Borough of Franklin

The consent agenda primarily involved administrative actions, including the acceptance for filing of various correspondence items. These correspondences included an ordinance from the Borough of Hamburg, resolutions from the Township of Frankford and the County of Sussex regarding state bills and rights for children, and resolutions from the Kittatinny Regional School District and Hampton Township School District opposing a proposed change in designation for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The agenda also accepted filing of several departmental reports from April and May 2022. Key approvals included Resolution #2022-57, formally opposing the Sierra Club's proposal to redesignate the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area without a formal plan outlining environmental, economic, and agricultural impacts, and Resolution #2022-58, proclaiming June 2022 as Pride Month. Additionally, approval was granted for the payment of bills relevant to the meeting date.

Key discussions included committee reports covering new business openings, road improvement plans for the upcoming year, and evaluations of current road conditions, including specific sections like those from Walsh up to Ridgewood. Financial matters involved receiving notification of a $7,000 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over grant and securing a $444,652 State DOT grant for road improvements (Kovach, Mabie, and South Streets), as well as planning for the 2025 State DOT grant application. Public input covered sewer line issues requiring follow-up, questions regarding oversight of municipal projects, and a request from a laundromat for parking spaces, which was denied. Resolutions adopted included authorizing a budget transfer and settling tax appeal litigation. A shared service agreement for deer carcass removal was also approved, and 2026 Council Committees were set.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates from various committees concerning ordinance review, plans for upgrading water meters to electronic versions, and the upcoming auction of certain properties. The Council is moving forward with the loan application and initial financial submissions to the USDA for the water tower project. Public comments focused primarily on concerns regarding the borough's water supply, the costs associated with fixing pumping stations, and property maintenance issues. New business involved the approval of several resolutions, including authorizing additional funds for emergency well 'B' improvements, municipal support for expanded cultivation by Ascend New Jersey, LLC, requesting the Tax Assessor to pursue multiyear property reassessment requirements, approving a 2021 budget transfer, and consenting to the proposed Sussex County Water Quality Management Plan amendment. An ordinance was introduced regarding capital funds for cutter assemblies at sewer pumping stations, and a proclamation was approved for National Poison Prevention Week.

The meeting agenda included committee reports and a public session for comments on the good and welfare of the Borough. Key new business items involved multiple resolutions: authorizing the cancellation of water/sewer charges for a foreclosed property (Resolution #2021-112), authorizing a refund of a credit balance for water/sewer accounts (Resolution #2021-113), re-appointing the Municipal Clerk (Resolution #2021-114), appointing a new Municipal Court Administrator (Resolution #2021-115), re-hiring temporary assistance for Municipal Court sessions (Resolution #2021-116), approving 2021 budget transfers (Resolution #2021-117), and authorizing the cancellation of tax sale premiums (Resolution #2021-118). Additionally, the council was set to vote on the adoption of Ordinance #14-2021 regarding officer and employee salaries and Ordinance #15-2021 regarding speed limits. Other items included renewing the Hillside Estates Mobile Home Park license, approving a Shared Service Agreement for deer carcass removal, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with PBA Local 404, and confirming the Discharge of Mortgage for Eugene and Agnes McInerney.

The meeting included a review of the 'Open Public Meetings Act' compliance statement and a note regarding a discrepancy in the previous meeting's minutes, which will be corrected in the subsequent meeting agenda. The board addressed JCM Investors 1012 LLC regarding voting eligibility. The primary application heard was for Grace Elder Care/Westwind Manor, involving detailed testimony on the facility's need and cost-effectiveness, and addressing concerns regarding necessary easements, exterior lighting, and parking compliance. The board granted approval for all Bulk Variances and the Use Variance for this application, and agreed to write a letter supporting the applicant in starting the permit process pending resolution adoption. Other business included accepting the resignation of a Planning Board member. The board also approved the escrow report for September 18, 2014, and discussed future reports, including hospital site modifications and the draft Main Street revitalization plan scheduled for the next meeting. The board also addressed construction timing for Minors Cove buildings concerning COAH requirements.