Borough of Franklin

The reorganization meeting included the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to new board members and the election of board officers, including a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The board appointed an attorney and an engineer, and selected a new planner. Additionally, the board designated official meeting dates, times, and the official newspaper. Discussion also covered the appointment of the Technical Coordinating Committee and the decision to table the adoption of a Professional Services Resolution and the annual report until the next meeting.

The board reviewed and deemed complete applications for site plans at 390 Rutherford Avenue and 24 Munsonhurst Road. Correspondence regarding a variance request for 104 Main Street was reviewed with plans to schedule a future hearing. Old business included a summary of a TCC meeting for 46-29 Church Street. New business topics included a discussion on potential legislative actions that could bypass local planning and zoning boards, and a proposal for updated accessory structure building ordinances based on lot size. The open public session featured input from residents expressing concerns regarding the development of industrial data centers.

The meeting included the governing body's certification of the annual audit and the approval of a corrective action plan for the 2025 audit report, which addressed segregation of duties and interfund balances. Additionally, the council approved a bond ordinance authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes to finance various 2026 capital improvements, including road and sidewalk repairs, vehicle and equipment acquisition for police and public works departments, and water department equipment.

The Council reviewed various municipal reports, including updates on personnel, recreation, infrastructure improvements, and rail-to-trail development initiatives. Financial matters included discussions on cannabis tax revenue and the formal introduction of the 2026 municipal budget. The governing body adopted resolutions authorizing an implementation grant, shared service agreements with Lafayette Township, engineering professional services, a community fireworks display, and temporary road closures. Additionally, the Council introduced new ordinances regarding municipal fees and code repeals, while processing and approving various license and membership applications.

The Mayor and Council discussed status updates on High Street, recreational event planning, and the acquisition of a Motor Vehicle Mobile unit. Council members reviewed committee reports regarding grant applications and historical preservation efforts. Public comments addressed local maintenance issues, zoning concerns, and inquiries regarding utility services and business operations. The Council authorized the drafting of a payment plan for a local business to address utility arrears and adopted resolutions establishing employee salaries, authorizing additional compensation for the Municipal Court Administrator, renewing liquor licenses, granting disabled veteran exemptions, and canceling a tax sale certificate. A proclamation honoring Eddie Mindlin was also adopted.