Margaret Pasqua

The Reorganization Meeting included the swearing in of newly elected Committeepersons for three-year terms. Key actions involved the nominations and subsequent installation of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the year 2026. Appointments were made for members of the Agriculture Advisory & Open Space Commissions and Fire/EMS Line Officers for 2026. Several resolutions were introduced and adopted, including designating the regular meeting schedule for 2026, establishing the Cash Management Plan, requiring business licenses, approving temporary budget appropriations for Q1 2026, awarding contracts for professional services (Municipal Attorney, Auditor, Engineer, Planner), appointing members to the Local Board of Health, Public Safety Committee, and Open Space Commission, authorizing the sale of municipal tax liens, proclaiming January as School Board Recognition Month, designating the Public Agency Compliance Officer, authorizing joining the Warren County Cooperative Pricing Council, appointing a Risk Management Consultant, and authorizing the Tax Assessor to file tax appeals. Committee reports included updates on community center revenue, the need for a resolution of denial for a cannabis application, and plans for a proposed walking path.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss potential litigation regarding cannabis cultivation. Following the executive session, the Committee unanimously approved the execution of a letter of support for the Warren County Community College Ballon Fest scheduled for April 1 through November 30, 2026. A significant portion of the workshop focused on a potential walking park/playground at Third Street and Edison Road, involving discussions about land size, MedEvac concerns, and potential funding sources including Green Acres and Local Recreation Improvement Grants. The Committee adopted Resolution 2026-27, authorizing an application for approximately $75,000 from the NJ Department of Community Affairs for the recreational facility. Additionally, Resolution 2026-28 was adopted, authorizing an application for funding from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program for the same facility. The Committee also discussed the transition of engineering services from UTRS to French & Parrello, determining the fate of two outstanding projects, the MS4 Report and the Dioxane Project.

The Franklin Township Committee held a meeting to discuss various issues. The committee addressed a tax refund for a 100% disabled veteran, December transfers, and a tax sale redemption of lienholder. They also discussed and approved an interconnection license agreement with Kober Solar Farm, LLC. Additionally, there was a public hearing and adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 63 of the Township of Franklin Code, entitled 'Dogs' (annual licensing fees). The committee also discussed a cannabis application from Grasshopper Farms, which was postponed until the January 5, 2026 meeting. Updates were provided by the engineer, municipal attorney, zoning officer, DPW foreman, fire chief, EMS chief, OEM, recycling, and Open Space/Agricultural Advisory Commission. Residents voiced concerns about a proposed Cannabis Cultivation application, road closures, and water contamination issues.

The Franklin Township Committee meeting addressed several key issues, including the Dioxane project, which is currently on hold pending railroad approval, and efforts to connect houses to the water line. The committee discussed a cannabis application from Grasshopper Farms, considering concerns about security, odor, traffic, and potential impacts on property values, wells, and wildlife. The licensing application was ultimately tabled for further review. Additionally, the committee received reports and updates from the Municipal Engineer, Attorney, Zoning Officer, DPW Foreman, Fire Department, EMS, and Open Space/Agricultural Advisory Commission. Public comments were heard regarding traffic, tree concerns, and requests for a cell tower update and a bus stop sign.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as payment in lieu of medical benefits, tax refunds for disabled veterans, and a public hearing for Grasshopper Farms NJ 2, LLC which was moved to the October meeting. There were also reports and updates from the DPW Foreman, Zoning Officer, EMS Chief, and OEM regarding projects, approvals, violations, and service coverage issues. Additionally, there were committee reports addressing health insurance costs, tree elevation along roads, community center fees, and municipal highway signs. The public session addressed concerns about water issues and the annual Touch a Truck fundraiser.