MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

November 21, 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 Rio Grande Fire Chief Howard
Graham, Aaron Sill and Bob Sweeten. Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott
CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: Robert Zimmerman received an email from the township regarding
Ordinance 2024-16, stipend for commissioners. The township approved all four (4) districts’
ordinances at their meeting, November 18th , 2024.
OLD BUSINESS: none at this time
NEW BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman read the 2025 Fire District Budget Resolution which as
introduced reflects Total Revenues of $2,370,503.55 which includes an amount to be raised by
taxation of $869,600.00 and Total Appropriations of $2,370,503.55. All commissioners present
voted aye to accept the resolution as read. Jean Zimmerman reminded everyone of the 6:45pm
meeting on Thursday, December 19th for the Adoption of the 2025 Budget prior to the 7pm
Regular Meeting.
Robert Zimmerman and Greg Neill had a grant meeting yesterday with Triad Associates. The
chief from Rio Grande Fire Company and the chief from Cape May Court House Fire Company
attended along with two (2) associates from Triad. We are applying for a joint application for
the 700 MHz portable radios between the two (2) districts. We are applying for a grant of
$5,500.00 to be divided between the two (2) districts at a cost of $2,750 each. The grant needs
to be submitted before December 16, 2024. Motion Conrad Johnson, second Greg Neill to make
the payment of $2,750 for the joint application. All commissioners present voted aye.
Greg Neill had an email from Fire District #1, the township and Mr. Braslow referencing the
Ordinance for Fire Prevention updating their schedule. The township said it was late for this
year and would take some time to get the resolution together but would have the resolution by
the first of the year. Hoping it would be introduced the second week in January 2025 so we can
have it for February.

Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: invoice for $8.99 was received from Mr.
Tire for nail removal from 2019 Tahoe on October 12th ; Service Tire Truck Center removed a
screw from right rear inner tire and patched on Quint 72 on November 4th for $385.60;
November 2nd Shop One installed six (6) new batteries on Tanker 72 for $1,336.00; November
saw Fire & Safety Store install new front shocks, oil dry hopper door repair, thermal relief valve
issues causing a steady leak on Tanker 72 for $6,087.31; in November, Fire & Safety Store on
Tanker 72 did chassis and pump PM service less oil and filters, new engine air filter, vacuum test
of pump for $2,417.51; in November, Fire & Safety Store on Quint 72 did chassis and pump PM
service less oil and filters, CAFs check, aerial operation check grease and lube fittings, checked
generator voltage and hertz, vacuum test of pump for $2,308.43; in November, Fire & Safety
Store on Squad 72 did chassis and pump PM service less oil and filters, operated pump and
CAFs, installed new anode in PUC pump, vacuum test of pump for $1,672.92; from December
2023 – November 2024 Fire & Safety Store replaced air dryer assembly, ongoing diagnostics
and troubleshooting of foam system including new control box on Tanker 72 for $4,052.44; Fire
& Safety Store gave a Service Quote of $8,987.38 for foam system repair including
remanufactured foam pump and labor for Tanker 72. Bob was given the go ahead for the foam
system repair even though there is no time frame given. Robert Zimmerman questioned if the
pump packing was done on the Quint and Tanker. Bob said it was done.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 316 fire calls; crews have been busy with brush fires and open burns; life
safety ropes have all been placed in the trucks; attended Veterans’ Day Parade in Villas; getting
trucks decorated and ready for Santa escort and Christmas parades.
FIRE BUREAU: none at this time
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills
by Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson, of $63,342.61. Jen Sill said three (3) Sturdy CDs have
been changed into 3 month CDs at 4.1%. Robert Zimmerman said there were two more bills not
shown on the printout. They are: Rio Grande Fire Company, $15,169.00 for the 2nd payment
towards the fire company’s electric upgrades and Post Net, $135.00 for the printing and binding
of six (6) 2025 Budget booklets. Jen questioned why the Wildwood Water bill was higher than
normal. After much discussion, no one could come up with an answer. Motion carried.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary