MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

August 21, 2025

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Robert W. 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, and Jean M. Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief
Jim Belles, Rio Grande Assistant Fire Chief John Kendrick, Nick Adkins, Scott Aaron Sill, and Bob
Sweeten. Fire Official Dan DeSimone, Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott
CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: Jean Zimmerman reported that there was a certified letter and regular mail
letter received from Maley Givens, a law firm from Collingswood, New Jersey, stating that we
received a notice from the Township of Middle Planning Board in error and that our property is
not under consideration for designation as a Condemnation Redevelopment Area. There were
two (2) maps enclosed for the Rio Grande Redevelopment Area and Hildreth Redevelopment
Area. Robert Zimmerman said they were for the concrete plant and Cardile’s.
OLD BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman had the 2024 Audit and asked the commissioners if there
were any questions. He then read the resolution with Greg Neill, motion and Conrad Johnson
second the resolution approved as read. Commissioners then all signed the affidavit before
being notarized.
Greg Neill mentioned that the grant is back online again and the application will continue to go
through the review process..
NEW BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman would like to set up a Budget Workshop for Tuesday,
October 21, 2025 at 6pm. He will ask Leon Costello, Accountant, to join us. All commissioners
were good with that date. Robert asked the chief to bring his “wish list” to the workshop.
Robert will also ask Dan DeSimone, Fire Official, for his “wish list” and advise him of the date
and time of the meeting. He also asked the Fire Apparatus Coordinator, Bob Sweeten, if he
could attend and if not, to let Chief Belles know of anything he might need.
Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: on August 7 th , John Miller from Shop One
Fire Apparatus, replaced the original batteries on Squad 72 and repaired a crimp in a wire on
the battery charger that was causing an error on the charging display. There is no bill yet. *on

August 21 st , 2020 Chevy Tahoe chief’s vehicle’s batteries were replaced that were covered
under warranty (12/2023 with a four (4) year warranty). We paid approximately $40 for the
upgrade which was to better batteries. *estimate for new tires for Quint 72 from STTC is: 1.
State Contract pricing for Good Year – $5,419.24 and 2. Michelin – $6,095.30. With approval to
buy Goodyear tires, we would let them know to order for the front steer tires because they are
an oddball by the weight. *estimate from MEE for chevron striping to the back of Utility 72 is
$657.17. *pump testing scheduled for August 28 th . *bills received from Monroe Inc for Mr. Tire
work on both chiefs’ vehicles in June and July that included a credit of $195.74. 2019 Tahoe
(Assistant Chief 72) needs front end checked and steering is making a clicking noise. Will be
dropped off at Mr. Tire. *Shop One Fire Apparatus bills were received for Tanker 72 a/c for
$441.91 and Quint 72 a/c for $1,657.11. The Quint’s a/c stopped working after a month, John
Miller wants to try one more time to fix it.
Bob Sweeten said, regarding insurance, he received some mail from Mike McLaughlin as did
three (3) fire districts in Middle Township under JIF. According to Bob, everything looks good –
the trucks are fine, the shed is on there, the building is on there but he wants to make sure
there is nothing that needs, equipment-wise that’s specified, that we’re missing and needs to
be individually covered. He will review with the chief.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 293 fire calls; Rick Pumphrey, Pierce salesman for Fire and Safety Services,
would like to display our squad at the Atlantic County Training Center on October 9 th from 2-
7pm for their road rally. Commissioners were okay with the squad attending. *aerial and ladder
testing was done and everything passed; *annual hose testing was done and we lost three (3)
lengths of 1¾”, one (1) length of 2½”, and two lengths of 5”; *pump testing will take place
Thursday, August 28 th , getting the trucks ready for the Firemen’s Convention next month.
FIRE BUREAU: none at this time.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert W. Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the
bills by Conrad Johnson, second James G. Neill, of $57,627.39. Jenifer Sill also handed out
copies of Budget Overview from January 1 st through August 21 st , 2025 and Budget vs Actuals
from January 1 st through August 21 st , 2025 for everyone to review. Motion carried.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary