MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

May 16, 2024

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Robert Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman stated that
notice had been given to the Herald Newspapers, the official paper and is posted on the bulletin board
of the Middle Township Municipal Hall as required by P.L. 1975, c231, the Sunshine Law.
Roll call was taken with commissioners Robert Zimmerman, Conrad Johnson, Jenifer Sill, J. Gregory Neill,
and Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Wayne Hall Jr., and Bob Sweeten. Richard Braslow,
Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: none at this time
OLD BUSINESS: Jenifer Sill wanted to ask the fire company about the status of the AC Electric project.
She was wondering if there was an updated proposal from AC Electric for their upgrades since the
meeting room is currently under going renovation. She said in December the proposal quote was for
$52,938.80 of which the fire district paid $20,000 towards the down payment. The fire company has not
received any new proposals.
Bob Sweeten reported he had some payment options for the new truck compared to financing.
Prepayment Credits are valid through July 31, 2024.
Options are:
100% Prepayment with Contract:
Contract Price: $1,685,318.14.
Discount Amount: $202,212.00
Total Due with Contract: $1,483,106.14
75% Prepayment with Contract:
Contract Price: $1,685,318.14
Prepayment Amount: $1,263,988.61
Discount Amount: $178,573.78
Amount Due at Delivery: $242,755.75
Total Contract with Discount Amount: $1,506,744.36
50% Prepayment with Contract:
Contract Price: $1,685,318.14

Prepayment Amount: $842,659.07
Discount Amount: $110,798.35
Amount Due at Delivery: $731,860.72
Total Contract with Discount Amount: $1,574,519.79
Chassis Payment Option (4 months prior):
Contract Price: $1,685,318.14
Chassis Payment Amount: $593,888.01
Credit Amount: $21,206.52
Amount Due 60 days Prior Delivery: $1,070,223.61
Total Contract with Discount Amount: $1,664,111.62
Aerial Ladder Payment Option (4 months prior):
Contract Price: $1,685,318.14
Chassis Payment Amount: $285,383.24
Credit Amount: $7,548.76
Amount Due 60 days Prior Delivery: $1,392,386.14
Total Contract with Discount Amount: $1,677,769.38
Bob said to go with financing, you are looking at approximately $20,000-$40,000 in fees plus Mr.
Braslow’s fee which could be a combined total of $50,000 to satisfy all the state’s requirements. Jenifer
Sill questioned why we couldn’t sign a contract now instead of waiting until next year, January 1, 2025.
Because the truck was voted on in the 2024 elections, the cost was not included in the 2024 budget and
would have to be included in next year’s 2025 budget. Robert Zimmerman talked with Leon from Ford
Scott, accountant, who has our budget, and he has talked with Mr. Braslow. It appears that, according to
our 2022 Audit, we have $929,809 set aside for a capital purchase. Robert had a conversation with Bob
Emory of Fire and Safety, to see if we could sign a contract with no money exchanged in anticipation of
receiving a check in February, would they still honor original contract amount of $1,685,318.14. Mr.
Emory needs to speak with Dave, who is the owner, since this is an extreme amount of time from
signing contract to receiving payment. Robert also wants to ask Mr. Braslow if we could sign a contract
now with the intent of purchasing the truck come February once the 2025 Budget is approved. If the
contract can not be signed by July 31, 2024, there could be a 1.5% per quarter increase at about
$25,000. Robert asked the commissioners if they were on board with going with the options and not
financing. All commissioners agreed to going with one of the options in lieu of going through the Local
Finance Board.
NEW BUSINESS: Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: 2020 Chief’s Tahoe had an oil
change and tire rotation at Mr. Tire on April 26, 2024 for a cost of $117.85. Assistant Chief’s Tahoe went
to Mr. Tire on May 3, 2024 for oil change and lube for a cost of $132.85. Utility 72-1 Ford F250 was at
Mr. Tire on May 10, 2024 for a cost of $135.17 also oil changed and lube. 2017 Fire Bureau Tahoe had a
cracked windshield. Safelite fixed the windshield at a cost of $463.80 which the fire company paid for

because Safelite needed payment first to fix it. Fire company will be reimbursed at the end of the year.
Greg Neill questioned if the insurance would cover it and Bob replied because of the deductible. But Bob
would check with JIF to see if it was covered. Chief asked Bob to have his tires checked on the Tahoe
while at Mr. Tire. It was determined that the Tahoe had original tires showing some wear and needed
replacing. 2017 Fire Bureau Tahoe going in tomorrow for servicing and also needs new tires. Bob was
told the 2014 Fire Bureau Ford Expedition’s AC hisses and will have it looked at when it goes to Mr. Tire
next Friday for service. The three (3) gas vehicles are done and will schedule Utility 72 at Gentilini some
time in the next month for its service. Bob was given three (3) quotes for four (4) tires: Cooper
$1,125.91, Yokohama $1,109.91 and Goodyear $1,125.91. Robert Zimmerman told Bob to get the four
(4) Yokohama tires for both the Chief’s Tahoe and the 2017 Fire Bureau Tahoe and to wait and see what
the AC problem is on the Fire Bureau Expedition. Greg Neill asked about the lettering on the Fire Bureau
vehicles that are falling off. Bob will talk with Danny to see who he used for the lettering on the Jeep.
Greg thought the three (3) vehicles should look the same regarding the lettering.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 118 fire calls; physicals are scheduled for August 7 th starting at 3pm; all the officers
have been told about the stipend program and were advised of their duties to receive the stipend;
Squad sensit gas detector is out of service and is at Fire Store getting serviced due to O2 sensor issues;
annual services for Mistras pump testing, waiting for a call back; aerial inspection ground ladders and
Quint, waiting for a call back, Blaze Amkus Jaws, squad, looking like end of May; hose testing FD services
June 10 th ; MES tanker jaws June 25 th ; one (1) member attending Basic Jaws class at Cape May County this
weekend.
FIRE BUREAU: Greg Neill reported there were some small issues with Middle Township and the MLK
building. He also stated that the state finally sent the revised ordinance back regarding the new fees.
Greg spoke with Lou Kilmer who thought the fee schedule was too high. Greg would like to get a
meeting together with Lou Kilmer and Fire Prevention officials from Court House and Danny to rectify
the ordinance.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills by Greg
Neill, second Conrad Johnson, of $36,498.46. Motion carried. Jenifer Sill said that most of the money
was taken from a Sturdy Money Market and the money was then put into a 6 month CD that was paying
4.6%. It’s a much higher % than it was getting in the money market. The idea is to make as much as we
can while the rates are high.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary