Franklin roundup: Ag committee extends Ken's contract; Township Committee took up housing fees and 2026 budget
The Agricultural Advisory Committee extended Ken's contract through the end of 2026 at its July 13 meeting — the only board this week with official minutes published. The Township Committee, which met July 14, took up a slate of consequential items, including a proposed overhaul of affordable housing fees, introduction of the 2026 budget, and a grant contract for resurfacing Williamstown Road, but outcomes are not yet available because minutes have not been published.
Agricultural Advisory Committee (July 13)
The committee approved the minutes of its May 11, 2026 meeting by a unanimous vote. It noted that Ken's contract was extended through the end of 2026; no vote was recorded for that action. No other items were approved, denied, or tabled. The committee set its next meeting for September 14, 2026.
Township Committee (July 14)
The committee's agenda included a public hearing on several ordinances and resolutions. Because minutes are not yet published, outcomes cannot be confirmed. The items listed on the agenda:
- **Ordinance O-10-26:** Repeal and replace Chapter 138 on affordable housing fees and development charges.
- **Ordinance O-12-26:** Purchase of Block 4904 Lot 5, returning ownership to Franklin Township.
- **Ordinance O-13-26:** Renunciation of Block 2103 Lot 23, returning ownership to Franklin Township.
- **Resolution R-108-26:** Introduction of the 2026 Franklin Township budget.
- **Resolution R-111-26:** Approval to submit a grant application and contract with NJDOT for Williamstown Road resurfacing.
The agenda also listed renewal of alcohol beverage licenses and the creation of new compost-facility positions. Residents seeking confirmed outcomes should watch for the published minutes.
Communications Commission (July 8)
This meeting was agenda-only; minutes have not been published. Items listed for discussion included an ordinance update, an online OPRA request form, and Daniel's Law. The commission also planned to address website changes, including a rewrite of the main page and the addition of new sub-pages: Bids, Jobs, Business Directory, Places of Worship, Resource Directory, and Post Offices.
Library Board of Trustees (July 15)
This meeting was agenda-only; minutes have not been published. Motions listed on the agenda:
- Approve minutes from May 20, 2026.
- Approve the 2025 Audit.
- Abolish the Replacement Card Policy.
- Approve personnel committee minutes.
- Consider a Friends/Board Agreement.
The meeting also included a closed session.
Coming up
Planning Board — July 21. The board will hear presentations and public comment on three minor subdivision applications. Each applicant is seeking to divide one existing lot into two lots:
- **PB26-02:** 2633 Sheridan Avenue (Block 701 Lot 14)
- **PB26-03:** 592 Proposed Avenue (Block 1401 Lot 32)
- **PB26-04:** 2156 Chew Avenue (Block 303 Lot 1)