MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

December 19, 2024

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Robert Zimmerman (zoom). 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 (zoom), Conrad Johnson, Jenifer Sill,
J. Gregory Neill, and Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief Howard
Graham, Aaron Sill, Rio Grande Assistant Fire Chief Jim Belles, Kirby Stiltner and Sal DeSimone.
Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: Jean Zimmerman said there was a thank you letter from the Herald
Newspapers for using them for our legal notices.
OLD BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman reported that the state approved the 2025 Budget after
some corrections were made by the accountant, Leon Costello. He then read the 2025 Adopted
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.
NEW BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman explained he was on Zoom due to an unknown reason
suspension from the fire company. He said that in September we used the meeting room
without authorization and that he had made a phone call to Mr. Braslow regarding how to
handle an elected position with no nominations. There were no names for the chief position
and he wanted to know how that would be handled. He and another firefighter were both
suspended. The other person was suspended because he violated a bylaw by setting up the
meeting room for our meeting without authorization. Robert is not aware of what he has done
wrong to be suspended since he has not been interviewed as of this meeting. Conrad Johnson
questioned the situation with Mr. Braslow and thought there was a serious problem with
overlapping of fire company/fire commission business.
Jean Zimmerman had a Purchase Order for Fire & Safety for repair to Tanker 72 CAFS for
$8,987.38. This amount will be used from the 2024 budget. Motion Conrad Johnson, second
Greg Neill to approve the purchase order for repair to Tanker 72. All commissioners present
voted aye.

Jean Zimmerman had a NJ Firefighters Association application for Danielle Ashley Adkins.
Motion Conrad Johnson, second Greg Neill to accept the application for Danielle Ashley Adkins.
All commissioners present voted aye.
Petitions were given to Greg Neill, Jean Zimmerman and Sal DeSimone for the 2025 Elections in
February.
Kirby Stiltner questioned if the first payment of $20,000 toward the AC Electric upgrades
project was given to the fire company yet and was it cashed. Jenifer Sill said that it was given in
December, 2023 and had the cancelled check if he needed to see it. Robert Zimmerman said
the second and final payment was just paid in November fulfilling our 2/3 agreement for the
project – total of $35,169.
Robert Zimmerman read a report from Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, who also was
suspended: since the last meeting, Aaron Sill and Bob Sweeten worked to repair a non
functioning warning light on Quint 72 at no cost; Aaron Sill and Bob Sweeten worked to
diagnose a gauge whose light has stopped working on Quint 72. Bob talked with Barry
Applegate from Fire & Safety Store and this will be repaired in late January. The following items
remain open at the end of this year: repair of Tanker 72 CAFS is delayed due to a part back
order and Tanker 72 replacement cup holders for front of cab are delayed. Bob thanked Chief
Buster Graham for a great working relationship this year on the apparatus.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 353 fire calls; had two (2) car fires on Black Friday; garage fire in Whitesboro;
motel fire last night; assisted Green Creek with a trailer fire and assisted Wildwood fire as RIT
company; two (2) members passed Firefighter 1; all Christmas parades are completed with the
fire company getting 3 rd place in West Cape May parade and 2 nd place in Lower Township
parade; Chief Graham asked for approval of ordering a few sets of gear (Fire-Dex) for
approximately $13,000.00. Robert Zimmerman said to order the gear and that they would be
paid for from the 2024 Budget. Chief Graham thanked the commissioners for their support over
the last three (3) years and wished them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He also said
that Jim Belles would be the new chief starting January 1, 2025.
FIRE BUREAU: Greg Neill mentioned the grant has been filed along with a letter from Rep. Van
Drew supporting the grant and hoping to have a letter from Mr. Booker’s office supporting it
also. We are asking for 33 radios for $333,000 and Court House fire company’s half of the grant
is for $370,000 for a total of $700,000 for two (2) companies.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills
by Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson, of $25,883.89. Jenifer Sill noted that checks were issued
for the officers’ stipend based on the chief reporting that all officers had fulfilled their
requirements to qualify. Motion carried.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary