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Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=dmOji1CKGFk

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I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. As we gather here today as members of

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the township council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community, keeping always in mind the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future

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generations can build with confidence. Let us continue to strive to make Franklin and to make a better world. Amen. >> Madame Master Clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman Embarrison >> here. >> Councilwoman Francois

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>> here. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi >> here. >> Mayor Kramer >> here. >> Councilman Unjaka >> here. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. Um, next item is proclamations and

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commendations. It's item number five on the agenda. The agenda can be found over near the clerk. Um, the next item is a resolution to be voted on separately. I ask for unanimous consent to delay that that in that a special guest is on their

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way here. Uh, so we'll have that later in the meeting without objection. It is delayed. So, we're now on to public discussion. I ask for unanimous consent to open to the public. Without objection, we're open to the public.

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Anyone may speak on anything to do with government. Limited to five minutes. No yielding of time. May only come up once. Please state your name and address. >> Hello. >> Can you hear me? >> Yep. All right. [sighs and gasps] I got

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five minutes. I hate public speaking. So, uh, my name is Chiway Troy. I am a resident of Franklin Township. I live at 58 Cordon Court in Somerset, New Jersey. I am a corporate finance professional, a MBA candidate at UC Berkeley, and a

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former volunteer firefighter of this community. I've proudly served this community for several years, and am also a resident of Somerset County. Uh, I believe in com competitive, fair markets, transparency, and fair treatment of our consumers. I'm here tonight to ask what steps the township

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can take to investigate what appears to be extraordinary gasoline pricing practices at the Exxon station located at 1101 Eastern Avenue. I've watched this gas station for quite some time, months and into years.

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Regular gasoline is frequently priced 10 to 20% higher than nearby competitors, which many consumers may simply accept as a cost of convenience. What is much harder to accept and to explain are the prices for the premium plus fuel charges. Tonight before this

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meeting, the station was charging $5.99 for plus and $6.39 for premium, while the nearby Exxon station down the road was charging $429 and $4.69, respectively. The quick check was also charging $4.35

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and $449, representing roughly a 40% premium over stations located less than a mile away. For additional perspective, California, the statewide average is approximately

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$5.85 for mid-grade and $69 for premium purchases with a credit card. In other words, a Franklin Township gas station is charging more for plus in premium fuel than the statewide average in California, the most expensive gasoline

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market in the entire country. I respectfully ask that the township to review persistent pricing disparities, determine whether they warrant a f further investigation from a consumer protection standpoint, and if appropriate, submit a formal complaint

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or referral to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. I would also ask the township to consider forwarding residents concerns such as mine and any any relevant information to the Better Business Bureau so that consumer complaints are documented and reviewed.

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When a local business routinely charges prices that are that exceed nearby competitors by nearly 40% and even exceed California statewide averages for premium and plus gasoline. Our residents deserve confidence that our concerns are being taken seriously and appropriate

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authorities have taken the opportunity to review them. Thank you for your time. >> Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Good evening. Deborah Inman, 67 Roberts Road. I just want to circle back to it. Well, it was raised at the last council

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meeting and I just want to ask the question that um during the during the last council meeting there was a discussion around regarding potential restrictions on pool rentals within the township. Um I would like to inquire if there has been any further discussion or consideration in this matter and if not

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will there be in the future? Anyone else wishing to speak? >> My name is John Latraus. I live at 85 Arlington Avenue. I in the past I asked a couple questions. One of them was, "Are you considering putting a a rumple

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strip on Amwell Road was one of my questions and the other one was if you would possibly do a study about putting a traffic light on uh JFK Boulevard? >> Those were my comments. >> We'll we'll answer when everyone's

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done." >> Yes. Thank you. >> I have answers for both of you. >> We're on We're on JFK Boulevard. >> Winston Drive. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> Maybe I missed. Anyone else wishing to speak? Seeing no one else come forward, ask for unanimous consent to close public

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portion. Without objection, public portion is closed. Gas pricing, Mr. >> Uh, gas pricing, well, gas, >> gas pricing is not regulated by the state of New Jersey. The way in which

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people advertise their gas pricing, however, is regulated >> and and the way they sell it is regulated by weights and measures, but not that the pricing of gasoline is not regulated by the state of New Jersey, except in times of emergency. When there's a declared emergency, then um

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price gouging is prohibited, but that's it dealt with it in emergency management previously. And that's why you see wide varieties of prices for gas and um you know some companies are traditionally higher. Uh I think Exxon's probably >> well that that particular gas station

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and I can speak to many many many many years of experience is the last gas station before you get to Eastn Avenue for northbound Eastn Avenue to 287. So therefore, they have historically charged much higher prices than any other gas station, much like the gas

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station on Route 18 just before you get to the New Jersey Turnpike in New Brunswick, which historically was at least a dollar more a gallon than every other surrounding gas station. The answer to that is as as referenced by the the Department of uh Consumer

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Affairs, don't buy your gas there. Um there is no regulation. And sir, you left and the township attorney and I both said the same thing, which is the state of New Jersey does not regulate the price of gasoline. That is um one of those things that the bears the market

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bears the price and in that particular circumstance. That gas station has historically always been much higher than surrounding gas stations because it is the last gas station on Eastern Avenue before you get to Route 287. And so if people choose to buy their

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gasoline at a dollar more a gallon, that's their choice to do that. So there is no violation of of the law. >> I have a comment. I read somewhere Exxon also has a regional pricing model where they charge uh depending on where the

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gas station is located, they charge different prices for the acquisition of the gas station. >> The other gas station is in Exxon as well. it's be just off of 287 and the price there is significantly lower. That's so and it it's it and and I that

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that gas station like I said going back to the 1980s had always charged much more than any other gas station in the area. They have a good location. >> Thank you, Mr. Renown.

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>> Um pool pool parties. So that that's that has been discussed. Mr. Mayor, >> hang on. >> Yeah, >> hang on. >> So pool parties um was on the list of uh things to be discussed in the uh uh

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admin meeting. It hasn't we had a long list of things to discuss. It will be at the next admin meeting. >> It'll actually be at the next land use meeting as well, Mr. Mayor. So that's this Thursday. So land use will discuss it. the planner and I both discussed it.

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We've also identified the problem area in your neighborhood which has um by our own observations has numerous violations of the zoning regulations beside the fact that they're hosting these parties there. And the zoning inspector has

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already paid a visit to that location. And there will be numerous violation notices issued for many, many, many violations of things constructed without permits. >> And

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wasn't hard to find them on an aerial photo, trust me. >> And Mr. Born locker you could handle rumble strips and Jeff. >> So Amwell Road is would that the rumble strips if you're talking about rumble strips AC across the road or along the

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center line. So Amwell Road is a county road [snorts] not a township road. So we would have no no authority to install anything on that road. I will certainly raise it with Somerset County Engineering um to see if they have any interest in in installing them on Amwell

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Road. I that it's not our road to do it. So, I can talk to that. JFK Boulevard and Winston Drive, on the other hand, based on your original inquiry here at a council meeting, I guess it was probably two or three months ago now, um we we've engaged our contract township at uh

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township engineering office to begin the traffic studies that are necessary to determine whether a traffic signal is warranted at the intersection. It takes several months to go through the entire process. Um turn counts have to be done both live and uh traffic counter. Um

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volume counts on both the JFK Boulevard and Winston Drive. Um and then there's just the general engineering um to determine the intersection geome geometry alone that you know there's all of those things have to be done but it is being

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done now. >> So it'll be it'll be a couple more months before that's done. >> Ner. Yes. >> I just wanted to highlight a couple things. I know John, you and I play voice phone tags sometimes. The um last public safety meeting I had asked the

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director Frederick's and exactly what the manager just said. It is a couple month process. Um we aren't having a meeting though in July public safety. So we're hoping though because our summer schedule's a little different. But as that

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information comes out, we'll I guess deal with it. Um, and if some between now, >> it's now in the pipeline as a township investigatory project. I when it gets I will let everyone know >> between now and September because we're summer schedule if needed. We may be

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able to figure out to have a public safety meeting if there's anything to address, but we're dealing. >> You also just reported at a council meeting that that also and the rumble strips I just want to mention. I know we got them on Eastern Avenue. Um, so I can't speak for the county, but the county does take our requests and review

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them. So, um, by the manager will have them review like they did Eastern Avenue and then ultimately it's up to them. But to me, it's a similar situation and hopefully they'll consider consider putting them in.

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>> Okay. Uh, let's do um council comments. Uh, we'll start with uh Mr. Uh, Councilman Singh. >> All right. So, um I um had the privilege with the last

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couple of weeks to attend several uh community events. um the Franklin Pride celebration, um Junth parade, the Turkish uh community event at CJCC,

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and very recently the yoga event at um Watal Dam at Somerset this past weekend. And uh I'm sure several of my um colleagues in council are going to talk about their experience.

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Um all of these events were organized by uh and managed by different groups. Uh there is one thing that in common in all of these that kind of jumps out

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which is the inclusiveness and the spirit of our town. So, all I want to say is let's keep that going. Let's keep that coming. Uh join us for uh Independence Day fireworks on the 2nd,

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which is uh Thursday. And um come in early. It's going to start at 6. Grab good seats and have a good time. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Sheep. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening,

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everyone. Uh just few things to that's going on in W 2 and just in general. Um first we just had a great meeting learning about um our board of health with the county and our advisory um board of health. Um hopefully I'm able

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to work with them uh very soon on some of the programs that they're offering um in the county and bringing them back to expand some of those education opportunities for our seniors and some of the skills that um that they're they were talking about which I think would be uh great to have for our um adult

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communities as well as like I said it's the seniors. Additionally, um working with the county on a particular um street for sidewalk to hopefully um allow some of the residents to cross over and also benefiting our kids. So

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that's again more to come on that. Recently I had um a great meeting with NGIT from North um their college and the board of ed joined me on a discussion on offering services for our youth. Um there is a program that they're just

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kicking off on STEM program as well as um what I thought about is how do we also get our teachers skilled to handle some of the upcoming um technology that's coming in and then also um offering them back to our seniors so that they can also start learning some

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of the basic new technologies that are coming in with AI and um just the computers. So, a lot going on. Um, just a lot of updates happening and I'm working um very closely with some of these new initiatives and programs that I'm hopefully able to um get rolling in

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the next, you know, one to two months um by Q3 or so. Um so, that's that's what's been going on in um W 2. As I've always said, if there is any additional brainstorming or ideas that come forefront, feel free to reach out to me.

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Um, always looking and excited to work with you guys. So, thank you. That's all I had, Mayor. >> Thank you, Councilman Barrison. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, so the last couple of weeks been uh uh quite busy in in town. There are many many

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there are many many events as councilman Shubendu Singh mentioned I've attended almost every one of them um I'm not going to talk about all of them but there are a couple of them I just wanted to um mention one was uh on the 13th uh

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I'd asked our public safety director uh to host a um ebike uh safety update to the uh community uh that happened at the youth center um on a Saturday. Uh and then on the 16th,

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[clears throat and cough] excuse me, uh food bank uh held their second annual um poetry contest. Uh this is where this is one where uh they um assemble five top

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uh poets, young poets uh from high school, middle school and the elementary school and uh I got [clears throat] I got invited again this year to be one of the judges and um so that was a great

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event. Um a lot of enthusiastic uh young poets assembled and read their poems on stage and uh we judged and we selected winners. Everybody went home with a

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prize. It's a cash prize. The first first place uh got $500 and 400 300 200. So all at all the three levels. It's a great uh event and uh I was glad that they were able to do it again this year

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and hopefully they would continue that um over the years and make it very popular. Uh other than that just one announcement on the 19th of July uh we are going to have a uh uh screening of

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the uh FIFA final game and uh working with uh this board of education. Uh we are going to do it at the U high Franklin High School auditorium. Uh Councilwoman Shipin and Councilman Colright. Uh we

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three of us kind of worked on that uh the details. Um we were going to do it outdoors but it became impossible to meet all the rules and regulations of FIFA. So we decided that we would do it indoor without any out-ofpocket expense

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for us. It'll be a great event. We can accommodate only 999 people to to comply with >> that include us. [laughter] >> Including >> that includes everyone actually. So the the licensing regulations may for non

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for a uh no cost non-licensed event. >> Yes. >> Um you're limited to under a thousand um spectators. One of the advantages to hosting it at the auditorium is it doesn't become difficult for us to do that because the the seating is limited to 800.

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>> Yeah. So >> and then the school board I think the the PTO's PTO [clears throat] is probably going to have opened the consistent stand and the booster club. can have no alcohol. >> No alcohol. Booster club will be as a fundraiser for the athletic booster club

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will be hold uh selling refreshments. >> Yes. So all are invited. Um come on come all and have fun. >> But just register with rack desk through the township website before you show up because if you don't have a ticket you won't get in. >> Yes. So there will be a link and a flyer

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posted on on the website. Uh stay tuned for that. You'll all get notifications and it'll be a great event. Go USA. >> Go USA. Yes, USA is 2 and0 so far. >> Hopefully, maybe might could happen. It could happen. >> Councilwoman Francois.

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[laughter] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So to uh piggy back on what Councilman Rom and Barrison said, he did sponsor the ebike uh screening and seminar with at the youth center on the 13th of June and it was very well attended and it was sponsored

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by the police department and the families that were there. I actually I I ran over there after Junth and there was a sixth grade takeover and what was so nice about it was the the people the the young people that were getting out of fifth grade, they got a chance to come

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into the youth center and they were so mesmerized by the fact that they had all the we offered so many programs and services for free. Their their parents were ecstatic and they they were um it was it was a really nice feeling to see the young people saying, "Oh, we get to

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come here. We we're going to be a part of here. were going to be here all the time and they were talking to me. So, it was really nice. So, I think it's nice that the council hears this because it has such an impact on the future of of our youth uh and their and the um opportunities that the youth center

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presents. And then on the second, I'd like to give a admin committee report. We had an admin committee on June 11th and the ad committee met admin administration committee we call it the admin committee. We met and we vetted we vetted the gas leaf blower

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recommendation from the environmental commission. We are suggesting that we wait for the state legislation from Senator Bob Smith to pass before the township takes any future action. So that's my report from

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the admin committee. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. Um, lots of health and safety talk tonight. Um, that's what I'm going to pick up on. Um, fires, fires, fires.

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Unfortunately, we had um a handful as noted in our local media. I think it was the busiest few days in a while. Uh, fortunately, there were no injuries and I believe u at least one or two of the major ones were a result of fire, I'm

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sorry, lightning. So, um, just never know literally when lightning's going to strike. Fortunately, uh, unfortunately, I believe a cat perish perished in one of them. Um, usually I don't talk about fires, but it was a pretty I smelt some literally outside and I can smell it and

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most of you probably heard the sirens. Anyway, just want to um it is their job, but acknowledge the uh work of both um some of our fire prevention people who serve uh as firefighters and of course our extensive volunteer network in town.

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Most people don't think about those things until it happens. Um but fortunately, like I say, no no uh real injuries um from what I understand. That being said, that brings me into our public safety meeting. We had a quick one tonight before our uh very

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substantial board of health meeting and the main thing we did is just uh do our vetting so to speak review of our annual contract that is between three of our four fire districts and the township

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which allows uh of course is a financial arrangement that I believe has worked very well. It allows our township fire prevention officers to basically respond to fires during the day um when there's the least amount of volunteers. I say

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this, we have I'm going to call it a hybrid arrangement that uh we developed about 10 12 years ago, maybe longer, Mr. Vlocker would know, but it really has uh worked very well and we're set on the agenda, I believe, to renew it tonight. that was the main item in a public

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safety meeting. Uh that being said, another thing mentioned about the bikes. Thank you for the ebike uh uh work. I know uh safety director Frederick's committed to really educating and I'm going to throw in just an idea as you

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were talking about it that we have that sign that we put when we want to kind of throw things in people's mindset. Maybe we can uh if we haven't already put, you know, please look at the new weike laws with those visual signs that we have. I know we keep one in front of the building here, but that is major. Not

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going to get into the details, but anybody who keeps track of the news hears about these constant constant unfortunate events of people whether it's the a bike that's been modified too fast, whether it's a the vehicle's fault, whether it's the person riding the electrical device falls, but it's

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just way too many people getting killed and injured. So hopefully this law will help and we'll do everything we can to keep um informing the public and maybe we can get that digital sign going. Uh other than that, um separate from health and safety, um and oh, and there was a

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cannabis ordinance, um that's on the agenda tonight, I'm not going to talk about, but that did come out of the also a very extensive conversation in our administration committee meeting. Um something different. Um there's something called the community foundation. I know I've been on it for a

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long time along with three other members here. I think it's Councilman Woman Francois, Mr. Deputy Mayor Kurazzi and I'm forgetting the forth is it Mr. Bar Councilman Rom um so $5,000

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which is having a child in college that's a significant amount um Heler found Heler Corporation has funded a community foundation and basically once a year uh the board uh has decided to uh

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issue two $5,000 scholarships. This year we did it goes to uh public school students who are pursuing a career in engineering I believe and Michael Gardner and Jason Peters and thank you very much to the clerk. I forgot to ask her earlier and she retrieved them just

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now for me. Thank you. um but I don't know them personally but congratulations and that's just another one of so many organizations that exist people don't necessarily know of and that's a big chunk of money for for these two students uh who hopefully will have a

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successful college u career uh career in engineering I believe that is it um don't forget July 2nd uh fireworks biggest and I think the best Franklin will have ever had in our 250 our 204 47

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year history. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Onaka. >> Okay. Thank you, Mayor. The HRC would bring this. [clears throat] Okay. The HRC will have their meeting

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tomorrow, 24th of June, with the Reverend Father Tom Lanza from St. Matias with he will be the presenter of the of the meeting. Also the the HRC is

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currently working on presenting the hometown hero banner. They're working on it. They're trying to prepare it and present it to the council for approval. So this is where we are

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now with HRC. Also I want to use this opportunity to thank the organizers of Jun. I was able to come attend it but I know I came in late but I still say that everything went fine. It was good and

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that is uh mayor that's what I have today. >> Thank you Councilman Wright. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor. And I have uh just one thing to say to my esteemed colleagues at the other end of the dance. Soccer should be played outside

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rain or shine just like rugby, football, and everything else. So when we come inside to watch it, it just ain't the same thing. It just ain't the same thing. >> Rahm doesn't want his hair to get wet. >> I'm sorry. >> Rahm doesn't want his hair to get wet.

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[laughter] >> Neither does the mayor. Um, >> Rom, there's just no respect. [laughter] [sighs] >> They are moving real fast now. Uh, a couple of residents have emailed me. They've called me

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and I told them that we could get together, but I would need everyone on the block to get together. in order to try to pull this thing together. So, I'll say to anyone that's out there, if you would like to see speed humps,

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um have give me an email, um set up a time, I can come talk to you and then we'll talk to all your neighbors and see what type of thinking they have on this. Uh and then once that happens, we'll come back to the big guy on the other end of

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the desk and uh we'll discuss speed humps. Um there are a couple things that go along with it um that may work uh but you got to have it put in front of your house somewhere and

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that's where the problem starts. >> Um but you can work on that. Um, number two, road to success. You got to love it. Um, it start at the middle school, the Hamilton campus, and

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my daughter teaches uh history at the high school. And that's how I got uh into this because she also teaches at the road to success program. And um

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in talking to uh Miss Tatum, the uh vice principal, you bring in students that for various reasons don't get into. Um they get that class size of 10 20

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students somewhere around there and they get that that care that educational focus that they couldn't get in that 30 40 50 kids in the class whatever you have going on over at the high school [clears throat] and it seems to work

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because the kids do graduate they do move on some of them uh graduate from that eighth grade part and go right into the high school uh from those that are in the high school um [snorts]

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>> alternative program. They seem to do better. They seem to do better and they come out and they want to fly. Now, I was the guest speaker there, >> and one of the things that I said is perseverance because no matter what you are, who you are, you got to have

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perseverance because if you don't have perseverance, you'll never get anywhere. Uh through all the challenges that might come up in your life, if you don't kick the door down, if you

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don't keep banging on the door, you won't get far. And that's what happens to a lot of our kids. They don't go far because somehow or another, parents, community, they haven't taught them that lesson. Perseverance.

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Um, if you feel your kids going down to school, teach your kid to persevere. Go get the help. If you don't get the help, that's a major problem there. But you got to get the help. You got to see way clear on this. And um it was definitely

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uh good to be there. Um our former mayor uh Phil Grippo was there. Uh Dr. Solomon was there. Um which um brought us some information. Uh and as you know, Bill Grippo was part of the

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BOE now uh former principal. So it it uh worthwhile and I'll be there again next year. uh not as a speaker but just as somebody who goes and that's basically it. Mr. Mayor, [snorts]

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>> Deputy Mayor Kurazzi. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and good evening. So, I'm going to start with acknowledging all those who came for the blood drive last Saturday and we made the announcement and I want to congratulate

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uh all those that came because their effort based on the New Jersey blood drive services could save the lives of 129 people. So congratulation, special thanks to Masid Ali for organizing the

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event and thanks for everybody who showed up and gave blood. Uh I also want to congratulate all the high school graduates. you know, I I had the opportunity to participate in uh uh Central Jersey College prep uh

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graduation and I was amazed that they had 100% graduation and 100% of them they went to colleges from anywhere from Princeton all the way to Middle Sex County and so forth, but everybody was accepted

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at the one college or university. So, and this Friday there's a going to be graduation of our high school, uh, our public high school as well. So, I'm looking forward to that as well. Um,

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food bank visit. I had the opportunity to take a bunch of a few kids [snorts] like seven 19 actually. These are the elementary school children and um, we went there visited. It was a great uh

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program and uh very educational. Thanks to Franklin reporter that you were there as well. And we're going to recognize two of the uh students, the fourth graders who started an a program to raise money for food bank during the

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next council meeting. So I wanted to uh mention that how great experience was for them and for me to go to food bank. I've been to food bank many times, but it was great to have the kids to be there, ask questions, see

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what's really going on, and have connection and and appreciate helping neighbors helping the neighbors. Uh, so um, >> that's I'm sorry. Oh, okay. That's all I have, Mr. Mayor. And of course, I've

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attended many of the events that was mentioned, uh, by my colleagues before. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to pass the Declaration

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of Independence. John Adams predicted that in the future, uh, we would be celebrating July 2nd, 1776. uh on July 2nd, 2026, we will be celebrating that not on the 2nd because

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of John Adams, but because it's cheaper than doing it on July 4th. >> Um but nevertheless, 250 years from the passing of the Declaration of Independence, we will be celebrating with the uh National Guard band starting

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at 6 and the fireworks starting at quarter after 9. Uh on July 4th, 1778 after the Battle of Mammoth, uh Washington's troops were resting at on

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the Raritan River right by where Landing Lane Bridge is now. And he ordered cannon fire and gunshots to celebrate his win. Actually, historians view it as more of a tie, but he considered it a win. um and that many consider that the

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first Fourth of July fireworks ever. So that happened here in Franklin. Um on July 8th, 1776, there was a reading, the first reading to the general public of the Declaration

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of Independence. That was at noon on uh July 8th, 1776. at 6 pm on July 8th, 2026. Um around the country, the Declaration of Independence will be read at numerous

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places, one of which will be our gazebo uh outside. So, there's two events you can come to um and two events you miss by or three events you missed by 250 years. >> Um

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Mr. manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Two uh upcoming events. One one more a course being offered again by the the community relations bureau of our police department um for 13 to 18 year olds. It

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is a tradesman program. U registration is open now. It's an 8-week course that begins on July 9th and runs through August 27th. Uh its intent is to teach students between the ages of 13 and 18 tool familiarization and tradesman

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skills. They'll be taught the basics of hand and power tools while making a class or individual project. Very popular course. If your child or you if you happen to be listening are interested in learning more about how to use tools to build things. Um get online

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and register before um the the course fills. there are limited seats obviously based on the type of activities involved. Um the other is another Franklin 250 event that the mayor did not mention but it is uh one that if you're interested you might also want to

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get your tickets now rather than wait. Um there is a Franklin 250 night at Somerset Ballpark um in Bridgewater right across the river uh off 287. Uh the game is between the Patriots, which are the New York Yankees um

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um >> farm team. >> Farm team. Yeah, they are >> a double A affiliate of the Yankees. >> I got I got a sports reference. >> Well, you got it. You got it right. But you It's a double A affiliate minor league team for the Yankees. Yes, you

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got it right. It is a farm team. You got that correct. It is It is referred to as a farm team. >> I knew something about >> It is the DA affiliate of the New York Yankees. So, I'm very proud of the fact that right across the river from us is the DA affiliate of the New York Yankees. They'll be playing the um New Hampshire

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Fisher Cats, which is the Toronto Blue Jays DA affiliate. And there are a number of Revolutionary War events scheduled for this night. Um there are uh historic revolutionary war encampments, revolutionary inspired exhibits and tables throughout the

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concourse, period actors including uh including General George Washington cannon fire following the fireworks uh spectacular and familyfriendly activities and historical displays and a postgame fireworks show. All that for a

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$10 admission ticket, which is a pretty darn good deal. Um, and it is on August 15th, which is a Saturday. The game starts at 6:35. The gates open at 5:30. Um, at the the Patriots games are are

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one of the bestrun minor league operations in the country. Um, and it's a beautiful stadium. Hopefully, it'll be a beautiful night. And if you want to go out and have some fun and learn a little bit about Revolutionary War history and cheer on the Yankees doubleA affiliate

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team, Mayor >> Farm team, >> farm team, um then um by by all means get online and purchase your tickets. Um there are several links on our website to do so and it's on the big banner on the homepage. And that's what I got for

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you tonight, Mr. Mayor. >> It's it's a rare coincidence. It's August 15th also happens to be India's independence day. So fireworks fireworks celebrations independence day [laughter] >> and I believe fireworks play a big part

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in many Hindu uh celebrations. So that would certainly fit. >> So we're going back to item number six resolutions to be voted on separately. Our special guest has arrived. Uh, resolution 26271A.

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Mayor Kramer got a sports reference. Um, I guess. Okay. Resolution 26271 naming W Winston Drive, Honorary Street, Earl C. Williams Jr. Drive is presented

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to Township Council for adoption. Um, Miss Franuis, would you like to make that motion? I I move the resolution naming Winston Drive. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Mr. France, do you have any discussion? >> Yes, I do. I would like to present the

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uh read the resolution into the record. So, I'm going to go down and ask Miss Linda Williams to come up. So, there's a history behind this whole uh honorary street naming situation. You come come around here. This is Miss

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Linda Williams, Montgomery Williams, and she has been harassing me for years, [laughter] almost a decade, 13 years, she said, to have this street named after her husband.

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Miss Linda Montgomery Williams is also a county commissioner of the election board. She's a former HRC member. She's a county committee member. She's a former first vice chair of the

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Democratic committee. She's also a committee member. She's also the chair of the community outreach committee. So, she's doing a lot here in Franklin Township. Also, she's also a a commissioner. See, she's telling me more on the housing authority and she's also

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a commissioner. Where else? Is that it? [laughter] Oh, well, noble. Okay. So, she's she's doing a lot she's she does a lot for Franklin Township and her husband um I'm going to read the

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resolution. So the resolution reads and this is the reason why we're doing this honorary street renaming for Earl C. Williams Jr. Drive for for the Winston Drive. So it reads whereas Earl Craig Williams Jr.

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was born on July 14th, 1948 in Newark, New Jersey and was raised in East Orange and Montlair, New Jersey, where he excelled as an allstate athlete on Montlair High School and whereas Earl C. Williams Jr. went on to play Major

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League Baseball as a catcher and first baseman, making him Major League Baseball debut on September 13th, 1970 with the Atlanta Braves. and in his 1971 rookie season hit 33 home runs and drove

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in 87 runs, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award, only the second catcher in National League history after Johnny Bench to receive that honor. And whereas Earl C. Williams Jr. went on to a distinguished major

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league baseball career spanning parts of eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orio, Montreal Expose, and Oakland Athletics, amassing 138 career home runs and 457 runs

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battled in, standing as one of only seven National League players of his era to hit more than 30 home runs in a season. And whereas following his professional baseball career, Earl C. Williams Jr. made his home in Somerset, New Jersey, resigning on Winston Drive,

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where he became a beloved member of the Franklin Township community, serving as a mentor and a role model to our local youth, every name, and remaining actively engaged with residents for decades. And whereas the mayor and

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council of the township of Franklin wish to honor the memory and legacy of Earl C. Williams Jr. by designating Winston Drive, the street on which he lived as honorary Earl C. Williams Jr. Drive as a lasting tribute to a man who brought

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distinction to our community both on and off the field. Now there therefore be it resolved by the mayor and councel of the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey that of Winston Drive located within the township of

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Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey is hereby designated as honorary Earl C. Williams Jr. Drive in memory of Earl Craig Williams Jr. July 14th, 1948 to January 28th, 2013.

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The 1971 National League [clears throat] Rookie of the Year, longtime resident of Somerset, New Jersey, and cherished member of the Franklin Township community. This honorary designation does not alter the official name of Winston Drive for dressing, mapping, and

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emergency services or governmental purposes, but shall serve as a permanent tribute to the memory and legacy of Earl C. Williams, Jr., the township clerk is hereby directed to cause appropriate honorary signage to be erected on Winston Drive in recognition of this

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designation as may be deemed suitable by the mayor and council. A certified copy of this resolution shall be presented to the family of Earl C. William Jr. as a token of the mayor and council's deep respect and appreciation for his contributions to Franklin Township. This

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resolution shall take immediately effect upon passage and we'll we will uh pass this tonight. But I asked Miss Williams to come because I like I said, she's been her recipe for a long time and this means a lot to her and it means a lot to our community as well. and I'm gonna ask

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her to say a few words. >> Thank you. That was a tearjerker. Okay. Um I wrote down a couple of things. Good evening everyone. Thank you for from the bottom of my heart for this incredible honor. Receiving this

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honorary resolution recognizing Earl C. Williams Jr. and the dedication of a street in his name is a moment that means so much to me and my family and our community. Earl's journey journey um

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from a young boy was his dream to becoming a 1971 National League Rookie of the Year which was his talent. So thank you so much. >> That was nice. [applause]

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So, we also have an honorary street sign for you to put up in your house. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Frank, come up here. >> Help her carry this. >> So, the signs will go up within the next

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couple days. One on either side of your home on Maynard and Kings Bridge and then one at JFK Boulevard. >> Montro. >> Okay. >> Montro. >> I'm sorry. Montros. Montro Montro and she's going to have a block party too. She's planning she's a she's an event

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planner by the way. >> So you want to mention your block party? >> Um August the 1st um from 2 to 4. So hamburgers hot dogs in the driveway on Winston Drive. Okay. Thank you. >> And there were technical reasons why

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this was difficult and kudos to Mr. Vorn Locker for working through those. >> Where there's a will, there's a way sometimes. Mayor And it was Linda's will that made the way. [laughter] >> When is the block party again? >> August 1st.

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>> August the 1st. It'll be in her driveway. >> Okay. And she's a big time event planner, by the way. Event planner extraordinaire. So, come one, come all. It'll be a nice historical event here in Franklin

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Township. Thank you, Linda. >> [applause] >> Yeah. So as not to influence the people voting. [laughter] >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois.

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>> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. Councilwoman Nudin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Back. Congratulations.

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>> Back to item number 11, council discussion item. There is none. Item number 12. Time to pay the bills. Approval of the warrants. I present the following. Oh, I'm sorry. It's approval of the minutes. Bills will have to wait. I present the following minutes to the township council for their approval.

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Township council work session regular meeting of June 9th, 2026. in the executive sessions March 24th, May 12th, and May 26th, 2026. Do I have a motion on the minutes? >> So, seconded.

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>> Moved and seconded. Any discussion or corrections? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman Barrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Onjaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin,

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>> yes. Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Warrants in the amount of 16,948,81311 cents on June 23rd, 2026 are presented to Township Council for payment. Do I have a motion on the warrants? >> I move that the warrants read be paid.

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>> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? Anyone like to pull an item? Question and item. >> Madam clerk, >> Councilman Narrison, >> yes. Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Omni Jaka, >> yes.

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>> Councilman Singh, yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, yes. >> Item number 14, community development block grant uh 2026.

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Uh public hearing uh on uh annual action plan CDBG 2026. Public hearing is appropriate. I ask for unanimous consent. It's open to the public. Without objection, we are open to the public. Uh on this item only, anyone

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wishing to speak about CDBG block grants or CDBG? >> Seeing no one come forward, I ask unanimous consent to close to the public. Without objection, we are closed. Resolution 26290

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approving the filing of the uh S SFY um 2026 community development block grant annual action plan. Um do we have a motion on the plan?

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>> So moved. >> Do we have a discussion? A second. I mean >> second. >> Second. Any discussion? Madam clerk, >> councilman Barrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes.

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>> Councilman Uni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Public hearing and adoption of ordinances on second reading. First readings are when we announce to the world that we are considering an ordinance. it gets past the first

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reading, we have a second reading where we actually vote on whether it will become an ordinance or not. These are the second readings for uh these are the ordinances up for second readings. Ordinance number 4511-26, ordinance to acquire by purchase or

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condemnation certain lands within the township of Franklin County of Somerset, state of New Jersey, for the purposes of open space preservation in the township of Franklin pursuant to NJSA 4A12-13A for the property known as Collins

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property, also known as block 5.02, 02 lot uh 70Q and commonly known as 4301 State Route 27. Uh Princeton, New Jersey is presented at

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public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required. Uh I ask unanimous consent to open to the public. Without objection, we are open to the public on this item only. Seeing no one come forward, ask unanimous consent to close to the

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public. Without objection, we are closed to the public. Do I have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. So this is acquiring of open space or or preservation of

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land. Uh the uh term um condemnation is used. Eminent domain is not used. That's a term of art. Uh, any other discussion, Madame Clerk? >> Councilman Embarrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes.

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>> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Ray, >> yes. It passes, but now we've got a pay for it on ordinance number 4512-26,

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capital ordinance providing for the acquisition of the property known as Collins property is located on block 5.02, 02 lot 70 Q, also known as uh 4 4301 State Route 27 in the township of

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Franklin County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, appropriating 46 $426,721.40 there from the Open Space Trust Fund of the Township of Franklin to pay the cost thereof is presented for public hearing and final adoption. The public hearing

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has been noticed as required. I ask unanimous consent open to the public. Without objection, we are open to the public on this item only. Seeing no one come forward, ask unanimous consent to close to the public.

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Seeing no objection, we are closed to the public. Do we have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Uh the discussion is this is paying for it. Um

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and any other discussion? Madame clerk? >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udin. Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella.

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>> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Ordinances on introduction and first reading. more open space being preserved. Ordinance 45 4513-26, ordinance to acquire by purchase or condemnation certain lands within the

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Township of Franklin County, Somerset State of New Jersey for the purposes of open space preservation in the Township of Franklin pursuant to NJSA 4A12-13A for the property known as block 508.02

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02 Law 11 and commonly known as 287 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, New Jersey. The foregoing ordinance to present the Township Council for adoption and first reading closing of publication according to law and public hearing and final adoption and meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, July

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14th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Um. Oh. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> So move. >> Seconded.

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>> Seconded. Any discussion? >> Mr. Mayor, I just like to to maybe tell the public about this particular piece of property. This property is on on Cedar Grove Lane on the west side of Cedar Grove Lane between Weston Road and and Amwell Road. Um it it's um the size

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of it is sufficient in that zone to have approximately 25 homes built on it. Um the the actual purchase price is 5.2 million, not 5.46. We budget a little bit extra for things like surveys and

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closing costs and environmental um investigations uh on properties. So it's 5.2 million for the purchase. um a a oneacre building lot in that vicinity of of town generally sells between three and $400,000. So if you do the math,

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that puts it at a a building lot value of about 7.5 to$10 million. However, obviously there's infrastructure costs involved in developing a piece of property. But this this is a a significant purchase in the north end of town. I think it it totals about 34

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acres off the top of my head. I might be off by a few there. Um but uh I I think that kind of a a feather in the cap of um you council members in the township in preserving this piece of property which very easily could have been sold

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to a developer um much like the property immediately adjacent to it that we weren't able to buy. So it is an area of great interest to developers and uh this will be a significant preservation. >> Thank you. Not that I want you all to vote yes, but I'd like you all to vote

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yes. >> So, we have a motion, a second, and uh discussion. Any other discussion? >> Way to spend $5 million. >> Councilman Embarrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman France,

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>> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Onaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Now we got to pay for that. Order is 4514-26.

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Capital is provided for the acquisition of the property notice 5 08 508.02 lot 11 is located at 287 city bro Somerset New Jersey in and town the township of Franklin County state of New

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Jersey. uh appropriating $5,460,000 there from the open space trust fund of the township of Franklin to pay for the cost thereof. The foregoing ordinances presented to township council for adoption on first reading posting and publication accordance with law and

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public hearing and final adoption at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Do I have a motion to introduce So moved. >> Seconded.

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>> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman Varrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Chaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. Yes. >> Councilwoman Odin. Councilman Vasanella.

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>> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Ordinance 4515-26. an ordinance amending the municipal code of the township of Franklin, Kanye Somers said, state of New Jersey, rescending chapter uh 92 cannabis in its entirety and

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replacing it with a new chapter 92 cannabis. Uh the foregoing ordinances present the township council for adoption and first reading publication uh posting and publication in accordance with law and public hearing and final adoption and a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, July

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14th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. If I'm not mistaken, this adds a $5,000 a year licensing fee

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for any cannabis um establishment. >> 10 >> 10 no >> 10,000 for retail, 20,000 for >> 10,000 for retail and 20,000 for cultivator. That's right. Um any other discussion?

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>> Additionally, Mr. Mayor, I think that one of the most important parts of this beyond just the the the annual licensing is that it establishes a number of regulations for the the commercial and uh the commercial establishments

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um that would will allow for enforcement um uh when violations occur. Our our current ordinance was sorely lacking in regulations. Um and and what the clerk and I uh found was that in in reviewing

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those municipal ordinances for really pretty much all of the other towns in the state where um various cannabis licenses are permitted. um we found that we really needed to kind of tighten the belt a little bit um and and make sure

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and I will tell you that um it it is it is a significant task over the course of a year with the number of cannabis dispensaries and and um cultivation businesses that we have here in town. um

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but both on the part of the police department and the collector's office, the clerk's office, the manager's office um to to to manage these and and give these licensed establishments guidelines and and regulations.

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They don't know what they can and can't do because it's never been spelled out for them in a municipal ordinance. Um can they have events outside? Can they do this? and and and and this is this is something that um we both felt was kind

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of necessary. Not only and not not that we have, you know, significant violations of laws and things like that, but that often times in businesses like this, they they have to have a code uh specific to them that that tells them

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what they can and can't do, much like our alcoholic beverage license um portion of our municipal code. So that that is why it was recommended and it went through the administration committee at their last meeting. Um and

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uh that's why we're now here with an introduction. >> Bob, I I have a question. Have we informed the businesses that about this ordinance? >> Have we informed them? No. Um one of I I will tell you that this this is and I'll give you an example of one of the

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reasons why we need this ordinance. Um, so I have been attempting, as has the clerk, the the collector's office, attempting to contact one of these businesses. Um, and today I had to call the police department because I finally got to the point where I had to request a police officer to go there to have

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them contact the collector's office about their quarterly tax remittance. So, these things are the issue. We need to have contact information, and this is one of the things that the ordinance calls for. Um this is this is certainly

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um not an exception to the rule here as it relates to cannabis businesses in the state. We we found that every single municipality had this type of code. In fact, we didn't reinvent the wheel. We simply took what we felt was relevant

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for Franklin Township and and put it into the ordinance from others that had done the same. >> Right. No, I'm not questioning >> and I understand your question and why. No, they haven't been. Before there's an introduced ordinance, we generally would not notify businesses. And to be

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perfectly honest with you, I I don't think that after this meeting that any one of those cannabis uh businesses will not know about this thanks to the gentleman who's seated in the back corner of this room right now. >> Thank you. Thank you. I just want to make sure that they have that

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information so at least they know this is coming. Well, well, I was going to say my understanding is there's many associations. This is like any other or business that they have people that if they're interested, they watch what local and state ordinances and laws are

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doing. And there's [clears throat] um whether they contested or not, but it was extremely well researched in my opinion and extremely well vetted and I believe there was four unanimous uh opinions uh uh strong unanimous opinions

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if that helps uh at all. The only thing I'm going to ask for or ask Mr. Vornocker because I know I presented a question. has come up here many times about the 18 cap and the legality surrounding I know we have a few more and if they go out of business can we

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then keep it at 18 people. So if you could just I think that this one attorney what I'll say is right now this is what I know. >> We had 21 but the truth is that we don't have 21 anymore. And as of today I

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thought we had 20 but now we have 19 because the one that I was trying to track down today with the assistance of the police department is no longer in business. So, what what also now I need to contact the Cannabis Regulatory Commission

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tomorrow to find out what the status of their license with the state is because this was a business that um I I don't want to use the you know the the the euphemism, but in the middle of the night disappeared

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and left the door open and that's why the police department knew about it. Um, so you know, I don't I I as far as our ordinance is concerned, our ordinances capped it at 18, but allowed for any

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other licensed businesses in the pipeline to open and I think that took us to 21 at the time and now that I know of, there have been two that have gone out of business. >> Bob, I have a question. The 2% tax uh uh

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does do they remit to the state and then the state And that's one of the issues with the law in my opinion. The law says that when a municipality establishes the 2% sales tax on their gross sales that they remit the payment directly to the town.

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Uh what what probably should have been done is it should have been treated the same way that the hotel room tax is treated and that the hotels collect the tax and remitted to the state and then quarterly the state sends a check to each municipality that has a hotel tax.

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Unfortunately, that's not the way the cannabis tax was set up. So if they don't pay, we have to chase after them, >> which is what we're doing. And that's what I'm saying. We talk about fees that are associated with licensing. We, you know, we're spending a decent amount of

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time every week chasing things down related to cannabis businesses, including their payments. >> There's a reason why the state did that, you know. Oh, >> well, I I No, I don't know why, but go ahead. >> Hotel taxes uh is is towns can pass

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ordinances to get have the hotel taxes. The way that's paid is exactly the way Bob said. >> The the cannabis tax is a state tax >> and we're we're collecting it locally, right? The 2% we're collecting. >> Oh, no. Actually, this we collect you

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don't have to engage you don't as a a town that has a cannabis business. You don't have to have the tax. It's up to the town and it can be up to a maximum of 2%. The state collects their own tax separately as in the form of sales tax

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and any other taxes. This is the local municipal tax. >> One one of the concerns whenever there are taxes like that is that the state legislature doesn't grab them at budget. >> Oh, sure. Because you know that happened. It happened with the affordable housing trust funds that they

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>> happened with the energy tax with it happened with the energy tax too is that they um the state budget can is a is effectively a law. So if the state budget says that money doesn't get distributed back to the municipalities. >> It just stays in the state. So

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>> collecting it locally. >> But why didn't that happen with the hotel tax? Not sure >> because it did >> I think they were more worried about the cannabis tax. >> Right. Well, and the funny thing is we collect far more in a good year from the hotel tax than we do from the cannabis tax. >> I think that's the reason.

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>> But um >> Mr. Rucker, if you feels appropriate, could you tell us what based on what we have here today, what if this ordinance passes, what that equates in dollars? >> Well, it depends on the number of businesses and and whether they stay in

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business. I mean, it's it's I mean, simple math, right? If it's if it's 18 businesses and the and the annual registration fee is $10,000, then that's $180,000. Um there we do have um right now one

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cultivating facility online with another two um set to open within this this budget year. Um so those will that you know those will be a different cost for licensing. uh same co same tax for uh

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gross sales um at 2%. Uh the the the biggest the biggest one that we have right now as far as tax revenue is concerned is a cultivating facility. So basically separate from that 2% this could maybe land somewhere in the

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neighborhood of about a quart million dollar tax rate revenue >> depending on you know I I will I've said it from the beginning my own my own personal opinion I said it from the beginning as far as the number of cannabis dispensaries that we have in town that the market will ultimately

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rule as far as the number that stay open. And you know, I I've spoken to my peers in other towns that have cannabis dispensaries. And you know, a town that has two cannabis dispensaries that is generating the same level of revenue

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that our 18 are. >> The uh >> that's because there's only there's only two in the business. So those two in the business get all the business. >> So our attorney would like to weigh in. I >> I I just want to make something clear. We keep talking about this as a tax revenue. It's not a revenue. The whole

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purpose of any no permitted >> the whole purpose of any permitting fee is to reimburse the municipality for the cost that comes with administering these licenses and >> and that's why I stress that >> right and Bob and I had that. So I so when you say how you know how much tax

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revenue how much revenue we're generating we're really not we're just trying to reimburse the town and Bob and I talk about this all the time administratively and legally and and departmentwise you spend a lot of time administering these licenses very intense. So, this is really just to recapture that amount of money. It's not

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a tax, it's a fee. Uh, because under New Jersey law, you you can only have a fee that is roughly equivalent to what the cost is to administer these licenses. I want to I just wanted that >> and and I I appreciate you bringing that up and that's why I tried to stress when

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I said this has become a significant demand on staff at at not just like at times you know at annual renewal or inspection. I mean we we have demands on the police department we have demands on the the zoning department to pro to

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process these. I we still get inquiries from uh other businesses who want to come here. Um, so all of those things and and take time and Amarie's office has to process everything. Um, and the collector's office has to chase down

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ones that don't pay >> and we have to pay our attorney for cannabis related. So I should restate that the 2% is actual tax revenue. That's the revenue. This is revenue that would go into our budget to offset these expenses we're talking about. Thank you. But but I think that's an appropriate

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distinction because there have been people that think that we need to take that fee that we're collecting and repurpose it for social services programs and that that's not appropriate. >> Mr. May I have one question?

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>> Yeah. >> Our attorney set us straight. I sent him an email because I wanted to use some of that money and he told me, "No, Carl, you can't use that for anything." That's what you said. social services program, job training

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programs, what have you. And he says, "No, you can't do it, but you can do it by counsel." And I says, "No, because if I did it by council, the nine of us can agree to take 5%,

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10%, whatever the figure, and use it for social programs." But I said I didn't want that because the next nine people come up and say no, we don't want to spend it on that. So we're not going to use it. We're not going to pass it out.

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Therefore, the programs disappear. But I asked him about a referendum on that and again he shot it down [laughter] which was the correct thing to do. Um, so when we looked at that, some of our residents and I talked to them said,

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"Hey, um, this is something that we can't move." We did our best to move it to gain some of those funds and we just couldn't do it. Um, so that's where um, I looked at and that's the perspective

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that I came from. So, I want to thank our counselor, Mr. Renown, for setting the straight. >> Good. >> All right. I'd like to move this along. Call the role, please. >> Councilman,

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>> yes. >> Councilwoman France, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oniaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> what? Is there no on this? >> No, this is Councilwoman. Second reading. >> Yes. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes.

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>> Councilman Wright. Yes. >> Thank you. We are now on to the consent agenda. Items A through Q is listed in the consent agenda portion of this meeting represented township council for adoption. Do we have a motion on the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion?

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Anyone like to pull an item? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Nonjaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine,

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>> yes. >> Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Right. >> Yes. [snorts] >> Old business boards, committees, commissions, vacancies. Anyone have a nomination? [clears throat] >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> We have an opening on our planning board

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for alternate number two, and I would like to nominate employer Reed resour Peters uh University in uh Jersey City. She now works for the Department of Child Protection here with the state of

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New Jersey and I believe over the course that she will be an outstanding candidate and turn on our planning board. Monday to be spring. >> So it is

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>> the practice of council to screen. We it we overlooked that once last time because the zoning board was in a kind of a I wouldn't say emergency but crucial position. So,

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um I it's not up to me. He has made that nomination. If others would like to um weigh in on this, they may do so. I just curious if she's sending the service

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application to the clerk, which is the only technical requirement. Councilman Wright, do you know if she sent that? Because that's actually >> It seems to me that >> Yeah, >> we did something and I went and I asked

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about that issue and there was none. Now we do have a screening committee. Um but like anything else >> to change and there was no issue

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about that and I just went through that yesterday. So So my recollection of the process that we used prior for the zoning board, we did some vetting on that collectively

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as a governing body. So, I think we probably should do the same for this nomination >> who did vetting on that person because I sure enough didn't see it come down this end of the aisle. So, if there was

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something that went down this end of the aisle, something that I read, felt, put in my hand, put in my pocket, put anywhere, I didn't see it. Now, if it was a pilot thing, >> okay, but I didn't see it.

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Yeah, we do have, you know, we have meetings, but I'm going to move to table this. >> Do we have a motion to table? Do we have a second? >> Do we have a second to table? >> Speaking. >> There is a motion on the floor to table. >> I'm still >> Do we have a second to table?

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>> I'm still speaking. >> Second. >> Is there a second to table? >> Let's uh >> Yeah, I second it. Let's have some discussion on this. So moved and seconded there once the motion to table the only time only discussion you can

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have is to when to table it to >> is there any discussion on when we should table it to >> I think we should table it till the July 14th meeting. >> Okay. >> I don't think we should table it at all. >> Okay. So because if you're saying that

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we have to screen everybody, then we need to pull the guy off that we put on that zoning board because he was not stream. >> So we have a motion to table and a second. Madame clerk, call the role. >> Yes. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. Yes.

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>> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Chaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes.

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>> Council Vasinella. >> No. >> Councilman Wright. >> No. >> Okay. Table. >> So, as are there any other nominations? >> Mr. Mayor, can I just make one comment with regards to the zoning that we discussed last time? So, there was a a

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difference versus this particular one. My friend Carl, the zoning board people did not have at times. they were having difficulty to have enough people and that was the main reason that we agreed that we will proceed without a screening

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otherwise we would have just gone through the regular way that we always have done. So in this particular case I did not hear that the urgency and I think that it's appropriate just leave us a couple weeks to get the information

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and we'll go from there. So what you're saying is expediency overruled policy. Now if we did that for anything else, everybody down this line here besides me

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would stream. But yet through expediency because that's what you just said. >> No, I said the need >> expediency we did that. >> There was an urgent need a request and Mr. mayor [clears throat] investigated.

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It was a request and he uh submitted he he asked for the opinion and everybody agreed that because of the situation is appropriate to uh not to have the screening otherwise we would just follow what we always have done

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>> expediency over rules policies. >> So I just want to interject if that's okay Mr. All right, Councilman. Um, I may anger everybody here, but my opinion is, and all due respect to the mayor,

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and I can't speak for Councilman Wright, if there is an eminent issue, there's nine people here. We all have an equal vote, an equal say, and an equal opportunity we should be afforded to recommend whoever we deem to our

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colleagues, informally or formally. So, I can't speak for Mr. Wright and I can't speak for uh Mayor Kramer, but I believe and that's the reason I voted out to table because I believe this is important. Although the facts may not have changed and the outcome may not have changed, the idea that one person

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and one person only in what's supposed to be an equal environment is given information that can lead to a decision, >> excuse me, >> a possible decision that is necessary to uh break or alter policy. It's in my mind sometimes is necessary councilman

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right to do that but it should be done in a transparent and equal way. So that's my speak and my piece and I think if I think there probably is a consensus of proceeding in a way that allows for a

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policy to amend or um non-binding policy to uh act differently when the need but the need should be broadcasted and given equally to all nine of us. Thank you. >> So I guess splitting that baby in half

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don't work you no more, huh? Boy, good thing y'all. Never mind. Never mind. >> So, would council be interested in a policy then that directs the manager or our planning or zoning board to inform all council people simultaneously if there is a need? And that is an

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important need because they do important work and we need to respond accordingly when there's a time essence. Uh time is of the essence. So, is council interested in in making that a policy? Because I think we have to be clear on policy. >> Mr. Asanella, this is the uh boards and

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committees portion of it. And just to inform you correctly, if you recall, it was discussed in public that there was an urgent need and everyone here heard that and everyone here decided to go ahead with it. So, it's no special thing

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going on. No one's getting any special privileges and let's move on. Are there any other nominations? Well, >> council members on the planning board. >> Are there any other nominations for any other positions?

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>> Otherwise, I put my name in the hat. >> So, so there's room for only one member of council on the planning board. That is Mr. Embarrison. Are there any other nominations? Moving on. Madam clerk, >> sir, you you can't speak.

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>> I'm ask I'm asking I'm asking if the ch if the council would suspend rules uh for 60 seconds. >> No. Okay. >> Executive session. Madame clerk, my uh script here has a little confused. It's

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talking about the open space acquisition of Cedar Grove Lane, which we just >> Oh, >> right. There's there's >> Middle Bush Road is one of the things listed on my script. Also, >> uh Cedar Grove Lane, also the YMCA, also

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donation contracts. So, the best of my knowledge, it's >> 583 Middle Bush Road >> donation contracts, right? And YMCA. >> No YMCA. It's so if you look at the where the title is,

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>> it's just the middlebush south middleush road and the donation contract. >> Right. But if you look at the announcements, >> I see where Yeah, that is incorrect. So, we're going uh I resolution 26288 authorized executive session potential

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open space acquisition uh for 583 South Mealbush Road 36.01 lot 6.03. donation contract and donation contract

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uh are presented to the town are the executive session is presented to the township council for adoption. Do we have a motion to go into executive session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Um all in favor say

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I. >> I. >> Oppose say nay. >> We are now going into executive session for the items listed. we will come out of executive session and have no other business except to come out of executive session and to close the meeting. So,

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uh, taping will stop at this time. We are adjourned. Be well, Franklin.