Township Council

A $2 million decrease in water utility collections may lead to a rate increase during the year, the Township Council was told on March 15. Township auditor Andrew Hodulik told the Council during its second budget hearing that the utility’s fund balance decreased from $10 million to $8 million over the last year. “You’re probably going to look at a …

Mayor Phil Kramer broached the idea of returning to in-person meetings at the March 8 Township Council meeting. Maybe the third time is the charm. The Township Council on March 8 decided to allow for the resumption of in-person township meetings starting in April. Masks will still have to be worn in township buildings, and senior citizens participating in clubs …

FTPD Officer Michael Stallings and Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather at the February 8 virtual Township Council meeting. Township Councilman Ram Anbarasan often talks about promoting diversity in the township workforce, and on February 8, he let his money do the talking for him. Anbarasan awarded his first $2,000 Workforce Diversity Scholarship to Michael Stallings, one of the newer Franklin …

Mayor Phil Kramer said conditions have improved to the point where the indoor mask mandate in businesses and other venues was no longer needed. Visitors to township businesses and other venues will no longer be required by the Township to wear a mask against Covid-19. The Township Council at its January 25 meeting rescinded the mandate that it passed at …

FTPD Sgt. George Habeiche was sworn in virtually during the January 25 Township Council meeting. The Franklin Township Police Department’s supervisor ranks grew again January 25, with the formal swearing in of another department Sergeant. Sgt. George Habeiche was sworn in virtually during the Township Council meeting. Aside from the Council, on hand to witness the swearing-in were Public Safety …

Township Councilman Ed Potosnak, right, is sworn in by state Sen. Vin Gopal during the Council’s January 4 reorganization meeting. Newly minted Township Councilman Ed Potosnak made history January 4 when he took his Oath of Office, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to hold the office. Council members also chose Crystal Pruitt (D-At Large) to serve as this year’s …

The Township Council on December 14 approved minor stipend increases for some Fire District Commissioners for 2022. Approved were increases from $7,500 to $7,650 for commissioners in Fire District 2 and increases from $7,584 to $7,750 for commissioners in Fire District 3. The $8,000 stipend for commissioners in Fire District 1, the $8,500 stipend for Fire District 1’s chairman, and …

The Township Council is going on record opposing a plan by Levin Properties to build a 4-storey residential building in Rutgers Plaza. In a rare move, the Township Council is inserting itself in a Zoning Board of Adjustment application, opposing a plan to build a 4-storey residential building in Rutgers Plaza. The Council voted to take the action at its …

Township Councilman Ted Chase, seen in this file photo, was honored at the December 14 Council meeting, his last. Township Councilman Ted Chase (D-Ward 1) was honored by his Council colleagues and members of the public at the December 14 meeting, Chase’s last. Chase, who has served on the governing body since 2010, opted to not seek re-election last month …

Mayor Phil Kramer will probably advocate for a continuation of virtual township meetings when the Township Council meets on December 14. Update: The Township Council on December 14 unanimously passed a resolution continuing the mandate that all township meetings would be held virtually until March 31, 2022. Mayor Phil Kramer said there has been a sharp spike in the number …