A major highlight was the council’s proclamation for “Save a Life Day,” aiming to combat the opioid epidemic by distributing Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, and raising awareness about substance abuse. The initiative underscores a grim statistic of 80,391 drug overdose deaths in 2024. Community leader Safy Callen emphasized the importance of engaging vulnerable populations, such as seniors, in these efforts. Calls were made for the formation of a Franklin Township Opiate Settlements Funds Advisory Committee, tasked with recommending the allocation of opioid settlement funds to maximize community impact. Phyllis Beiels, a co-chair of the Municipal Alliance Committee, urged the council to expedite this process, highlighting the urgency of addressing the ongoing crisis.

Complementing these efforts, public comments during the meeting called for increased community involvement and resources to reduce opiate-related deaths. Suggestions included leveraging local expertise in pharmacology and social work to bolster recovery initiatives and prevent substance abuse among young residents. The council’s stance on drug-related issues was echoed throughout the discussions.

On the environmental front, a new ordinance was introduced to prohibit the routine use of fossil fuel-powered generators, targeting large industrial operations rather than home use. This move aligns with broader environmental goals, inspired by developments in other states, to reduce air pollution and safeguard residents’ quality of life. The council also plans to inform neighboring towns about this initiative, encouraging a collective approach to environmental stewardship.

This recognition follows the successful use of a $10,000 grant for developing the micromobility study.

In addition to these primary issues, the council addressed various community concerns. A resident raised the issue of tractor trailer parking at a shopping plaza, causing noise and pollution. The council was asked to consider an ordinance to prevent such parking, mirroring restrictions in other township areas. Additionally, the council discussed an upcoming Diwali festival and several community events, including a movie night and breast cancer awareness activities.

Public safety was another focal point, with discussions about improving emergency response times, especially concerning the Amazon warehouse, which recorded 245 police entries in 2024. The police entries were attributed to routine security checks and other minor incidents, with only a small fraction resulting in emergency medical service calls. The council reassured residents of Amazon’s on-site medical staff, available 24/7, reducing the strain on local services.

The council also tackled infrastructure concerns, such as ongoing construction on Martino Drive and the effectiveness of the online pothole reporting system. Residents were encouraged to report issues, with council members personally monitoring the submissions to ensure timely responses.

The meeting concluded with discussions on financial management, noting a modest increase in municipal taxes compared to neighboring areas. The council emphasized the township’s fiscal management, despite rising operational costs driven by external factors like the school board’s budgetary decisions.