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Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=l37lVCZiU4M

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this work session regular meeting of the township council is called to order. Madame clerk, >> in accordance with the open public meeting act of the state of New Jersey, adequate notice of this work session, regular meeting of the Franklin Township Council was made as required, indicating

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that this meeting would take place at the municipal building at 700 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026. >> If we could all stand for the pledge of allegiance while and remain standing for the invocation but from Deputy Mayor

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Alex Gurazzi. 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 and justice for all.

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As we gather here today as members of township council, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community, keeping in mind always

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the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence. Let us continue to strive to make a better world. Amen.

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>> Madame Master Clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman Barrison >> here. >> Councilwoman Francois >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi >> here. >> Mayor Kramer >> here. >> Councilman Ni Jaka. >> Councilman Singh. >> Councilwoman Udine >> here. Councilman Vasinella

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>> here. >> Councilman Wright. >> So, commendations and proclamations. The agenda is slightly different today. We're going to have commendations and proclamations. Then we're going to have two discussion items that will look a little bit like accommodations and

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proclamations. So, we have five presentations in all. Uh, first accommodation honoring Hannah um Devar >> Dvar >> Divvar and >> Manhal Paul. >> Manal Paul. >> Yeah. Hannah is not here. So can we go

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to number B mayor? So they she can also join us. >> So you let me mispronounce those names and then [laughter] >> Oh, they are here actually. So we we are good. >> Please note that madam. >> All right. [laughter] I see. >> Are they here? >> Yes. They heard you.

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All right. Thank you. >> Oh, hey, we got plaques. I don't have a plaque. They look good. Guess Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> So as most of you know

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we have quite a few members of our community member uh community who have food insecurity. In fact one in every seven members of our community have food insecurity.

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But we are very fortunate in Franklin Township. First of all, we have a nice food bank. Second, we have great community members, both individuals, businesses, organizations,

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that they help food bank to make sure our neighbors will have enough food. There are occasions that we come across some special initiatives either by individual or by organizations

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and we like to recognize them to extend our appreciation. Today we're going to recognize two fourth grade students. These are from public uh private school, small private school in our township, Sadika school

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and they took initiative and uh you're going to be learning about the initiative they took to help food bank and so I'd like to invite those two students Hannah Davar and Manha Opal [applause]

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[applause] and their parents as well as the principal of the school, welcome to come and join us as well. So, um I'd like to ask our mayor to read this proclamation,

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please and accommodation actually. >> Thank you. We, Philip Kramer, mayor, and Alex Karazzi, Deputy Mayor of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Township Council, and all residents of Franklin,

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hereby extend our sincere appreciation and commendation to Hannah and Ma Manha, fourth grade students at Saded School. After witnessing individuals needs and food of food uh assistance within our

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community, Hannah and Mana were inspired to take action, demonstrating remarkable compassion, initiative, and leadership. They independently organized a fundraising effort to support the local food bank, which provides essential

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assistance to community members experiencing food insecurity. Without assistance from sta school staff or their parents, Hannah and Manha created a solid created and sold homemade items

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including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to their fellow students. Through their hard work and dedication, they raised $23 and [applause] and further inspired third grade students to contribute additional funds.

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These actions served as a source of inspiration to the entire school community and demonstrated that young people can make a meaningful difference through kindness and service. Their passion and commitment to helping others set an outstanding example for students

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everywhere. Showing that caring for one's neighbors is not solely the responsibility of adults or organizations. Rather, individually, regardless of age, has the ability to positively impact their community

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throughout acts of through acts of generosity and compassion, no matter how small. This commendation is presented in recognition to Hannah and Mana exceptional goodwill, community spirit, and dedication to serving others. The

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leadership of Franklin Township proudly acknowledges and celebrates their efforts. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all students who participated in the initiative by purchasing the handmade items and

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contributing to its success. >> [applause] >> I I just want to tell you too that your parents are about to explode with pride. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And knowing that they're probably going to keep uh this

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uh commendation for quite some time. So, I put them actually I frame them for them. >> Okay. So, this is [applause] for the principal. [applause] >> Anybody want to say a few words?

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>> I know. You like to say something? >> Okay, madam. Would you like to say something? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Dr. Karazzi, and council for this recognition. This means a lot to us, and we will cherish this recognition. We are happy we could help.

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we could help our neighbors. [applause] >> Thank you. Congratulation again. [applause] [applause] recognize. >> First, >> Councilwoman Francois, I understand you want to acknowledge the presence of a

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dignitary here. >> Yes, I do. We have a lot of dignitaries here, but one in particular that I'd like to acknowledge. Middle Sex County Commissioner Chanel Scott McCullen. [applause]

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Wanted to make sure I got that right. >> We're We're happy in Somerset County. Are you take trying to take us over? [laughter] >> Okay. Um proclamation honoring Debbie Meyers Davis. [cheering]

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>> [applause] [applause] >> Come on up, Debbie. You can tell she bought her Posi with her every lots and lots of supporters because she is so special to all of us and I think there would be more much many more people here if we had more more time to

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coordinate this. And I want to thank Linda Harper for taking the lead on this and making sure she helped put this whole thing together. Thank you so much, Linda. And I want to thank you all for coming today. And anybody else who wants to come up here and stand at the end, we're going to do a group photo, but

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anybody else who wants to come up here and stand next to Debbie while she's getting her proclamation, you're more than welcome to come. Her husband. Who else? [laughter] [applause] Anybody else you want to come up? >> Anybody that wants to come up,

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>> come on up. Don't be shy. >> Come on. Come on up. >> Come on up. YEAH. EVERYBODY COME ON UP. YEAH. Come on up. Cuz we're going to take a a group photo anyway. Yeah. Come on up. [laughter] Look at that. They got flowers. >> You can tell she's not very popular.

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>> Yeah. [laughter] Her husband said you could tell she's not very popular. And you never see one without the other, by the way. Very interesting couple. So once you all get up here, >> that's the co-founder of Girl Track.

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>> Oh. Oh, really? Well, she needs to come up, too. >> She's She's She's recording. >> She's recording. Oh, then she'll come up and get the picture. Okay. Okay. >> Thank you. You got everybody. Debbiey's still soliciting.

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She's telling you to come up here. You better come up. >> Come on up. Okay. >> And my granddaughter. >> Oh, the granddaughter. Okay. We got to bring in the granddaughter. >> We got it. No. Do we got everybody?

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>> Vanessa. Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. So, I'm going to read every word of this proclamation because Miss Debbie deserves this. So, this proclamation is honoring Deborah Debbie Meyers Davis. Whereas Deborah Debbie Meyers Davis is a cherished member of

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the Franklin Township community and now in her late 70s. Now, looking at her, you would never know. And some of the stuff she does, you would never never ever know. Matter of fact, I couldn't do what she does now when when I was in my 40s. Y'all

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continues to give of herself tirelessly and joyfully each and every day, standing as a pillar of health and hope and shining example of what wellness, happiness, and purpose can look like at

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every age and every day. Whereas since 2012, Debbie has served as a local leader of Girl Trek, a 501c3 nonprofit and global movement of black women, leveraging self-care as a pathway

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to healing and transformation through which more than 1.2 million women nationwide have pledged to prioritize their well-being with members reporting weight loss without Ozimpic. Y'all [laughter] relief from depression, reduced

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medications, and lasting walking routines. And whereas Debbie leads the optimal health ministry and serves in the music and arts ministry at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gards. [screaming] >> I'm a member, too. [laughter]

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>> In Somerset supports Sister Sister Inc. by coordinating warm-ups for its annual 5K Sisters Run, Walk for Life, benefiting minority and underserved breast cancer survivors. I'm on the professional advisory board of that, too, so I know she does that, too. And

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frequently volunteers to provide nutrition and fitness education to community groups. Whereas Debbie founded and serves as the president of Ram in the Bush, a 501c3 organization, empowering Ugandan women

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living in poverty, which through partnerships with street business school, African girls and Tiselle, how do you say Tiselle? Tra >> Triselle Pathways equips women with the tools to start their own business and break the cycle of generational poverty

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and also provides respite resources to local caregivers of adult children with special needs. And whereas through her leadership, her generosity, her unwavering commitment to motivating women to prioritize their health, Debbie

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has transformed many, many lives and fostered hope from Franklin Township to communities across the globe. Now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and council of the township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim their deepest

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gratitude and admiration for Deborah Debbie Myers Davis. >> [applause and cheering] >> AND WE DO COMMEND HER extraordinary spirit, her leadership of girl trekk, her ministry of ramen the bush and volunteer service, her humanitarian work

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and her enduring examples of health, happiness and hope in our community and around the world and extend to her best wishes. is for continued success in all her endeavors. In witness thereof, we have here unto set our hands and cause

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the seal of the town of Franklin to be affixed this 14th day of July, 2026. Hereby the mayor Phil Kramer and Councilwoman Kimberly Francois and we thank you. [applause and cheering] [applause] First, first first I have to take a

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breath. I thank all of those who kept calling me to make sure that I was going to show up. Thank you for this honor. Everything I've been able to do in the community has been God's grace. My heart for

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health and wellness comes from my son who lived with a debilitating disease but always wanted to be healthy. His desire inspired me to encourage others. I believe deeply in the principle of

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I am because we are. The work I do is never about me alone. It's about all of us supporting one another, walking together and choosing health and wholeness in the community. Thank you for recognizing this work and

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to God be the glory. This makes me cry, but it also makes me smile. And smile means to me special moments in life every day. And this truly is a special moment. And I thank you so much.

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[applause] Anybody else want to say anything? We also have a guest here. >> Yes, we do. We have the the the co-founder of Girl Trek Organi Organization, Vanessa is here with us

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[applause and cheering] and I am so overwhelmed by it. And in fact, we have a chance. We walk, we walk. We rather walk than ride to lower blood pressure, destress, and exercise.

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We walk. We walk. One million women strong. Vanessa and Morgan. We got it going on. [applause] >> Did Did we get a good picture? Are we good? >> Did we joy?

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>> Everything that you bring, these flowers are for you. >> Okay, >> we're good. >> Good. Vanessa, you got to get it. Yeah, Vanessa, you got to get in the picture. >> My favorite. >> My forever friend.

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You got to get in picture too. Come on back. [laughter] husband. >> Can somebody >> Can somebody help? >> Yes. My cousin.

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>> Can somebody take the picture for us >> for for everybody in the picture? >> Okay. >> Come on. Everybody >> is is co Oh, thank you. >> Oh, she's not going to get in.

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>> She's videotaping. >> Yes, she is. >> [laughter] >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you everyone for coming and thank you. God bless you and continue to do what you do. Thank

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you so much. We love you. Thank you. >> I know, right? >> Thank you. You know where I was, right? You don't need to say who. You know where I was. That's >> She probably want to know who Vanessa was.

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>> I was doing Vanessa. >> You want to join? >> I can't see. I couldn't see. >> Oh, she Oh, she was >> Is that the one with the flowers? >> No. No. She was a lady that had on the African pants. >> She had on the African pants. She's probably on the way out there.

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You're welcome to stay or you're welcome to go, but but we we need to proceed. I was telling Bob Mayor that um Miss Debbie even got me up one morning at the women's retreat. We had to be downstairs

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at 6:00 in the morning to exercise and I thought, "Oh, I'm not going to do that." But I not only did it one day, I did it three days straight. She's very in inspirational. That's a lot to get me to do something like that. >> You're ready to be a Navy Seal.

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[laughter] >> Uh, if we could close those doors, that'd be great. Thank you. Our next item is GS10 scholarships from our police department. Yeah. Yeah. I I

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tricked you. It's a tough act to follow. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Detective Bobby T. Brown, joined here with Major Chen, and the major oversees the JOTC at Franklin High School and he has for several years now. We uh Is this

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working? So, um, so tonight we're here to present our scholarships for the 2026 Garden State 10 race. So, a little background on our race. Um, my cousin who is the president of the Garden State Track Club, Chuck Schneckoff, he

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couldn't be here tonight, but years ago back in 2017 after moving to Franklin, he was heavily involved in the track community, still is, and wanted to build a race here in Franklin Township. So 2017 was our first race and it's always

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been a charity race. Uh for the first several years, the proceeds from the race that is ran at Colonial Park annually went to a cancer charity um from my SWAT team. We we donated those funds to the

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Nick Mango's cancer call out. Since then, we've shifted the focus of our proceeds on that race to support home. Uh, that's something that Chuck really wanted to bring to light. He wanted the race to be a Franklin race to support

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Franklin and all the good things that we have going on here. So, now to get to our uh our fine young people that are going to be recognized tonight. The reason why we elected to use our Franklin our Franklin Township

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youth programs and JRTC programs to be recognized by the scholarship is because nowadays many young people search for the easiest way out possible. Obviously there is an application process um to the scholarship but really

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this this election is made from watching our young people as they develop. I can't look at these two or I might get a little emotional, but you know, a lot of these young people that are going to be called up here tonight have been working with either myself or Major for several

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years. Um, they they embody what we all aim to be and I know their futures are going to be bright. So, just remember young people, when you get to where you're supposed to be, look back and bring someone with you, okay? Um, that

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is leadership. That is what I see in all of you. That is what the major sees in you. And just continue on your path. You guys are all on the right track. Just keep keep up the good work. That goes to each and every one of you. So, I made it without crying. So, without further ado,

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let's recognize these great young people. First, I'm going to call this call up to the top Mr. William King. [applause] >> [applause] >> Next we'll have Mr. Derek Aliggria. [applause] Miss Morgan Krauss,

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[cheering and applause] >> Mr. James Chavez, [applause] Mr. Eli Zavatski. [applause] And our last recipient couldn't be here tonight, but we want to recognize her out loud in front of everybody. Miss Liliana Ochi Pinty.

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[applause] So, uh, again, you know, take a look. This is, uh, just some of the what Franklin turns out. Some fine young people. Uh, we've been doing this now for several years, and we hope to continue it. Uh, the race is every

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March, so if you know some runners, get them out there next year, and we can give out seven scholarships. I thank you for your time, and let's get another round of applause for these fine young people. [applause] Try to get a little Take a few more.

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>> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. here and I give you an eagle scout. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations.

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>> Congratulations, Mr. King. >> Thanks for doing the work. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good to see you again. Okay. Now, under council discussion items, item number six, we have reacredititation certification presentation from Harry Delgado,

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director of the NJSA COP. >> Never did. Sorry. Thank you, mayor and council. [clears throat] I have the uh I I appreciate allowing me the privilege to actually see what great community you do have. I do have roots

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here. I'm not going to reveal them right now, but if [laughter] you want to know, I certainly would be able to explain. But with that said, excuse [clears throat] me. I'm here tonight to recognize your police department at one of the best police departments in the state of New Jersey. Can we get the microphone up, please? I just want to hear it. >> Can you hear me? >> Yeah.

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>> Okay. So, I'm here tonight to recognize your police department as one of the best police departments in the nation, and I have proof. [applause] >> So, just to add context to what I'm about to say in the next two minutes, um about 54% of all the a law enforcement

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agencies in the state of New Jersey that enter the accreditation program, about 54% of those make it once. about 32% makes make it twice about u 12% make it three times go on three four times less

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than 8% four um four times 6% in the case of the Franklin Township Police Department this is their fifth free accreditation that means that they fall into a very exclusive group of law enforcement agencies of less than 4% which is incredible so that's remarkable

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[applause] so again the the Franklin Township Police Department has made a commitment to adhering to best practices at the state and national level in a highly regarded statewide law enforcement accreditation program. This program administered to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation

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Commission has helped to transparently demonstrate the professionalism, transparency, and preparedness of state's law enforcement agencies in the state's public safety system. Now, accreditation is more than a professional distinction. It is a strategic investment in organizational excellence. It is it positions law

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enforcement agencies like the Franken Township Police Department to operate at the highest levels of professionalism while enhancing public trust, reducing risk, and promoting long long uh long-term operational success. Now, accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement.

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This prestigious fifth reacredited status demonstrates director Lloyd Frederick's firm commitment to state and national standards and the continued expectations for quality, professional, and ethical policing at the Franken Township Police Department. Now, briefly, government officials can be more confident in the agency's ability

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to operate efficiently and meet community needs. And officers uh in in an accredited agency can take pride that they've been objectively recognized for their professionalism and higher in and adhere to the highest standards. I know I'm talking fast, but I know that you've uh you have a a long agenda, but

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anyway, I make many many of these presentations, but this is unique in a sense that it shows the leadership actually uh heading this police department. So, out of the report that I have the privilege to review and recommend to the uh uh law accreditation commission, I purged a phrase from uh

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from public safety director uh Lloyd Frederick's. Under Director Lloyd Frederick's, a high level of competence, leadership, and professionalism is evident within the agency. He says, and I quote, "As we move into 2026 and beyond, addressing the future issues

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facing the Franklin Township Police Department will improve our focus to continually provide the citizens of our community with quality law enforcement services. As we forge ahead, we will continue to strive forward our long-term goals of decreasing crime, improving traffic safety, and engaging in

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effective policing strategies designed to enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit our community. So, it is our opinion that the Franklin Tang Police Department is a highly professional and committed agency which exemplifies all of the tenants of law enforcement at creation at the state and

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national level. So, it is indeed again my honor here tonight on behalf of New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement and Creation Commission to congratulate Director Frederick Lloyd, graduation manager sitting back there detective Sergeant Robert Young, the members of the Franklin Township Police

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Department, the mayor, the council, and those citizens that they so proudly assert for achieving their fifth free accreditation, making a joining a very, and I say again, very inclusive group of law enforcement agencies that have made this long-term commitment to excellence in policing. So to all indeed congratulations.

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>> That's wonderful. >> This is where you get the copies. [applause] >> Wow. >> Director official you earned it. Congratulations. >> Wow. [applause] >> So first and foremost, I'd like to thank the council for their support and giving

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me the opportunity. I always talk to all of those under my leadership and tell them always be intentional with any opportunity that you get. Always be intentional. Thank you to Sergeant Young. Uh, every day during the accreditation process, me and him went back and forth with the rules, the regs, and everything else that we can uh make

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better, finding policy fails, etc. Captain Dom is well helped out, and Lieutenant Trevor Wilson. Again, thank you to the council, township manager, and everyone giving me a chance to do what I need to do. Uh, I will remain humble. Uh, director Delgado gave you a lot of information very quickly. My mom

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told me humility is the best leadership quality, and I always strive to be that way. Now the accreditation service is a is a certification by independent agency. It improves department uses practices and training operations and ethics. This process builds community trust, improves officer safety and

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ensures fair policing. And in today's world, we know how important that is. It ensures the department handles internal investigations, use of force incidents and emergencies professionally. It mandates proper officer training and equipment. And to be quite honest, being

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in this position and traveling around the country, I would say New Jersey is probably one of the best trained states where police officers are concerned. And I know for a fact that Franklin Township Police Department is one of the best police agencies in this state because I harp and I harp and I harp and I harp on

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training. I harp and I harp on being holistic. I harp on being humble. And I harp on providing quality, highquality police services to all our community. everyone in everyone in this community and all those that come and all those that go. So, thank you everyone out here. Thank you again to the council.

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Thank you again to my police department. >> All right. [applause] >> Thank you. I've often said we have the finest police force in the state and we rest easy up here because of that. Um

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the next item is um Hometown Heroes Program, Humans Relations Commission. Isn't Alex? Isn't Alex? >> Yeah, he's got Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor,

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council members, and members of the community. I am Edna Arguo Hitchner. I'm a member of the human relations commission. And Gary Rosenthal joins me this evening who is longtime chair. and Nora Kitis joins me also who is a member

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of the commission. Before I continue, I want us to take a moment to recognize Commander Sam Peshy who is in the audience here attending. He served in the US Navy and he is the

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leader of the canal walk veterans. So, thank you for your service. [applause] I'm very excited to come before you to present this project which was an idea of mine, not a new idea, but it was a new an idea of mine that has been richly endorsed and uh supported by the human

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relations commission on which I've served for many years now. As the nation and Franklin commemorates and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding, we have an opportunity to join other communities

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around us and many communities in the state of New Jersey to honor our own veterans. those who have served, those who are living and have served, those who have fought to keep our ideals of freedom alive and for this country to

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persevere until today. I and the members of the Franklin Human Relations Commission are proposing that we launch our very own hum uh hometown heroes banner flag recognition project. It's a lasting tribute that honors local

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residents who have served those who were born here, perhaps those who lived here for many years, living and deceased. Across the country, many communities have embraced this national program. And so you'll see neighboring communities,

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Manville for example, uh Raritan Township, many communities in in Somerset County that currently have these uh banners hanging. They become a meaningful symbol of how we feel about our heroes.

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So the the banners um and I have brought some miniature examples for the council to see. They transform our streets into living tributes as well as memorials that strengthen community pride and preserve

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history and keep our legacy of service in this town alive for generations to come. Every banner tells a story. Every banner represents a family and every banner represents our hometown. I think and I am sure all of you agree that

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launching the program during the 250th anniversary of the nation's birth connects our local history to the history of this nation. Cost uh these banners are typically

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erected by members of the local town. Um there is a cost for not just the banner but hardware. I have spoken to um special projects manager Safy Callen who has said that she's identified

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approximately 32 places within the municipal complex that they could be um hung. The cost of the banner will depend on the size of the banner. Uh I know she has spoken to Manville mayor and he has

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recommended uh 24 in x 46 inch banner which has a very nice appearance. We will have the opportunity the human relations commission will certainly be involved um working in collaboration with safy to select what the banners are

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going to look like. The organization and that's Gates uh garden flags it's called. uh they're in Clifton and they worked with many of the communities in Somerset County including Manville. So we'll work with them to look at

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templates and then decide what our banners can look like. Uh and you'll let us know how often you want the commission to come back and report on what those banners can look like. So typically these banners come at zero cost to the local town because the

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families as well as veteran groups and other elected officials are often involved in raising the funds that are necessary for the uh the banners. With a 24x 46 inch banner, we're talking

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roughly uh a total of $25 $210, which would include the hardware as well as the um the banner itself. Using the best practices that Gates um

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has established, the uh producer of these flags, these banners, we're going to put together a communications plan um which will include a social media campaign, a web copy for the website, um

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a link to the actual [clears throat] excuse me, to the actual uh form that families fill out and certainly community outreach that can include um posts on our social on our website as well as our social media

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channels. Uh we'll need to know things like you know the name of the individual. All this is in the form name of the individual. Uh the person must identify Franklin Township as their hometown or must have lived in Franklin

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Township for a period of time. Um let's see. We were thinking that it would make sense to launch the program in the fall. Uh it would have been wonderful to uh erect the banners in uh for Veterans

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Day, but most towns advise and Gates also advises that you wait until warm weather because the banners should not hang during the winter months because they can be damaged. So if we launch a program say around Veterans Day this

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year as part of our 250th um anniversary celebration, it could be connected to that of course and then we could um hang the banners come uh May or right before May before um Memorial Day.

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And obviously we would notify local media and uh the families to come and celebrate with us the unveiling of the banners. uh we anticipate or at least uh the commission anticipates that we may have more than 32 families to recognize more

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than 32 veterans. So our recommendation was that if we needed more space that we would fan out to Deont Lane um to hang banners there too. And again, the the logistics and some of the details still need to be worked out, you know, with

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all of this. And our um Department of uh public works will work obviously with Safy to make that happen. Um just one final thought um and that is that communities are defined by many things and we define ourselves by so many

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wonderful things including the diversity of our residents which I will be reflected in these banners. I'm positive. But um we also define ourselves by the way we remember those who have honored us. And um we mustn't

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forget um sacrifice for the greater good which is something that we need to keep in mind today should always be remembered. Thank you. [applause] >> On behalf of the of the HRC,

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I want to thank Edna for her extremely hard efforts here and and of course, we're hoping that we get the township council's support on this. I know that

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Mayor Kramer has been has been active in the Air Force and and I I know how important he believes that this whole situation will be. But thank you councel.

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[applause] Mr. Mayor, excuse [clears throat] me. Um, I think what the human relations commission uh uh is looking for tonight from council is um a nod of approval so that our special projects manager can

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work with them to get this project moving. I think that's one of the reasons why they asked to come here tonight and make that presentation. So, how however you choose to either say yay or nay, would you please say yay or nay? >> Is is there anyone who objects?

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>> I think it's a fantastic idea. I think the administration committee should probably review the uh details, but I think it's fantastic thing to move forward. Does the >> same thing with >> public works thinks there needs to be any >> so there will be much discussion about

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where they go and how they go and and why they go in certain places and not in others that we don't need to talk about tonight. >> So hearing no one object I think we you have your nod. >> There we go. So you heard it. So get

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safy working. >> Another thing thank you very much. Um, >> by the way, how long do they last? Do we have any idea? >> They last about five years if they're taken in. I I have several family members who have their pictures on them

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in Manville on polls. And my mother was part of the uh committee that uh organized in Manville to have them uh put up along with the the mayor and several other uh people in in town. So, >> Mr. I wanted if I may I just wanted to

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make a comment that Edna >> started this almost a couple of years ago and yeah and and when I was the liaison and I saw how dedicated she is and really contacted a lot of people

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provided several presentation to us in the during the uh human relations commission meetings and I wanted to congratulate you not uh giving given up and you did it. You are just amazing.

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Thank you so much. >> All right. Thank you. So, moving on. The next item is uh public discussion. Before we get into that, um, I want to announce that the cannabis ordinance

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is basically we're we're taking down the ordinance that was introduced last time and we'll be introducing a completely different ordinance today. So, on cannabis um, and therefore it'll be a first

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reading. We have to reintroduce it. So there's going to be no dis public discussion dedicated to the cannabis ordinance. So if you want to speak about that ordinance, you may this would be the your time to do it. The public

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session that's about to come up. Um and uh along with that the um short-term rental, well that's not being reintroduced. It's it's going to be a first reading. So there'll be no dedicated [clears throat] time for that. If you want to speak about that ordinance, the time to do it is now. So,

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I ask unanimous consent to open to the public. Without objection, public session is open. Uh, anyone wishing to speak about anything to do with government may do so. May only come up once. Five minutes of time. No yielding of time. Please

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state your name and address. >> Good evening. Uh, Chenique Davis, 227 Blake. >> Is this working? Yes. >> Um, I wanted to follow up on an issue I raised during the April 14th council meeting regarding the new brush pass fee in the convenience center. Um, during

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that meeting, it was mentioned that residents would eventually be able possibly to purchase permits online using a credit card. Um, can you provide an update on the status of that system and when residents can expect for that to be available? Um, also has there been further consideration for expanded

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convenience center hours as well? And then, uh, I wanted to follow up regarding the per, uh, the Parker Senior Living L living redevelopment on Eastn Avenue in New Brunswick. I want to thank Councilman Basinella um, for sharing documents and keeping me informed about

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the township's communication with New Brunswick. After reviewing the planning board materials, it it appears that many important issues have been discussed there in New Brunswick, including traffic deliveries, parking, and neighborhood impact. My question is a bit broader. How does Franklin Township coordinate with neighboring

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municipalities on major redevelopments that will directly infect uh impact residents? So, Eastn Avenue, Landing Lane, and the surround surrounding intersections have experienced significant congestion and have unfortunately been the site of serious pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes. So while I understand that development is

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indeed inevitable, it seems that projects of this scale should involve routine communication between neighbor and municipalities before approvals occur. So is there a process? And if you can um share a little bit more about that, that would be helpful. Thank you. >> Good evening. Deborah Enman67

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Robert. A council person is expected to serve as a community leader for the ward they were elected to represent. As an elected official, a council person should demonstrate accountability and respect for the township laws and ordinance. It

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is there. It is therefore a matter of public concern when the sitting council person reportedly residing in the ward they serve has re has received multiple township vi citations for property related violations including an

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unmaintained yard and accumulated refuge. Information has been circulating on social media indicating that Mr. right has appeared in court regarding the above the reference violations. Photographs have also been posted of his

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residence he alleged allegedly to occupy at 139 Fuller Street which appears to be vacant. In addition, another social media post stated that the township website reflects an outstanding water bill for the residents in the amount of

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$526, which may suggest limited or no water usage over a period of several months. A council person should always conduct themselves with professionalism. I, along with other residents, have observed several incidents during

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council meetings in which Mr. rights conduct appear to fall short of that standard. I I have heard many members of the council make themselves available to constituents, present community concerns, and address issues affecting

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their respective wards. In contrast, I have not heard Mr. Wright offer meaning meaningful solutions beyond reference to sidewalks and speed bumps. Several years ago, I approached him regarding poor snow removal on the streets in my neighborhood, particularly my street.

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Meaningful action did not appear to occur until attending council meetings to voice my concerns publicly. I would also note that Mr. writes visible presence within the ward he represents appears to be limited primarily to

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election periods with little sustained engagement observed at at other times. At a previous meeting, I respectfully requested that Mr. Wright disclose his primary residence to the fellow council members and the residents of Franklin

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Township. Mr. Wright was not present at that meeting. During that discussion, Deputy Mayor and Council Councilman at large Karazzi stated that the matter would be investigated. At the following meeting, Deputy Mayor Karazzi stated that Mr. Wright is a

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resident of the fourth ward. However, however, that response did not address the request for disclosure of his specific residence. While many residents of the fourth ward may choose not to publicly address concerns regarding limited engagement

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and visibility, I would be remiss if I did not raise these concerns on behalf of those who may share them. Accordingly, I respectfully renew my request that Mr. Wright publicly disclose his address to the council and the residents of Franklin Township.

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Finally, I respectfully ask the council to clarify what course of action will be taken if Mr. Wright is unable or unwillingly to publicly disclose his address or if it is determined that he does not live at does not physically

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reside in the fourth ward. Such circumstance would appear to raise a serious question regarding compliance with residency requirements. >> [clears throat] >> Uh, my name is Denise Smith, 76 Copper

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Mine Road. Um, I'm commenting in regards to the um the resol the ordinance >> 451626 that's come due today. >> Um, >> is that short-term rental? the

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short-term rental. Correct. Okay. So, I've read the docu the the ordinance that you have and I think it's very thorough. Um and I appreciate the fact that the uh person that is

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um renting has to be a resident that's their primary resident that they live there that they exist at that address. So, I appreciate that included in that document. The question I have for regard to that document

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is how do you distinguish uh between being a short-term rental and a venue for events like weddings or large parties. Um

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um because it seems to me that that becomes then a business that exists in a residential area rather than just renting out your home uh you know for guests or short-term rentals. So I think that's something how do you

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determine how big or or that that you know distinguishing that that it's not just for you know vacation rental but it becomes a venue um and that I think that that needs to be established because um

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we've have a location on our hill that seems to be having large gatherings that are very loud. they have DJs coming in and things like that. And that's not the environment that we would like to have in a residential

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community. So, I would like that order to consider that. And also I know that the um [clears throat] the document is um addresses the township code of how

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many people can fit inside a house based on square footage, but then how many people can fit outside the house would be relevant. And I know that you've listed parking. You know, there has to be specific

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parking places. You can't be parking on grass. you can't be parking in the road. So, is that the measure of how many people can fit in the outside because then they start shuttling people in from other locations so that they can get outside of the parking situation. So, I

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would like for you to consider those um questions in regards to that. I think the document is very good. Um, but I think that maybe to address that issue of um, how do you determine that it's not an event venue

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that is a per uh, a business trying to establish itself in a in a residential community that's not zoned for such things. Okay. Thank you. [applause] Hello everybody. My name is Matt Penjack

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and I live at 49 Copper Mine Road. And um I'd just like to reinforce what Denise just said. She's a neighbor of mine. Um I do believe that uh the new regulation on short-term rentals is very well

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written. It's comprehensive. Um, the issue I have and I think maybe some language could be added is with noise generation. Uh, like she's stated,

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uh, weekends come along and it's been several times in the past year, year and a half, um, where DJs come out or bands come out and it just rocks the entire neighborhood. Uh this weekend I sat

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in my house. It's hot out. Air conditioner's on, doors closed, windows on. I can't watch TV because all I hear is boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. So what happens is invariably the police are called. They got to come out and either shut things down or tell them to turn

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down. Um, I do have a recommendation, but before I get to that, I like think that there's four stakeholders involved here. There's obviously the the neighborhood, the neighbors.

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Um, you know, it's just not peaceful. We live out there because we like peace and quiet and we're losing that. And it's not like a neighbor was having a party where, you know, the graduation or something. You could deal with that, but this is like like Denise said, it's a

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business. >> It's being rented out for the weekend. People from out of town are coming in. New York license plates. Um these vans pull up buses unloading people. Um and it's just nuts. I feel I'm getting angry

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and I know some of the neighbors are expressing the same concerns. They're just getting fed up. This is enough. So that's um that's one big stakeholder. The other stakeholder is the police. I don't think they want to have to come out for what basically is a minor issue.

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You know, be quiet, shut down. And they've been called, I believe it's like five or more times in the last year and a half to this address. Um the other stakeholder I think is people renting that house.

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you know, they're investing in um a DJ, a band to come out and then they have to be told to quiet it down. You know, a police visit is not the nicest thing. I'm sure they're out there having a good time trying to enjoy themselves and all a sudden the police

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come out. I don't think that's right. And also I think the other stakeholder um who risome here is the property owner person leasing this out. >> They should be theoretically according to the ordinance they should be a

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neighbor. I don't see the neighbor there but they're not building goodwill between us. That neighborhood gets along exceptionally well. We really have no problems out there. and you know, we're looking at that person.

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So, my suggestion would be if at all possible, put some language in that ordinance that either prohibits DJs or bands or at least somehow restricts how much noise. I mean, we got an

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ordinance for dark barking dogs, right? 30 minutes, a dog constantly yapping, they're going to come out and shut that down. Why do we have to listen four or five hours of very very loud music? It's um if there's anything that could be

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done, I certainly appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> Let me ask a quick question, sir. Yes, sir. >> Without any commitment here, just off the top of my head, would a time restriction be helpful to you or that? >> It already prohibits it, mayor. So, I

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don't know if you want to I'll cite the location in the ordinance. It already prohibits all of the activity that was just explained. Okay. >> Okay. >> It's doesn't need I'll explain it to you. >> Mr. Mr. Vorlock signing that contract explain to them. Hey, you can't really

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>> It's all part of the process. >> M Mr. Voron locker burned the midnight oil on this one. So >> I wrote it so I'll be able to explain exactly where it is. >> Hello Mr. Mayor and council. Doc Cunningham stock court Somers said I'm I'm actually happy I came to meeting

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today for two reasons. one, the repeated concerns about uh noise and partying that's happening on the block and neighborhoods across town. I live on Stout Court. I am We are the only original owner remaining on that block

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and there's a particular house we've been there 30 plus years. is a particular house on the block just this Sunday had a party that seemed to have had folks from out of town, big tent set up. According to my daughter, it seemed like it was an internet party where word

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gets out and then folks show up and it's a it's a free-for-all. There are cars parked the full length of the block and we live on a on a culdeac. There were cars parked on the full length of the block. So, I figure I chime in. I didn't realize folks were coming here to share that. I figure I uh joined that

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conversation. The second reason is I can't wait to get home to tell my wife that I learned a new acronym for smile. Special moments in life every day, I think is what she said. But I wanted to chime in on that because Debbie when my

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wife was pregnant uh after she delivered uh the she went back to Debbie's exercise uh classes to help her return to her pre-baby body. So I can understand the love and support that the lady showed

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here to Debbie because I remember my my wife coming home and saying I don't know how Debbie does that stuff at her age. So, I just wanted to throw those two things out. But the main reason I'm here is to talk about an event upcoming on Thursday

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at uh Cedar Hill Prep School at 6:30 p.m. called Civic 250. Now, we all know about America 250 and we've experienced that pretty much on a national level.

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We are familiar with Franklin 250, something we have experienced at a more local level. Well, civic 250 is about how we as the people might understand what happens when we look at America,

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our hometown 1776, meeting America 250 in 2026. And I say that to suggest that there are a lot of there are a lot of surveys that have gone out recently asking Americans what do they feel about

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where we are as a nation. And NBC News reports that folks are interested in faith, family, and freedom. AP the AP news talks about folks interested in democracy and identity. And the Ko Institute talks about folks interested

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in ideals and patriotism. But something glaring stood out in the poll results and it's that 46% of respondents didn't have an idea what America 250 was about. And within that

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number, 61% of Gen Z didn't know what America 250 was about. So we we clearly with all the money spent, with all the promo and advertising, we clearly missed the ball on what America 250 is about. And so

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we're hoping with our Civic 250 event at 6:30 this Thursday at Cedar Hill Prep School that we'll begin to do two things. Set a foundation for capturing America's backstory and providing facetime for charting the

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course for America's next chapter. Let me leave with this. One of the things that inspires me and inspired us to do that event is the work of Thomas Payne in writing the book Common Sense, which which we all know was instrumental in

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in the nation drafting the Declaration of Independence. That was 1776. And so the question is, what are we doing in 2026 and beyond along those lines? And the thing about Payne was he wasn't necessarily

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wellreceived because he was an English man turned American. And it is almost as if folks were saying saying to him, "Who's this American trying to who's this Englishman trying to tell us to be an American?" Right? I sometimes experience that folks look at me and and

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they don't say it in words, but it's as if they're saying, "Who's this Jamaican trying to tell us about being an American?" So, we're hoping that that folks will consider coming to the event. And I want to acknowledge two individuals who have been like my Benjamin Franklin. He was a supporter

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for Thomas Payne in rolling things out. And those two individuals are are Sean Heaven from the Franklin Township Martin Luther King Foundation and Dr. Nan Menon, the founder of Cedar Hill Prep. So again, this Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Cedar Hill Prep Civic 250. Thanks for your

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time. >> Thank you. [applause] Hello, my name is Ellen and I live on 60 Coppermind Road and these are my neighbors. >> I I live there I live there Monday I live there Monday through Thursday. >> Ma'am, you have to address the council.

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>> Okay. I live there Monday through Thursday with my life partner. He's right here with me. That's that's where we stay every week. I want to apologize to my neighbors because as I was hearing what he was saying that made me very upset because that's not why I created this space. I

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did not create it to be an event venue. I never created to in to make my neighbors upset and have all these loud noises. That's not why I did it. I did it because there is a very large Indian population and a large African population in the area and they have a lot of family overseas and they need a

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large house with multiple bedrooms where everyone can convene. The rules I have in my contracts is that we have no events. There's absolutely no street parking. One time we had street parking. The neighbors were very upset. They confronted me. So we put in our rules.

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There's no street parking. We we say no noise after 9:00. no music, but I'm not there on the weekends and I wasn't aware because they didn't inform me. So, I just I'm not going to look at them, but I want to tell them that I apologize and I don't want you to be upset or

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uncomfortable in your where you live. It's not fair and I understand why you're upset and I think it's very reasonable and I don't want you to think that I don't care about you because I do. Um, originally my plan was just to buy this beautiful house and live there, but I went through a divorce and it was

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a very expensive property. So instead, I live there Monday through Thursday. My car is always there. My neighbor big gal is there. My my car is always there. I'm there Monday through Thursday. My my partner's car is there. We we live there and I rent it out on the weekends because I went through a very difficult

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divorce and that's how I pay for my bills. So, I would love that to be my full-time residence. I wish that wasn't the case. And now hearing their testimony and hearing what makes them upset, I am going to be so much more careful with the way that I book my property because I don't want my neighbors to be upset. I want to be a

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good neighbor. So, I just wanted to stand up and I'm very nervous right now, but I just wanted to apologize and say that was not my intention and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that that will not happen again. So, mayor, you want me to say anything?

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[applause] >> Wait, okay. Hi. >> If you could just lift that up so we can hear you. Thank you. >> Sure. Meg Colin, 50 Copper Mine Road. Um,

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I find comments a little distressing and I'm sorry I'm angry. This past weekend was a nightmare. I can show you video with audio from my deck at least 300 yards and a good bit of

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woods between our two properties at 6:00 at night. 6 o'clock. I'm not buying this part-time owner occupancy thing. I don't see her and I'm I work from home. I'm there every day. Whatever.

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There's school buses that have brought people. That's how they solved the parking overflow. Uh, parking in the street and the road was one time. Part of what I disagree with is there's security

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cameras on that house. They see the DJ booth going up. They see tents going up. They see cars. They don't care. They don't care because there is no restriction and there is no financial

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penalty for violating a well constructed ordinance. So as you review that document and and that the ordinance, please ensure that there are strict financial penalties for

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repeat offenders. Thank you. I promise I'm not from Copper Mine Road. [laughter] Uh Javon Walker, 15 Co Street. Um I came here and I have this all written down, so I apologize. It sounds like I'm reading off of a uh like a slide. I come

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up here tonight to speak solely on facts. Um facts, not allegations, and facts that affect the integrity of the township council. As I look at township council, I see the eight elected uh members minus uh Councilman Singh as well as Mayor Kramer. And not so easily, I also see that not everyone has

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fulfilled the same obligations as intended or truly required of the members. I along with other residents have brought this up in the past, but yet Councilman Wright's residency has still not been confirmed. We were told by one council person that Mr. right, is

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quote unquote living in the fourth ward and by another council person that he needs quote unquote he needs to update his voter registration form. Both of these statements represent varied and conflicting answers from the township council. It's not a clear story. So, which is it? Why would a council person

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need to update his voter registration form? Is his current registration not reflecting his current address or did he move? Uh, Mr. Wright, please confirm the address of where you reside. If it is where the councilman's voter registration represents, thank you. If

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not, then I have a voter registration form here which can now be filled out to accommodate the new address that Mr. Wright may now reside at within the fourth ward. So, I can pass that along afterwards. The other part is it has also come to my attention that of these eight members and Mayor Kramer, Mr.

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Wright also remains the only one who has not yet filled out his financial disclosure form as required of public officials within New Jersey. This is a fact backed by evidence. Councilman Singh, who is even relatively new to his post, filled out the form ahead of the deadline along with every other person I

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see in front of me. But Mr. Wright, I believe that he is not do I believe that since he has not yet done it, it is a violation of New Jersey state ethics and probably brings associated fines or some other form of disciplinary measures. He's been councilman for years, so him still not having done it this year

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raises serious ethical questions. Why does everyone on the council do what they need to do in order to satisfy ethical requirements, but he has not? Is it rather a mistake? Please let the council and the public know why it has not been uh why the form has not been submitted and that you've been well

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familiar of this for years. As with the voter registration form, maybe you are able to do it on your uh council provided laptop. It was due in April, so earlier is better. The last part is um as it was previously

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alluded to earlier uh Mr. Wright's water bill. It is knowledged through some channels that this water bill has remained the exact same since September 2025. The same exact reading. These are facts again backed by evidence. And I have screenshots uh that I can provide

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the uh the admin or the council. Uh Mr. Wright, you got to tell us how you conserve so much water that no usage shows. I don't know too many places that run absolutely no water at all. Is Mr. Wright perhaps getting a really good deal out of this water bill? Or is the meter broken? If so, it sounds to me

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that Mr. Wright having the same reading every quarter may show that he's receiving perks that the rest of the community has not received. And I personally have a pool in my backyard. So, if I'm able to get some kind of perk like that, please let me know. I'm sure everyone would love to have the same reading every quarter and pay almost nothing for water. If this isn't the

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case, then what does a lack of water activity mean? is a rather showing that nobody lives at the address. This is yet to be confirmed, but that is what the public and the rest of the council are awaiting to hear an answer to straight from the source. What's even funnier is that the bills aren't paid. One of the bills remains delinquent. Again, facts

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backed by evidence. Residents like myself have to pay the bill whether it's on time or it's on late. But for a council person to have a delinquent bill that raises serious ethical concerns about their votes concerning water within the municipal budget, again, an ethical concern. And it also shows a

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disregard to fulfill obligations as an elected official. So the last thing that I say is council, I request that outside of my questions that I have left Mr. Wright to answer, you also provide an official answer tonight to my questions and the evidence that I've presented or soon to present to you. You have all

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fulfilled obligations that Mr. Wright has not. And unless he sufficiently answers to them tonight shows that he's above even yourselves and that's not fair to any of you. Hi. First of all, I want >> just if you could just pull it down now. We're varying heights here tonight.

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>> Um, I'm a little nervous. I don't like public speaking, so I'm just going to look at one person if you don't mind. Uh, I appreciate the efforts that everyone has put in for this ordinance and it's very much appreciated and I I was just

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wondering um >> name just your name and your address. >> My name is Barbara and I live on 49 Copper Mine Road and um to tell you the truth, what that lady

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said wasn't quite true. Um she this house is rented both on booking.com and it's BRBO >> and in it it says maximum guest allowed

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to for the sleepover is 12. Okay. And it says maximum allowed inside the home is 65. Okay. This is a five bedroomedroom house. I mean I highly doubt I mean I know

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when you have a venue you know you there there has to be a certain amount of space per person and you need a certain and this the ordinance which is very very well written out um has parking

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spots and a certain and it's a two and a half acre >> lot okay less than two and a half acres and I would say if you're having 65 guests, I would I would say that you would have to have at least 30 parking

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spots, you know, and I'm not sure that in that area we have clay and what the what the um the perks and stuff are very poor in the area. And so the absorbent

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if you have black top all that black top then how is it going to drain properly if clay doesn't it pools in water and doesn't go seep through. So it's going to be a hazard from you know causing

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mosquitoes and whatnot. I mean I mean when they build condos and stuff like that they have these retention basins and you know so I would think that there should be something in there and you shouldn't be able to rent a vacation

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house. My mother had one down the shore and you shouldn't be able to have a vacation house and have a party in in a residential rural area. It's just not you know the roads aren't built for it. There's no sidewalks,

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which is dangerous to all the people because we're like a scenic route um to to walk and bike on the road. You have to walk and bike on the road. The road is arched like this. There's ditches in there that are >> speaking to the mic. >> You can't get, you know, you can't jump

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into a ditch at my age. I'm 68 years old. I don't jump into ditches with rocks in it anymore. So, that's all I wanted to say. If there could be something, if you guys could help us, I very much appreciate it. It's a peaceful, quiet area and people move out

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there from I mean they go through they pay a lot for this extra property to have peace and quiet and nature. Thank you. >> All right. My name is Guy Fchchuk. I live at 65 Copper Mine. I live across

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the street of the house that is being rented out. She's brought in suburban transit buses at 10:00 at night where radio is blaring in the thing unloading people. The other concern that I have too, I

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mean, last year at the party, it was a black woman screaming on the top of her lungs, running down Copper Mine Road naked from the top down, and a black guy chasing her. These are the parties that are going on around in the neighborhood.

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My nephew saw it. I said, "You call the cops?" "No, I don't want to get involved with the cops." My other concern is since I'm downhill from this, the house I knew the original people there and I knew the house quite well. It was basically a four

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bedroomedroom house with three, four people that lived in it. He had the septic system redone [clears throat] for that house. And okay, that was substantial for three bedrooms, four bedrooms. Now, once a

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week, we have anywhere from 60 to 150 people coming in here. How's that septic system going to be handling all this? Next, it's going to be flowing down the street across into my yard cuz I'm just downhill from them.

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So, there's got to be something else, too, with septic systems. It's uh board of health. And basically, that's one of my concerns. And >> thank you for your time.

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>> Ma'am, one time >> if the person with you wants to speak, he can speak. >> Good evening, everyone. Uh, my name is Amed Wood and I'm at 70 Coppermont Road. Um, first and foremost, before I say anything else, I'd like to thank my neighbor who came and spoke this

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evening. um because it's not easy to walk into a space knowing that you're probably going to get piled on. So, thank you if nothing else for for for uh for coming and being here and for all of my neighbors for sharing their concerns. Um my concern is simply beyond

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everything that's been voiced, it's also a very simple safety issue. You know, Copper Mine Road is very narrow, very winding. There's no overhead lights. God knows what might be happening in the middle of the night while people are sort of walking around after coming from

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a big party. Um, additionally, one of the beauties of that area is there is no fencing that divides all of the properties. So anyone is free to sort of walk from one space to the next which can open any one of a myriad physical

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issues in an area of such natural beauty but then becomes a liability for the homeowner on that space. And lastly just simply the um you know of of of what was said of of not the intent of it being allowed party

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space. What it has become is quite simply a loud party space. It's being promoted and advertised on global media as a party space simply by saying that it can attract up to 65 people inside.

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Anyone who can use Zillow or Redfin can look up a space and see how large a property is. And for someone on the the rental side who might be anywhere in the world who's looking at this pro property, imagine what they're envisioning for the type of event that

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they could host in that area. Now, that's one thing if you're hosting a space in a public area, but this is a very residential area. I myself I grew up in New York City um and but I have never experienced noise um and

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disturbance on the scale of what I've been experiencing over the last couple of years. When you have an event space, that event space is meant to contain whatever is happening inside so that the noise, music, and other things that are happening is not is not exploding out

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onto the people that are surrounding it. And that is the exact opposite of what's happening here. It's being taken the the the the fact that it's an open space is being used to make the event even larger, which then explodes the noise across copper. I was shocked to learn a

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few days ago just how far the the sound was traveling down the road. I myself and my husband, we live pretty much right next to it and we could be inside of our living room um and hear the noise

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coming from two properties down. Heaven help us if we want to be outside on a Saturday afternoon. So, while my intent of standing up here is not to pile on, it's simply to um make it clear just

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what a disturbance this has been by amplifying the concerns of my neighbors and hopefully for all of you up here and thank you for your time and to your service to the community. Uh that will help in drafting whatever needs to be done so that we can all come to a

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resolution to this issue as neighbors. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] >> Hello everyone. My name is Neil Lmanov and I'm a part-time resident at 60 copper mine. Um what an interesting experience to be part of today. Um

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America 250. I'm aware of what that means. God bless America. We live in a great country and uh we live in a place with the rules, regulations, order. I think this is a good ordinance. It makes sense. Um, I think it makes sense to craft it in a way where it's fair for everybody. You know, driving over here,

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uh, me and Ellen were speaking and, uh, we look we looked at the ordinance for Princeton because it was recently passed over there. And so, essentially, what are they asking for over there? What are they asking for over here? And we looked at it, you have to be a part-time resident, and what does that exactly mean? And we discussed it. And because

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we're there multiple nights a week, I'm there with her um, multiple nights of the week, she's there without me. and she is a mother and she is the bread winner and um there's there's a lot of that in in this town I'm sure and all over America and there's families that

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are trying to make it work and I'm sure that Ellen would be more than happy to and any owner of any property that's looking to do short-term rentals would be happy to work with their neighborhoods and their communities and to make it something where everybody's happy. Now, I know the neighbors are talking about how this property is all

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over the internet, 65 people. Listen, I I I had a party for my daughter where I have a smaller house than Ellen does and I think we had more than 65 people there alone. I'm sure it drove my neighbors a little bit nuts. It's not required 30 cars, but you know, 65 people, yes, when you think about it, it's it's a lot, but

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but really there's there's a lot of room and and things are roomy and again, when there is rules in order, I'm sure that it's easier to uh maintain that. And as a property owner, as a business owner, the last thing that you want to do is shoot yourself in the foot by affecting your neighborhood. Ellen's very, very

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aware of that. [clears throat] And when a concern comes up, for her, it's very important to address it immediately. So, um, I know something that I spoke to her about is possibly getting together with the neighbors or possibly being involved with this board because she has experience with this. Um, she is very

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involved in the community and I'm sure she'd be happy to participate and to address her neighbors concerns. the fact that it is such an available property. As our neighbors have stated, we're there often. We see you guys when we're hiking. We we you know, we drive out of the way when you're walking and walking

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the dogs and then I know I see some of your the neighbors and I don't know if you recognize me or not, but you know, um there's there's ways to speak to people if it is so globally available. There's email. There's there's there's a lot of different ways to contact the owner to mention these issues. When

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Ellen was hearing this, her reaction was genuine. She was upset. She was shocked. She did not want to have this happen. I'm sure that anybody that is in a business that is doing a short-term rental that invests money into their properties wants to ensure that the neighborhood that they're in is happy to have them there. So, when looking at

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this [clears throat] as the stakeholders, which this gentleman mentioned, the property owner is certainly a stakeholder and the guests are stakeholders. If the guests are not holding up to their end of the bargain, which is to make sure that the neighbors are happy and the neighbors are uh their needs are addressed, then then the

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property then the uh the guests need to be informed and the guests need to be taken care of. And I see that having a person that's available 24 hours, I think it's a great idea. Again, there's a lot of great things I think in this ordinance and I think that um business owners are always looking to stay within the rules and to keep everybody happy

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because the neighborhood is where we get our business. Um, please to the neighbors, uh, we're here. If anybody'd like to speak, I'm sure Ellen is available. Maybe not today. I I know some of you guys are upset. Uh, I promise you there was nothing personal.

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Um, this is just a person trying to make it. This is the first time Ellen has heard of of these complaints. And that is a problem, uh, on her part. And I'm sure that in this bill, that's a great thing. That's a great option for neighbors to have a way to to communicate with the owners to ensure

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that this doesn't happen because I'm sure if this would have been addressed when it was a small baby problem, it would not have grown to a big problem. And and to be in front of uh you fine people here today. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. >> I too am not from Copper Mine Road. Give you guys a break. Uh good evening, Mayor

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Kramer. Uh members of the council, uh my name is Aaron Epstein. I'm a recovering attorney. Uh and I currently serve as chief operating officer of Fresh Grow. Uh it's cannabis and cultivation and manufacturing facility at 15 World's

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Fair Drive in Franklin Township. Uh I want to begin with the people uh because they're the reason I'm standing here. Uh the men and women who work at this facility are your neighbors. uh they are by design and not by accident a

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diverse workforce and because when we built this company we decided that's the type of company we wanted to be. We signed a labor peace agreement and later this year it will be a unionized workforce and we give back to the community. Nobody forces us to do that.

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We do it because that's the way we choose to build our life's work. And we did it here because Franklin welcomed us. We came and we bet everything on that invitation. I want to be honest uh with the council of what that cost. This company today

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carries more than $20 million in debt. Every dollar was borrowed against a promise that if we built here in Franklin, hired here and paid what the township asked, we would be permitted to grow without penalty. And this is a

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punishing industry. Margins are thin and getting thinner. Cannabis businesses are closing all over the state. There is no cushion. We are not a large corporation that's publicly traded absorbing a line item. We are people who are trying to finish what we started. So let me tell

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you plainly what we already pay. In the last 12 months, Fresh Grow has paid this township $150,77. Not property taxes, not permit fees. We pay those too like every other business in Franklin. That figure is the cannabis

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transfer tax alone. 2% of everything we sell at the maximum rate the state of New Jersey is willing is allows you to charge us. And understand what that means. In New Jersey, a town may not collect retail taxes.

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That money goes to Trenton. to the tavern down the road, the liquor store, the pharmacy, the warehouse, the manufacturing plant. Franklin clicks nothing from their sales. The law forbids it. Cannabis is a single exception. We are the only industry of the township that hands you a share of

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everything we earn. Now, consider this. Fresh Grow is a tier three cultivator. The state of New Jersey charges us $20,000 a year for that license. And for that money, Cannabis Regulatory Commission investigates our owners, inspects our facilities regularly, audits every gram we grow, tests our

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products, reviews our security, and enforces the laws against us. And I ask you respect, and Franklin Township proposes to charge us the very same $20,000. >> And I ask you respectfully for what? >> I have read tonight's agenda packet. True.

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>> All 200 I look through it, all 280 pages. and the open space acquisitions uh section came with maps, appraisals, figures calculated to the dollar. This ordinance, the cannabis ordinance that's now pulled that takes money directly from us came with a single page. There's

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no cost study in it. There's no fiscal analysis, no accounting of what the township actually plans to spend to regulate us. Not one page. And a license fee must bear a reasonable relationship to the cost of regulation.

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That is not my opinion. That is the law. And I want to be careful here because I'm not going to tell you that $20,000 is going to close our doors. It will not. But $20,000 is not an abstraction either. It's somebody's hours. It's a raise we hope to give this year. It's a

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cont It's a charitable contribution that we might not be able to make. And it's a signal to us and to everyone watching in this room about whether a business that does whether a business that does what the township asks can rely on what the township promised. We're not asking to

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be excused from paying our share. We already pay more than anyone else in this room. We're ask that it be reasonable and we ask that it be calculated. Regulation should pay for regulation. It should not become a way to raise general revenue from a handful of businesses simply because their

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licenses make them easy to target. We ask you to carry the the ordinance to another meeting. Sit down with us who will act who actually pay these taxes these taxes and these fees. Show us the numbers. Show us how you reached it and work out something that's fair and that

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we will pay it just like we always have. We kept our promise to Franklin. We're asking you to keep faith in us. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? Anyone else wishing to speak? No. >> Good evening, council. My name is Trent

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Brinkovski of 390 Remson Avenue, New Brunswick. Um, I'm the co-founder and president of Blue Harvest. We are a uh cannabis business micro cultivator. Um the gentleman who just spoke is in the

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same industry. Um he mentioned something that I found interesting. He said $20,000 would not close our doors. Um for a micro business that I operate, $20,000 could be a significant impact towards closing our doors because of our

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scale. Um, a micro business is intentionally created or was intentionally created by the state of New Jersey to encourage local people to get involved in the industry who might not have the type of capital that larger corporations and companies tend to have.

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Um, we took advantage of that, me and my brother, um, who are actually from Franklin Township. Um, I still remember Councilman Wright calling my games. Pop Warner, um, you probably remember me. Um, so you know, I grew up in this town. I went to McAfee Road School. I went to

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Franklin Middle School. Um, and it's been a dream and a blessing to um, be able to operate a business in this town and start a business in this town. Um, and so, you know, when I looked at the article about the new ordinance coming out, first of all, I want to commend you

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guys on the original ordinance because, um, you know, compared to a lot of the state, it was actually very lenient and very encouraging to people to get involved. Um, I think there's some downside to that too because there's a lot of retailers who operate here. Um, and so just by supply and demand, um,

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some of them are struggling. Um, I can tell you that we sell to dispensaries across the state. Um, I do business with maybe one to two stores in Franklin, uh, simply because we produce uh, a craft product. It's small batch. It's three people working on it. Um, with, you

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know, it it's our our daily lives. we live in in the grow and we produce a premium product and so we carry a higher price point because of that. Um and so certain stores in town can't even carry us because it's just not feasible financially. Um, so I guess my point is

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that um, you know, I'm not asking you guys to reconsider fees altogether because I understand that, you know, it is a unique business and you are required to, um, do different things than you typically would to enforce things. Um, but what

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I'm asking for is something that's not just a blanket fee across all cultivators in town. Um, I have a sheet here from the state um that lists those fees and the state had >> I don't mean to interrupt. I usually

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don't. Did you read the current ordinance that's proposed to be introduced tonight? >> Uh, >> it's over there on the counter. >> Okay. >> You might want from the original ordinance. >> It's changed dramatically as far as fees are concerned. >> Um, in particular as it relates to your

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type of business. that you might want to [laughter] >> I don't want to interrupt, but you're you're going down a ways that you don't need to. >> $500 >> for a micro business. >> Yes. All micro businesses are at $500. >> Okay. >> How's that sound?

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>> That shuts me up. So, I I appreciate that. [laughter] >> Well, I wasn't looking to shut you up, but I thank you for bringing that up, Mr. Manager and Mayor. I your your your email was shared with me and I rewrote the entire ordinance since the last council meeting in particular as it relates to

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>> fees. I will sit down. I appreciate it. No, I mean but but honestly though I do appreciate um just the original ability to participate in the industry because you know like I said I grew up here. Um my mom still on lives on Tamarak Road so my family's own a house here for over 30

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years and it's been a dream come true for me to be able to run a business here. Um, so a lot of towns are still opted out and so, uh, we do appreciate you guys for allowing us the opportunity and, um, we'll continue to do our best to, you know, give back to the community with the ability to be a profitable

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business and sustainable. >> Your email struck a lot of council members. We It made sense. It was well written. >> We We do listen and we listen specifically to you this time >> and it created their employees some work. [laughter]

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>> Well, forgive me for not reading it. I uh, >> that's okay. I spend over 60 I'm there 7 days a week, 60 plus hours. Um I was just came from transplanting a bunch of plants, so you know, I'm a little bit uh forgive me on that, but I appreciate it. >> Can you help me with the caterpillars on

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my eggplant? [laughter] Anyone else wishing to speak? Seeing no one, I ask for unanimous consent um to close public session without objection. Hold on, Mr. Fornlocker. I know. >> No, I'm not going anywhere. I'm just

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moving stuff out of the way. Mayor, >> Mr. Renown had a couple of things he wanted to say. >> No, I I I have a feeling that Mr. um Born Locker and I are going to say pretty much the same thing. >> I think so. >> Um so, let me take a stab at it, Bob, and then you go from there. So, the short-term rental ordinance is going to

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solve your problem. Um, there are other ordinances that are also on the books. For instance, you can't operate a business in a residential zone. Those are those are already on the books for zoning ordinances. There there are uh there's a noise nuisance ordinance that covers all of those things. Um, from

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what I now gather from having heard all the neighbors and heard the operator, um, the rental of this business for the week of this dwelling for the weekend will be prohibited by this ordinance period. >> Correct. So, so that that I think that I think that ultimately ends your problem.

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Um, and that's >> So, ma'am, you can't >> I can't do that this way, but I but I'll tell you. So, the way ordinances work is that they get introduced at this meeting. At the next meeting, they will be um they'll be adopted and then they take they take

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>> vote on whether we shall adopt it or not. >> Yeah. Correct. at the next meeting, if it's adopted, it'll be adopted at the next meeting, and there will be a 20-day period after it's published before it's effective. Um, though, you know, I I think that probably what you're going to hear from

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Mr. Vornocker is a lot of the things that you're complaining about are probably already legal. So, I mean, this puts [clears throat] the final the final kind of nail in it. But, >> thank you very much for your >> Thank you. So, so Mr. Mayor, go ahead. Yes.

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>> Before that, Mr. were known there was some issues about council overseeing another a particular council member. Are were any of the and I'm asking sincerely are any of those things our responsibility?

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>> No sir, they're not. If somebody I mean there's ways to file a complaints if somebody believes that somebody's not a resident of of the town but the council doesn't have any authority to remove a council member. >> And I'll ask Mr. Borlocker. >> Yes. Has Mr. Wright been treated any

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differently? >> Absolutely not. And and I I'd also just like to make a ask a question of our our township attorney because I believe this to be true. Um based on Daniel's law, um the disclosure of home addresses of

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elected officials is no longer required. And in fact, their home addresses are protected under Daniel's law. >> They are. And so [snorts] it would be inappropriate to disclose the councilman's address other than to say that if he's registered to vote in the

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fourth ward, then he would be a resident of the fourth ward. >> Correct. >> Thank you. >> So, >> all right. Why don't you have >> I have lots of other things to talk about. You tell me if you want me to talk. Mayor, >> do you talk about the things that you can cover and I'll cover with

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>> So, the one the one thing that I'd like to talk about first, >> I think Mr. right wants to address his right of personal privilege. >> You certainly may talk first, m Councilman Wright, I don't mind waiting. >> Okay. Got a couple things here. Let's

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drop them out right quick and I can bring them out. I will dispense with them. First of all, Mr. Walker, I love you, but did you tell everybody in the room that you ran against me? now running against me. You

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need to be transparent when you come to the microphone and say, "Hey, I ran against Carl and people need to know that." So, that out the way. Here we go.

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Almost two years ago, I was way out of way down in Baltimore. Water pipes broke in my house and destroyed everything in my house. I lost

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a towel in the kitchen. I lost the carpet in the living room. I lost the carpet in the basement. The lumonium rolled up. I was I was hot. I lost the electricity in my house

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because the water rose so it covered the outlets. So right away I was gone with electricity. Think you should know that. Now

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two dumpsters worth of my house was removed. two dumpsters of my house was removed and one of them was a couch that my wife just bought and

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she just loved that couch. Unfortunately, I left the couch downstairs because I didn't take the couch from upstairs. So, the bottom of the couch is a different color because the couch was gray. Slight gray

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I want to say, but it was lost on the bottom. But it is what it is. I was going to tell you where I live, but let's just say I can walk there in five minutes.

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So that being the case, I can walk there in five minutes, which means I still live in my district and I still get to vote there. And yes, my water is cut off because obviously if you have blown pipes, you can't keep the water going in. And by

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the way, in replacing the pipes, uh, one downstairs and one upstairs, I'm using a new type of pipe. that I saw on TV and I'm trying it out

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to see if it works. Now, I do need inspection by the township for the plumbing. I don't know what it cost me because I haven't finished it yet. So, I'm going to use that. It's going to cost me a couple. What's the plumbing inspection or

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>> it? It's based on the cost of your project, Councilman. >> And and it won't be done in Franklin just for the record. and it won't be done in Franklin because it's a conflict of interest and all council members permits get transferred to another town. >> In case anybody's going to ask that question, >> there you have it. >> Like any other council, [clears throat]

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>> keep on going down the line. >> I built 139 Fuller Street with my hand. I know every stud. I know where every nail that's in that sheetrock. I know

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where every piece of plumbing. And believe it or not, at that time I wired my house for satellite. Go figure. No satellite. Uh the shower downstairs because I have two

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and a half bath. The ceiling fell so that all that water went into the shower. And this one particular piece of wood ran across the glass

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shower door and broke it. So hence I can't take a shower there, but I can go to my in-laws house and take a shower at night. That's what I can do. Now, I also lost

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a Bose system and speakers worth $5,000. I want to repeat that. $5,000 with a flat screen. So, when the water came down, it dropped right behind the flat screen and went down on the stereo.

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>> So, that was destroyed. >> Can't get it back. >> Something. Well, I do because I have your shirt. >> Don't listen to me. I think I'm trying to cut him out. >> The speed of the rehab that I'm going to do for my house is not for the speed of

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anybody. >> I don't care who you are. I do not and I will [clears throat] not spend money that I don't have. So, if you would like to donate some money to my cause, step up. I can use the money.

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>> Okay. Oh, >> and thank you for what you did. >> Don't leave. >> Yeah. [laughter] No idea. >> So, so when you want to come out >> and you want to say Carl Wright doesn't live there, >> I'm going to something.

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>> Carl Wright lives at 139 Full Street. You may not see a car parked outside cuz I don't drive. >> The train. I take the Uber. I don't drive. >> My wife drives.

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Now, one more thing I have to say. >> I lost three trees in my backyard. >> And thank God I didn't have the guy come >> and cut the stuff that I did bring down because that have been two separate charges

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>> for cutting down trees. Damn shame. Now, once again, if you want to donate money to my cause, come on down to my house and donate. Oh, and by the way, the plumbing and the electricity have to

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be inspected. So, as our counselor said, it will be done by somebody else, some other district town, because you can't do my house twice. The dumpsters that I removed were

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expensive and they come right across from I think it's Metro Waste, which is right across 27. And they didn't have to charge me to bring it because they charge you wherever it's located. I I forgot how it's done, but I had two.

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>> These are >> I had two cards on my pocket. >> They were one of them mine. They belong to my in-laws and my sister-in-law. And by the way, in-laws live here, sister lives here, fence in between. So you can

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see how you can get between two houses. So what I did was it cost me $300 to remove the cars. My wife received $500 a car, which means

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that for two cars, net proceeds $700. Uh, let me see. Did I forget anything else just for you? Let me check. Oh, at night I bring water. So, when you

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go to my house, you'll find bottles, the little jug, gallon jugs of water. Carl, what do you use that gallon jug of water for? Well, I'll tell you. Drinking and going to the bathroom. You got to flush the toilet.

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So, I bring the water every day. It cost me some money, but I bring the water to flush the toilet. Okay. I haven't trickled outside in the house.

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Um, so once again, I will not be threatened. I will not be moved. My house at 139 Fuller Street will be completed when I damn well pleased to have it completed.

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So you can walk around here. You can talk about where I live. I really don't care. I vote in the same district that I voted for 35 years. Go check the record. 35 years. You can't

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beat that. Now, Miss Amarie will tell you I probably did forget to fill out that form, but it wouldn't come from what? Would it come from uh which Raven's last name? Mr. Bo Locker? >> Williams. >> Williams.

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>> Microphone, please. >> It comes for our our municipal clerk, Miss Amarie. That's who I get the form from. And if I blew it, damn it, I blew it. It'll get done. Cost me $100. Didn't get done.

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>> Um, anything else that you can think of that you would like to ask me about? >> Excuse Excuse me, Mr. Wright. The a Mr. Wright. Excuse me one second. The audience will please be quiet. >> Thank you. Go continue. Miss No, ma'am. No.

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>> Go ahead, Mr. Wright. If you have anything you want to know about 139 Fuller Street, I am here. I'll be out that back door and you can ask. Now, one quick question about my constituents

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because now you're making me mad. >> Oh, yay. >> People come by and what I used to do is stand in front of the stop shop on Veronica Avenue, but they closed. And I used to stand in front with council shirt on and

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everything and ask people what they like about Franklin and what they didn't like about Franklin. And I tell you what happened last Friday for the 4th of July. I walked around through all the little

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encampments and I said, "Hey, I'm Carl Wright. What do you like and what don't you like in Franklin Township?" So, I don't know when I asked what words you lived in and all that kind of good

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stuff, but I I I am almost close. And y'all might want them on your block, too. Speed humps. I'm almost close because they can spend money and do everything like that. do

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all that beautiful thing. What? I've done five things in this town. Brick and mortar in this town. So, I don't know what you're doing. You

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haven't been following up with me. So, there you have it. Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry about blowing off a little bit of your time, but since I'm here, I have nothing to report for my committee. Um,

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>> okay, we will skip you in council comments then. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Borlocker. >> Okay, so I have a long list of things here. Unfortunately, I need to take some time to answer them. >> Yes, you will do. >> Um, so as far as the convenience center,

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we'll start there. Um the ability to pay with credit cards is part of an overall project to um replace our current website with a new website. The anticipated time frame is we we hope to have everything online to include um not

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only convenience center but credit card payments for a number of things by the end of the year. That that's our time frame right now. and and as far as expanding hours within the convenience center um for budgetary reasons and I'm sure you've been along the ride for our

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budget process uh additional hours were not included in the in the convenience center but as I said that'll be a consideration moving forward in in 2027 um to try to expand hours where it can be done I've talked to the public works

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manager about um the uh the possibility of of opening up for additional Saturdays and we're still trying to work through that possibility for this year if we can squeeze the money out of the overtime budget. Um we're only in July

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so that probably won't happen until later in the fall when we have a better idea of where we stand overtime wise. Um hopefully we have no major storms any more major storms. Um and then we don't have to spend a lot of overtime in the public works department. So that's that.

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as far as development by neighboring towns. So I I would respectfully refer to the state of New Jersey as a home rule state and that generally means that each individual municipality is like an island unto itself as far as its

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planning and zoning. We it's in a unique position as far as the the New Brunswick uh project that I know Councilman Bastinella had conversations with you about. um not only is it in a different municipality, but it's in a different county because large projects like that

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would would be reviewed by the county planning board, but they're a different county. So there's there's not even that crossover within a municipality, say if it was Hillsboro and Franklin in in the shared Somerset County Planning Board. Um, so what what we hope to to happen in

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cases like that is that they follow the same kind of rigorous standards that we follow as far as approval for development. What I can tell you is that New Brunswick does. So that's why you see all of the things that we would have required of an applicant for

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development, New Brunswick's planning department required as well. and that their process was very similar to what would have taken place here. So, so that I hope answers that question. Now, to the to the Copper Mine Road group,

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um, and and it and I will tell you all as a as a very lovely group, I can all look at you all in one place is that this was not written for Copper Mine Road. Okay? In in in all fairness, this this ordinance was discussed probably

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two years ago, maybe longer, as a possibility, again, not related to Copper Mine Road, but really what brought it to the forefront was Miss Inman and her concerns over a property renting the pool in the backyard of a neighboring house to her. And this is

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also, this ordinance also covers the prohibition against that. And so I took it upon myself to bring to the administration committee of council and the land use committee of council um my thought that we should then take this

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and really do a comprehensive ordinance as it related to short-term rentals. And so that product of my work is what you see in that um ordinance that will be introduced tonight. To answer some of your questions, and I think the c the the township attorney did already, its

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use as a venue is prohibited under the ordinances that previous are previously were on the books. So that's not something new. And I I'm going to go a little bit further with this. Okay. as far as noise. Okay, let me just bring

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the ordinance up here for myself. Under 315-3, um I believe it's 315-3F. Uh let me just get there. Transient occupants of the short-term rental property shall comply with all ordinances of the township of Franklin,

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including but not limited to those ordinances regulating noise and nuisance conduct. Failure of transient occupants and now the definition of transient occupants is not only those who rent it, but their guests as well. Um, the transient occupants to comply shall

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subject the transient occupants, the owner, and any short-term rental agent or responsible party named in the short-term rental application to the issuance of fines and/or penalties and the possibility of revocation or suspension of the short-term rental uh

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property permit. So, that that's when you talk about a party that that kind of talks about the behavior at a party. As far as um parking, the definition of parking in the

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definitions is important because someone talked about clay and hard pan and yards. Well, parking, off- streetet parking, a storage area for a motor vehicle that is directly accessible to an aisle or driveway and does not utilize any portion of a public rideway.

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Off street parking shall not include any grass or dirt area of the property and shall only include indoor garage parking if it is made available to the transient occupant for parking. Each vehicle parking area shall be a minimum of 9 ft

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wide by 18 ft long. That th that definition and those dimensions come directly from the residential site improvement standards of the state of New Jersey and that defines a parking space. So if the that it that number of

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available parking spaces would have to be included in the annual application for a short-term rental permit and the number that would be required um as far as occupancy is concerned

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under 315 dash uh maximum occupancy 315-9. It shall be unlawful for any person, including the transient occupant, owner, or agent, to allow a greater number of persons than the posted maximum number

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of occupants to sleep in or occupy short-term rental properties to include all outdoor areas pursuant to uh municipal code 183-22. 183-22 in the township code is our

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property maintenance ordinance and in it it defines the maximum number of occupants in a residential dwelling and it's done by the square footage of the residents of those areas that are other than things like kitchens and bathrooms.

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So, for instance, if this were a 3,000 ft house and 1,000 square ft² was taken up by hallways and kitchens and bathrooms, that leaves 2,000 square ft. And it's roughly 150 square ft for the

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first occupant and 100 square ft for the the every other occupant thereafter. So, that would probably put it at somewhere around 19 or 20 people maximum on the property as a short-term rental at any given time. Um, I I think what's a and

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and I will tell you that part of my >> quite a bit my my well what part of my research and this is where I and not not to call anyone out here, but I don't know who Bobby is, but 60 Copper Road is listed as hosted by Bobby. >> My ex-husband.

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>> Okay, that's fine. Well, your ex-husband listed on Booking.com and it's located within a short distance to downtown Princeton. This luxury villa is available to rent for private events and group wellness retreats. Sleeps 12

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to 14 people, private events up to 75, kickbacks and and relax in the calm, stylish space. This is a an active listing for your property. And it was one of the things that caused me concern because the property had been brought to my attention on a number of occasions by

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both the zoning department and the police department. And um so it it was in fact one of the properties that I looked at as it related to short-term rentals. Now I I think I've covered everything.

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The only thing I think I haven't covered was Doc's mention of an internet party. This also prohibits any rental of a property for less than an overnight stay and it

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also prohibits the subleasasing of a residential property that's rented as we'll say as an Airbnb and admission charge to others to attend that. So, if that's what took place, it would be a violation in your neighborhood as well.

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And my last comment on this is police departments are there for you to call when there is a violation. It is not a bother. It is not a nuisance. That's why we pay them a great amount of money to go ride around in those pretty

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police cars in their nice shiny uniforms. And and I get to say this sometimes. All right. That's their job. >> So if there is a violation of the law, if there is a disturbance in your neighborhood, that is their job to

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respond and deal with the nuisance. Just like if this ordinance is adopted and people have short-term rentals, which we we understand why people do, and there's a lot of good reasons for people to have their homes available for short-term

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rentals. If there's a violation, the only way that this ordinance is effective is if people call and report the violation. So, I that's it. and and it's not intended to stop people from having

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them. It's intended to regulate them and ensure that they don't disturb the peace and tranquility of a neighborhood. And that's the goal of it all. And I think that everyone can work together to get that done here. And I think if you'd like me to address

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cannabis, Mr. Mayor, I can do that, too. >> Go ahead. So, as far as the cannabis ordinance is concerned, so we we drafted an ordinance and and to be fair, I I don't know that there was a tremendous >> Why don't we We're going to be covering that later. Why don't

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>> Well, you will, but I'm answering the residents the the business owner's question. If you want to answer it, then I don't know that it's going to be a direct answer. >> Well, I think >> you're assuming that that's what >> I think they will probably hang around the two people that >> I think that you're assuming that that's what will to be done and that's fine.

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>> That's okay. Good. That's not facts, not evidence, but I'll >> council comments. Mr. Oni Jaka. >> Oh, mayor, he asked me to go first if that's okay. Caught me off guard, but that's fine. Uh, administration committee meeting we had. Um, a lot of

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it has to do with these two ordinances, and I'm the junior member of that committee, so I'm let everyone else speak about that. But we have been extremely extremely busy, not just with these two ordinances, but with a lot of stuff. and I'm and I'm uh enjoying my work on that committee by the way and

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appreciate my colleagues efforts. Um proclamations tonight. I won't go over them. Congratulations to everybody, especially our police department. Um, the whole department earned that award, but I've been doing this stuff a long

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time and I'm going to suggest that uh, Director Frederick's is one of the most humble, focused, qualified law enforcement leaders I've ever met or worked with. Um, but congratulations to everyone because it's the entire force

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that earned it. Um, Miss Davis asked a few questions before. You know, I always wondered why there wasn't a formal process. Uh, and this is interest getting me intrigued to try to create see where it could go. But where

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neighboring municipalities whether they're on the county border or the same county don't have some even informal process by which I mean if it's within 200 feet they have to send a notice and all that but uh often there's things that border

439
02:09:01.280 --> 02:09:16.800
or closely border that we don't know about. I'm not going to go into instances but over the years. So Mr. Roy Locker was absolutely right the way he discussed it but I'm wondering if even so it's not law maybe there's a way um I have no idea how but maybe a way that we

440
02:09:16.800 --> 02:09:32.719
can develop some kind of communication system so at least people are aware because I know I talk to my constituents about anything I think will affect them but you know we [clears throat] can't monitor all the boards of every town around us um or at least not individually but maybe we can come up

441
02:09:32.719 --> 02:09:49.920
with some kind of program that does um I want to uh express my uh whatever you want to call it. I had no idea of the hardships uh the last two years, Councilman Wright, and I'm truly sorry to hear about those. We work together, all of us. We see each other

442
02:09:49.920 --> 02:10:05.840
around events, but often still have no idea about uh um the highs and lows of our personal lives. So again, so sorry to hear about that. Um I went to two events recently and um one being the

443
02:10:05.840 --> 02:10:23.520
fireworks which I guess some other people talk about but also we had a reading of the Declaration of Independence and um I have to catch it. I'm not sure where it was broadcast, but it was pretty interesting. And I I want to point out that um although Bob Lort,

444
02:10:23.520 --> 02:10:39.920
who often gets praised and deserves it all, uh the committee and basically the 250 as you see it roll out in this town this year into next year would not have happened without the leadership of uh our mayor, Mr. Kramer. So, uh, I know

445
02:10:39.920 --> 02:10:56.239
he's a history buff, but also, uh, saw this as a opportunity for the community to, um, appreciate not just Franklin history, which is deep in revolutionary times, but the entire, um, you know, the entire country. So, I just wanted to

446
02:10:56.239 --> 02:11:11.679
thank the mayor for that. And I know we have a lot of other things, so I'll save the rest of my stuff for uh, future meeting. >> Can I come in, mayor? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. The HRC meeting will be on July 22nd by 7:00 a.m. in the large

447
02:11:11.679 --> 02:11:27.520
conference room in this municipal building. The newly appointed Superintendent of Education, Dr. Jamal Maron has been invited to give a presentation

448
02:11:27.520 --> 02:11:43.440
on that day. I also congratulate the entire HRC because I was president and I've been with them for a while especially Edna and I'm happy that the banner project has been approved this night. She has

449
02:11:43.440 --> 02:12:00.400
been working on this project for a while and I'm happy with that too. Mayor, that is what I have this night. >> Thank you Miss Francois. >> I have no comments Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you Mr. embarrass.

450
02:12:00.400 --> 02:12:16.239
>> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. [clears throat] So, just a quick announcement on the 19th Sunday, we have free screening of the uh World Cup soccer final at this at the high school auditorium. Um so, you

451
02:12:16.239 --> 02:12:33.040
do have to register. Uh so, please do that on the website and come and enjoy. Uh there's going to be concession stand open. uh the funding uh whatever they sell goes to the athletes of uh >> right the booster club >> booster club uh so please come and uh

452
02:12:33.040 --> 02:12:49.679
join us it'll be a lot of fun uh climate controlled auditorium um we invite every one of you u secondly on the sports front uh congratulations to uh Franklin Township Baseball League

453
02:12:49.679 --> 02:13:05.599
uh 1618 Warriors they have won our regional tournament and they are going to the 2026 Babe Ruth World Series in Branson Mousari. Uh so this is a uh repeat

454
02:13:05.599 --> 02:13:21.440
performance. I think this is the second appearance on the World Series in four years. Um the last time they appeared in World Series, I was there as as a moral supporter. Uh so uh they beat when I got

455
02:13:21.440 --> 02:13:38.639
there they were losing to Mexico. I brought them luck and they beat them at the end. Uh so that was uh I take credit for that. Uh anyway [laughter] so but I don't know whether I can go to their game this year but we wish them

456
02:13:38.639 --> 02:13:56.480
good luck. Um but more importantly [clears throat] the these kids uh are looking for support from the township to uh partially fund their travel and um you know stay large experience

457
02:13:56.480 --> 02:14:12.000
uh in Branson. They have put up a GoFundMe page um to uh to raise money. Uh if you can, please uh do what you can uh to support our youngsters. Go to World Series. I think they're looking

458
02:14:12.000 --> 02:14:29.599
for $40,000. As of now, I think they have uh uh reached about $3,000. I made a donation uh a small donation. So, I encourage all of our township people to uh open your wallet and support our uh youth baseball

459
02:14:29.599 --> 02:14:46.480
league players. Um other than that um the sewage authority uh I I sit there on the board uh we had interviewed um for a new operations manager. So we have a uh we were fortunate to find a local uh

460
02:14:46.480 --> 02:15:03.520
gentleman who uh uh is also a fire chief uh um who who's going to be joining us. He's going to leave uh his current job and he's going to join us. He's got 30 plus years of experience and um he started at Franklin Suridge Authority

461
02:15:03.520 --> 02:15:19.679
many many years ago 25 years ago. So he's coming back so we are fortunate to have him. That's all I have made for now. >> Thank you Miss Sudin. >> Thank you. Good evening. Uh most of my updates have already been spoken of. So

462
02:15:19.679 --> 02:15:35.599
um definitely looking forward for the soccer championship um game on the 19th. Um we just had a very big celebration over our Saturday. Um the Eid festival though Eid happened on May 22nd. Um it was a little bit delayed due to all the

463
02:15:35.599 --> 02:15:51.520
programs that we had with the school graduation and prom and all that other stuff that we have. The senior centers like fully booked. Um so we had a a a great um time with the residents. We met with new old residents, similar faces. was just a community outreach of folks

464
02:15:51.520 --> 02:16:07.040
coming together and discussing how wonderful Franklin Township is and just enjoying a great time over food. Um so it's always nice to have uh events like that that we can offer to our um residents. Um I did want to remind folks

465
02:16:07.040 --> 02:16:22.320
once again um one of our residents um Doc um Cunningham mentioned about the Civic 250. I will be there on Thursday. I have registered and I look forward to hearing from our students on some of their ideas and the solutions that they

466
02:16:22.320 --> 02:16:38.800
have specifically what's going on in locally um local issues in town. So um just excited to uh work with them and see what they come up with and if there's anything that we can bring back to council. Um definitely want to provide those feedback to to my um

467
02:16:38.800 --> 02:16:55.840
peers. Um, also discussing about Doc, I just I didn't even know he's a a publisher and a producer. So, he had a book that's being was has it been I don't know if it's been released or if he got if I got the first cut of it. It's called Public Good Sense. We actually have a lot of um authors and

468
02:16:55.840 --> 02:17:12.800
publishers in town. Um, I have met about a few of them already and I've told everyone make sure that your book is in the Franklin Township Library. That is where all of our residents go. So, please make sure you put a copy out there um for folks to read. Um, one of

469
02:17:12.800 --> 02:17:27.200
the last things I do want to mention is again part of my um work to community ask and outreach um I have had a couple of the adult communities reach out already on some additional educational awareness. So, I will be um working with our Franklin Township Police Department

470
02:17:27.200 --> 02:17:43.040
on the second scam and fraud awareness at the Renaissance adult community. So at your um hotel committee um that's the next one and that will be in September followed by another one in October um at a different location. We also are

471
02:17:43.040 --> 02:17:58.719
working on um a couple of our residents got together the environmental team and we discuss about um portable solar systems. So that's an um just an educ educational presentation that will be issued out once it's finalized. We're still working out the tweaks on that and

472
02:17:58.719 --> 02:18:13.519
just making sure that we have sign offs from all the relevant departments. Um so we will have that published and um hopefully we can put up a presentation a quick one for everyone um just to go over some of the uh portable solar systems as people are starting to

473
02:18:13.519 --> 02:18:30.960
purchase them online. Um that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you uh Deputy Mayor Kurazzi. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor. I just wanted first of all to uh extend special uh thanks to everybody who uh put that

474
02:18:30.960 --> 02:18:46.160
Fourth of July firework together. That was just an amazing uh show of uh community coming together and the fireworks. So congratulation for uh a job well done. And and I also

475
02:18:46.160 --> 02:19:04.559
wanted to again recognize Mr. Kenam. Uh, I've really enjoyed his uh, speeches when he comes and talks. Very eloquent. And thanks for the book that you gave to me. Unfortunately, I'll be in Canada, so I'm going to miss the the meeting that you have, but I'm hoping that uh, to

476
02:19:04.559 --> 02:19:21.840
learn more about it, and hopefully there'll be a video so I can watch as well. Thank you so much. That's all I have, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Um, uh, oh, all right. Let me just start. Mr. Vasinella, thank you for your comments

477
02:19:21.840 --> 02:19:38.160
about Franklin 250. Uh, Doc, uh, I had an open weekend, so I invited family over. That'll be right in the middle of a dinner, so I'm sorry. And Miss Inman, we listen to you. We heard you. You talked about the pools that kicked off

478
02:19:38.160 --> 02:19:55.359
the whole thing. So, we do we do listen, Mr. Vornocker. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just one upcoming event to report on that hasn't been reported already. Uh August 4th, it's a Tuesday. We don't usually have events on Tuesday uh in the evening, but National

479
02:19:55.359 --> 02:20:09.840
Night Out is always held on the first Tuesday of August. And it will be held here in our municipal complex on Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by our police department who's gotten a lot of wonderful accolades. And I couldn't

480
02:20:09.840 --> 02:20:25.600
agree more uh with everyone who said good things about our police department today. Um, our police department will have food, music, games, vendors, uh, police building tours, and more. If you have, in particular, if you have young children that that have an interest in

481
02:20:25.600 --> 02:20:41.280
things like police cars and and what a police station looks like, [cough] bring them. Um, it's a lot of fun. Um, they get to sit in a police car and they get to see the lights and the siren. I now have a three-year-old grandson who loves

482
02:20:41.280 --> 02:20:55.680
nothing more than to see police cars and fire trucks. And this is an opportunity for young children to see it and get to meet police officers in a positive uh light and a in a positive way to understand that police officers are

483
02:20:55.680 --> 02:21:12.960
there uh for all good things and not the be afraid of police officers. So um if you can bring your kids out to National Night Out, that's fantastic. And the police department would love to have you. Um unlike fireworks, no rain. So if it rains, let's hope it doesn't rain.

484
02:21:12.960 --> 02:21:27.920
Let's just say that. >> What time? >> It starts at 6:00 p.m. and it runs till 8:30 p.m. Council uh Deputy Mayor. And that's all I have, Mr. Mayor. >> When? August 4th. >> August 4th, Tuesday.

485
02:21:27.920 --> 02:21:44.960
>> All right. Thank you. Um, one other announcement is this is July. We have only one council meeting in July. So, if you come here two weeks from now, you will be alone. >> [laughter] >> No, you won't get in >> with other people locked out of the

486
02:21:44.960 --> 02:22:03.359
building. >> Um, >> you will not be granted access. >> It's time for approval of the minutes. I present the following minutes to the township council for their approval of the work session regular meeting of and executive session of June 23rd, 2026.

487
02:22:03.359 --> 02:22:20.319
So, we have a motion on the minutes. >> So, move >> seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any comments, corrections? Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi.

488
02:22:20.319 --> 02:22:39.680
>> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Time to pay the bills. Warrants in the amount of $4,793,9884 on July 14th. represents to the township

489
02:22:39.680 --> 02:22:55.840
council for payment. Do we have a motion and a second on the uh warrants? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Anyone would like to pull an item? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes.

490
02:22:55.840 --> 02:23:12.319
>> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oniaka. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasanella. Councilman Wright. >> Yes. Next item is item number 13, public hearing and adoption ordinance on second

491
02:23:12.319 --> 02:23:28.960
reading. First reading is when we announce to the world that we are going to uh consider an ordinance and if it gets by the first reading then uh the second reading is when we decide to adopt it or not. [clears throat] Ordinance number 459-26,

492
02:23:28.960 --> 02:23:45.439
an ordinance amending the code of the township of Franklin County and Somerset State of New Jersey. More particularly, chapter 20, chapter 112, land development to implement various recommendations of the 2026 re-examination of the township master plan and development regulations adopted

493
02:23:45.439 --> 02:24:03.359
by the planning board on February, 2026 is presented for the public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required. I ask unanimous consent to open for public hearing. Hearing no objection, we're open for

494
02:24:03.359 --> 02:24:22.080
public hearing. Seeing no one come forward. Closing public hearing, I ask for a unanimous consent to close public hearing. Without objection, public hearing is a close is closed. We have a motion to adopt. >> So moved. >> Second. [clears throat] moved and

495
02:24:22.080 --> 02:24:36.080
seconded. This is just what it says. It's every several years we we redo our plan, our master plan, and these are some of the regulations. Things like golf courses are no longer allowed in

496
02:24:36.080 --> 02:24:54.479
the RR3 area, etc. Any other discussion, Madame Clerk? >> Councilman Embarrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. Councilman Niaka, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasinella,

497
02:24:54.479 --> 02:25:09.359
>> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Um, we are now on to ordinance 4510-26. Um, an ordinance amending the code of the township of Franklin County and Somerset, State of New Jersey, more

498
02:25:09.359 --> 02:25:25.600
particularly [clears throat] chapter 112, land development to update planning and zoning fees and escrow deposits is presented for public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required to have uh I ask for unanimous consent to open to public

499
02:25:25.600 --> 02:25:40.880
hearing on this item only. Without objection, we are open for public hearing. Seeing no one come forward ask for unanimous consent to close public hearing. Without objection, public hearing is

500
02:25:40.880 --> 02:25:56.720
closed. I ask for a motion and a second to adopt. >> So move. Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Um >> this this is as it says changing some of

501
02:25:56.720 --> 02:26:12.640
the fees to make them more in line with what other towns are doing. Um >> any other discussion on this item? >> Madam clerk. >> Councilman Barrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer.

502
02:26:12.640 --> 02:26:26.240
>> Yes. >> Councilman Onaka. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin. >> Yes. Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> The next two items have to do with land acquisition. They're on the same piece of property.

503
02:26:26.240 --> 02:26:40.960
Um, ordinance number 4513-26, an ordinance to acquire by purchase or accommodation certain lands within the township of Franklin County, Somerset, State of New Jersey for the purposes of open space preservation in the township

504
02:26:40.960 --> 02:26:59.120
of Franklin pursuant to NJSA 4A12-13A for the pro uh for the prop [snorts] pro propet property known as block 51. Y was missing known as block 508.02

505
02:26:59.120 --> 02:27:15.760
lot 11 and commonly known as 287 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, New Jersey is presented. Township presented for public hearing and final adoption. Public hearing has been noticed as required. Ask unanimous consent to open to the public. Without objection and we are

506
02:27:15.760 --> 02:27:31.120
open to the public on this item only. Seeing no one come forward, ask unanimous consent to close to the public. Without objection, uh we're closed to the public. Ask for a motion to adopt. >> So move. >> Seconded.

507
02:27:31.120 --> 02:27:48.399
>> Moved and seconded. Um this is uh as it says acquisition of land um and for preservation. And the term um condemnation has nothing to do with eminent domain. It's just a term of

508
02:27:48.399 --> 02:28:03.760
art used in these um ordinances. Any other discussion? >> I just want to say mayor, I've seen this property. I kind of keep an eye on things that go in town with real estate and I think for is it a year or two years it was on the mark for a long

509
02:28:03.760 --> 02:28:21.520
time. I always hope we can get it and uh I am very happy whatever whoever uh brought this to be where we hopefully in another minute will own this property and forever it will be preserved. Thank you. >> Any other comments?

510
02:28:21.520 --> 02:28:37.840
Madam clerk, >> Councilman Barrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> You got to, if you want to buy it, you

511
02:28:37.840 --> 02:28:54.160
got to pay for it. In ordinance number 4514-26, ordinance, sorry, capital ordinance providing for the acquisition of property known as block 508.02, 02 lot 11 is located at 287 Cedar Grove Lane in

512
02:28:54.160 --> 02:29:10.560
Somerset, New Jersey in and by the Township of Franklin, the county in Somerset, state of New Jersey, the township appropriating $5,460,000. Therefore, um the there from the open space,

513
02:29:10.560 --> 02:29:27.040
the spelling here is very difficult for me. Open space trust fund of the township of Franklin to pay for the cost thereof is presented for public hearing and final adoption. The public hearing has been noticed as required. Um do we have a motion

514
02:29:27.040 --> 02:29:43.120
or ask for unanimous consent to open to the public? >> Without objection, we're open to the public for uh public hearing on this item only. Seeing no one come forward, I ask for unanimous consent to close to the

515
02:29:43.120 --> 02:30:00.640
public. Seeing no objection. We are close to the public on this item. I'd like a motion to adopt. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Uh any discussion on purchasing paying for the property,

516
02:30:00.640 --> 02:30:16.960
>> Mr. Mayor? Yes sir. Microphone. >> Could you do one thing for the people? >> Explain to them what is open space and why do we have it? [laughter]

517
02:30:16.960 --> 02:30:35.359
>> In 25 words or less exciting exciting examples. >> So open space is land that we acquire that cannot be built upon. We could build a park there or something, but it's preserved to prevent uh development. And while it costs us money

518
02:30:35.359 --> 02:30:49.680
because it's off the tax roles, it saves us money because there's less houses we have to protect with police, with fire, and uh less kids in school. How's that? How'd I do? >> House.

519
02:30:49.680 --> 02:31:07.520
>> All right. M It's 26 words. Um now I forget where we are. Um, >> voting I think. >> Do I have a motion to adopt? Did I get a second? >> Yep. >> Okay, Madame Clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi,

520
02:31:07.520 --> 02:31:22.960
>> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> All right. Now, for what the everyone who's sitting out there is here for, ordinances on introduction and first reading. Remember there's no public

521
02:31:22.960 --> 02:31:40.479
session for this. Uh it will be if they pass first reading the ne and on on August or our August meeting >> 11th >> 11th >> 11th which says right here August 11th will be the second reading when you can

522
02:31:40.479 --> 02:31:57.359
comment. Uh, ordinance number 4515A-26, an ordinance amending the municipal code of the towns of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey, resending chapter 20, chapter 92 cannabis in its entirety and replacing it with a new

523
02:31:57.359 --> 02:32:13.120
chapter 22 cannabis. Um, the foregoing ordinance is presented to township council for adoption, first reading and posting, publication, an ordinance with law and public hearing and final adoption at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday,

524
02:32:13.120 --> 02:32:29.359
August 11th, 2026 at 7 p.m. Township in the council chambers. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> So moved. Mayor, may may I ask that the motion to introduce be a motion to introduce this ordinance and to substitute it for the

525
02:32:29.359 --> 02:32:46.080
prior ordinance so that we just deal with that procedurally? >> Um, so we're sending it as it says here is not sufficient. >> No, because remember the other ordinance we has has ex almost exactly the same title. >> Um, and just the body is different. And

526
02:32:46.080 --> 02:33:02.960
if you'll notice that on your um on your agenda, it's listed as 4515A. I'm assuming the other ordinance is 4515. >> Yeah. >> Am I doing it? Okay. So, I would ask that this uh that the motion be to introduce >> this ordinance on first reading and

527
02:33:02.960 --> 02:33:18.960
substitute it for the prior ordinance so that we can just get that ordinance procedurally off the off the books because otherwise it would technically still be pending. >> So, do you want a reward of the motion? Yeah, it's just in a motion to introduce and to substitute for the prior ordinance. >> I uh

528
02:33:18.960 --> 02:33:33.760
>> you can say so move >> motion. Oh, [laughter] I motion to move the ordinance in replacement of the other ordinance as our attorney had just described. Thank you. >> Second move then seconded. Any other discussion? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

529
02:33:33.760 --> 02:33:50.319
>> So, if [clears throat] I have some comments u Yes, mayor. >> Go ahead. >> So, first of all, [clears throat] excuse me. Uh so I want to compliment the township manager uh for very quickly uh revising the original ordinance which uh

530
02:33:50.319 --> 02:34:08.960
uh was uh not um in my opinion in many of our opinion wasn't uh very well done at the time. Uh so uh thank you for doing this. Um I think it's much more uh I think palatable to the business

531
02:34:08.960 --> 02:34:26.880
owners in town. um including the micro u business cultivator that you you know that you had raised uh an issue that's what we prompted us to go and uh redo this ordinance um and I've heard uh from

532
02:34:26.880 --> 02:34:43.359
another grower as well um the larger grower so I'm kind of uh I went through some more analysis township manager helped me with more data. Um, so what he

533
02:34:43.359 --> 02:34:58.319
did was I think he took the state mandated fees or the state license fees and halfed them and proposed them here and I kind of went and asked for some more data from our neighboring towns. So

534
02:34:58.319 --> 02:35:17.439
which he provided me. Um so to make the long story short um I'm proposing a minor [clears throat] adjustment on the tiers um com in terms of collapsing some of the tiers and um

535
02:35:17.439 --> 02:35:35.120
reducing some of the fees uh not a whole lot a few of them um and see whether that would be uh acceptable to our colleagues here. uh the the changes that I'm proposing uh or will amend amend in terms of

536
02:35:35.120 --> 02:35:51.200
amendments would be uh combining t uh the on the cannabis cultivator uh uh class one uh combining the tiers one and two combining the tiers three and four combining the tiers five and

537
02:35:51.200 --> 02:36:08.399
six and >> getting the lower value >> and giving them the value yes tier one and tier two I'm proposing to uh charge a license fee of $2500 and tier three and four $5,000. Tier

538
02:36:08.399 --> 02:36:24.000
five and six 10,000. And then on on the second category, the class class 2 canvas manufacturer um again micro business is again $500. the up to 10,000 square feet

539
02:36:24.000 --> 02:36:40.160
uh space I'm proposing to reduce it to $7500 and u the more than 10,000 square ft um leave that at $10,000 $10,000 reduce that >> make 10 right

540
02:36:40.160 --> 02:36:57.680
>> yeah reduce it to $10,000 and rest of them I think they're fair uh in and I think they are in line with some of our neighbors and I think we don't have much of an issue on th those categories. Um

541
02:36:57.680 --> 02:37:13.920
so that is my proposed amendment. >> I the manager I I cut you off earlier in the meeting to >> I I I that no there there's I have already took the liberty to go back and speak with the gentleman privately about

542
02:37:13.920 --> 02:37:31.200
my methodology. So I don't need to do it and I had a private conversation. Councilman. >> So I I so I I my my point in all of this was to give the admin committee who I brought this in front of something that

543
02:37:31.200 --> 02:37:45.520
they could consider and have a discussion and you did have a consider and had a discussion. It was a rather lengthy one and we went through the entire ordinance. I wanted to to try to structure the fees that would be uh

544
02:37:45.520 --> 02:38:02.160
applied annually for a license um in a manner that reflected what the state legislators did when they passed the law and and established it um initially at the state level. Um you know and and what is proposed I don't think is a

545
02:38:02.160 --> 02:38:19.520
great deviation from what I proposed to the admin committee. It's making an adjustment to two of the the types of cannabis businesses that are um the larger of of the types of businesses that the state permits, right?

546
02:38:19.520 --> 02:38:35.040
Cultivating, growing it, and manufacturing it. Um and those would be the higher um the higher license fees at the state level. And if the council so chose to bring it down a notch, so to speak, I don't think that it has any

547
02:38:35.040 --> 02:38:50.960
significant impact on the intent of the proposed ordinance. >> I I just want again, I'm I'm sorry. I don't want the delay, but Ram, you went through the numbers really quick. I just want to be sure what numbers we're voting on. I know we >> So, I'm going to make sure this is I'm

548
02:38:50.960 --> 02:39:06.720
going to repeat back so I know it because I'm going to be the one who has to work with Amarie. What you're proposing is to combine tier one and tier two of the cannabis cultivator license and that fee be $2500. Combine the three and four tier together

549
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and that would be $5,000. And tier five and six would be combined together and that would be $10,000. Likewise, I'm >> seeing tier three and >> one no using the just going in line with

550
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the fees councilman 25 and 10. not not using the lower of the two, but co just going 1 2 3 and the three fees that were proposed for the license. Likewise, pairing down the up to 10,000 square

551
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foot um manufacturer to 7500 and more than 10,000 square foot to 10,000 leaving all the rest the same. >> Thank you, >> Amory. You got all that? >> Yep. >> Very good. >> And um I I think uh it was all this was

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worth the effort. I I'm sorry. I don't know if we're in a motion. I just Okay. And then the only thing I asked and I know uh was talking to Councilman uh Embarrass earlier and I just think that um because this whole industry is so evolving and you know moving all over

553
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the place that we take a look at this in the in like a year and a half after it settles in and we go through a process. I think that what will happen now is that you have an ordinance that that spells out >> regulations for the industry locally here in the town. And the fact that

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there will be regular inspections um in line with the same type of inspections that are conducted by the police department for um liquor establishments. Um that that those rates are set by state statute at the state level. And I

555
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would I would suggest to council whether I'm here or not. I don't know whether I will still be here when the state changes their um their licensing fees, but when that time comes, I would suggest that council give consideration to changing them at that time as well. >> Who knows who will be here, but I agree

556
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that would be a good time to look at it. One legal tomorrow. I hope so. >> One legal quick question legally. Uh uh Mr. attorney the number B right after all those prices uh shouldn't it say and maybe I'm misunderstanding the intention on that sentence that's underlined and

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already operates in town or is this if anybody has a license anywhere in the state they can come and keep piling up over the 18 figure >> no >> license you're in a town >> okay because it just it doesn't I don't

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think it says the town it says anywhere near New Jersey, >> what >> your your or the ordinance that you're looking at, Councilman, is cut and pasted from the previous ordinance that you already had. >> Oh, no. I understand that. I just >> It only allows you to license within the town

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>> because you the town had to approve. >> So, it's not a state license. It's a town. >> No, you have a state license. >> So, it says the maximum number of retail cannabis dispensary permitted in the township shall be 18. That's pretty straightforward. No additional retail cannabis dispensary shall be permitted

560
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until the number of cannabis dispensaries is less than 18. Also pretty clear the limitation will not affect any retail cannabis dispensary that as of November 14th been granted an unconditional license from the New Jersey Cannabis Commission, but you're granted you're granted a license for the town, >> right?

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>> Not granted a license for the state >> for legal purposes. You're saying that already operates in the >> No, you wouldn't say already operates because that that doesn't make sense with the prior >> Okay. All right, I'm good. I just >> So, so that was written by that was written by the township attorney, so I

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would trust his word on that one. >> One more change. >> Class 5 cannabis retailer micro business. It goes from 5,000 to 2500. And >> no, all micro businesses are now proposed at $500 regardless of the type of business that it is.

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>> So, a class 5 retailer is 5,000. The micro business is 500. >> Right. So, we proposing 25 >> 2500. >> You're proposing 2500 for what? Class 5 can >> class cannibis retailer. >> Yeah. Right. And it's $500 for a micro change 5,000 to 25.

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>> Well, I didn't hear that was not discussed. >> Yes. So that >> you wanted to you want to propose 2500 for a retailer? >> Retailer? Yeah. >> Really? >> Yes. [sighs] >> I I don't know that I would agree with that. >> I mean, every single municipality that

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licenses cannabis dispensaries charges a minimum of $5,000 for a retail establishment. ones. >> Yeah, there's no minimum. I think it's it's up to us. >> But I I'm just saying I I don't know why you would want to bring it below. >> The only reason I remember I asked you

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how much do we charge the annual license? >> Yeah. How much do you charge for how much do you charge for the initial cannabis license in France? >> No, no. To the liquor to the liquor. >> No, no, no. How much do you charge for initial cannabis license? Nothing. A liquor license is $250 to $500,000.

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>> Totally different. >> Let the attorney speak. We're um we're using numbers but we're using them in the wrong context. >> Yeah. >> Okay. The issue here is not how much revenue we're trying to generate here or whether or not >> we're the you know it's in it's by by

568
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the way AI is wonderful. Co-pilot tells me that you have that these are very businessfriendly fees because they're higher everywhere around you. It's interesting >> everywhere. >> Um it's a great thing for AI, right? Um the point of it is not that um you know

569
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how much we could charge or what's the question is how much that we need to charge to cover what the cost of regulating these licenses are. And I will suggest to you that that class of licenses is probably the one that causes

570
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us that they that gives us the most involvement. Right? They're the most active. They're so Is it retail? >> The retail ones. So the there is a you know the argument to made is that should be the highest of them because that is the one where where we're we're involved

571
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in all the time with it. Those get the most legal questions. Those get the most planning, zoning, you know, manager questions. So they they are they are the part of it that is the they're the most front-facing. They're the most involved with the public. They're the ones that we, you know, in terms of um managing

572
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their licenses we do. It may generate the most complaints for the police department. >> And so when I say that the doesn't it it doesn't mean anything to me how much it cost you to get a license. It doesn't mean anything to me how much it costs to

573
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sell our liquor license. That's not the issue. The issue is how much does it cost for us to operate this program of regulating um licenses because because our friend who is a cannabis retailer and also a a

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lawyer, God forbid, um [laughter] hit the nail on the head where he said that that the whole purpose of this is that we realize it takes an enormous amount of time, staff time, legal time to administer these licenses. That's probably the one that takes that class of license is probably the one that

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takes the most time. That's fine. >> That would be the argument. The argument isn't anything, >> you know, it's not it's not the argue. I mean, you can make the argument for that other towns have similar problems. Not problems, but similar um involvement in those licenses and that's why they're

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higher. But I think for you, it certainly starts to get to a point where it's covering some of our costs to regulate and that's what we're trying to do. We're not trying to raise revenue here. >> Okay. So, we will I will take that uh cannabis retailer amendment back. We'll

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leave it as 5,000. Okay. >> Thank you, Councilman. >> I just have a question. Are we aligned with the new rates, the amendments that we're making? Are we just proposing the changes of tier one combining tier one, tier two? >> That's the amendment that I made. >> That's the amendment. But, but is that

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aligned with the surrounding towns as well, or >> so? So, >> they're they're less than the surrounding. They're less than what surrounding towns are charging. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I literally New Brunswick charges a flat $10,000 per license. Okay. So, H

579
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>> you saying they charge >> New Brunswick charges $10,000 per [clears throat] annually per license? Yes. Um I mean I can give you So there, you know, they vary. Vinand charges $15,000 for all annual license renewals.

580
02:47:28.319 --> 02:47:42.800
Atlantic City charges $25,000 for all all levels of license annually. Hamilton Township in um Mercer County charges annually $15,000 per license

581
02:47:42.800 --> 02:48:00.960
regardless of class. Um and Planefield charges for classes 1 through 4 uh7500 annually. Classes five and six 5,000 annually. Again, like I said, class 5 is the is the uh retail distribution. Um

582
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Mount Holly, classes 1 through 4, 10,000 annually. Class 5, 5,000. Um those those roughly either mirror what we're looking at proposing as licensing fees or are slightly higher than in some cases than

583
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what we have or now. In some cases, we are now slightly lower as it relates to uh cultivation and manufacturing. >> Anyone else? >> And I think that Oh, and the other thing is, and I just like to stress this,

584
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at $500 per micro business license, we will be the lowest license fee of all of the municipalities that I researched. that most of them are in the 1,000

585
02:48:50.880 --> 02:49:08.880
uh to 2500 range annually and some don't charge a separate fee for micro businesses. They charge the same fee as a standard business including um uh cities [snorts] like Hack and Sack uh

586
02:49:08.880 --> 02:49:25.680
at 15,000 annually. Doesn't matter if you're a micro business or not. New Brunswick's micro business is $5,000 annually. >> Can I ask a question, Councilman Hmerson? >> Yes, sir. >> What is it that you're proposing for for

587
02:49:25.680 --> 02:49:41.120
the bottom half? >> Level five or what are you looking at? >> The top half. >> Level uh class five. >> Yeah, >> class 5 is 5,000 is what we we said,000. >> We settled at 5,000. Yes. >> Yeah.

588
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He originally proposed 2500, but upon after conversations and the manager's input, he he uh he went back to 5,000. And >> I believe the original introduced ordinance was 10,000. >> 10,000. Yes. >> Half of what was originally introduced at the last council.

589
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>> The original the original ordinance was 10,000. So manager took all those fees and halfed it in this proposal. >> My my next question would be When you look at the dispensaries, the

590
02:50:14.000 --> 02:50:31.200
whole nut. Um, are we above that number? I mean, what I'm saying is >> above what number >> is Atlantic City. How many do they have dispensaries? >> Um, they they don't have quite as many as us, but they're they're one of the larger municipalities in the state as

591
02:50:31.200 --> 02:50:48.080
far as license holders are concerned. Jersey City is large. They're right in that their fees are roughly the same as as ours are uh proposed here. >> Um but at Atlantic City is

592
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>> one of one of them. We're we're I I have to tell you that we're we're we're one of the pinnacle municipalities in the state of New Jersey as far as the number of businesses are concerned. >> Oh, and by the way, what kind of taxes are we getting for that? >> What kind of what? I'm sorry. taxes.

593
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>> So on on all gross sales um for any business other than manufacturing, it's a 2% uh tax on gross sales. Uh for manufacturing, it's 1% of their gross sales >> include that into our budget this year.

594
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>> That goes into our municipal general fund. Yes. >> As general tax revenue. >> Okay. Thank you. So Bob, isn't there another uh kicker we get because we were disable impact zones? >> Doesn't does not result in any

595
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additional tax revenue. No. >> All right. So just to make just to be clear, it may look like we don't know what the heck we're doing up here, but the first time we met, we went with comparable pricing >> of of these other municipalities. That's

596
02:51:55.120 --> 02:52:10.720
why it was done that why they were done that high the first time. Then we got some feedback from some of our businesses and then the councilman went and did a lot of research and we came up with this second >> proposal. I I well I will take some credit. I did a lot of research council. [laughter]

597
02:52:10.720 --> 02:52:26.240
Sometimes I will take credit for my work. In this case I did the research. [laughter] Okay. I give you credit and you did council. So I'm >> he came back and made some additional recommendations based on what you came up with. >> Wait. So what what what was done

598
02:52:26.240 --> 02:52:42.560
initially in the original ordinance that was introduced was based on what we saw as a a general a general trend in municipalities for charging flat rate for licenses. Um what what we came to learn especially as a as a result of

599
02:52:42.560 --> 02:52:58.640
that email from our micro business owner was that we weren't taking into account micro businesses and as we dove deeper into this we felt that there should be a a more uniform standard for setting license fees that mirrored the state and that's what we did tried to do.

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>> All right. And I'm going to take credit for moving the meeting along. >> Excellent. [laughter] Please do madam clerk. >> All right. So we need first we need a second to to Councilman embarrass motion. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So moved and seconded on

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02:53:15.120 --> 02:53:31.359
Councilman embarrass amendments. Okay. >> So we're voting now on the amendment, not on the actual uh ordinance. >> Okay. Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer.

602
02:53:31.359 --> 02:53:47.040
>> Yes. >> Councilman Oniaka. [snorts] Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasanella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Okay. Now, um, so the amendment has passed or is now part of the introduced

603
02:53:47.040 --> 02:54:05.000
ordinance. So, we will now vote on the ordinance. >> Councilman Barrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Uniaka. >> Yes. Councilwoman Udine.

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>> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh it is introduced now. Ordinance 4516-26. An ordinance amending the municipal code of the township Franklin County of

605
02:54:21.520 --> 02:54:37.600
Somerset State of New Jersey creating a new chapter 315 short-term rentals. The foregoing ordinances presented to the township council for adoption on first reading uh posting and publishing uh in accordance with law and public hearing and final adoption at a meeting of the

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township council to be held on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Do we have a motion to introduce and set public hearing? >> Second. >> Who moved it? >> I did.

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>> Okay. Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> I didn't make any council comments, but I do want to say I want to thank the residents that came out tonight and told us about what was going on in your neighborhood. These are the kind of things that we need to hear from so we can make informed decisions. Thank you for your time and coming out tonight.

608
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Really appreciate it. >> Any other comments? >> I I too would like to thank you for coming out. That That's a gutsy move and hopefully Well, no. No. Hopefully, we're going to vote

609
02:55:25.600 --> 02:55:41.760
on the ordinance. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes.

610
02:55:41.760 --> 02:56:00.560
>> So, it is introduced. Thank you all for being very civil about it. Um we are now on to the consent agenda. Items A through AC is listed in the consent agenda port meeting. I present the township council for adoption. Do I have a motion on the consent agenda?

611
02:56:00.560 --> 02:56:18.399
>> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? Anyone like to pull an item? >> Councilman Harrison. Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. Yes. Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oniaka. Yes. >> Councilwoman Udine. >> Yes.

612
02:56:18.399 --> 02:56:35.840
>> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Old business. 2026 boards, committees, commission vacancies. >> Oh. >> Oh, we missed. >> Did you skip resolutions? >> Yes. Well, resolutions be voted on separately. Resolutions 26-30

613
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and 26-21. I can combine the two of them, right? >> Mhm. >> Um, >> do we have a motion on these two ordinances? >> Resolutions. So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion on

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these two resolutions? >> Madam Clerk, >> Councilman Embarrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman France, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella,

615
02:57:07.840 --> 02:57:27.920
>> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. You said something about >> Why don't you go up there? >> I'm going. >> What? Uh >> oh. >> Um >> appointments. Mayor

616
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>> old business. 2026 boards, committees, commissions, vacancies. Do we have any [laughter] nominations? >> Hearing no nominations. Moving on. Uh do we have no executive session? Do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second.

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>> All in favor say I. >> Oppos say nay. Motion is carried. We are adjourned. Be well Franklin.