FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. — Franklin Township officials are set for a packed agenda Tuesday, with discussions and potential action involving automated license plate readers, short-term rentals, cannabis regulations, Catalpa Park and more than $1.7 million in proposed road resurfacing contracts.
The Township Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 7 pm with public discussion scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.
One of the night's items is expected to be a council discussion on the township's Automated License Plate Recognition, or ALPR, system. Franklin uses technology from Flock Safety; officials plan to examine both the system's public safety benefits and concerns residents have raised about privacy and data access.
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The discussion is expected to include Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks and representatives from Flock Safety.
Council members are also scheduled to hold public hearings and final votes on two ordinances introduced in July.
One would repeal and replace Franklin's existing cannabis ordinance, restructuring local licensing fees while setting the annual fee for cannabis microbusinesses at $500. The proposal would maintain the township's cap of 18 retail dispensaries.
The second would establish a new chapter of the municipal code regulating short-term rentals. The proposal comes after residents raised concerns about short-term rental properties being used for large gatherings and events in residential neighborhoods.
Another major item on Tuesday's agenda is a proposed $8.58 million contract with Vulcan Construction Group Inc. for work at Catalpa Park. The contract is included on the council's consent agenda.
Road improvements are also on the agenda. The council will consider awarding Fischer Contracting a contract of up to approximately $1.18 million for resurfacing in the Randolph Road area and another contract of up to approximately $622,500 for resurfacing in the Golf View Drive area.
Council members will also consider an ordinance on first reading authorizing the private sale of township-owned properties at 56-58 Main Street, 29 Kossuth Street and 168 Churchill Avenue for Habitat for Humanity.
Other proposed spending includes up to $3 million for water meters, $325,000 for emergency timber guiderail repairs, $450,000 for snow plowing services, $195,000 for Axon body-worn cameras and approximately $160,000 for Axon Tasers.
The meeting will also include proclamations recognizing the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 80th anniversary of India's independence.
Tuesday's meeting is Franklin Township's only regular Township Council meeting scheduled for August.
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