been numerous accidents. The safety of our
community uh matters. So I request you all to consider granting the full 75,000 that is needed for that traffic light to proceed ahead. Thank you very much. Deborah Inman, 67 Roberts Road. My
complaint is the removal of snow. During the last heavy snowfall, my street was plowed poorly. It was plowed down the middle of the street, leaving at least 4 in from the curb. I'm sorry,
4 feet from the curb. There were no cars from the corner of Roberts and Ralph to the at least the sixth or seventh street. There were no cars. There's no reason why the plow could not go to the curb to remove the snow.
Um, I don't know how this can be resolved or if it'll ever be resolved because I've come here year after year when it snows. I've called and complained numerous times and
all I'm told they're doing the best job they can. I wish someone would visit Robert's Road to see how poorly it was. It was plowed. There was no salt. There was still ice in the middle of the road. It wasn't salted. It wasn't pre They
didn't put the the pre- stuff down or anything like that. I'm tired of coming here complaining year after year as for amount of taxes that I pay to have my street poorly plowed. As I
traveled on Winston Drive and saw the side streets on that side of town cleared and on my side of town, the streets are horrible. There are mounds of ice. I can barely get out of my driveway
without slipping. Okay, driving out of my driveway. That that's unacceptable to me. And I wish we had council people that cared enough to come around and surveillance how they plow or how they don't plow.
But I bet in the other areas of this township, those council persons that are responsible for those wards, they go out and look to see what's going on in their ward. I wish we had a council person that cared enough to come and look to
make sure that their ward is being served properly. If they can plow Namon Williams Park, which is a parking lot, no one lives there, no one drives there, no one travels there. That was clearer than my street, which
is ridiculous. So, I'm asking if the cars need to be removed from the street, then it needs to be enforced. There are I get notifications, but I can't speak for my neighbors. I get
notifications. And if it's not enforced, then that means my street is poorly plowed because one, the snowplow truck driver doesn't know what the heck he's doing. And two, no one is enforcing removal of cars. No one. Not Franklin
Township Police Department, not the head of the township, no one. So, the emergency route, Bear Avenue to Franklin Boulevard, cars parked all up and down, they weren't removed. There's still
pounds of mounds of ice still there. So, I need to know what's going to be done about it and when is it going to be removed or resolved? Anyone else? >> What's the address? >> 66 Roberts.
>> Good evening, Theodore Chase 159 Georgetown Road. First of all, of course, I want to congratulate Councilman Singh, and I trust I'll see him at as council
liaison to the Kingston Village Advisory Committee, the environmental commission, the open space committee, starting with the Kingston Village Advisory Committee meets tomorrow night
in the community room at the back of the Kingston school. But I also wanted to ask the council in general, uh, I trust that you're all committed to participation in the lower
raritan regional storm water management plan that I think Montgomery has taken the biggest leadership on and also the watershed association. I don't know. Last time it was uh Mike
Pizaro said last night he didn't know whether um the council had actually voted to endorse this yet, but I want to ask you to do that. And finally, I'll
endorse what the prior speaker said. I'd like to see the um traffic light at Alston Street and Route 27. Whenever I shop at the Kendall Park Shopping Center, I come out there and it
would be a whole lot easier if there were a traffic light there. Thank you. Good evening. Uh I'm Vinod Gupta, eight Eagles Pass. Uh I have no complaints only one agenda to congratulate our
newest uh councilman. Uh there will be plenty of time there will be a complaints. Yes, I'll come keep coming back. I happen to be a representative of the third district of uh Franklin Township. I had the honor of doing this for last
eight years out of these four years as a ward one chair. And I know what happens in war one is important to me. I'm watching. So today is a very important day for me because this war got the newest councilman today. So I
congratulate my friend uh Shuend Singh. Get used to this kind of complaints. Okay. I know Shbendu for last 25 years. No 20 years. Sorry. 15 years as his neighborhood. I live in his neighborhood.
Five years before I uh moved to Franklin Township, I was in Princeton and Princeton Junction and people used to tell me now there's a smart boy, very intelligent, very charming, very exciting and very a superstar who lives
in Franklin Township. I need to meet this this person. To be honest, I got a little jealous of him. One day I got a call from uh some unknown number and he said, "Oh, we know
we like to invite you at our home." Okay, thank you very much, but could you please tell me who you are? I said, "I'm Shendu Singh." Okay, so what do you do? He said, "We are having a social gathering here. We have a karaoke
evening and I heard that your wife has a lovely voice and we like you to join the karaoke evening. Believe me, initially I was jealous of one person and now I'm jealous of two people including my wife.
Anyway, we went to his house and we enjoyed the evening and we laid the foundation of great friendship with him. I can tell you 15 years after that we built on continue building on that friendship. I couldn't
be more proud of Shubendu for being our representative in the council here. We have been working hard for last five years to get him there and finally we have it here.
On behalf of my district and many of them are sitting here, I would like to congratulate and commit my total support to you. You have a hard task. I can tell you there will be lots of complaints including from our own district. Get
used to them. But we hope together we can make the Franklin Township a great place to live. Congratulations and congratul congratulations to to whole council. You couldn't pick a better candidate from Ward One. I can guarantee
you. Thank you. >> Hi, I'm Tracy Wyn. I live in uh District 45. I would just like to >> Your address, please. >> 130 Alcorn Street, Somerset, New Jersey. >> Um I would like to ask why we still do not have the uh recycle bins, the new
recycle bins. We >> I I'll answer it. I can >> just continue, please. >> Then you'll have to wait for the answer till later. >> I'm going to have to wait for the answer till later. >> Mhm. >> Okay. The next problem is I'm talking
for my mother over there. She lived What's your district? >> Just what's her address? District doesn't mean >> 200 Gerard Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey. There needs to be a light at that corner of Grod and Ardan fourway stop.
>> It's a four-way street and it's very dangerous. People cannot Well, I can't say people can't see. Well, people I don't know. People don't stop to look. What happens is people are going through the stop sign and it needs to be a light. >> Gerard what? Gerard. It's already been
studied. I'll answer it when we're done. >> Thank you, man. >> So, when will I have my answer? when everybody's done asking questions and everybody up here answers. >> Okay. Thank you very much, sir. >> We're all good, buddy.
>> Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Distinguished members of the council. Congratulations, newest member of council. Andrew Anelme, my home address is in Chester, New Jersey, but I'm a lawyer. Um, representing the Palace at Somerset Park on 333 Davidson Avenue. I don't know if this is the time
>> for me. It's not. Okay, then I'll bow out. Thank you. >> Uh, there will be >> there's a public hearing for each ordinance. This is not here for >> Yes. >> Anyone else wishing to speak? Oh, here we go.
>> Javon Walker, 15 Street. Um, I also like to uh back up the previous concern about snow removal. um down my street there was a a large chunk of ice and a huge amount of snow that was left maybe a couple days after the snow removal. I'm I'm also going to ask the question
is is there any kind of supplementary um review that the township council can do to make sure that all roads are fully plowed. Um these are roads that are that are um they're public roads. They're not private. Um we need to make sure that everyone has their the safety as the
number one concern and that should be able to be met. Um that's it. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Hi, my name is J Praash Rajaram. I live in N 90 9 top circle. So, congratulations Shendu Singh. So, and it's a great addition to our
neighborhood and we very proud of you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um I have two things. One is everybody brought up the snow cleaning and uh looks like there's some technology issue where every time snow clean does my drive is filled up which means you clean up again clean up. That's a painful problem. It's year by year. So we have
to find a solution for that. Second question is our property taxes went up. All the neighborhood is complaining but what is additional value we're getting? We have no idea. So what can be done to man maintain the property tax and not continue to increase it every year because once it goes up it never comes down. So I'm I'm looking for some
answers on how do we maintain it or reduce it. Thank you. >> Anyone else? My name is John Traus. I live 85 Arlington Avenue. Uh I got a comment about JFK Boulevard is traffic's getting really heavy on
that street and we I feel they need a light at Winston Drive and JFK. >> Anyone else wishing to speak? Seeing no one, I ask unanimous consent to close the public session. Hearing no objection, public session is
closed. And now we will answer the questions. Let me take notes on what that gentleman just said. Okay. Um I'll leave most of the snow stuff to you, Mr. Vorn locker since you're closer to that than I am. Okay.
>> The heating in the uh in the community center, senior center. Uh so it is my understanding that all the machinery um that delivers heat um to the senior center has been checked
and is functioning. I'm going to put on my I wear several hats. This hat is my they had of growing up the family business which was HVAC. When you saw when you size a heating
system in Connecticut where I grew up, you assume the coldest temperature is 0 degrees outside and you're heating the house to 70 degrees. You figure out the heat loss of the house and then you figure out the size of the boiler um
heat exch uh furnace um or other systems that are going to uh heat pump or other systems that are going to um heat the house.
When you exceed that amount, as in a day colder than is designed for, then you often can't heat it. Um, or you always would not be able to heat it. If the if it's colder than zero, a house
designed in Connecticut won't be able to stay at 70°. That's my guess as to what's going on. We're sending an engineer uh to look at it and and inspect the system and see that he agrees that
everything is set right uh and that there's nothing more that we could get out of it. We've had the coldest days. Well, and so I I tickled AI and it couldn't give me a direct answer, but in the last 10 years,
there's been 30 days below zero. I think six or eight of them have been this past year. So, it may be just a case of the weather is beyond what the building was designed for. If that's the case, then
there's different methods that you can boost it and the decision will have to be made. Is for 30 days and 10 years, is it worth to spend the money that it'll cost to boost it? Very well may be yes. But, you know, until we know that amount
of money, I I don't know. So, do you have any idea when the engineer is coming? >> So, I I mean, I I would I would just kind of like add a little bit more to embellish what you said a little bit. So, the equipment that the mayor is discussing is a new boiler system that
was installed and it was installed prior to this winter season and it was designed by a licensed mechanical engineer under contract with the township to provide that service. That's the engineer that the mayor's talking
about coming out and seeing to if he can determine what exactly is the issue as to why the heat is insufficient in the meeting room. It's not the entire building. It's the meeting room which is as far away from the boilers as it that
something can be. Um, it's also a room that's got one entire large wall of glass, which also complicates things when you have temperatures that don't rise above 20 and fall below zero for an extended period of time. But that
decision to to as to how we move forward is one that needs to come from a mechanical engineer and that's we're waiting for their uh the the contact has been made. We're waiting for them to come out. I hope that that will happen in the next day or two and they can
inspect everything. This was a system that was completely new and designed by uh this engineering firm and therefore we need to have them do it because they have the obligation to make the inspection and make any corrections or
recommendations. We're still under contract with them. It may have been that they calculated the heat loss of that room. In other words, the amount of heat you had to put in incorrectly. And >> we'll have to ask him who's responsible
for that. >> Or or it may be something that's currently not set at the the proper level that they need to make a recommendation to change. It's not a system that's as simple as turn your thermostat up in the hallway.
uh the traffic light on uh 27. So you're saying now that it's $75,000 is >> total? >> Well, that's not really what it is. It's not $75,000 total because there is we
have the unknown is the acquisition of rightaway on the South Brunswick side which has not been even investigated at this point that's owned by the shopping center and the gas station. So there that cost is also one that South Brunswick is not willing to share.
>> So we need to investigate that. I I've not discussed this with council. There there are eight other places along Route 27 from the third ward and the first ward that
could request the same thing. a traffic light at the end of um Kingsbury Acres. Uh a traffic light at the end of um uh Countryside. >> Um there there's so there's a total of
eight of them that I counted off the top of my head. It is my feeling that the any community that is requesting this should contribute some amount. Council, I'm taking full responsibility for that stance. Others of you may disagree.
If it were 75,000 total, that might be a different story. That's while that's a lot of money uh in any count compared to what we spend on roads. That isn't a huge amount of money. So, we might consider it differently. But if I give it I if we
give it to one community, I got eight other communities saying we want a light too. Um and that becomes a lot of money and a lot of traffic people stopping on Route 27. Uh so that's where we are with that recycling.
>> Mayor May I have a comment on? >> Sure. Absolutely. Uh so um I had reached out to our counterpart in South Brunswick Council uh Councilwoman Archa Grover about the uh sharing the cost and
because you know frankly you know you heard Councilman Tase uh um complain about getting out of the shopping mall into the uh come your community. Um so they are equally liable but I try to
make the case but um she was adamant that South Brunswick will not contribute toward the plight. It's entirely on on us and the community. Uh so that's I just wanted to report out because I
think Deepak asked me about that. Um secondly uh to the to mayor's point I already have a request from countryside for a traffic light and I kind of told them the same line that we all have been talking about. I think the traffic I
think there Bob explained to me they are very close to the um >> cousins lane >> the cousins lane light so they may devote may not even approve the light but nevertheless they did make the request >> and um >> and I have a request from Somerset Muse.
>> Yeah. So >> I have a request from Kingsbury Acres and so we can keep going right on down because over the course of my career I probably received a request from all of them. >> Yeah. So, so at the council we have to be accurable to all the communities that
are making the request. So, while it is uh uh I can understand uh your uh the reasons for the request uh we have to balance our resources among what all the projects that are on hand and we'll do
our best to uh come up with uh enough support to make that happen. If I can add the microphone. >> So I want to acknowledge what Dr. Chase said, what Kunal Lakia said, and what
Jay said. There is a problem. I've lived there 25 years. Getting out of the community, making a left turn is a problem. Crossing the road, using the pedestrian crossing is a problem for our senior
citizens as well as our commuters. we first acknowledge that there is a problem. I have personally had several conversations with DOT on this topic and I've had conversations with South Brunswick and that's not to say that we
are going to give up in some of those conversations that are in flight. There are no easy answers to this. It is a right-of-way problem that uh the township manager highlighted. In addition to that, there is a financial
burden that needs to be shared by all residents in the township, not just limited to the folks who live in that community. Um, we will continue to look at options and ways to keep our community safe. This is not a
convenience issue that we are looking at for that community. It is a public safety issue. We recognize it, acknowledge it, and if there is there is a way to work around it, we absolutely will. >> Okay. Uh, recycle bins.
Um, >> I I I think that the that the commissioner director may have gone out in the lobby with the resident who was asking about them, but >> Oh, okay. Well, for the general public, >> um, there are enough bins for everybody
or at least they can be purchased. There are enough drivers for everybody. They cannot get the trucks. Uh, the wait is at least a year on ordering the trucks. Uh, this is a supply chain issue that started during
COVID, has not been uh cured. Uh, they there's I mean they have ordered them. They have screamed at the company, but they cannot get the trucks to do it. And people say, "Well, just just add my road." Well, that's multiply that by a
thousand. Um, it's And someone says, "Well, they only pick up every other week, so on that off week, why don't they pick up at my place?" No, they pick up every day. They just pick up at any one house every other week. So they they would be thrilled to uh have recycling
throughout the all of Somerset County, but they cannot get the equipment to do it. Um, >> mayor, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yes. So, I know a lot of uh people have
complained about uh that anytime snow is uh plowed, their driveway blocked, and that includes mine, too. and I had to go and shovel it and so forth. And this is a question really for our township manager. I I in fact a few people send
me some clips of this special uh plying machine that basically just removes the snow from the entrance. Are there any plan to >> So we have we have 45 snow plow routes in the township.
20 that are handled by contractors and 25 that are handled in-house with our equipment to get all of the snow plowed on the 240 plus miles of roadway. The amount of money that that equipment would cost for us to obtain it would
would in all honesty might bankrupt the township. Um, we have we have standard plows ranging from the large uh dump truck plows all the way down to pickups depending on what their application is. And like I said, and there we contract
for 20 plow routes annually that are handled by contractors. So I there's there's literally no way that the township could afford that type of equipment given the amount of snow that we receive annually on average. Um, you
know, if we're in Buffalo, we might have a different circumstance, but we're not in Buffalo. And the amount of snow, I mean, I I I know this last snowstorm almost shocked everyone's system, because the last time we had any snow of
any amount was 2021, 5 years ago, and prior to that, it was a number of years before that. Um, you know, this is this is not a common occurrence. So to invest that type of money and that type of specialty snowplow equipment would not
be practical and would not be prudent. >> Thank you. >> Mayor, >> yes. >> Relevant to the couple things we're talking about now. I just want couple quick clarification going back for a minute and I had no idea your family was in the HVAC
business. Um but what you explained from what I know makes perfect sense. um and what the manager added to it. One thing I'm going to ask to clarify for the public, it is only the one room that was having a heating issue. The majority of the place is functional and being used every day. Correct.
>> The heat the heat is on. It's it's it's raising temperatures up to about 65° and that's insufficient for the the people who are using the room. They would like it warmer. Other rooms are at normal temp. The offices are at normal temp.
It's that there it's a hot water system that goes hot water baseboard and the hot water is not getting to the baseboards at a high enough temperature fast enough to keep that large meeting room warm. That's what it >> and thanks for the additional information. I guess I just want to make
sure it's really functional. It's just one room and what you were saying about the windows without rehashing everything that's what happens. I experienced that recently for there was one room on one zone that just could not get up to obviously much smaller system but It's it's a it's a fight that we're fighting, >> right? No, I appreciate you explaining
it and I know we have a new system there, so it sounds like this just once every five or 10 year uh crazy weather and quickly transitioning to the snow plowing. Um correct me if I'm wrong, manager, one of the reasons some of these look, every time you get a bad storm, you're going to have things fall
through the cracks. There's trouble spots. But this time around because of the intense temperatures being something we haven't experienced in probably a decade we whether it's a person the town you couldn't just go back and and fix every little spot like we would normally
go back because of the intense amount of frozen >> stuff as things come to our attention even to to you know today you know there might have been something that came to our attention that we went out and tried to remedy the issue that with this particular storm was the duration of the
storm coupled with the very very low temperatures makes salt ineffective. um salt is ineffective below basically 15 to 20°. it loses and it loses complete effectiveness below 15° which is the temperatures that we have been dealing
with throughout this uh you know this last twoe period since the the snowfall and especially during the snowfall um you know and it when it changed to sleet that caused an ice cap on top of what was already done you know and I I'll
address some things just in general because I don't think that there's anything that I can say specifically to the two complaints about Ralph Street and Robert's Road and and Timber Hill because I'm not familiar with exactly what happened there yet. I'll have to look into it, but I'm certainly familiar
with the previous circumstances on Robert's Road and and that's been uh an issue on during several snowstorms as uh was stated by the resident um Timber Hill. I'm not I'm not familiar with the problem there. The issue here is it's almost like you're damned if you do and
damned if you don't. What I heard is two different tales of two stories here, right? One was we didn't plow close enough to the curb and we were too far away, which often happens, and that often has to do with parking on street, which I know is a problem in that neighborhood. Not making excuses if we
try to get as close to the curb as we can. But when you get as close to the curb as you can and there are sidewalks and a plow needs to move at a certain speed to push the snow at that level and they have to do it on multiple passes throughout the storm, it's going to push the snow onto the sidewalks. So that's
where you get close to the curb, especially Timber Hill, which is the main entrance and exit of that development um out to South Middleush Road. There's an effort to try to get that plowed as close to the curb as you can. that's going to push the snow onto those sidewalks. And it's not going to
be where that road is only plowed one time. It's going to be plowed multiple times through a storm that that lasted a significant period of time. Um and and so that you know I understand that you know and I'm no different. I have a house and I have a driveway and I live
on a culde-sac and to this day I have an 8-ft pile of snow in the front of my house and the plow only got to within 8 ft of the curb in front of my house and I had to go dig it out because I had to park a car on the street and so I I
suffered the same pain that that was expressed today as far as clearing things out. I I understand it's frustrating. be thankful that we don't live in Buffalo where they deal with this on a weekly basis throughout the winter from November till April. Um this
>> No, thank you. I just there's a little science and reality and I appreciate you expounding on I just want people to realize and we appreciate you bringing the complaints or concerns forward because we all have been fielding calls and I just wanted to elaborate. So >> I always encourage people that that when when there are is an issue there's
multiple ways to report those issues to the town. Um, and during the course of a storm, if there's something that that seems to be an issue, the public works department is manned. During storms, there's someone in the public works department to answer phones. The police department is was out. You know, there
was a question about enforcement of the parking. The answer to that is the the police department put 10 additional police officers out for the duration of this storm to specifically answer radio calls from public works plow operators where there were vehicles that needed to
be addressed. I can't explain why no one addressed uh the the vehicles parked on the street what was brought to our attention tonight, but I have to talk to the police department to find out if they were. Um I I can't I don't know. So that's my answer for that. I will talk
to the public safety director and the public works manager tomorrow to find out what I can find out. >> Bob, I I want to just take the opportunity to really thank the public uh uh depart public safety department. They did a fantastic, you know, job.
Honestly, I mean recognizing the the the amount of snow we had. They did a fantastic job. So please extend our appreciation to them. >> I will Um, all right. Uh,
light at Gerard and Eden. >> Sure. So, I I think that and and Councilman Wright may want to chime in on this. Councilman Wright brought that to our attention probably gez maybe three or four months ago and and Gerardan Arden and the request for
either a four-way stop or traffic signal. So, just a quick piece of education for some um both the installation of a four-way stop uh intersection and a traffic signal require a warrant to be met, a warrant
that is uh part of the manual on uniform traffic control devices. The federal manual adopted as law in the state of New Jersey. Um you it requires traffic studies to be completed, turn counts uh at intersections, certain volume levels
need to be met for a four-way stop sign intersection. And at the request of Councilman Wright, that was done. And when that was done, it was determined that the intersection did not meet the volume levels necessary to install a
four-way stop intersection. So, if it doesn't meet the volume levels for a four-way stop intersection, it absolutely will not meet the volume levels for a traffic signal warrant, which is a higher level uh required. So, unfortunately, at the the intersection
with the stop signs in their current location is what the law dictates it should be. >> JFK Winston, >> just one little question about that. >> Yes. Go ahead. So just for my residents because we have we had discussed
uh the four-way stop sign we had discussed various uh avenues of stopping the traffic from speeding through that area and the four-way stop sign would have been one way to stop the cars from coming both directions and you know it
doesn't work that way >> but one of the things that we did look at and um I keep saying I need a a test block to get this thing to start to roll because once you put it on one street, people start doing it and saying, "I want it on my street." Just as Councilman Vasinella would say, when we
start the sidewalk uh sidewalk program, everybody wants a sidewalk now. And I think when they went to >> until it snows and then no one wants a sidewalk, >> basically. >> Let's be clear. >> Um the planning board has even come up and asked that they use the master uh uh
plan to >> Yes. put sidewalks where there's a gap. My house is here and I don't have a sidewalk, but on either side of my house there's a sidewalk. >> So, they wanted to go back and try to
fill that in. Well, my test case came up, Ardan Gerard, and I said, "Speed humps. Let's put a speed hump out there." Uh but again, we got to work through that process and see if we can put them out
there for that test run because people don't want speed humps. People do want speed humps until you walk out there and say, "Hey, this is what's going to happen when your car goes over that hump. You're going to have to almost slow down, stop, or do whatever to get over that hump." I do it in Irvington
every day. My funerals go over speed humps. So, everybody has to slow down and boom, boom, boom. on the way to the cemetery. Uh, so I thank the township manager for that and that that was half of what I wanted to ask. So you pushed
me right on through. Thank you, >> JFK and Winston. >> So there's been previous studies, but it's probably been several years since one has done a traffic signal warn analysis. I can certainly ask that one be done. Um the preliminary will be can
be done inhouse if council chooses to move forward on it. Obviously there's an expense to that. Um I think our our warrant analysis for Princeton Highlands and 27 was about $10,000. Um so it doesn't come cheaply. So you do an
initial traffic and turn count volume and turn count to see if it's even going to come close and then you determine whether or not you're going to move forward. So, I'll certainly talk to the traffic bureau about it. It >> I would ask mayor that I know one of my
first experiences with Bob many years ago was when I brought that to the table and he's done a couple when he was on the police department. So, point is and I'm glad you said that it's been several years. It's gotten worse. I appreciate John you bringing it. It has been mentioned here and there recently, but sometimes bringing it to the table here
or the podium can jump start it quicker. So, thank you. And if we could do the initial study, obviously there's no commitment and and um you know, whatever it leaves us with, I think we can do something to make the uh more friendly for turning lane version. So whatever
comes of it, I think there's room to improve because the traffic flow has increased and uh thank you for uh bringing that up and thank you mayor for making sure that addressed. >> That's fine. >> Okay, that's our answer to the public unless someone unless I missed something. I think I took good notes.
Um, council comments and reports. Uh, we have agreed to a one minute council quickie. >> Yes. >> Oh, Councilman Wright.
>> Well, you know, I'm going to run my mouth, so let's get to it quick. um something from the Franklin Food Bank synopsis, but I'm going to read it anyway. It's going to take about two minutes. Now, I rise tonight to share my
experience from a recent visit to the cornerstone of the fourth ward, the Franklin Food Bank. While I have always known about the value of this organization, walking through the doors recently gave me a perspective that I felt was my duty to bring back to this
council. I want to start by recommen uh oh missed my spot. First of all, I'd like to commit commit I can't get it out my mouth. I'd like to thank the leadership and the staff of the Franklin Township Food Bank because under the
guidance of Derek Smith and his team, the food bank is operating at a level of excellence that has earned them rec national recognition via the McKenzie Scott Million-Dollar Grant, the Congressional Hunger Center Community Campaign Award. And most recent time's expired.
>> Uh, got to go. And the five minutes, >> Mr. Wright, your time's expired. >> I understand that, but I got to get this out now. If we're going to do council comments, it's going to take me longer than 30 seconds to read this. >> That was a minute. >> And you know, let's let's let's put it down to paper.
>> Mr. Wright, we have an extremely long council meeting. You agreed. >> We did the same thing the last meeting extremely. And we'll do it next meeting. Okay. All right. Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Oni Jaka. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you, Mayor. I'll keep
to that minute. Um, this is just a reminder. The human relations committee will have their meeting on the 25th February. That's it, mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Vasinella.
>> Okay, real quick. Um, just want to mention the passing of Jamie. You did wonderful things for this town and, um, you will be sorely missed in the county and the town and the whole region here. Um, welcome Shupendu. Uh, we didn't have
a power uh public works meeting tonight. It was cancelled because Keep Person was under the weather. We will have one soon. A lot going on with that. Um, one thing I do want to mention uh and I thank Bob and the county for this, but I am going to say we we're going to want more soon, but uh recently uh prior to
the storm, rumble strips were installed on Eastn Avenue. one little but important step to making it safer. Rumble strips so people crossing uh where there is not a divider and they cross over, they hear that noise and hopefully stops them for from perhaps causing a a head-on collision. Thank you, Bob, and thank you for the county.
And I'll keep bringing more ideas to the table that hopefully will be able to be put into play before the 5-year construction project where we completely transition uh Eastern Avenue to a boulevard friendly uh corridor. Anyway, that's it. Go USA. If you're not
watching Olympics, watch it. They're fantastic. Thank you, >> Harrison. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just a couple of report outs. Uh, uh, Franklin Township Suridge Authority Board meeting. Reorganization took place. Um,
and u I still remain the vice chair there. >> Um, and then we had the planning board meeting, >> uh, master plan uh, re-examination review. Um, so I urge all the residents to look up what those those comments
are. Uh, if you have any other questions or input you would like to uh bring to the table, please uh uh come to the planning board. Um, that should be finalized very quickly and uh the recommendations will be made to the
council. That's all I got. >> Okay. Uh, if you're going to be leaving then you're welcome to leave. Please do it quietly and please close that door to the lobby. Uh, Miss Uden,
>> I I don't have anything to report on this this uh council meeting. Uh, mayor, I will have some things on the next one. We didn't have a public works meeting today. >> And Mr. Singh, >> I don't have a whole lot to talk about,
but Thank you for having me. >> Do you yield your time to Mr. Wright? >> Yes. >> No yielding. >> No yielding of time. >> And for my comments. Thank you all for coming. >> Oh, I'm sorry. The deputy mayor. >> Thank you.
>> That's all right. >> Five minute. Yes, Mr. Mayor. I attended a few meetings and one was the Pangal celebration. Congratulation. That was a great event in the library. And there was another one which really was very touching to me was the opt for help and
hope graduation which was at the municipal uh courthouse. It was very touching event to celebrate the dedication, resilience and hard work that the graduate demonstrated during recovery program.
Seeing a few young people to overcome their addiction and return to the normal life and have the opportunity to clear their criminal record was very meaningful to me and I wish them the best. This is a great program and I'm
happy that I was able to go and and join their celebration and graduation. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. I've already given my comments. Mr. Manager, we will not limit him to one minute because >> I only have two things to report. There are two upcoming Franklin 250 events
that I'd like to report so that uh everyone knows. You can get the information from our website. Uh the first is uh Saturday, February 21st at 1 p.m. at Franklin Middle School's Hamilton Street campus. And that is from Revolution to Rhythm, America's Freedom
Story Told Through Black History, Culture, and the Arts. It is a collaboration between the Franklin Township Arts Council and the Franklin 250 committee um to celebrate Black History Month. And there will be um
things at that event related to our 250th anniversary and the contributions of African-Americans that were made to uh our Revolutionary War. Um the other
event is um on the 28th of February. It is at the Franklin Middle School Samson G. Smith campus. It is the Franklin 250 uh committee is presenting The Crossing, a revolutionary new musical. It is
actually a musical that was um written u by a gentleman named Jason Huza. The music by John Watts. It's directed by our very own Terry Sio who's the chair of the Franklin Township Arts Council and it is at 7 PM. Tickets are 10 p.m.
uh $10 at the door and uh uh we encourage everyone to go. it uh the crossing uh for those of you who uh didn't pick up on it is based on Washington's crossing of the Delaware uh Christmas night to um
invade Trenton and it was a turning point in the re Revolutionary War. So, uh if you're interested, February 28th, 7 p.m. Middle School across the street at Samson G. Smith campus. That's it, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Item number 12, approval of the minutes. I present the following
minutes of township council for their approval work session regular meetings of November 25th, December uh 9th uh January 13th and January 27th. Also the executive session of December
9th and the reorganization meeting of January 3rd. Do we have a motion on the minutes? >> So moved. >> Do we have a second on the minutes? Second.
>> Moved and seconded. Any corrections? Anyone uh like to comment? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Uh I I I was not here for that this meeting. >> You can still vote on the >> I can vote on.
>> Yes. >> All right. Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Is she off? She's off. Okay. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh.
>> He stepped out. >> Stepped out. Okay. Councilwoman Nudin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasanella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Approval of the warrants in the amount of 1,428,935 on February 10th, 2026. It presents Township Council for payment. Do we have
a motion on the warrants? >> So moved. Seconded. Moved >> and seconded. Any discussion? Anyone like to pull an item? >> Madame clerk. >> One second. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Item number 14, uh, fiscal year 2026, community
development block grant, CDBG. Uh pres we need a presentation of the calendar year CDBG program schedule. Madame clerk. >> Okay. Okay. Uh Deborah Mitchell uh can't be here tonight because she had a family
emergency. So the 2026 CDBG schedule is tonight is the well February 2nd was the opening of the application process. Tonight's the first public hearing on the program.
Um applications are due March 10th. Um the second public hearing for needs and presentation of applications will be March 24th. The draft action plan completed contingent on the federal budget is May
9th, 2026. The action plan summary will be published May 22nd. The review period for the action plan is 30 days and the council approves the action plan on June 23rd, 2026. And that's the schedule.
>> Thank you. It's appropriate now to have a public hearing on the uh program schedule to have a motion uh I'm sorry, ask unanimous consent to open to the public without descent. We are open to the public on this item only. Anyone
wishing to speak about the CDBG program schedule? >> Same rules. Are my comments supposed to be only about the schedule of CDBG? >> Can I make general comments for the pro general comments on the program itself? >> No, it's on the program itself.
>> Okay, great. Um, good evening, Mayor Kramer and members of the council. My name is Ali O'Brien and I'm the development director of the Franklin Food Bank. Councilman Wright, thank you. I appreciate you. Maybe next time. Um, Franklin Food Bank
has been serving this township for 50 years. For half a century, we've operated as a private nonprofit, unaffiliated with the township government in name, but deeply bonded to it in mission. We are here tonight not just as a service provider, but as a dedicated
partner in the well-being of every resident in Franklin. I want to start off by saying thank you. Um, thank you to all of you. Uh the CDBG funding and the support from this council have been transformative. You haven't just given us money, you've given our neighbors dignity through
improving our infrastructure and making our atmosphere welcoming and warm. Uh because of your investment, we've been able to expand into our warehouse, install a drop ceiling, and double our market square footage. We've moved away from the pantry model of the past. If
you walk into our market today, you'll see a highquality, professional shelving and real shopping carts, the kind you see in any modern grocery store. You'll also see beautiful, efficient, and brightly lit display refrigerators and freezers, allowing our neighbors to peruse the variety of brands and foods
we have, and keeping our fresh produce nice and cool from the time we open till the time we close. These simple changes help to create that atmosphere of dignity and respect and of abundance, fundamentally reducing the stigma associated with food access. Through our
partnership with the township, we've optimized every inch of the inside and outside of our building. We created a welcome center adjacent to the shopping area, which freed up our lobby to become a muchneeded volunteer lounge. And most recently, we expanded that welcome center with our own mobile reception
office and filled the and smoothed the parking lot to ensure that office was accessible by wheelchair. Now neighbors no longer need to wait outside. We welcome them in from the heat, from the cold, the rain, and the snow. That mobile office isn't just a waiting room.
It is a hub for stability. It allows our partners to provide health screenings including blood pressure, A1C, cholesterol, flu vaccines, and more. Our partners are in our space weekly providing SNAP enrollment assistance, housing support, and job placement.
Inside the mobile office is a private space for our social worker who has met with hundreds of the families that we serve, helping them navigate complex systems and create a plan for their future beyond the food bank. However, I am here to tell you that while we are
experts at maggyvering our building to fit our needs, we are reaching a breaking point. We have pushed our current building and our capacity as far as they can possibly go. The need in Franklin is disproportionate and growing. There are just over 11,000 SNAP recipients in all of Somerset County.
4,000 of them live right here in Franklin. That is onethird of the entire county's SNAP population that we are caring for every single day. No one in this room is a stranger to the rising costs. In the past few years, we've seen housing prices increase by 50%, transportation up by 40%. Utilities
and groceries both up 25%. Child care costs have increased by up to 60% since 2019. The Department of Labor identifies child care as unaffordable in 99% of US counties. And when a family cannot meet a tuition hike or a car repair or a
really, really cold month, that money almost always comes out of the grocery budget. And when disaster strikes, as it has for so many, we're here to rebuild and restock. Last year, we provided 4.4 million meals. Because of the Franklin
Food Bank, our neighbors didn't have to choose between heat or groceries. They can use that money to pay their rent, keep their lights on, afford transportation to work, pay for daycare so they can go to work, and afford their life-saving medication. There is no end in sight to the cost disparity. That's something bigger than the Franklin Food
Bank can solve. What we can do is increase the capacity of our programming and of our building. But we can only go as far as our concrete seams, and they are officially bursting. We will continue to beat this drum because our residents need us to and deserve us to.
We ask for your continued partnership through CDBG funding and any other opportunities the council can identify to lift up the food bank. We have served Franklin for 50 years on our own. With your help, we can ensure that no resident of this township has to wonder
where their next meal is coming from. They can get it right here at home. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak about CDBG? I ask unanimous consent to close the
public hearing. Without exception, uh we are closed. um public hearing and adoption on second reading. So on first reading, we introduce to the world that uh we're going to consider an ordinance. On
second reading, we vote on the ordinance after listening to the public's uh opinion on it. Uh, ordinance 4487-26, ordinance number uh 4487-26, an ordinance adopting a revision and
codification of the ordinances of the township of Franklin County of Somerset, State of New Jersey. Um, is presented to public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required. Uh, do I have unanimous consent to open
to the public? Hearing no dissent. Uh we are open to the public. Same rules but speaking on this ordinance only. Seeing no one coming forward, I ask unanimous consent to close to the public hearing.
Without dissent, we're closed to the public. Uh motion to adopt. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Um, this is just checking our ordinance to make sure uh
that uh it was genderneutral uh chief instead of I mean uh public safety director instead of chief etc. Um no any other discussion madame clerk.
>> Councilman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Onaka, >> yes. Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright,
>> Ordinance 4488-26, an ordinance amending the municipal code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey, more particularly code chapter 384, water section 384-9, curb connection capital fees, is
presented to the public hearing and final adoption. The public hearing has been noticed as required. I ask unanimous consent to open to the public. Without dissent, uh we're open to the public. Same rules. This item only. Capital connection fees.
Seeing no one can forward ask unanimous consent to close to the public. Without disscent, we are closed to the public. Do I have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Uh this is a discussion. I mean this is an ordinance
changing the fee to connect to our water system. Any other discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Ordinance 4489-26. An ordinance amending the chapter 112 land development of the code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset in state of New Jersey to establish an
inclusionary zone district entitled MFIZ- I'm NFIZ-4 providing affordable housing units to be developed subject to certain conditions and requirements is presented to the public hearing and final adoption public
hearing as the notice is required. I ask unanimous consent open to the public. Hearing no dissent, we are open to the public. Same rules. Thank you for waiting, sir. >> Thank you for having me a second time.
And again, thank you, Mr. Mayor, distinguished members, it's a real pleasure to be in this town. I've never been in this esteemed chamber before, but the portraits above you pretty inspiring. >> Um, I am here. I'm going to read into the record uh a letter that my firm
wrote earlier um to Miss McCarthy who just retained yesterday. We represent uh the Palace of Somerset Park. My client is here uh 333 Davidson Avenue and I will read into the record and make the request. C >> council, I just let you know that it did go to the clerk and all of the council
members. So, if you want to just ask us to enter it into the record, we can do that, too. >> Do you mind if I read it as well? >> You go ahead. Do you have five minutes? >> Sure. Uh fine. Uh this firm represents the owners of the palace at Somerset Park, the owners of 50 lot 53.01,
block 502.01 on the tax maps of the Franklin Township. Uh we wrote concerning the above referenced proposed ordinance, which is the one that is under discussion now, uh which we understand to be on the agenda and I am now addressing. Our client only recently received notice of the proposed
ordinance. I believe it was approximately two weeks ago on or around the 23rd and only retained us yesterday to re represent them with respect to their review and possible comment on the proposed ordinance. A cursory review of the proposed ordinance and the council's
agenda for tonight's meeting indicate that the proposals in our view need the review of at least a professional planner and possibly other professionals for the client to fully understand and appreciate the impact of the proposed ordinance on the client's property and the surrounding properties. And I would
say this would apply to the relationship between this ordinance and the three that follow as well, which address the same subject on different lots. Upon first review, it appears that the properties which are the subject of the proposed ordinance are primarily surrounded by other non-residential
commercial uses. This raises the question of whether multif family residential development is an appropriate use in this location for the subject properties. We understand that the township has significant residential development and appears from an aerial view, certainly not precise, that it's
possible that some of the undeveloped property adjacent or approximate to those residential developments may be more appropriate for f multif family residential. Certainly, there may be other issues and questions which could be raised after a thorough review by a professional
planner or expert in light of their professional expertise. For these reasons, we respectfully request that the council carry the public hearing on this proposed ordinance and the others if necessary, the other related ones if necessary for at least two weeks to
allow our client to retain appropriate professionals to properly inform them of the property of this particular loca, the propriety of this particular location and the impact on the client's property. I will just close by saying we appreciate and the client appreciates.
This is an important public concern, but so too is the public's ability to meaningfully participate. And we're not accusing anyone of anything here. We're just asking you for the opportunity to participate in this process in a way
that will benefit not only our client, but perhaps the entire community. So, we ask for that opportunity to be heard. It's only been a couple of short weeks with an intervening storm that we heard a lot about tonight um that put a lot of people out for a few days. So, we ask
respectfully that you give us at least those two weeks to have a professional planner address this matter. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak on this matter? Uh I ask unanimous consent to close to
the public. without dissent. We are closed to the public. Uh this is attorney stuff. >> Thank Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I I the thing that didn't get mentioned and council didn't mention and I'm not
really sure if it was a omission or did he did not under he did not know but this um these resoning ordinances that you're seeing tonight are actually part of a housing element at fair share plan that was originally uh introduced by the
council on May 29th uh excuse me adopted by the planning board on May 29th 2025. They are part and parcel of an the township's affordable housing fourth plan obligation. And while I can appreciate the fact that council came
here tonight um to uh to ask for a twoe adjourment given given the fact that the time to file objections to this plan have long since passed. In fact, um while while council would like the ability to um to go and hire a planner
or I don't know, an engineer maybe to review these plans, understand council what the process was that we went through. we filed with the affordable housing program that was established as a result of the affordable house the new affordable housing law um in January of
last year um which was three months after the the DCA published numbers for the state uh as to what the proposed uh housing obligation was of the township. the township um filed went through a contested process in which there were
objectors. Um all of this is done by the way very publicly. Um we re reached a number and as a result of reaching that number we then had to uh adopt a plan which the planning board did um in May of 2025
filed with the program in uh the end of June of 2025. uh there was then a a 30 or 60 day period for people to file objections and in fact there were a number of objections that were filed and there was a so there were objectors who had planners who reviewed this plan. There
were uh there was a the affordable housing program which appointed a uh special adjudicator who is a planner to review this plan. The plan was reviewed by Fair Share Housing Center, which is, as we all know, the preeminent um
advocate for for affordable housing in in the state and has been declared so by the Supreme Court on a number of occasions, reviewed by them, and the subject of a settlement agreement that the township has already agreed to. It has now been reduced through a decision
by the program which has been um confirmed by a court order by Judge Menon who directed us to now adopt these ordinances. So it's hard to kind of imagine the argument that and by the way this has all played out in these council chambers
over the course of the last year uh or or more. So everybody understands and I've given this speech probably four different times about this process. So the time to raise these objections that for somehow this ordinance was rushed on and and there was no planning
background. Well, the fact of the matter is is a uh there the special adjudicator uh Frank Banish, I believe, in in this case is is one of the most experienced planners in the state, maybe the preeminent planner in the state, who reviewed it on behalf of the of the
program and the court uh and and has approved it as this being an appropriate site for affordable housing. All of that having been said, we have a constitutional obligation to do this. This is not council just woke up one day and decided, gee, let's put multif
family housing in this spot. Um, and and I do appreciate uh I've been in the position that council's been in that you get hired this morning and you come in this afternoon and say, "Give me two weeks. I'd like to review this." But that's just not practical in this circumstance because we are under a court-ordered deadline that's very short
for us to get all of these things done. And we need to proceed forward to get them done. And this is not something that was done lightly, done without study, done without um you know I think a team of four planners worked on the the housing element and fair shan in
addition to our staff planner uh Mark Hilly who's one of the best in the state um and this has been kind of thoroughly vetted in a p very public process up until this point in time and now we're literally at the crossing the tees and
dotting the eye stage of this. There is no turning back. There's no well, you know, if if you're going to stand up and say we shouldn't put multif family housing here, then you're going to have to explain to us how it is that we're going to be. Here's what happens. We're in violation of our Mount Laurel
obligation. The township is exposed to builders remedy lawsuits. Uh all of the hard work we've done over the last year completely falls apart and the township is exposed. And with that, I'm going to end the way I end every one of these speeches about Franklin is if you read
all of the documents in the program record, every single attorney, and there were some of the best land use attorneys in the state, and I I know them by name. I know them by reputation. They all start by saying the same thing. Franklin is
the best planned municipality in the state. They have stepped up. They've met their constitutional obligation. They've done it the right way. They've done it the sensible way. Uh they've done it, you know, um in they've met their constitutional obligation. They've met
their responsibility to people. It is, you know, there's there's literally in the aftermath of the third round, there are there are wrap-up stories that were written about how a lot of towns did a lot of things, but Franklin got it right. So, I I just want to be clear,
and I say that for credibility of the process. this process is what it is. A two-eek delay uh just jeopardizes all of that very hard work. Um and it once again and I I I would I would not recommend that council do that. >> Mr. Manager, would you or staff like to
address this? >> I I I think that Mr. Reone covered it adequately and I don't think there's anything more to add on my part and I don't believe that Mr. Dominac has anything to add as well. >> I have a question for the attorney. Uh, mayor,
>> I one second. Did we have make a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Moved and seconded. Okay. Yes. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. But >> I apologize. I kind of jumped in before that, too. >> Yeah. No, and I appreciate and and thank you because uh you explained that. It
made perfect sense to me. Uh that being said, anybody and everybody, especially a stakeholder that could be affected by what's built will be part of that process of project going through the planning board and site plan review and
people are concerned about turning lanes or buffers or anything. Correct. >> Anybody can especially like I say an entity might be affected by can get involved and should get involved in that process if they're conscious >> and getting once again public notice of those hearings also. >> Correct. I just wanted to put that out there because the public watching may
that that's an important component that would come next but everything you said makes sense to me. Thank you uh council. >> Any other discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oniaka.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. Ordinance 4490-26, an ordinance amending the chapter 112 land development uh of the code of the
township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey to establish an inclusionary zone district uh entitled MFIZ2 providing affordable housing units to be developed subject to certain conditions and requirements is presented to for
public hearing and final adoption. The public hearing has been noticed as required with I ask unanimous consent to open to the public. Hearing no disscent, we are open to the public on this one. Um, same rules.
Seeing no one coming forward, I ask unanimous consent to close to the public. Without dissent, we are closed to the public on this item. Do we have a motion on this item to adopt? Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion?
We're we're going to go through this three more or two more times after this. >> They're just different areas in town. Any other discussion? >> Madame Clerk. >> Councilman Embarrison. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Onaka.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rudin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. Ordens 4491-26 an ordinance amending the chapter 112 land development of the code of township
of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey to establish an inclusionary zone district entitled multif family inclusionary zone MFIZ1 uh providing affordable housing units to be developed subject to certain conditions and requirements is presented
for public hearing and final adoption. The public hearing has been noticed as required. Do I I ask unanimous consent to open to the public? Without dissent, we are open to the public. Same rules. Seeing no one come forward, I ask
unanimous consent to close to the public. Without descent, we are closed to the public. Do we have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Been seconded. I have no discussion. Anyone else?
Madame Clerk, >> Councilman Embarrison, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Uni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. Ordinance 4492-26,
an ordinance amending the chapter 112 land development of the code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset and state of New Jersey to establish an inclusionary zone district that entitled MFIZ5 providing affordable housing units to be
developed subject to certain conditions and requirements is presented for the public and final adoption. Uh the public hearing has been noticed as required. Ask unanimous consent open to the public. Hearing no disscent, we are open to the public. Same rules.
Seeing no one come forward. I ask unanimous consent to close to the public. Hearing no consent, we are closed to the public. Do we have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion, >> Madame Clerk?
>> Councilman Barrison? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. Yes. >> Councilman Omijaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Odin. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 4493-26. An ordinance amending the code of the
township of Franklin County of Somerset and State of New Jersey. More particularly chapter 112 Land Development Section 112-350. Franklin Boulevard Development Plan is presented for public hearing and final adoption. The public hearing has been noticed as required. Do I I'm sorry. Do
we have unanimous cons? I ask unanimous consent for to open the public. Hearing no dissent, we are open to the public on this item only. Seeing no one come forward, I ask unanimous consent to close to the
public. Hearing none, I may hearing no descent. Uh we are closed to the public. Do I have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Madame clerk. >> Councilman Embarrison. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. Councilman Wright. >> Yes.
>> So, we're now on to ordinances and introductions on first reading. Ordinance 4494-26, an ordinance amending the code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey. more particularly chapter 180 fees. Article four miscellaneous fees. The foregoing
ordinance is present township council for adoption on first reading posting and publication in accordance with law and public hearing and uh final adoption at the meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, February 24th,
2026 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Do >> we have a motion to introduce? >> So moved. >> Seconded. Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Chaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Odin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasanella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> And I forgot to explain that. That's a lead inspection fee that we were adding.
>> Uh, ordinance 4495-26. An ordinance granting surface utility easement and temporary surface easement for approved uh ma major disposal diversion of 0.14 acres of green acres
encumbered parkland at block 383 lot 43.01 01 Castleton Park, 816 Eastston Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey. The foregrounding ordinance is to present to Township Council for adoption on first reading posting and publication in accordance with law and public hearing
and final adoption at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Mr. Vasinello, do we have a motion to adopt and to introduce? >> Yes. I thought we already did this. I
was checking with the attorney, but um for whatever reason I >> do. We have a motion to introduce >> I motion to introduce. >> Okay. >> We we have a second. Would you like to take the opportunity to discuss this, Mr. Vasel?
>> No. Basically, uh this has been vetted pretty well. I went to the hearing and uh along with some people from Sha Tree. Long story short, uh they need to do this uh temporary easement to do what we believe will be an improvement to the
pipeline. I >> And if it's a permanent ement, not a temporaryment, council, there's a temporary construction easement and a permanent easement for the valve station. >> Right. I'm just reading the temporary certain the part that was in here is a temporary, but no, I hear you. I would I
do ask um since we're commenting on it that um and I gladly will send some ideas to the mayor to bring to the open space, but I I ask that what is it approximately $150,000 that will go into our open space fund be used u for something creative in the 50.
>> It has to be used for the acquisition of property by by direction of the state house commission. So it'll just get used on our next acquisition. >> Right. I'm I'm just saying I hope I hope we find a way to use it productively in the fifth ward where we don't get to preserve a lot of land. But no, I had no
questions. I just thought we had done this uh previous a couple months ago when it first came up, but I guess we're solidifying the the the amount they're paying. >> No, it's all complete and this is now the ordinance that you are required to adopt for the easement. Prior to it,
this was everything related to the diversion that was approved by the state house commission. two separate actions of law. >> No, it makes sense. >> I I um No, mayor. But thank you. I uh motion we introduce this.
>> Any other discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oniaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udin. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes.
>> Ordinance 4496-26. It's an ordinance replacing article 33 affordable housing development fees of land use ordinance of the township of Franklin County to Somerset to address requirements for fair uh housing act and
the uniform housing affordability controls regarding compliance with the Franklin's affordable housing obligations. Foregoing ordinance is present to township council for adoption on first reading, posting, and publication in accordance with law and
public hearing and final adoption at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Do we have a motion to to introduce? >> So move. >> Second.
>> Move then seconded. Any discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. Deputy Mayor Karazzi, yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Odin, >> Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright,
>> yes. Ordinance number 4497-26, an ordinance to uh repeal and replace chapter 81 of the municipal code of the township of Franklin to address the requirements of the Fair Share Housing
Act uh and uniform housing affordability controls regarding compliance with the Franklin Affordable housing obligation and to make related amendments to the municipal code. Do we have a motion to introduce?
>> So moved. Do >> we have a second? >> Second. >> Somebody please. >> Any any discussion? >> Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Embarrison. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Uni Jaka. Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udin. Yes. Councilman Vasinella. Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. Okay. Uh, ordinance 40. >> Wait.
>> No, you're done. >> We're done with the ordinances. >> I think you're done with them all. Mayor, you did it. >> There's so many. >> You have succeeded. >> I I I got that. There was an extra one printed on my sheet. >> I had to have to figure it out. This brings us to the consent agenda,
>> which before you go, it's A through Y, not A through W. >> So the items A through Y, which comes after W as listed in the consent agenda portion of this meeting, presents to the township council for adoption. Do we have a motion to on the consent agenda?
I >> I just want to just for the record, and I don't usually do this, but the one the agenda that I have online is 8 through X. Hold on. Hold on. >> Mine is definitely >> I have a through Y. >> Mine's Y. >> I'm just looking at the internet. Sorry.
>> These these were >> Forgot about it. >> I got >> It's good. Amate, don't even comment. It's there. >> So, I last checked these at 4:30. Is there been a change since 4:30? >> No. >> Okay. >> It's A through Y. >> A through Y. >> Y. Correct.
>> Y. >> A through Y. >> Rough crowd. >> So, do we have a motion to on consent agendas A through Y. >> So moved. Mayor >> second. Mayor >> Mr. Mayor, could I bring some things to
the everyone's attention, please? >> It will take very It will. So go ahead. I'm just I thought you were done. You had a second. >> Go ahead. >> Would anyone like to bring things to >> I would um I'd like to bring to everyone's attention um items A, B, and
C. Um, some may have heard me recently talking about some transitions taking place within our township government. Okay. Um, item A is the appointment of Rosanna Gutierrez as our chief financial
officer. Um, Rosanna uh takes the place of Kathy Moody who retired effective February 1st. Kathy had been with us for 13 years. Rosanna is actually one of our current employees. Rosanna has been our tax collector. She is a certified tax
collector um and has been so for the last seven years um while uh serving in that capacity. Rosanna went back to school and received her certified municipal finance officer certificate last year. Um and she's made a very
smooth transition over the last um a week and a half into that position of chief financial officer. Um, so we're very happy to be able to move someone that's familiar with our township government into that position quickly. It was a short notice retirement on the
behalf of Ms. Moody. Um, the second is the appointment of Tiffany Escalin as tax collector. Tiffany is about a 21-year employee here in the township. Um she has been in the tax office since 2008 I believe and has been the deputy
tax collector um for pretty much the the tenure of Rosanna as tax collector. Um she also went back to school and received her certification and she's a certified tax collector. Um so she is able to move into that position with a
promotion to tax collector with 19 years of experience in our tax office. So that is also a great uh uh the the ability to do that was was really appreciated by the township manager who handles those appointments. Uh the last is a council
appointment and that is John Guli as tax assessor. Uh Mr. Caribelli who most of you know uh all of you count on council know um after I think he came on board in 2008 as a consultant in 2009 as
assessor. Um, so about 17 years now. Mr. Caribelli is going to enjoy his retirement effective March 1st. Um, and council has brought on board with the appointment tonight of John Guli. Um, some of you may know the last name Guli.
It is a family name here in Franklin Township and has been so. John's uh was born and raised here in Franklin Township, a Franklin High School graduate. He's been a certified tax assessor for 19 years. He's also a New Jersey certified real estate appraiser
um and and has been so for a number of years beyond the 19 years that he's been an assessor. He won't admit to the number um but his family still lives here um and he's certainly familiar with Franklin Township. Brings a great deal of experience to us and uh he'll be
stepping into the role as taxes as actually already has started on Monday. So, uh, last Monday. So, he's been here for a week now. But, so I want people to know that Mr. Caribelli is stepping aside and Mr. Gilluli has hit the ground
running as well. Important positions that have a public-f facing uh, role as well. So, I want people to know that they're being handled with experienced professionals. >> Any other items on the consent agenda?
would like someone would like to be addressed. >> Madam clerk, >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, Councilman Vasinella,
>> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> We have no resolutions to be voted on separately. Uh, old business boards, committees, commissions. Does anyone have any nominations? So
uh no one has any then I would like to nominate Sammy Shabban to open space I'm sorry to um >> planning board I guess alternate number one and I would also like to motion
that or nominate uh that we adjust adjust the board of adjustment. Uh so that uh we should move alternate number two to alternate number one and alternate number three to alternate number two, leaving two positions open.
Um but moving people up uh as is our our custom. Uh and finally, I'd like to nominate Dena Lux for open space position. There was an uh so there was a resignation
uh and there's an open position. She has asked for it. Uh any other nominations in those categories? Any other nominations at all? We can do this by acclamation. All in favor say I. I.
>> Post say nay. Motion is carried. Congratulations to all of you. Uh so next item is executive session resolution 26-100 authorized executive session attorney
client privilege. Uh do we have a motion to go into executive session? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman Barrison. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka.
>> Yes. Councilman Singh. Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Councilman Vasinella. Yes. >> Councilman. Wright. >> So, we're going to go into executive session. And when we come out of executive session, we'll take no action. So, the camera uh recording will stop
now. We are adjourned. Be well. Franklin.