Township of Franklin

The committee reviewed and discussed the Community Energy Plan grant presented by the Environmental Commission. Legislative actions included the introduction and first reading of an ordinance regarding land use and affordable housing, and the adoption of resolutions establishing a tax exemption policy for disabled veterans and appointing a Fund Commissioner. Other business included an update on trail repairs, approval of a professional services contract for road improvements, and reports regarding departmental operations and upcoming local events. An executive session was convened to discuss property and personnel matters.

The committee convened a special meeting to hold an executive session. During this session, they discussed matters pertaining to attorney-client privilege and contractual obligations regarding the MBI Development of Delaware LLC affordable housing project, as well as personnel matters within the Police Department. No action was taken upon resuming the regular meeting session.

The agenda includes the approval of a bills list and several resolutions related to tax sale redemptions, the appointment of a judge for the Joint Municipal Court, various municipal position appointments, and a shared service agreement for file retention. Additionally, it addresses the authorization to retain an auctioneer for the sale of township property. Old business focuses on the public hearing and final adoption of ordinances concerning affordable housing regulations, including updates to development fees and zoning amendments. Executive session topics cover a status update on an affordable housing development, a lease of township property, and police department personnel matters.

The agenda for the combined Re-Organization and Regular Meeting included the Oath of Office for newly elected and re-elected committee members, nominations and appointments for Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the year 2026, and a period for public comments on agenda items only. A significant portion of the agenda comprised thirteen resolutions (Resolution 2026-01 through Resolution 2026-13) covering topics such as designating official websites and newspapers, designating fund depositories, authorizing professional service contracts, appointing municipal positions and members to Boards and Commissions, setting the interest rate for late tax payments, authorizing tax appeal filings, adopting the CY2026 Temporary Budget, and addressing the Green Team Advisory Committee. The Board of Health section included a resolution for the Annual Meeting Notice. The Regular Meeting agenda included sections for proclamations, presentations, old business, new business, committee member reports, and concluding with an executive session.

The meeting addressed a recent double homicide in the Township, with statements from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor and the interim Officer-in-Charge of the Franklin Township Police Department. Public concerns were raised regarding the police department's procedures and the emergency meeting held on August 7th. The committee discussed the cost of repairs to the current Municipal Building, potential leasing options, and whether the building meets current code standards. The committee also discussed extending the grace period for third quarter taxes, tax sale redemption, Capoolong Creek Trail repair, farmland preservation, and a grant application for a pavilion at the New Municipal Building. Additionally, there were discussions about zoning, ECHO housing units, and Air BnB units. An Eagle Scout presented a proposed project for an outdoor checker/chess board at the New Municipal Building. The committee entered an executive session to discuss the lease of township-owned property, potential lease of the current Municipal Building, and a shared services agreement with the Franklin Township School for a Class III Special Officer.