Franklin Township Council Meeting: Deer Hunting & Upcoming Events

SOMERSET, NJ - Residents gathered in the Council Chambers on Tuesday to discuss concerns about Franklin’s annual deer hunting event, upcoming community events, and the possibility of a digital marquee to publicize town activities.

During the public comments section, three residents expressed their concerns about the township’s annual hunting season. They expressed their dismay about the treatment of animals, particularly deer, and expressed that the reasons they assumed the hunt was necessary was purely because of the danger that deer pose to vehicles.

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During council comments, Deputy Mayor Potosnack and Township Manager Vornlocker addressed these concerns, citing reasons such as deer overpopulation and environmental issues.

"There are approximately 270 deer per square mile statewide, and access to food for them is scarce," Potosnack said. "Part of being human is not setting them up for failure to starve."

“Deer do damage to cars, people’s lands, agriculture, and the ecosystem," Vornlocker said.

To find common ground, council members suggested adding more signage about the deer population to ensure the safety of drivers and wildlife.

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As the meeting shifted to give the councilmembers the floor, Councilman Kharazi spoke about three important events that Franklin residents would be able to take advantage of: a trail walk with the trail advisory council, training by the interface council on civil rights, and the next Human Relations Committee Meeting (HRC).

For all nature lovers, the township trail advisory committee will be leading a beautiful trail walk led by the “fireflies” at the John Clyde Memorial Native Grassland Preserve on July 13th at 8:00 pm.

On July 31 at 8 p.m., the Interfaith Council will hold a training session on bias and civil rights, discussing the impacts of bias and bigotry on mental health. Dinner will be served at this event.

The next HRC meeting will be on July 24 at 7 p.m., featuring a presentation on the impacts of homeschooling and introducing plans for a new YMCA in the town.

With no public comments on the CDBG action plan, the council voted on the outstanding resolutions and adjourned the meeting at approximately 9 p.m.

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