Franklin Pond passes final water test

FRANKLIN — Franklin Pond has passed its third and final water test, Acting Borough Clerk Darlene Tremont announced on Tuesday.
"Pond is moving along swimmingly," Tremont said.
The pond's grand opening will be June 30 with hot dogs and hamburgers, mostly donated by Sussex Meat Packaging, available.
Tremont explained it will be a “block party without alcohol!” A 5K race is also planned.
Additionally, council members also approved the annual pass prices to use the pond. Badge fees are $100 for family residents (up to 5), $25 single resident, and $25 for senior citizens (age 65 and up), children under 3 are free. Daily passes also are available. A daily resident wristband is $5, guest wristband is $10, and the daily senior resident wristband is $3. Guests must be accompanied by a Franklin resident.
The council is also looking into avenues to offset costs for those in need, including donations, selling commemorative T-shirts, caps and memorabilia as well as county supplementation. The council also noted an organization called Friends of Franklin Pond and various merchants including TJs Pizza and Verizon are working to set up a GoFundMe page for those desiring to use the beach but need financial assistance.
Badges can be purchased at the concession stand soon.
Certified lifeguards are still needed for hire this season.
Although there was much hubbub to talk about surrounding the grand opening of the pond, other town matters were discussed as well.
Most notable included the delay in approving the new Police SUV, and clarification of Ordinance 08-2018 pertaining to the proposed Munsonhurst Panned Residence District at 138 Munsonhurst Road, Block 2701, Lot 2.
For the council to reach a decision regarding the approval of funds for the SUV, Council member Phillip Crabb suggested an inventory of current vehicles and the creation of a written vehicle replacement plan covering several years to come. Mayor Nicholas Giordano agreed to the suggestion and added that transparency to the public is important. The council agreed to resolve in 2 cycles.
Many town residents whispered displeasure for the 300 apartments being proposed under the Land Development ordinance 08-2018. During this council meeting, however, the primary discussion revolved around disagreement of slope percentages between what the Borough Council agreed to and what appeared on various paperwork. This matter will be discussed in more detail at the next council meeting on June 26.