MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

February 20, 2025

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 W. Zimmerman, Conrad J. Johnson, Jenifer D. Sill, James
G. Neill (zoom), and Jean M. Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief Jim Belles,
and Bob Sweeten. Ben Wilson, sales rep from Abbiamo Copiers was also present. Fire Official Dan
DeSimone, Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: Jean Zimmerman read the fire election results from February 15 th : Jean M.
Zimmerman 153; James G. Neill 147; Salvatore J. DeSimone 104; write in Kirby Stiltner Sr 1; Budget
question – Yes 149, No 62
OLD BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman asked Bob Sweeten if he had heard anything on the new truck. He
has not heard from them but said we will be receiving an invoice for the truck.
Robert Zimmerman said the EZ Pass readers need to be replaced. EZ Pass will be sending out new
readers. There is still a question about who pays for them . . . county or township?
NEW BUSINESS: Re-Organization Meeting will be held before the Regular Meeting on March 20 th at
6:45pm according to Robert Zimmerman. He said the terms expire on March 1 st at noon, so we are good
with the March meeting.
Ford, Scott CPA sent two (2) contract proposals. One for LOSAP at $1,000 and the other for the Audit
and Budget at $8,500. Motion Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson to accept the two Ford, Scott
proposals. All commissioners present voted aye.
Greg Neill stated that he talked with everyone about the chairman doing his duty. He also asked
Mr.Braslow if he would write a letter to the Rio Grande Fire Company regarding the chairman having
rights to the building regarding his commissioner duties as chairman. A letter was given to the trustees,
secretary and president of the company. There also was a legal issue with JIF and a $20,000 deductible
that the commissioners felt was the responsibility of the fire company and not the fire district. Conrad
Johnson was concerned about blurring lines between fire company and commissioners.
Ben Wilson, Abbiamo Copiers, sales rep, said our 36 month lease was up on March 1 st for the two (2)
copiers. He has been taking care of us for the last 12 years. He will switch the two (2) copiers with newer
equipment for $150 each or a total of $300 monthly. If there should be any problems with the machines
they will exchange them at no extra cost. There is no per copy charge and the $300 monthly includes
service, parts, supplies, labor. Robert Zimmerman questioned the size that we currently have. He didn’t

think we needed something that big. But in the long run, we do better with that size cost wise. Motion
Conrad Johnson, second Jenifer Sill to accept the lease for 36 months. All commissioners present voted
aye. Ben Wilson gave his cell phone number, 609-517-8213, in case we had any questions or problems.
Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: JIF forms completed for Quint 72 damage at CMC
Fuel Depot at the airport on January 23 rd . He and Chief Belles met with the JIF appraiser for the damages
done January 3 rd and 23 rd . Appraisals will be forwarded to us and Lee’s Emergency Equipment in
Tuckerton which is an authorized Pierce body repair facility. Worked on minor issues as logged by the
lieutenants on their monthly check sheets. Fire Bureau 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe passed inspection. At the
request of the Fire Official, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator windshield wipers were replaced, for a cost of
$40.24. Both wiper blades were torn. Year end apparatus report given to commissioners and chief; 2014
Ford pick-up has the most miles on it.
Bob Sweeten, LOSAP Coordinator, reported that he is waiting for the Bingo committee’s numbers so he
can post the report.
Chief Belles questioned about a skid unit on the utility. Robert Zimmerman said he has information from
previous discussions with the former chief. They will look into it for future use.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 37 fire calls; at the Chiefs Meeting the Fire Marshals talked about working on new
classes, Firefighter ll should start March 15 th , we have 4 or 5 people interested; while at the Chiefs
Meeting received CO and smoke detectors from Fire Marshal’s office; Quint 72 was in an accident at the
gas pumps, Robert Zimmerman and Bob Sweeten were notified; seven (7) guys went to a free, 3 hour
electric vehicle class in Avalon which was very informative; still waiting for MSA to get batteries to
replace defective SCBA batteries; Quint vent master saw metal plate lost a screw at a fallen tree call and
we couldn’t get the other screw out. Took to John’s on Rt 47 in Green Creek for repair and blade
sharpened. New black gear that Buster ordered are not in yet, would like to order five (5) sets per year.
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 $25,181.72. Jenifer Sill said last month there was no bill from NJ
American Water, they then sent a pink notice saying they had not received our payment and were going
to shut off 61 hydrants on February 24 th . Wants to pay via ACH to avoid shut off. She also stated that
three (3) CDs were cashed in from Sturdy Bank and one (1) CD from OceanFirst and were deposited in
operations account for the truck down payment. Motion carried.
Jean Zimmerman, Secretary