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. Let us take the next few moments of silence to seek each other to each seek
in our town way in our own way whatever sources of inspiration will grant us the strength and power in our thoughts and decisions to be for the benefit of all the people at all times. Amen. Miss McCarthy, please call the role.
>> Councilman Embarrison >> here. >> Councilwoman Francois >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi >> here. >> Mayor Kramer >> here. >> Councilman Oni Jaka >> here. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella >> here. >> Councilman Wright.
>> We are now to item number five on the agenda. Copies of the agenda are up near the clerk. Um we are at commendations and proclamations. The first will be by Dr. Kurazzi. Men's health month proclamation.
Okay. suspend. >> Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Actually, I have two proclamation and both about men. So, the first one is the uh the men the health one and the second one is going to be men's mental health.
>> Oh, thank you. >> All right. So, Whereas June is the nationally recognized as men's health month dedicated to highlighting the awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging men and boys to seek regular
medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. Whereas men in the United States on average die nearly five years earlier than women, largely due to preventable
conditions and are less likely to visit a doctor, obtain obtain health screening or engage in preventive care. Whereas leading causes of men death among men, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes, are
significantly more manageable when detected early through regular health screening and lifestyle choices. Whereas Frank Township is home to a vibrant and diverse population of men
and boys whose health and virtually and vitality are essential to the strength of our families, neighborhoods, and township. Whereas we recognize and appreciate the health care providers, community organizations,
employers, and advocates who work tirelessly to improve men's health outcomes through education, access, and care. And whereas promoting healthy lifestyle and encouraging men to take an
active role in their own health contributes directly to stronger families and a more resilient community. Now therefore be it proclaimed that Mayor and Township Council of Franken Township, Somerset County, New Jersey,
do hereby proclaim June 2026 as men's health month at in Franken Township and call upon all residents, health care professionals, employers, and community organization to promote awareness of men's health issues, encourage
preventable care, and support the overall well-being. of men and boys who call Franklin Township home. In witness there whereof, I have here unto set my hand and cause the seal of the township
of Franklin to be affixed this ninth day of June in the year of our Lord 200 2026. So men, please have a regular checkup. And the good news is that we have a
health center, Zoo Fall. They just opened their doors about a couple of weeks ago. So please visit them. If you don't have insurance or you have a, you know, lower income, they accommodate. So
you can go there and get the the checkup and any treatments that they offer. So please take care of yourself ourselves and also engage in regular exercises if you can. There are places you can go
like YMCA. I am member of YMCF Scatteraway is only $50 a month for me and my wife. So please join them. They have swimming pools, they have gym, they have all kinds of stuff. And they also have a lot of people they come, they just come and sit down and enjoy some
nice conversation. So please enjoy. And hopefully one day we going to have Y in our township soon. That's the goal. All right. Now coming back to the next proclamation. May I mayor? >> Yes. Yes, please go ahead. >> Okay. So this one is about the mental health
and this one also is extremely important for men. As men we usually shy and we always think that there's a stigma attached if we tell that we are suffering from some
sort of mental health issues. So June again is the month of uh recognizing the mental health uh issues. So I'm going to read the proclamation. Whereas June is recognized nationally as men's mental
health month, a time dedicated to raise an awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men and boys throughout our communities. Whereas men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health
treatment and suicide rates among men are alarmingly higher with men accounting for approximately 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States. Whereas stigma, cultural norms and
social pressures often discouragement from discussing emotional struggles, seeking professional help or acknowledging vulnerability, barriers that cost lives. Whereas mental health conditions, including depression,
anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders affect millions of men across New Jersey and the nation, impacting families, workplaces, and communities. Whereas Franklin Township is committed to
fostering an environment where all residents, regardless of gender, feel safe, supported, and encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being. And whereas by increasing awareness, eliminating stigma, and expanding access
to mental health resources, we can save lives and strengthen the fabric of our community. Now therefore be it proclaimed that the mayor mayor and township council of Franken Township, Somerset, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim
June 2026 as men's mental health month in Franklin Township and urge all residents, organizations, health care providers, and community leaders to join in raising awareness, offering compassion, and
supporting the men and boys in our in our lives in seeking the the care they deserve. In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and cause the seal of the township of Franklin to
be affixed this ninth day of June in the year of our Lord 2026. >> Please not. >> Now u as I mentioned zoo fall they also had they support the mental health also.
So if you know any bond, >> please encourage them. And we also have a stigmafree committee in Franken Township. I believe second Wednesday of is it second Wednesday, Bob? Their meetings stigma free is the second Wednesday. Second Wednesday of the month
is held here. So please uh join them and share your experiences or listen to the people that they had mental health problems. So take care of yourself. If there's anybody who is associated with mental health or men's health
activities, I'll be happy to give this uh proclamation to you. Anybody? >> Okay. Then I'll keep it as advisory board member. Thank you so much. >> The next item is 5C immigrant heritage
month proclamation by councilwoman. >> Thank you, mayor. Whereas June is recognized nationally as immigrant heritage month, a time to celebrate the countless contribution immigrants have made and continue to make to our nation, our state, and local communities. Whereas the United States
was built by generations of immigrants who arrived seeking freedom, opportunity, and a better life for their families, bringing with them diverse cultures, languages, traditions, skills, and perspectives that have enriched every facet of American life.
Whereas immigrants serve as educators, healthcare workers, small business owners, engineers, artists, military veterans, and community leaders who contribute immeasurably to the economic validity and cultured richness of our township.
Whereas Franklin Township is proud to be a welcoming community where residents of all national origins and backgrounds are valued, respected, and celebrated. Now therefore, B be proclaimed that the mayor and township council of Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey,
to hereby proclaim June 2026 as immigrant heritage month in Franklin Township, and encourage all residents to learn about and celebrate the immigrant stories and cultures that have shaped our township, to honor the contributions of our immigrant neighbors, and to
recommit ourselves to building a community rooted in welcome, respect, and shared purpose. In wondness whereof I have here unto him set my hand and cause the sea of township of Franklin to be affixed this ninth day of June in the
year of our Lord 2026. Thank you. Do I have anyone that would like to take this uh proclamation for uh immigrant heritage month? >> I'm an immigrant.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Uh, item number D, Junth National Freedom Day Proclamation. Councilwoman Francois and Councilman Wright. No, Councilman Wright. Good evening everyone.
So, you may hear a lot about Junth, but you may not know what that symbolizes. So, this is a proclamation to talk about Junth. So Junth became a US federal holiday on June 17, 2021 by Joe Biden,
President Joe Biden. He signed the National Independence Day Act on that particular day and signed it into law and that was the first new federal holiday that was added since the Martin Luther King Day holiday which was established back in 1983.
The significance of Junth is that uh there was a um emancipation proclamation that was signed back in 1863 that freed the slaves. But because they didn't have cell phones back there back
then the the slaves didn't know that they were free. So it actually took two years as of June 19th, 1865 for the word to get out to let the slaves know that they had been freed. So this proclamation reads, "Whereas June 19th,
1865, known as Junth, made the day the Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved Americans, African-Americans, more than two months after the
Confederacy surrender. Whereas Junth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and was designated as I said before as a federal public holiday in 2021 recognizing the profound historical significant of this date to
African-Americans and to all Americans. Whereas the freedom proclaimed on Junth did not arrive as promised by the emancipation proclamation and its delay stands as a reminder that the work of ensuring liberty, justice, and equality
for all people remains an ongoing obligation. Whereas Junth is a day of reflection, celebration, and rededication, honoring the resilience, strength, and enduring contributions of African-Americans to the culture,
history, economy, and democracy of the United States. Whereas Franklin Township is enriched by the presence and leadership of its African-American residents whose heritage, culture, and community are an integral part of what
makes our township great. And whereas recognizing Junth strengthens all of our collective resolve to confront the legacy of slavery and systematic systemic racism and to and systematic
and to work together towards a community and nation where freedom, equity, and justice are fully realized for every person. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the mayor and township council of the Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim June
19th, 2026 as Junth National Freedom Day in Franklin Township. And we call upon all residents to reflect upon the meaning of this historic day. To honor the memory of those who endured slavery and fought
for freedom. To celebrate the resilience and achievements of the African-American community and to renew our commitment to justice, equity, and the full promise of freedom for all people. And by the way, we're going to have a
Junth celebration here in Franklin Township. Uh this Sat uh yeah, this Saturday, June 13th, there's going to be a parade that starts down Hamilton Avenue and ends up at uh Nean Williams Park. So, there'll be speeches, there'll
be uh musical celebrations, and uh you're all welcome to come. Everything will be free to the public. Thank you very much. So, I ask for unanimous consent to open to the public. Seeing no objection, uh we're open to
the public for uh public session. Anyone may speak. Uh you can go on up. Um there's uh >> sure. Uh, anyone may speak uh limited to five
minutes of time may only come up once. No yielding of time. Um, please state your name and address of the there's a section here that we're going to have dedicated to the warehouse
um ordinance. That will be uh at that one you can only speak about the warehouse ordinance. And this one you can speak about anything but there is dedicated time for that. Go ahead. Uh hello. Uh my name is Steven Savard. I'm
currently the secretary of uh the HOA board in Society Hill 3. Um and I wanted to come to you guys today about some safety matters around the our community. So dear Mr. Mayor and members of the township council, I'm writing to formally request the immediate
installation of speed bumps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals on Beakman Road at the intersection of Chelsea Court, Lindseay Court, Stewart Avenue, and Delar Park. This request comes after the township's previous denial of our neighborhood's comprehensive traffic safety proposals. Despite that denial,
dangerous conditions on Beakman Road have continued to escalate. Recent incidents demonstrate that the current approach is no longer sustainable. Since our prior petition, which sought to reduce speed limit from 35 miles per hour to 25, clearly marked crosswalk
pedestrian sign pedestrian warning signals and improvements to hazardous blind curves, the following events have occurred. A vehicle traveling at high speed, lost control at the intersection of Beakman Road, Chelsea Court, and Lindsey Court, and overturned. A speeding vehicle left the roadway and
struck two trees with enough force to require ambulance transport for its occupants. A T-bone collision occurred after a driver ran a stop sign. These are not isolated accidents. They are a part of a clear and predictable pattern caused by excessive speed on a
residential road with blind curves, limited sight lines, and high pedestrian activity. The geometry of Beakman Road makes high speeds inherently unsafe, and the absence of meaningful engineering controls has left residents, children, and pedestrians unnecessarily exposed.
Speed bumps are a proven cost-effective traffic calming measure routinely used in similar residential corridors. In addition, adding marked crosswalks and flashing crossing signs ensures residents can navigate their neighborhood safely and with confidence. Given the repeated incidents and the
township's earlier determination that prior collisions and pet fatalities did not warrant action, physical infrastructure is now the necessary and appropriate response. We understand that municipal budgets involve competing priorities. However, the safety of our neighborhood cannot continue to be deferred. Voluntary compliance and
enforcement alone have proven insufficient. We have exhausted reasonable alternatives and now face a situation where further delay could result in preventable injury or tragedy. We respectfully urge the committee to approve the installation of speed bumps, crosswalks, and production crossing
signs at the identified locations without further delay. We are available to meet and discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. We do have a petition of over 300 signatures from our community to help improve these situations. Uh thank you for your attention to this critical public safety
issue and we look forward to your prompt response. >> Thank you. Um you can turn the petition into the clerk. >> Okay, perfect. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Debbie Stewart to Ferington Plaza. Um,
I've brought this up before and I know we've said it's because people are slobs and that could be partially true and tra it's about trash and trash falling off the garbage trucks. Is there a a plan?
Do we have resources to go through our roads and collect trash? I've been in other townships and I see bags of trash. So, somebody someplace is collecting. I don't know if we have any kind of a program like that.
Um, so if there is, please let me know. Secondly, and I've been meaning to say this for a long time, Metler's Road by the Charter School, there are no signs that say school anywhere. I don't know if it's different because it's a charter
school, but there is nothing there. You see the park signs, but nothing by the school. I'm surprised at that. And I also think twofold it should be because it's a school and secondly it would really also help people slow down at
that part of the road. So those are my two questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Deborah Enman 67 Roberts Road. Um my question is probably for you Mr. von Locker about
the noise ordinance um and the enforcement of it and I understand that police officers give summones at the at their discretion. However, there is a there is a resident in my neighborhood who constantly violates the noise
ordinance because they rent their pool out. So, my request is that when the officers are called to that residence that they speak with the homeowner and issue a summon because those those people that are renting her pool are not
residents of my neighborhood, so they don't care. But I want to hold the homeowner accountable for the actions of her customers that rent out her pool and and that's it. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anyone else wish? >> Alex Clark, 396 Hamilton Street. Like usual, I'm here to talk about rank choice voting. Uh, Voter Choice New Jersey has been very busy over the past few months. We've been seeing a lot of interest. Uh, re the Scoutaway Board of Education
recently passed a resolution in support of rank choice voting. The League of Women Voters has signed our letter of support and we've been doing events with them around the state. I want to highlight a few of the election results we have seen across the country so far this year. Some of them from last week
and these are just a small a sample of those elections. There's many more if you look first. Starting off with the West Coast, Oregon, the US Senate Republican primary, the top two vote um candidates received 29.8% and 27.4% of
the vote. In the state senate Democratic primary, the top two had 35.3 and 34.2% 2% of the vote. In California for governor, the top two uh candidates, last time we checked, had 27.2 and 25.9% of the vote.
For lieutenant governor, the top two have 19.2 and 18.7% of the vote. And of course, California uses runoff elections, so the top two will go head-to-head in another election. But why waste
time and taxpayer money on runoff elections when voters can simply select their backup options in a rank choice ballot in just one election. That's what rank choice voting is. It's also known as instant runoff elections or instant runoff voting rather. In Arkansas, the
Secretary of State Republican primary, there was a three-way split. 34.4, 33.5, and 32.1% of the vote. In Illinois, the US House District 9 Democratic primary, the top two at 29.4 and 26.3%.
In District 8, it was 31.6 and 26.9. And District 7, 23.7 and 20.5% for the top two candidates. Can it happen in New Jersey? It can, and it happened last week. For the US Senate Republican primary, there were three candidates who
split the vote, 33.3, 29.2, and 26.8% 8% of the vote. And in US House District 12, that's our district, the winner received only 28.3% of the vote. Now, I'm not here to pass judgment over any of the candidates. I'm just here to call
attention to the uncertainty that comes out of this plurality election process. These kinds of results erode voter confidence and leave us questioning whether or not we are electing the leaders who will best represent us. But these are the outcomes that
federality voting gets us and it happens frequently and it will keep happening. Now for Senate and House seats, we would need to implement rank choice voting statewide. There will naturally be more hesitancy for a statewide change. It's a big change. It's understandable. So before we can do that, we need to enable
rank choice for local level municipal elections, which is what the municipal and school board voting options act does. This will allow municipalities to implement rank choice for council and schoolboard elections if they choose and it gives us the opportunity to
demonstrate to the rest of the state that rank choice voting works and it's a much better system than what we have now. A couple of months ago, Virginia passed similar legislation to enable RCV for their local elections. One of the interesting differences is that their
bill allows RCV to be implemented by a majority vote of the local governing body. So that would be like if this council decided to implement uh vote on implementing rank choice voting for Franklin's elections. Our bill, the New Jersey bill, requires rank choice voting to be implemented by ballot referendum.
I think our bill is a better bill because it leaves the voters, it lets the voters to decide. So what can this council do? I'm once again asking the council to consider a resolution in support of the municipal and school board voting options act. The
new bill numbers for this legislative session are S1643 and A1745. It seems to me that we kind of want to be a democracy by virtue of the fact that we let citizens vote to elect their representatives and leaders in
government. But at the same time, we don't want too much democracy, it seems, because we keep using an election process which allows candidates to win with a small portion of the vote, a small share of the vote, as low as 19% in the examples I gave. So, what's it going to be? Do we
actually care about democracy or are we going to just keep pretending? Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Hello. Good evening. Uh, Lorenda Harper, 164 Churchill Avenue. Uh, okay. Uh, good, uh, good evening, Mayor Kramer and
council. Um, last council meeting two weeks ago, I think this was briefly discussed, but I'd like to again for the record like to ask again. Uh, how many CDB uh, businesses are in the fourth ward right now? And do we anticipate any more applications? Um, I believe the
number was 17 or maybe more, but right now I think we have enough. and we don't need another one in the fourth ward. And um also with that, there's a lack of healthy food restaurant options and a nearby supermarket here in the fourth ward. So I just wanted to know at this
time, has there been any interest in a new grocery store where the old stocking shop used to be on Veronica Avenue, Route 27? And Bob, I'd like to publicly thank you for facilitating the tree maintenance um next to my home, the township lot.
was needed to be done. But I thank you again for facilitating that. And councilwoman at large, that was a lovely proclamation we read for um Junth National Freedom Day. Thank you for that. We should all know our history. But one thing I wanted to ask, and you said it's going on this Saturday. I was
wondering if you could tell me why it's a week earlier than June 19th. I had the honor of um riding on the float last year with you all. So I just wanted to know why we were doing it earlier. So those are my questions. Thank you. Skip Richards, 14 Brian Court, Somerset, New Jersey. Uh, I want to thank the
council. I'm >> sorry. Could you say your name again next? >> Skip Richards, 14 Brian Court, Somerset, New Jersey. >> U, I want to thank the council for uh, changing the sign on Western Canal Road recently from regarding the Randolph Road for 1.5 miles and all that, which
thank you very much for that change. Uh, I would like to request the council make an additional have an additional sign added at the turn by schoolhouse road and western canal to say no trucks. Don't no turns trucks. You can't do it. It's a 4-tonon road uh from it's a it's
a it's a four ton road from school from Western Canal Road to Randolph Road and there's no four ton sign at this at school at the Western Canal Road end. You could add that sign as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hi, Jan Brandt, 22 Bryant Court. And I
wanted this probably goes to to Bob. Um, there was a street light on my street that was out and I called the HOA office because that's what we're supposed to do and report it. And less than 24 hours, somebody was on our street. It was really unsafe because it was very dark and all. And Jared was the guy who came
out and he was amazing. He fixed the light. One, two, three. And I just want to commend I guess is that the public works department? No, >> public service. >> Public. Okay. So, please uh send them kudos because they did a great job. Thank you. >> I'll take >> Mr. Bourne Locker had nothing to do with
it. >> I will take >> Mr. Mr. Bourne Locker had nothing to do with it. >> Absolutely not. But I'll take >> anyone else wishing to speak. Although when I the lights out, I report
it to him and he does have something to do with it. Um, seeing no one else coming to speak, I ask uh uh for uh unanimous consent to close the public portion without object objection. Public portion
is closed. Address the comments while I'll answer a couple of them. Most of them were for you, Mr. Vorn Locker. Rank choice voting. Um >> that's not for me. where where were you this last week? Uh we needed it. Um uh
but then again, even I only knew maybe five of the candidates, so I could have only gone down five rather than 12 or 13. But um it certainly made your point when we had that many. Um
the number of uh cannabis dispensaries is is greater than 18. I I think it's 20 or 21. Um >> it's not not in that word. >> Not in the fourth. >> No, in the fourth ward. I have no idea the count in the fourth ward. It um
>> none of them they're not all in my backyard. >> Um and we don't know of any more licenses available. So, we don't know that there are going to be any more, but the state unfortunately doesn't let us know. So
someone could have a license in their pocket. Um the uh stop and shop. So my understanding is the uh another grocery chain has purchased the area of
that stop and shop or rents it. >> Right. >> So that another so that company >> No, this different one, mayor. Different one. Different one. This is the stop and shop at Veronica and and Route 27 that they're referring to. >> They're closed down. >> That's closed. You're talking about the
former Steinmart shopping shop and stop and shop. That's They're talking about a different one. >> Oh, okay. Uh, I don't have an answer for that. >> I don't know. We'd have to ask Mr. Morris. He owns that shopping center. I don't know if he has any current people
interested in leasing the space. Um, I think the rest are yours. >> Okay. I'm more than happy to hit some of them here. As far as the Beakman Road uh petition, as you know, there was an engineering in uh uh investigation done
as well as the uh with cooperation of the police department. There are a number of factors involved. One, I just want terminology is very important. Speed bumps are not permitted anywhere in the state of New Jersey on a public road. speed humps are. The township has
a speed hump policy that's available on the police department's website. If you are interested in having speed humps on your streets, there are a number of criteria that need to be met, including a petition, but in a specific form. So, what I would direct you to is the
township's website under the police department and or you can just search the website for speedome policy and it's there and and that's the way that you start that process for speed humps on roads as I think it's been explained on at least several occasions. Speed limits
are not allowed to be randomly changed. All right. The council does not have the authority to change a speed limit legally without an engineering study that includes an 85th percentile study. Without that, no professional engineer
will seal that change and put their license on the line. So, that's the reason why the speed limit just can't be randomly lowered. Okay. As far as the pedestrian crosswalks, the sidewalks are under the control of the HOA. the the
the ADA accessibility at those intersections needs to be addressed because they don't meet code. You have had sidewalks replaced in the last couple years, but the the ADA compliance is not met. So
therefore, the side crosswalks can't be striped there. So, you need to I'll have I have the information from the petition that I'll get from the clerk and I'll have the engineer reach out to you explain all that needs to be done for that. Okay. And as far as a flashing
beacon, that's a decision that as the as the process uh is worked through that council can or can make a decision on. That's a budgetary issue. um and and whether or not it's warranted, it'll be a decision that will come out of the
engineering study again. So, >> Mr. Warren Locker. >> Yeah. >> You left out one thing that is very important when it comes to speeds. Everybody's got to get on board. Everybody wants a speed hump, but nobody
wants it in front of their house. So, if you want a speed hump, let's get it together. But you have to be willing to put that hump somewhere around your house. But nobody wants to do it. I can't just put the lower end without
talking to the front end because remember they got to drive down the street. So if you're willing to suffer, they they say about putting a speed hump in, let's do it. I've been talking about
speed humps for >> years. Years. There's a >> there there there's a there's a lot of of discussion that should be had before speed humps going on a street especially like Beakman Road. A lot of things need
to be taken into consideration. What the what the councilman is referring to is that um speed humps can also be a nuisance as it relates to to noise and other other uh things for people who
live in close proximity. Beakman is a little bit different because there's no on street parking. It doesn't it doesn't interfere nearly as much as it does on some other residential streets, but we can certainly look at it. But the first step is take a look at the policy and start the process. An HOA is the perfect
the perfect circumstance for the way the policy is is written because you already have a community group. It it really needs a community group to get through the process. So, you're already one step ahead of the
game because it's in an HOA. It it it'll make it a little bit easier for you. And and so, >> oh, one more thing on that. They have them in Princeton. all over Princeton. >> I'm all over everywhere. >> They have speed homes. So in North and
Irvington, they didn't ask. They just dropped them. >> Okay. They didn't know, you know, I'm on that Aron Terrace. They just dropped them. I woke up one morning and there they go. So
my brethren here, I don't think I could do that. sidewalks. I could put them out there and drop them in front of your property because I haven't used them and you'll love my sidewalks. But for speed hunts, I can't just Okay. So, that ends that. Thank you, Mr. Manager.
>> Okay. No problem. Trash pickups along roadsides. So, um the public works department every Saturday um for pretty much from the the break of the weather in April through um October is
out somewhere mostly on the lengthy rural roads collecting trash, but they also do some of the suburban neighborhoods as well as needed. Um and so if there's some place in particular, there's two things that you can do. If there's some place in particular that
you see that you think should be brought to the attention, you can go to the website and right on the website it says report a road condition. It's just a a document that you can quick fill out a form and one of the things is trash on a roadway. Just report that. That goes to the public works department. Also goes
to me so that they can create a work order and then they'll put that on the list of streets for streetside pickup. So that's that's that and that's grant funded through the Clean Communities Act. Um,
so, um, noise ordinance. I've already forwarded your request to the public safety director, so there may be someone from either he or his command staff may be reaching out to, Miss Emman, so that you can explain to him more specifically, but they can probably look up the records, but I already sent him
the email since you got down from the podium. Um, so cannabis, just and I just want to be clear, um, Linda, CBD is different than cannabis. There are CBD shops or shops that advertise CBD. That
is not a licensed cannabis dispensary. Um, so the the number should never be looked at as far as licensed cannabis facil facilities to include those CB CBD shops. just um
and school zone Matlers's road. So, generally speaking, school zones are set up where there is school pedestrian traffic. There is no school pedestrian traffic on Metler's Road on the frontage of that school. So, that would be, you know, there's a the the the procedure to
establish a school zone is another one of those things that's in that federal manual on uniform traffic control devices. And generally you don't establish a school zone where there is no pedestrian traffic. Um the Central Jersey College Prep School, all of the
bus traffic is internal to their um their school uh network of roads and and parking lots. So there's no school buses stopping on the road and there's no pedestrians crossing it. So it would be unlikely to to meet kind of the the
sniff test for a school zone. So that's why there's one that there's not one there. So it's interesting. Years ago, we had one an issue with the county convincing them to establish a school zone on Western Canal Road at where the
former um Alma Preparatory School was uh in the Zarif village. There's the school on on what is the east side of Western Canal Road because they argued that uh there by just what I just said that you don't put a school zone there. There was
a crossing guard that we had posted there. Um, Mr. Kruever who was a crossing guard for 50 years at that post crossing kids across the street because they left the school to come over to the
village to use the gymnasium um for physical education. There was a crossing guard and there were students crossings and they posted the the school zone. It's no longer a school so it's no longer there. But that little little side story. Um,
and Mrs. Brandt, I will say thank you for thanking me, but I didn't do anything about it. But it made me think to maybe make this little public service announcement. We take emails and phone calls now probably about any between a half a
dozen and a dozen times a week about a street light out. We appreciate that. You should all appreciate it, too, because we pay a flat rate to public service for those street lights. It's an unmetered service. We pay for it whether it's on or whether it's not on. So, we
want to know where they're out so that we can make sure that public service goes out and fixes them. Um, you can that same form for roadside pickups or potholes can be done for a street light out as well. But I just want everybody
to know that everyone has the ability to report a street light out. And public service has made it very, very easy. You don't even need a poll number anymore. Public service actually has an app for that now. If you go online and download
the app, it's for Android or iPhones. It uses GPS and you basically take the like a Google map and you mark on the Google map where the street light is that's out. You submit it and they will
even notify you when it's repaired. I mean I we that's how we and that's how we report them to to public service. We don't have any special phone number or any special way. We just simply report it through the portal. Um, so if if you
know if you live in a neighborhood where you see street lights out often and you want to try to help out and get the light back on as soon as possible, you can actually do that yourself as well. But by all means, you can still continue to report them through the website to the town. And that's I think everything
covered there. Mr. Mayor, >> Mr. Mr. Renown, you had a comment about pool rentals. >> We've we've had this issue before. I'm not sure that you're permitted to just rent out your pool. >> Yeah. So that that you we don't have any of we have no ordinance that prohibits
short-term rentals. Um and that is an that's actually an app like Airbnb and Verbbo. There's a number of people throughout the country who rent their pools for short-term usage. It it might be something you want to consider, mayor, because most municipalities have adopted them because
>> throughout the state of New Jersey, people are doing it though. There's pools all over. >> Miss Inman lives in the R10 zone. >> Is that right? >> There are 20. I mean, she she lives in R20, but I'm saying it it literally it's your swimming pool and you you are and
it's no different than Airbnb or any of the other uh short-term rentals. Um, >> except except it's not in your house and it's for a couple of hours and an afternoon. >> Lou, I'm not arguing with you. I'm just telling you it's throughout the state of New Jersey and there of the 564 municipalities, maybe a dozen or so have
ordinances specifically towards pools. I've kind of looked into it a little bit. Um, I know one in particular that did it and that's Tom's River. >> It's also an outside activity. Maybe we should consider it. >> It's something we should look into. >> Can you put that on admin's agenda?
That's going to be we're going to be done around midnight. Just so you know, ma'am, >> it doesn't have to be the next ad. >> I say when you say on admin, that means next meeting, but yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> We got a lot of agenda items for that admin meeting. >> Yes, I know. >> And I have one that I have to respond to.
>> Oh, okay. Go ahead. >> And so, Miss Harper asked, "Why is the Junth celebration this Saturday when in fact Junth is next Friday, June 19th?" Well, the uh Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus is the sponsor of that
Junth parade celebration this Saturday. Totally independent of the township. I would imagine because Junth falls on a Friday. It's a national holiday. A lot of people are off. Even the township employees have that day off. And so for
them to have it on the exact day, I'm sure it would cost a lot more money to have police presence and have the entire employees work and support the parade. And so and and I'm a member of the Black Caucus, but I wasn't on the planning committee, but I I would imagine it has something to do with the related to
cost. >> Okay. Anyone else? Okay, great. We'll move on to >> Oh, wait a minute. >> Uh I missed something here. I caught the tail end of Mr. Mayor. Uh I think we talked about you guys talked
about that cannabis deal. So, let's get right right down to it because something's wrong with that. I walked in the cannabis store and yeah, I got a couple of them. But guess what? They're not selling to the kids here.
They don't sell weed to all my people in Franklin County. They come there for one reason. 27. All you got to do is go out to 27
and you have a lot of wheat stores. One at Veronica Plaza closed. Why did it close? The other one went down the block sells more business. It's out of there. So, when you think about the weed stores, they popped up because they're
near major uh roads. 287, Mr. Manager, do we have some down there? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> They're probably one of the most successful ones, I will tell you, is probably in close proximity to the location where a number of people in the
audience today live. And I won't cast any judgment whatsoever as to why they are successful, but they are. And I know because I get the quarterly tax bills. Um, and >> when did those people grow up? >> I I they grew up in the 60s and 70s, and
I won't cast any judgment whatsoever on that. >> So, as you can see, what you think goes on doesn't go on. Those kids don't go and
buy that weed. >> You can't. It doesn't work that way. >> So, somebody else is buying the weed in the stores and they leave. Now, I get a little funkier, but
we're out of coun. >> Uh, >> thank you. Let's move on to council comments if I may. >> Um, I'll >> Mr. Sing if you could start with also off with council comments.
>> Yep. Try to mix it up a little. >> Yeah, happy to. Happy to. So, um, folks, first of all, I want to thank everyone who spoke today. Your voice is important. Um, I also want to give a shout out to our township officials, Bob
and team, who um, do the best that they can and u do a great job. So, thank you. Um I do want to address uh because it's the first ward um the beacon hit u the um
>> yeah um the the recent mishaps they're not here but I do want to talk to the first ward in general so thank you we want to acknowledge the concern number one two collecting 300 signatures is no small effort so
um We obviously listen to you, but we walk in with 300 signatures. We realize the residents are genuinely concerned. Um, also understand that there was a similar
request that was uh denied based on the engineering studies, but the recent incidents does require a revisit. So, you've been told what the process should be and I suggest you follow the process. Um, we
will also uh pass on the request to our engineering and public safety staff. Whether it's speeding, whether it's traffic calming or any other step that we need to take, we we certainly want to do that because resident safety is a
priority for us. And um um given everything that we have in terms of resources, including budgets, we'll do the absolute best that we can. So, thank you for uh bringing that up. Mayor, >> any other council comments from you?
>> No. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, Councilwoman Udine. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. Um, so just a few couple pointers. Um, I've I had shared the news of Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce. Um, what they're doing is
something amazing out there. They're connecting with our businesses as they should and they're asking the businesses if they can do some internship program for our Franklin youth um students so that they can um have some hands-on experience um in STEM or marketing or
business. Um I think this is great another great way of our business giving back in town. Um, and I thought that was absolutely um, something that was missing and you know to see them already having this program up and running right now. Um, so if you are out there and
you're a local business um, an organization cooperation um, that is you know willing to take some of our local um, youths um that we you know we can make those things connect and happen. So, um it's a great opportunity for our
high school kids, either, you know, the young high school kids that are either graduating or maybe in the ninth grade to um start looking into these hands-on um experiences. Um I also ran uh a community ask in war 2 um with residents and I met with four different groups in
the last three four months. It's going to be it's June so 3 4 months um it has been and um a lot of brainstorming sessions a lot of feedbacks um inputs were provided on couple things environmental public safety um infrastructure and I'm working with the
four different groups subcommittees to now um look into additional um feedback. So if you are having ideas in war to how to just work and and make things better please reach out to me. um would love to keep hearing from you guys and the
feedbacks. Um the other thing that's happening tomorrow, um June 10th, I've also posted about is the county passport clinic um is hosted by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson is having a passport um renewal or um
you know expiration right now. It's summertime happening. So folks are traveling um it's a great opportunity to go there and get your passport renewed. Um it's at Manville Municipal Building from 1 to 5:00 PM and I think that's
that's great. Um and then lastly um Somerset County Recycle. I know Mr. Von Larker we had talked about this. It's updated our website that connects to the county on um the recycling totes and replacements that's already
available. So, if you have questions about your specific um tote or replacement policy, please feel free to go to our site which will connect you to the county's website because they are in charge of um that recycling. So, that's all I had. Mayor,
>> thank you. Uh Councilman uh Barrison. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh so uh I spoke about the um issue of uh some commercial tenants uh using more water uh affecting the
sewer uh charges. Um so we we carried that message back to the sewage uh board authority um board meeting uh on the 2nd. Uh so uh the executive director is aware of it. The engineering firm is
doing a research on um comparing the water usage, how much they're paying for water and how much they should be paying. So we will have that uh uh data soon and hopefully we can correct the imbalance uh in billing to these uh uh
commercial tenants soon. Uh of course there was a planning board meeting u some of you were there uh uh last couple of weeks. Um and uh of course there was a number of events I attended. The most
significant one is the Franklin Board of Education uh approved uh the contract for the new superintendent. Um it's one of our own. Dr. Jalil Maroon from Franklin. He was the former superintendent. Wow. He's still the
superintendent. Man will >> actually as of yesterday he's >> Oh, he resigned. Okay. All right. He was he was well I guess the message given to him worked because he was going to join later but I think uh the board chair there prompted him to join sooner. So
I'm glad to hear that uh he's one of our own heal Franklin resident went to Franklin school system. So we we all welcomed I'm the school board liaison from the council. So I was there along with the the mayor and the counciloman
here. Um other than that I think tomorrow there is a uh an event to appreciate uh volunteers uh to New Jersey blood services. Uh as you know they are always running short
of blood. Uh so I wanted to encourage all of you if you're able to please donate. Um when I was young in India I read a sign which I still remember. The sign said at a at a center, blood and
money are meant for circulation. So you got to spend money, keep it moving, circulating and blood, it's meant for circulation. It's both in your body and out. So please donate blood and I think that you'll be helping the community. Um other than that, any teachers here,
retired teachers, former teachers here? Oh, good. So there was an NJA was in town. um uh they celebrated the AAPI Heritage Month and they invited me to speak. So I was there. It's the first time in JA has come to our town. So I
was uh I welcomed them on behalf of the council and the township. Hopefully they'll return uh to the town again. That's all I got. Mayor, >> thank you. Councilwoman Francois, >> I only have one thing to say. So this is for you, Councilman Singh. Are you
listening? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, uh there we've had somewhat of a phenomena over at the Franklin Township Youth Center. Our major population over there is grades 6 to 8. So, the middle
school some for some reason when we built the youth center, we thought, you know, that all youth would want to go there from middle school to high school. But what we're finding is that, you know, the the high school students, they have stuff to do. they're in sports. They don't want to mingle with the young
kids. And so what we do every year, we have a um what we call the rise of the sixth graders. So this particular Saturday, we're going to have an event from um two to two to 2 to 5, Saturday,
June 13th, for the fifth graders that are getting ready to go into sixth grade. So what we do is we open up the door, we introduce them to the youth center, and the the ones that are going into high school, they kind of leave and we have a new influx of of of youth that come into the youth center. And what we
find is that when they come, they don't leave until they go to high school, which is a good thing because we're getting them young and we need to get them young by the time sometimes by by the time they're in high school, it's too late to have that effect on them. So, we're going to have free food, uh,
games, getaway, um, giveaways, basketball program demos. We like to tell them what pro programs and services we offer over there, video games and more. So, um, Councilman Singh, you told me to let next time we have something at the youth center, you wanted to know, so
I'm letting you know. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Um, coun uh, Councilman Vasin. Thank you, mayor. Just a couple quick comments. uh they left um the two gentlemen that were here about the speed
humps. But I I do also um repeat thank you for coming and and uh doing your homework um and making the effort because um I think it's important uh Councilman Wright and myself probably other council people too but I think him
and I more over the years um especially since CO and it seems like people started driving worse and worse get asked about that. Long story short, the township has set kind of a high bar to meet the standards we require, but if there is anybody as far as putting in a
speed hump, but if there are people, please pursue it. Uh, if you meet the criteria, um, I know myself, um, I know Mr. Wright and probably others would love to see some strategically placed in this town, whether it's in the fourth or fifth ward
or down, um, way down the four first ward where I believe these gentlemen were from. But um three or four years later out of COVID and people I I don't understand it. And that kind of leads into the next thing. The other phenomenon which is creating more danger
and destroying more people's lives than is these ebikes and scooters. I'm not against them. The laws have been uh there are significant laws in Trenton. I don't think they're perfect, but I think they're a good start. They go into effect. I think it's this month or next
month. They've been in the works for a long time and I know our public safety director is dedicated. We talked about this at the last public safety meeting to uh do anything they can to educate the public about this covers all those I
don't know technical terms bikes, scooters, the things that unfortunately uh people are just you know and it's not always their fault. sometimes is the vehicle of course, but just in general, I'm glad to see that happen and I look forward to our um uh the effort our our
public safety department is doing. Uh the only other thing I mentioned, June 20th, I think it is. Bob will will know more. Uh the gaz or the mayor also, we're having the Blowenberg band for the big 250th. We've had events at least once a once a month for since the
beginning of the year. This is a great uh sit, put your lawn chair and listen to patriotic songs across the whole genre. I believe it's uh well the manager will get the date. Uh but June 20th, that's our big event for June 20th. So please, even if you're not in that kind of music, that band is
spectacular from what I've heard and this is a free event. So that's it. Thank you, >> Councilman. >> Okay. Thank you, Mayor. The HRC wants to get involved in the forthcoming 250
years of independence of America. They want to post some veteran pictures at the ground of uh municipal building but what they told me that uh for it to be possible they require approval from
the council. So I don't know how far we've gone on that and um that's the issue they have right now. If this is resolved we just need to add them and they debate on it and uh approve it so they can go forth
and uh continue with the project. Mayor that is what I have here. >> Okay. We can discuss later what they want to do. >> Okay. Okay. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you. Um Mr. Right. >> Start with the music intro.
On June the 27th, 2026, Omega Sci-Fi Fraternity will be cleaning Hamilton Street and we start at 9:21, which is Foot Locker. We'll do it from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. So, all the garbage that's out there, we'll pick it
up. and we'll uh stop at the uh the Mont Lane. So, we'll have a lot of fun out there that day. Want to come join us, please. They're getting bags for us. Also, uh Miss France touched on the Junth program.
She touched on the program and why it's going to be on the 13th. Uh I don't know if she gave you the route. >> Did you? >> No. Uh we start at the middle school which is on Francis Street up to Hamilton Street. We make a
left-hand turn on Hamilton Street. And then we make a right-hand turn on Matilda and we empty out into the park. Games, rides, food, you name it, we have it. Um come on out and enjoy the day
with us. Uh, second thing, housing. And this is another thing that keeps coming up. As chairman of the redevelopment agency, everyone asks me about housing. Well, Franklin Township
does not do redevelopment housing. We find locations for developers to put in affordable housing. Now, that affordable housing, you have to be on the list. Now, RPM in North, they come
out of Montlair. They do a lot of affordable housing because they're doing it uh in our neighborhood, which is around Berry Street and off of 27. Now, if you wanted to get on that list, you got to go to the website. And there
are a couple others that are doing affordable housing. Some of them actually live in North but move down here because if they want that affordable housing, you got to go where it is. and it's down here. Uh so once again,
you have to go on the website, look for affordable housing locations, put your name on the list. We're on the list. I don't know how you're going to fall on it. And when they call your name, bingo. Either you take it or you don't.
So that's a decision that we don't do around here. Um, and Mr. Mayor, I >> thank you. Uh, Deputy Mayor Kurazzi, >> good evening everyone. Um, speaking of
the the blood shortage, in fact, last meeting I >> made the announcement that there is an emergency need for blood. In fact, they said they only have two days of supply. And I'm happy to let you know that on June 21st
uh at the Sodic School, which is located at 49 Cedar Grove Lane, there will be a blood drive between 10:00 a.m. and 400 p.m. So, please come and every donation saves three lives. So, it's really
important for us to help. And I'll be on the event tomorrow as well for that uh recognition of the uh those that they have volunteered to donate lots. I also attended some celebration you know having a second largest second most
diverse community. We have uh various community members that they celebrate their uh culture and uh tradition. So I was at the Turkish festival this uh past weekend. There's a Lebanese one is coming up this ne next weekend, this
coming weekend at the corner of Franklin Boulevard and Eastern Avenue. And in fact, our superintendent is from uh a member of that church, Lebanese. He's from uh Lebanon or parents are from
Lebanon. So um the uh they they say that music is the universal language. So, there's going to be another music fest, music fest 2026 on June 28th,
and it's going to be from 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. by uh Art Lab. So, please come with the family, enjoy. It is at 269 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, so just around the corner. Again, that's on June
28th. And finally the World Cup is going to start with the soccer those that they really love soccer this is the great chance to watch enjoy. So that's what I have there.
>> Thank you. Um for my first segment I'm going to put on my doctor hat and tell everyone who hasn't heard of it about alpha gal syndrome. Just wondering pull the audience who here knows what that is.
>> That's that's the problem. So, Alpha Gal syndrome is uh basically a meat allergy that you get from tick bites. It's the lone star tick. It's a tick about the size of a dog tick. The head of it is
black, the legs are black. uh it bites you um and um injects a protein into you um that after about 2 or 3 weeks or or can even be
months you develop an allergy to all meat products. So basically anything with a hoof or or something from that animal such as milk or cheese and you allergic to it. Uh you 6 hours after
ingesting you can get hives, rash, uh abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating. Um not fun. Just another reason to not be bitten by a tick. Some people do get over this after years, but it can go on
for quite a long time, uh even with them. Um, so when you go outside, if you're going into anywhere where there's long grass or weeds or into the woods, uh, the recommendation is you should wear something light colored so you could see the tick crawling on it. You
tuck your pants into your socks, um, so that they can't get in that way. You spray de uh, at least on the lower part of your body, but maybe the upper part, too. And you know, they tick carry a lot of bad things. And here's yet another
one. And it it I I have a friend in the area who has gotten it. So, it's in the area. >> May, can you get tested for that? >> Yeah. Oh, actually, I'm glad you said that. You can get tested for it. And also if a tick bites you, you pull off
the ticket, save the tick, put it in a plastic bag, you know, with with a ziplo, bring it to a doctor, and they can uh best an infectious disease doctor would be better set up for it, and they can um test that tick for it. Uh so
you'd have a a better idea or an earlier idea. I I'm I don't know this because I've read it, but I'm just the way what I know about allergies is you wouldn't be able to get tested for it right after the tick bites you. You'd have to build up the the
antibodies first. So, please be careful. Um we want our restaurants to do well. Um the it's the so I'll correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Vasinella. Blowenberg van. >> I may have mispronounced it. Oh, no. I
I'm You probably know it better than that. >> You got it right. It's >> band. It is June 20th from 6:00 to 7:30. Um and uh I think it's going to be a really excellent uh band. Excellent time. June 13th, we've got the um Junth
parade. We've got the uh youth center and we have the uh pride um uh celebration at the gazebo um from uh 11 to 3,
I think. Yeah. 11 to 3. >> Mhm. >> Um so don't say you don't have anything to do on June 13th. >> It's actually 12 to 3. >> 12 to 12 to 3. Thank you. >> You might need to be there at 11 for setup. You're exactly right. Um and uh
to but you can come help set up at 11:00. And on July 2nd, we're having our Fourth of July festival here. Um Mr. Born Locker probably has more to say about that. So, introducing Mr. Born Locker.
>> Which one do I have more to speak about? >> July 2nd. >> Oh, sure. I can talk about that. Um, but before I talk about July 2nd, since we've covered this Saturday's multitude of events that I had on my calendar and
my screen here, um, and going to I believe it was uh the deputy mayor spoke about um the uh stigmafree meetings. So, this upcoming stigmafree council meeting to be held on uh
Wednesday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the senior the community senior center here in our municipal complex. Um, in honor of Pride Month, the Franklin Township Stigma Free Council proudly welcomes Jackie Bars. Miss Baris, MSN, MBA, and
RN, is an advocate, leader, educator, and innovator in the LGBTQIA plus inclusive health care. Please join us to hear from Miss Bars about how to create an environment of allyship and support during Pride Month and beyond.
Um, and then just taking it one step further for stigmafree, the Franklin Township Stigma Free Council is seeking residents interested in joining the fight against mental health stigma and substance use disorder stigma by helping to develop stigmaree events, resource
workshops, youth programs, public awareness campaigns, and more. To join as a member or attend as a guest, please RSVP with your name, phone number, and email address to safy kalen at stigmafree atfranklinj.gov.
Um, so we're always looking for people to get involved in um our township uh committees, councils, and and uh commissions. Stigmafree needs members. Um Safi Ken is our special projects
manager here in town and she's responsible actually for the stigmafree council and so stigmafree at franklinenj.gov if you have interest in joining uh in that effort and I can do
forth or the fireworks Mr. Mayor, I just have to get to the right screen here if I can. As he's doing that, the council chamber weather report is it started out freezing. Now it's hot. >> That was cut from the budget. Um, so
Franklin Township marks America's 250th with Independence Day celebration and fireworks. So you can plan in advance. We'll have one more council meeting to announce this. Um, our Independence Day celebration and fireworks are on Thursday, July 2nd at 6 PM here in the
municipal complex. Fireworks display will be at 9:15. Uh, there will be food trucks, exhibitors from local township businesses, organizations, and children's activities. Musical performances will be at the gazebo by the Franklin Township Community Band. Uh and fe and the
featured band, the New Jersey National Guard 63rd Army Band. Certainly fitting for a an Independence Day celebration on the 250th anniversary. Um Franklin 250 will be represented with a dedicated tent where you can purchase the Franklin
Township Commemorative Coin Set, The Faces and Places of the Revolution. This limited edition collection features two coins capturing Franklin Tam's unique role in the nation's founding uh yes and unique role in the nation's
founding period. Um coin one time and place commemorating pivotal revolutionary moments with imagery of George Washington and the Liberty Bell and coin two unsung heroes honoring the indigenous leaders black patriots and women who shaped our community's spirit during the struggle for independence.
stop by to sign the Franklin 250 official flag, learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and own a piece of local history. Um, in the event, and there will be no inclement weather, but in the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be
scheduled uh be rescheduled to Friday, July 10th at 6 p.m., attendees are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and their own refreshments. However, alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Additionally, and I would like to to to just touch on one thing about attending
our fireworks. Unless your dog is is welltrained and not sensitive to loud noises and is a service dog, I would strongly strongly strongly urge you to leave your dog home
if you're coming here for fireworks. As someone who's owned dogs, you know, pretty much my entire life, it it's not a a an environment that's dog friendly other than people are friendly towards the dogs before the fireworks start, but it's dark
and it's loud and dogs often react to loud noises. And when a dog runs away in the dark in an unfamiliar area, um it's just it's just sad for the people who own the dog. So, please think about
bringing your dog to the fireworks and unless it's absolutely necessary, which service dogs are, then um you should probably bring leave the dog home. And that's all I have, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. We're on to item number 10, council discussion items. There are
none. Item number 11, approval of the minutes. We have minutes for work session, regular meeting, and executive session both on May 12th and May 26th. Does anyone have a uh motion to approve the minutes?
>> So moved. >> So moved. Second. >> Moved and seconded. Anyone have a correction, a comment? >> No. Hearing none. Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udin. >> Yes. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Time to pay the bills. Warrants in the amount of 10,899,95 and.37
on June 9th, 2026 are presented to township council for payment. Do we have a motion on the warrants? >> I move that the warrants red be paid. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Anyone have a comment or question on the warrants?
Madame Clerk, >> Councilman Embarrison, yes. Councilwoman France, yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, yes. >> Councilwoman Udin, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes.
>> Item number 13, public hearing and adoption of ordinances on second reading. So, the first reading is when we announce to the world that we're considering an ordinance. The second reading is when we vote on that ordinance. Uh and at the second reading
there is an opportunity for the public to speak. Uh so we're ordinance 457-26 an ordinance amending the code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey, more particularly chapter 112 development intended pre
primarily to address light industrial development including warehouses in the business and industrial zone. um and to make associated amendments to the land development ordinance is presented for public hearing and final adoption. The
public hearing is notice required. Before we go to public hearing, I'm looking for the manager to Are you ready? >> As soon as I get Councilman Wright out of my ear, I'll be ready.
>> I've been trying for 12 years. 16 has no hair >> 16 years. >> But um >> so what I want to do before public hearing that what normally comes next um
we hired a uh advisor a a um consultant um and uh to help us with this. He's worked for a year and uh he spoke at the last planning board meeting and I really think he summed things up well. So I
wanted to play that so I all the council members could see it. Um >> Emory if you can switch to my computer HDMI Well, it should go. >> I suspect that's not your wallpaper. >> It's not. And it's Are you sure it's
over here? >> Oh, there it goes. I think it's going there. >> No. No. There's nothing. Nothing here that I need to hit. >> That's what I was going to do. But that's that's why I was hovering.
>> Might be going to steal cable right there. You >> switched it over, right? >> Well, >> I guess I'll come down and see you. This is
>> Oh, thank you so much. laptops. >> We have other laptops here. if we could bring them up. >> Mr. Singh, could you Why don't we do the cafeteria and have them do it? I was thinking about
so Well, while you're doing that, we could get the consent agenda out of the way. >> So, count council. So items A through AA as listed on the consent agenda portion of this meeting
are presented to township council for adoption. Do we have a motion on the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Anyone like to pull an item, question an item? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman France.
>> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. Councilman Nijaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin, >> Councilman Vasinella, yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Are we close? Guess what?
Oh my god. Do I have it? >> I aliance 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.
spelled R O B E R TS. Um my address is 102 Bair Drive, Palm Coast, Florida. Perfect. >> Go ahead. Um um he's sorry. He's qualified and obviously has um worked on this extensively. So um take it away.
Yeah, I think Dave, if the board has you've you've done a a memo um regarding this um seven pages that's been provided to the board and was in the the agenda packet. U could you just give a an overview of of your report and and uh
your key findings? >> Sure, I'd be happy to. I'll keep it I'll keep it concise. Um really the main the first point um that I wanted to make is that uh the the document that the planning board adopted in January uh was
a multi-part uh document and and the board has uh has done this um many times previously in that it was a re-examination report uh and re-examination of the master plan and land development ordinances but in particular uh those that pertain to the
business and industry zone. uh but it also was an update um to the master plan. So uh the board has followed that format in the past. And so in ter in terms of trying to determine for your determination as to whether this
ordinance that has been um prepared and and referred to you by council is is not is um not inconsistent with the master plan or even consistent with the master plan amendments that you made. That's the that was the first point I wanted to
make. And what I what I tried to do in the in the memo was to pull out the uh the man the main uh land use element um amendments. And they really were fairly limited because it had to do with one
specific goal that uh of all the land use goals in your master plan that pertain to commercial and industrial like industrial uses. And then the the objectives that were modified in the land use element and then there was an additional uh there's additional
language in the land use element that was that was incorporated in that update that is pertinent to consistency. Um, and really to sort of u try to make it as uh easy as possible, I tried to put
together a table that broke it down um as to the goal, which was the same goal all the way uh across the additional objectives that were added to the land use element and then um lining up provisions from the proposed ordinance
that pertained that that compared to that uh objective. And then a a determination at least what I would suggest would be a yes or no. Is it consistent or is it not consistent? And I think what the uh I think the as the
board well knows the um the main uh difference in this ordinance because I I did point out um that the ordinance that's been referred by council in incorporates a a lot much of uh the
recommendations that were in the proposed ordinance in the re-examination report. Um, for example, definitions um were incorporated. Um, many of the conditional use standards that were in the board's recommendation are in this
proposed ordinance from council. Uh the biggest difference is that in instead of having the two layered low and medium intensity uh light industrial uses and having their their uh location
determined. Um the the ordinance that came back from council limited the uh allowable uh development light industrial or warehouse development to low intensity and kept the kept those uses. Uh there's two different
parameters. One is keep it within a road mile of of the inter of an interchange to I um 287 and also an additional parameter that restricted him from being any uh any closer than 500 ft from a residential zone. So the the one mile
the one road mile was in the recommended uh standards from the board, but it pertained to medium intensity. um the council's applied that same standard to low intensity and then restricted all warehouse development from being anywhere within 500 ft of a of a
residential zone boundary. So the obviously the council's ordinance is more restrictive than the one that the board uh preferred to to the to the council. Um but if you compare it to the the overall goal and the overall objectives uh that I laid out in that
table, they are equally responsive um in terms of those achieving those objectives. So generally the the the standards are consistent in my opinion um to the goals and objectives that were in that update. Um, and then there's the
additional language that I pointed out in uh page seven, which was the which was the summary conclusion. Um, I'll just read that uh quickly for the board. Um, it's in quotes in the in the middle of that page. It says that the
recommendation of the land use element um was to provide a framework to minimize traffic, noise and air quality impacts of light industrial uses including certain types of warehouses by applying reasonable standards as to the
size uh the location and the intensity so as to preserve the quality of life of residential zones adjacent to the B business industrial zone. So that it was that was the overall recommendation. What the board had suggested in that in
the ordinance that was sent to council was a way to do that. What the council came back to the board with was a slightly different way of doing it and more restrictive way of doing it, but no no less uh responsive to that overall
recommendation in my opinion. So that's really it in a nutshell. I think the the the main consistency termination is that the the ordinance doesn't have to be consistent with every every aspect or every every detail of the re-examination report. It has to be consistent or at
least not inconsistent with the goals and recommendations and the amendments made to the land use element. And in in my opinion that there is nothing in the proposed ordinance that would be inconsistent with that uh with those recommendations. and and Mr. Chairman,
that's that's pretty much what I was trying to to relay to the board. >> Thank you, Dave. Um, any any questions from the board for Dave? >> I I just have one question. So, I I think one of the main objectives of the
uh master plan uh initiative that the town went through was to try to minimize um trucks coming from warehouses from traversing through streets that go through residential areas of the township. And as well as trying to minimize just generally minimize impacts
to residential zones to the effect to the degree that this ordinance um further restricts uh warehouse locations more than the one that was recommended in the master plan. I would think as a planner that that
this ordinance is certainly consistent with that objective those objectives and and and actually is furthers those objectives more so than even the recommendation in the master plan. Would you >> Yes. Yeah, and I would Mark and I think one
of the things that is in this proposed ordinance that really um hits that directly or addresses it directly is there are standards now in it proposed in that ordinance that would require at the time of application that the truck
routes um that are contemplated within a particular type of application that involves uh uh trucking uh that that those truck routes be laid out uh for the board as part of site plan. Um, that's a that's an additional layer of
oversight that we I don't believe we had in the original ordinance um, which is, you know, in this in this proposed ordinance. And there's a lot of other uh provisions that really are uh really hit those those objectives hard and and
that's particularly in the objectives having to do with uh controlling truck traffic and especially uh using residential streets or prohibiting them from using residential streets. Some of those conditions are the same. for example, the requiring that they have
access on uh higher order streets so that they don't uh they're not outleting onto any kind of residential street. Um and then also the the board's recommendation regarding the F um which as I pointed out in my memo was intended
to prevent um a um a circumvention of the standard by subdividing a parcel and building two warehouses on a parcel um instead of one that the F has to be maintained and we went over that the board the board understands that as from
when we went over the master plan. So, I think uh there's a lot of uh there was a lot of provisions that were carried forward from the board's recommended um standards and some that were added by council that are even more um that add
an even additional layer of oversight. >> Yeah. And I think I think that point Dave about floor area ratio is probably the most important point because >> so with that um we are open to the
public. Um uh same rules as before 5 minutes only speak once no yielding of time name and address. Uh before the clock starts. Is this >> before the clock? I'd like to say I was
in college in the 60s and I didn't do weed back then, but uh this warehouse issue might cause me to go across the street from Somerset Run to the cannabis store outside our gate. And I didn't know that Dave was going to be uh speaking tonight. Some of
my prepared remarks may sound redundant because I was on the committee and I support the recommendations. So, uh, the clock can start. Uh, Dave Robinson, 349 Builtmore Lane, Somerset Run. In 2023, the council adopted an ordinance to
remove warehouses as a permitted use in the BI zone, prompted by the significant increase in applications since 2018. The re-examination report states that there were 37 applications for 7.8 8 million
square ft of new floor space between 2018 and 2023. This is in addition to millions of square feet already in place. It stated that this rapid expansion would create significant impacts in the quality of life in
Franklin Township, including increased truck traffic, noise, and pollution. The ordinance was approved by a 70 vote. Six of the current council members voted in favor. Mayor Kramer, council members Anne Burarin, Francois, Onia Jaka
Wright, and Vasinella. That's a mouthful. As as concerned voter paying attention to this issue, it demonstrated your commitment to the resident's well-being and was greatly appreciated. Although this is a huge positive step forward, the MLUL per still permits
developers to apply for a use variance from the zoning board to build new warehouses in the BI zone. We see recent examples with warehouse applications on the Ukrainian church and executive drive properties. Anyone who thinks more
applications won't continue to be brought to the zoning board isn't living in the real world. This realization led to the master plan re-examination report and ad hoc steering committee. In 2024, the township hired Bright View
Engineering to produce a traffic study and make zoning recommendations including bulk requirements, design standards, and other criteria for evaluating future warehouse applications brought to the zoning board. All of this led us to where we are here tonight. The
requirements for the use variance proposed in the ordinance will ban large warehouses, prevent them from abuting residential properties up to 500 ft, and restrict them to one mile from Route 287. They're even more restrictive than
those the planning board uh draft. It also removes data centers as a permitted use. Of the 27 applications that went to the planning board between 2023 and 2025, only nine would have met the new
requirements. All are under 150,000 square ft and meet the onem restriction. Some applications that would not have made it through the zoning board with uh the new criteria are for example the
437,000 square foot Duke really warehouse on Elizabeth right next to a school where cars and buses line up in the morning and the evening on Elizabeth the B9 warehouse next to canal walk wouldn't have been permitted the Onyx warehouse
currently planned to be crammed between Somerset Run a nursing home and a busy shop right wouldn't have been permitted. These are only a few examples. Some here tonight might ask the council to try to outright ban or cap warehouse variance
applications in the B1 zone entirely. This may not be feasible from a legal perspective and might even result in further lawsuits on top of those filed in 2023. Unfortunately, we can't undo what has been done. Accepting the applica,
accepting that applications will continue, it is far better to have more stringent requirements in place for the zoning board to apply to these requests. The ordinance accomplishes that. Also to address the real issue of worsening
levels of service at several key intersections, the Breitb report included many recommendations for improvement, including upgrading traffic signal equipment, optimizing signal timing, enforcing and coordinating the county truck and weight limit
restrictions, and recommendations like wider and dedicated turn lanes. These recommendations should be followed up on. After the council returned the draft ordinance to the planning board with their more restrictive criteria, the planning board and bright view analyze
these changes. They concluded that there was no provisions in the ordinance referred to by the council that are inconsistent with the master plan. In summary, let's not let's not make the perfect the enemy of the very good. Absent an unrealistic total ban, the
requirements and recommendations contained in this ordinance are reasonable and forcible and will go a long way to avoid further harmful warehouse sprawl in this small area, particularly regarding warehouses next to residential properties. I urge the
council to finish the good work you started in 2023, and vote to approve the ordinance. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh I I meant I meant to say before he stood up and he he
remained within these qualifications. This is really a time for statements, not questions. You you're free to do to ask questions if you want, but this is and at a planning board meeting, this would be the time for statements and
which is exactly what you did. So, but that's just a suggestion. Next person who would like to speak Good evening, Mayor, council. Marlon Quan, 28J's Corner, Somerset Canal Walk. Um, first of all, I want to applaud um
the council and the mayor for uh bringing this to a uh a crossroads. And um although I agree with Dave Robinson on most of u what he spoke
about um I I truly believe that um we cannot look at this as uh a take it or leave it type of situation that um the the floodgates are open so therefore we can only close them halfway.
the the reality is that um as as the statistics show, we have many many warehouses at this point. Um but given the circumstances, um I I would like to just start out by
saying that you all have recognized the worsening state of our township by the enormity and the number of warehouses. Our residents
have waited too long for such an ordinance to change and close loopholes the developers have taken advantage of in creating these mega warehouses. In general, it's a good start.
However, it doesn't go far enough given the traffic study recently completed um that highlights no less than 12 choke points in the areas of danger both to pedestrians as well as vehicular
traffic. I asked the mayor of the council to adopt this ordinance. I support it. I think it's a good start, but it's not the finish. At the end of the day, um I would ask
that the council consider adopting a amendment to this ordinance once this is approved to go to a first reading at your next meeting. and that is to supply a reduction in the
uh the metrics used for the number of docks permitted for these buildings. It was arbitrarily decided with no real support behind them
for every 5,000 square foot of space to allow one high docking space. That is for specifically 18 wheelers. And given that on a 150,000 square foot
building, you have 30 bays. 30. Multiply that by the number of trucks going in and out on an hourly basis. Not to mention the fact that mechanics will allow them to fill these
trucks faster in the near future than they doing now. That you can have multiples in an hour of these trucks going in and out of one bay. So, I'm asking you to look at very hard
the the amendment to to decrease that metric. You have a 450,000 square foot building on Elizabeth Avenue that's being built. Check out how many loading docks there
are. The other loophole that I'd like to bring up as well is that when you have a minimal amount of developers having multiple buildings in Franklin Township, multiple warehouse buildings in Franklin
Township, Mr. Vorn locker in other meetings have cited this loophole which is that if they are delivering locally or they're going to their home center they're allowed 18wheelers are allowed
to go on local streets and bypass the 4 ton restrictions they bypass whatever restrictions because they're going back home. So, can you imagine a loophole of one warehouse going and saying that they're
going to go and and to their other warehouse that is equally owned by the same owners. And so now you have multiple multiple vehicular traffic of 18 wheelers going
on small streets. Again, this is a loophole that needs to be closed. Thank you. Jan Brandt, 22 Bryant Court. Good evening, Mayor and Councilwoman and Councilmen. I'm asking you to table this
ordinance tonight and bring it back with stronger safeguards, including a clear understanding of how much warehouse development this actually will allow. I know a lot of work went into this and I appreciate that effort, but my concern
is that we still don't know what the end result looks like. The ordinance talks about setbacks, buffers, design standards, and its limit individual warehouses to 150,000 square feet. But that's not the same thing as
limiting the total amount of warehouse development that can be built in the township. Since 2018 to 2022, um Dave Robinson quoted this number 7.8, 8 I had more than 7 million square feet of warehouse space has already been
approved in Franklin Township. 7.8 million square feet and we have a small township here and the township's ordinance actually an acknowledges the concerns about traffic truck congestion noise and air quality. So the question I
keep coming back to is how much is enough? How many more warehouses are we actually talking about under this ordinance? How many more truck trips? How many more intersections? Uh Marlin said eight 18 or 12 are pushed closer to
failure. The township's traffic study already identified many intersections operating at failing failing levels. If that's what if that's where we are today, it's hard to understand moving forward without first knowing what
additional buildout looks like. Maybe the municipal land use loose law might not be able to cap warehouses. I understand that. But after you figure out the impacts that the ordinance is going to have on the township, maybe
things need to be twe tweaked in this ordinance and that's why you should table it. Maybe the distance from the highway, if there's really going to be a large buildout, maybe the distance from the highway has to be um a little bit less than a mile. Or maybe the warehouses need to be decreased from 150
square million,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet or like Marlin said, maybe less truck base. But I think that this ordinance needs to be tweaked. My point is this ordinance doesn't appear to define the maximum level of warehouse development we're ultimately
allowing here. Right now it feels like we're regulating each project one at a time without stepping back to look at the full picture when everything is built out. I want to mention something that residents have seen before. People asked the township to cap the dispensaries for
cannabis and no cap was put in place. Now we have 21 dispensaries in a relatively small area. Whether someone supports that or not isn't the issue. The issue is that once limits are set early, you don't really need to control where it ends up. I don't want to see
that pattern repeated here with warehouses. The council has also shown before that it could slow down and fix an ordinance when something isn't right. The feral cat ordinance, which I was watching from home, is an example of that. It wasn't
rushed through. It was tabled. It was fixed. And then it was passed later. I don't want to see things rushed. There's no urgency to pass this tonight without fully understanding what it allows at buildout. So, I'm respectfully asking you to table this ordinance, come back
with a buildout analysis, and seriously consider whether defined limit on warehouse development is needed so we're not making decisions blind to the cumulative impact. Once this is adopted, the buildout is effectively locked in over time and I don't think it's
responsible to move forward without first understanding the full impact on traffic, infrastructure, and quality of life. Thank you. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, council. My name is John Kaplan. I'm antorney to speak directly into the mic.
>> Sorry. My name is John Kaplan. I'm an attorney at Herald Law and Warren Township, New Jersey. I'm here on behalf of Five Belmont Associates, NCS Franklin 2, PES Franklin 2, LL46 LLC, Chiffy and Clyde LLC, Onyx 1718 LLC, and North
Washington LLC. I'm here this evening to object to or ordinance 457-26 as it's contrary to the principles of proper zoning. Ordinance 457 is at least the township's third attempt to limit or eliminate warehouse use in the township
of Franklin. And that's not even considering the noise ordinance that was passed, which was recently overturned by the court and is now on appeal. The other ordinances passed by the township trying to limit or prohibit warehouse use in the township of Franklin are still subject of ongoing litigation.
We specifically object to the inclusion of warehouse use as a conditionally permitted use subject to the arbitrary and unreasonable conditions including but not limited to that the location must be within one road mile of interchange with Interstate 287.
In New Jersey, properly zoning a property concerns more of what should and should not be permitted based on the surrounding neighborhood and its characteristics separating one zone from another, not an arbitrary distance from the closest highway. Such a restriction will put two properties on the same block in the same
zone subject to different zoning restrictions, one being permitted while the other one becomes a pre-existing non-conforming use. Likewise, there's no indication as to why one mile was even chosen as opposed to any other distance. There's no study performed on that.
Likewise adding that a property may not be located within 500 ft of residential zone, must have access to sewer and water, must have frontage on a scenic roadway, or may not have frontage on scenic roadway, direct access to a minor collector road. These are all there to
limit or prohibit actual potential use of any property within the B1 zone, as well as limiting the use of existing warehouses and restricting the same within the B1 zone. As stated in the summary of ordinance 457, the B1 zone exists in two places within
the township of Franklin. One has properties that are close to one mile to 287. The other ones across town. All those property across town that do not meet the conditions set forth in 40 ordinance 457, including the B1, those properties in
the B1 zone not within one mile of 27 interchange will now all become non-conforming uses. some of which were just proved just approved and built. None of which will now be able to be modified without obtaining a use or a use variance. These properties, while not close to residential properties or
287, are located within neighborhoods consisting almost entirely of warehouse uses. The entire zone will now consist of primarily pre-existing non-conforming uses. This is not proper zoning. It's bad planning. This is merely the township's attempt to resolve the problem by imposing unnecessary and
excessive restrictions on use of private property. Likewise, not only must the property owner meet the conditional use variance in ordinance 45507, it adds required conditions approval, some of which were just overturned in litigation as part of
the noise ordinance, including but not limited to opening and closing boxes and mandatory gates. Further, ordinance 45507 bans data centers outright, seeming that seemingly out of nowhere other than maybe some recent news articles. There have been no
studies or the like on data centers, no mention of the same in the township master plan, including the most recent re-examination report. Water is no longer an issue with data centers. Likewise, there's been no noise impact study, no study about rising cost to consumers. We have a client that's had a
data center in township in Franklin since the 1980s. This property is just barely over the one minute one mile zone from one mile limit from 287 interchange. Now it's just become a pre-existing non-conforming use. So with
that, I'm urging the board the council to not adopt ordinance 457 as we believe it's arbitrary and creation and unreasonable. Thank you. would >> sir. >> Good evening.
>> Do I give my name or >> name and >> name and who you representing? >> Matt Flynn, F L YN. I'm representing the same clients as the prior witness. Um, I'm a professional planner in the state of New Jersey. I have my professional planners license in the state as well as
my AICP certification. Um the reason I'm here tonight is because this is a pretty unique ordinance. Um I'm going to focus mainly on the fact that one of the conditions is that warehouses have to be within one road mile of the two I287 interchanges.
I say that that's unique. It's not something that I've seen before. I work in many other towns. It's not a it's not a requirement that I've seen elsewhere. I have seen ordinance that limit certain uses to types of streets, types of streets being arterials or collectors. Um that's known as like the street
classification system. Um I would concur with the prior uh the prior witness. Why one mile? Why not two miles? Why not a half mile? As one of the other people said, this is an arbitrary number and it has to be tied to legitimate planning
goals. Um on top of that, why distance at all? Why not specific truck routes? Why not specific roadway classifications? Why not surrounding land uses? Why not travel time? I would note that there are several minor arterial roadways within the B1
zone which typically allow trucks to reach the interstate system without traveling through local roadways. So, if the goal was to prevent that, I would say that there are other ways to accomplish that. Um, I would say that a property that is two miles from the highway but on an arterial roadway might
be better from a traffic standpoint than a property that is only one mile but it's on a collector roadway. Uh, the the expert that was on the screen earlier talked about the fact that we wanted to limit traffic through these local and collector roadways. I think there might be a better way to do that that is more
direct. I would say that in terms of limiting intensity of warehouse developments, there's things that are more traditional in terms of zoning. Like I said, this is a relatively unique uh ordinance provision. More traditional things uh come in the form of buffering, setbacks,
building size, coverage, F, noise controls, performance, performance standards. These are all things that inherently limit development intensity. I would say that zoning should also be uh contingent upon compatibility and actual land use conditions. Like the
person before me noted, uh we can based on this ordinance, you could have a property that is right next door to a property that is zoned for warehouses and the property right next door would not be allowed to have a warehouse. Is it across the street? Is it in a different uh zone? No. Is it closer to
residential? Uh no. Um and in this case, I'm referring to the same specific property that the prior witness was talking about. So, I would say that if traffic is really the main concern, I would ask the board or the council rather if the means truly justify the ends. The master plan update identified
two I287 interchanges as top accident locations. The proposed ordinance would actually concentrate warehouses at those I287 interchanges, which have been called out as as problematic interchanges. Um, so
again, does the actual means justify the the ends? Um the master plan update noted that Eastn Avenue experiences significant traffic backups. Many of the properties within that one mile road road one road mile distance either have frontage on Eastn Avenue or are
approximate to Eastn Avenue. So again, if the goal is to mitigate traffic concerns, I would question the validity of that as well. The Bright View traffic study identified congestion problems at specific intersections and recommended recommended truck route planning, weight restrictions, as well as roadway
improvements. Um, I would ask the the township if we can identify where in the traffic study it concluded that restricting warehouses to sites within one mile of I287 would reduce those traffic impacts that were identified.
The expert or the professional that was on the screen earlier noted that the the ordinance amendment is more restrictive than the master plan update and that it restricts low inensity warehouses to that one mile distance. It introduces a 500 feet distance requirement from
residential. I would say that these two requirements together represent something that is overly restrictive. If the goal is to keep warehousing away from residential, the latter would be sufficient. If the goal is to keep trucks from local roadways, I would say that this ordinance does not uh does not
accommodate that goal for the reasons that I already mentioned. And then just to finish off, data centers are of course banned as well. So that's something that was not found in the master plan update. um we don't know where that necessarily came from. So I would say that that is inconsistent. Um
so all said I would say that the ordinance layers numerous locationbased and operational restrictions upon warehouse development. Um even though each provision is necessarily intended to address substantially the same concern. Um the cumulative effect is not merely regulation but a significant
narrowing of development opportunities beyond what I feel is reasonably necessary to achieve the desired planning goals. Um so with that, thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Oops. >> Uh that's loss of two minutes.
>> There you go. I was going to begin by thanking you, mayor, for your uh health warnings to us. I remember when several years ago when I was in the they used to call it not health education, health uh hygiene. And whenever they talked about a disease, everyone would start
scratching. And I looked around the room and nobody was scratching. But thank you. Anyway, Ken Burkowitz, 7 Mayflower Court, Somerset, New Jersey. And uh I'll be very brief. Um with I support the comments of some of my of my uh fellow
residents here who extolled the uh work the planning board, Mr. Roberts and others that they have put into this proposed ordinance. And we truly support it. I should say I only represent myself and my wife not a whole bunch of other people as other as the past uh speakers
have done. I just have one comment and you might think it minor but my comment relational comment that lives goes to the summary. Okay, in the summary you state that uh and let me just read from the second paragraph in the summary.
Okay. It is anticipated that this exponential growth in warehouse development will create significant impacts. The approval of warehouses have already created significant impacts. Okay. And
so this will be taken to mean that you're looking at future and its perspective. I think this should be changed to indicate a recognition of the significant impacts that have occurred as a well as a result of warehouse development already and that it will be
expedited or it will be increased even further by new warehouse development. Okay. So I hope that's clear but I just reading this I thought it would be picked up after the first reading but it wasn't. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you. Uh, good evening. William Lang from Kza Shaheen and John Tamasi. >> Could I speak closer to the mic? >> Uh, William Lang from Kasa Shaheen and John Tamasi Law Firm. I'm here on behalf of our clients 400 Atrium LLC in
connection with property located at 400 and 600 Atrium Drive and USPS Randolph LP in connection with the property located at 650 Randolph Road. Uh, as an initial matter, I'd say that we echo the comments made by the attorney and his pl and his
planner recently stated, "We've been involved in ongoing litigation concerning the prior warehouse ordinance adopted in 2022 and 2023 and have been actively involved in the planning review process over the course of the past several years in connection with the master plan re-examination and proposed
zoning amendments to the warehouse provisions in the BI zoning district. When we initially came when we initially became aware of the township council's potential adoption of the proposed ordinance, we expected to see the draft ordinance that was the subject of multiple steering in community meetings
over the course of the past two years being considered by council. But instead, we saw something entirely different. The ordinance proposed for adoption is in essence a deacto warehouse prohibition ordinance similar in nature and effect to the warehouse ban that currently exists. In the prior draft ordinance that was
attached to the Franklin Township master plan re-examination adopted January 14th, 2026, warehousing and light manufacturing facilities were classified into three potential categories based on land use intensity. Low intensity light industry and medium intensity light industry uses were classified as
conditional uses in the BI zone and specifically crafted conditional use standards relevant to both uses in the BI or pardon messes relevant to both low inensity and medium intensity light industry that were discussed and debated for years were provided. Medium intensity light industry uses had
additional standards that they must be located within one road mile of an interchange with Interstate 287 and could not abut a residential zone. The proposed ordinance wholly abandons the tiered system and instead adds the blanket term warehouse as a conditional use subject to strict standards pulled
from the prior low in medium intensity uses but only applying to warehouses of a very limited size. The proposed ordinance effectively eliminates all medium-sized facilities from consideration entirely despite years of input into the conditional use criteria that were being developed to control
these uses. Moreover, when the provisions of the proposed ordinance are actually applied to the existing inventory of proposed, approved, or constructed warehouses, nearly every warehouse is eliminated from compliance, therefore continuing to act as a ban and continuing to classify existing and
approved warehouses as pre-existing non-conforming uses. We strongly oppose the ordinance in its current form. Many interested in effective parties like us engaged in good faith negotiate negotiations in connection with the prior draft ordinance and strongly believe that the proposed ordinance is being handled in an arbitrary
capriccious and unreasonable manner. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Skip Richards for Skip Richards 14 Brian Court. Um I two the three attorneys are up here. I don't agree with much of what you said except the last thing he said
that it should not pass this ordinance in the state that it's in. I mean, I think it should be integrated with traffic. And if you just Google it, you go and it says in New Jersey, the estimated average truck traffic for a standard warehouse is 6 to 1.6 trucks
per thousand square feet. That is 16 to 6 to 16 trucks for 10,000 square ft. That equates to 150,000t warehouse. That's 90 to 240 trucks per day. And Jan, the number Jan put out there earlier is 7.8 million square ft. That
is 4680 trucks per day to 12,480 trucks per day on two exits to 287. Come on, guys. We got to integate. We have to integrate this with the traffic because it has to be stopped.
All right. My name is Dr. David Hollander. I live Ninhel Place in Somerset. And I have to start off by stating I'm here as a private resident, although I do serve on the board of directors at Canalwalk. And I'll be very brief. Um I'm not as familiar with the
issues as the four the speakers from Canalwalk. What I can tell you, and I've been on the board for about seven months and since November, the overwhelming um support of the Canal Walk for these people who have been um advocating on
behalf of all the residents of Canalw Walk, they feel extremely strong about um about the warehouse issue. And you ought to know it that the majority and I believe a vast majority of the voters at Canalwalk
um support the Canalw Walk residents who have spoke here tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? Hi Sudesha 74 Brian quote u as earlier some of the speaker mentioned about this is a good first steps but we need
something more and I'm looking more not from a short-term perspective but five years down the road 10 year down the road what's going to happen into this area I just did some analysis I may be wrong with the numbers you guys have better numbers than I have but what I
looked looked at it and specifically W 2 because 287 is passing through W 2 and that's where the major impact is that W 2 BI zone is roughly 10 million square ft that we have out of 10 million square ft roughly almost
2 million square ft are a wicket wicket land okay there's nothing built on those land rather okay potentially those land can be used to build the warehouse and there'll be impact on on on those things that's one impact second impact could be existing building may get sold to
warehouse people and they can build the warehouse over there. I have not seen any number any analysis nothing from the township from a scare square footage perspective or from this perspective. So I would like like to see those things before you act on it. Okay. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Anyone else? Seeing no one else coming forward, I ask for unanimous consent to close public session. >> Without objection, public session is closed. Do we have a motion to adopt?
>> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Uh any discussion? >> Mayor, I'd like to make some comments if I may, please. >> Yes, sir. So I I first wanted to thank the study committee, the planning board
and Mr. uh Mark Healey for doing a great job of helping the council to uh work on this. And I also want to acknowledge and uh appreciate the many emails that I
received asking us to support this ordinance. and they all stated that u this ordinary represent a balance between the needs of the community and the realization that developers going to
be applying for warehouse. We all know that this is not the ideal based on all the comments that we've heard but uh at least I think this is in the right direction to prevent some of the things that we've seen in the past. So, I just
want to make that comment and again thank the committee and uh planning board and all of you coming and speaking for or against the uh this ordinance and we really appreciate it. Thank you so much. >> Anyone else?
>> Mayor, I would like to add to deputy mayor. Um war two, right? These are this is where the issues are lying and as the saying goes, perfect is the eene of the good, right? Um, my council colleagues and our staff have worked very hard to add additional guardrails to the amended
ordinance that would limit warehouse development. I appreciate the time and effort and thought that has gone into improving this proposal. That said, I still have concerns regarding traffic impacts and public safety.
Um, for some residents, sharing the road with large commercial vehicles can feel intimidating and impact on their sense of comfort in the community, especially on Schoolhouse Road where approximately 3,000 seniors call Canalw Walk their home and another thousand as
summerfields. I also think about our families who use those roads every day to get to schools, um, grocery stores, medical appointments, work, and other activities. data center not permitted use is a good proactive measure and I thank our
council and staff for being very proactive in adding that noise ordinance is something that's already been addressed in the noise ordinance ordinance and I want to make sure that we understand that the master plan remains a work in progress that gives us an
opportunity to continue brainstorming these ideas evacuating data um exploring traffic creating practical solutions that balance responsible development. Um, so I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and perspectives. The community input is
an important part of this process. I have met with so many of you guys and I look forward to continuing these discussions as we work towards a path for this town. Um, so I wanted to make sure that I um give this feedback. Um, mayor, >> thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Uh my comments are simply uh I believe the consultant spoke for me. Um if there's no one else, Madame Clerk,
>> Councilman Embarrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. Councilman Omniaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine,
>> no. >> Councilman Vasanella, >> no. >> Councilman Wright, >> no. >> Okay, so it passes. >> Uh, we are on to item number 13B, an
ordinance 40 40 458-26, an ordinance amending the municipal code of the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey. more particularly chapter 226 vehicles and traffic section 226-13 parking prohibited at all times in
certain streets. Piner Grove Avenue is presented for the township uh for the public hearing and final adoption uh for a hearing as required. >> Jimmy >> uh the public hearing has been as
hearing has been noticed as require >> required. Um, whoever's last out, if they could close the doors, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Um, do we have a motion? I'm sorry. I ask unanimous consent for uh to open for
public hearing. Without objection, we are open to public hearing on this item only. >> Anyone wishing to speak on this item? Mhm. >> Seeing none, I ask for unanimous consent to close the public hearing.
>> Without objection, public hearing is closed. I'd like to Does anyone want to move the item? >> Second. >> Moved by Councilwoman Francois, seconded by Councilman Embarrison. Um,
Madame Clerk. >> Councilman Embarrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. Yes. Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Udin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Ordinance on introduction and first reading. Ordinance 459-26. The ordinance amending the code of the towns of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey. more particularly chapter 112 land development to
implement various recommendations of the 2026 re-examination of the township master plan and development regulations adopted by the planning board on February 2026. The foregoing arance is presented to the township council for adoption on first
reading posting and publication in accordance with law and public hearing and final adoption at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday July 14th 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Do I have a motion to introduce?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? This is just to accept more of the master plan >> housekeeping. >> It really is. >> Okay.
No, with no discussion. Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman France. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rudin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vasanella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright.
>> Yes. >> Ordinance number 4510-26. An ordinance amending the code of the townships of Franklin County at Somerset State of New Jersey, more particularly chapter 112 land development to update planning and zoning fees and escrow
deposits. The following ordinance is presented to township council for adoption on first reading, posting and publication in accordance with law and public hearing and final adoption at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Do we have
a motion to introduce Mayor, >> can I ask a question before we ask? No, >> you would do that during discussion. >> Okay. >> So, if we have a motion to introduce >> moved and seconded. >> So, let me just introduce it a little
bit. Um the we haven't changed our fees for over a decade and um uh this is more commensurate with what other towns are charging. This is for things to get a permit like to build your house etc. Mr. Kazzy,
>> that was a question I was going to ask. You answered it, Mr. Mayor. >> You answered it, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. >> So, additionally, that this this was reviewed by the land use committee and there was some discussion about our fees related to land use uh issues and are
our fees covering the costs associated with the review and issuance of those permits. And that is one of the considerations that was given when those permit fees uh new permit fees were proposed. So from from what I understand manager,
so we are allowed to uh collect fees that sufficiently cover our expenses. >> Correct. And that's what this aims to do. >> Any other discussion? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Francois. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Nudin, >> yes. Councilman Vasinella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wright. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 4511-26.
The ordinance to acquire by purchase or condemnation certain lands within the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey for the purpose of open. >> What? >> Microphone. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Ordinance 4511-26.
an ordinance to acquire by purchase or accommodation certain lands within the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey for the purposes of open space preservation in the township of Franklin pursuant to NJSA 4A12-13
subp part A for the property known as Collins property also known as block 5.02A 02A lot 70Q and the commonly known as 4 4301 State Route 27, Princeton, New Jersey.
The following ordinance is presented to the township council for adoption and first reading and uh posting and publication in accordance with law with land and public hearing and final adoption on at a meeting of the township council to be held on Tuesday, June
23rd, 2026 at 700 p.m. in the council chambers. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Uh so this is as it says purchased for land for open space.
The word condemnation is used there. That's a term of of art. There's no um condemnation uh or um uh >> taking >> taking >> by eminent domain. >> Yes. Thank you. >> You're welcome.
>> Uh in question any other discussion? >> One quick one. Everyone wants to know where their space money goes. This is it because we didn't do open space. There's a lot more homes here in front.
>> Any other discussion? >> Madame Clerk, >> Councilman Barrison, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> yes. >> Councilman Vasanella,
>> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. Ordinance 4512-26 capital ordinance providing for the acquisition property known as the Collins property as located at block 2.0 I'm sorry 5.02 lot 7Q and also known as
4301 state Route 27 in the township of Franklin County of Somerset State of New Jersey. uh the township appropriating $426,72140. Therefore, the open space trust fund of the township of Franklin uh to pay the
cost thereof. The foregoing ordinance is presented to the township council for adoption on first reading posting and publication in accordance with law and public hearing and final adoption and meeting the township council to be held at on June 23rd, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the
council chambers. Do I have a motion to introduce? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? This is the cash part of the deal. Seeing no discussion, madame clerk. >> Councilman embarrass. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois, >> yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Karazzi, >> yes. >> Mayor Kramer, >> yes. >> Councilman Oni Jaka, >> yes. >> Councilman Singh, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> Councilman Vasinella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Right. We've already done the um consent
agenda resolutions. Item number 16, resolutions to be voted on separately. Items A through E is listed in the resolutions voted on separately portion of the meeting are presented to town council for adoption. Do we have a motion on these resolutions?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion on these resolutions? >> Madame clerk. >> Councilman Barrison. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Francois. >> Deputy Mayor Karazzi. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kramer. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Oni Jaka. >> Yes. Councilman Singh, yes. >> Councilwoman Udine, >> Councilman Vasanella, >> yes. >> Councilman Wright, >> yes. >> Boards, committees, commissions, vacancies. Does anyone have a nomination? >> So, I have a nomination for historic
preservation uh committee. The regular member uh seat for Philip Sio. Uh you may recognize the last name. Terry Sio's husband. He is a um architect in New York City. We have
no architects on the historic preservation board and they need one. So, I think he'd be a good fit. Any other nominations for that position? Any other nominations for any other position?
We can do this by acclamation. All in favor say I. >> Oppose say nay. Motion is carried. Congratulations, Mr. Sio. Uh we have no executive session. Do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> Second.
>> Moved and seconded. All in favor say I. I. >> Oppose say nay. Motion is carried. We are adjourned. Be well. Frank