MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

Budget Work Session
October 21, 2025

A Budget Work Session was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6pm with Commissioners
Robert Zimmerman, Conrad Johnson, Jenifer Sill, J. Gregory Neill and Jean Zimmerman
attending. Leon Costello, CPA, Rio Grande Fire Chief Jim Belles and Rio Grande Assistant Fire
Chief John Kendrick were also in attendance.
FIRE BUREAU: no requests made since nobody showed up
FIRE APPARATUS: Bob Sweeten had no requests
CHIEF’S OFFICE: Jim Belles would like to purchase:
Annual Services total $16,775:
*Knox box connect – expires October 26, 2026 – 3 year renewal $1,800 for 6 units
*Gas meters – $975
*Iamresponding – $850
*Edispatches – $1,700
*Amkus tools – $1,000
*In-house air compressor – $2,000
*SCBA flow testing – $2,400
*Crash recovery system – $450
*Hurst tools – $1,100
*Physicals – $150 each member at AtlantiCare in Rio Grande – approximately 30 guys – total
$4,500. Chief asked if the guys get their own yearly physical with their family doctor can they
just show proof from their doctor. Commissioners allowed as long as everything is covered that
is normally checked.
New Equipment total $84,465:
*Replace 3 Knox boxes in big trucks – $1,000 each – total $3,000 – others are outdated
*4 AEDs – $2,000 each – total $8,000
*2 Sensit Gold G2 gas detectors – $2,900 each – total $5,800
*6 Fire Cam Oncall V2 Dash Cam – $190 each – total $1,140
*4 G5 pagers – $850 each – total $3,400
*K-12 saw $2,600
*3 Electronic power call sirens with speaker – $300 each – total $900 (This was turned down)
*1 thermal imager $5,000
*10 sets of fire gear – $4,000 each – total $40,000 Hopefully, we can use some of the fine
money and stay on track to have all new black gear by 2027
*RIC bag and cylinder with all accessories for Quint 72 – $7,915
*4 fire helmets – $500 each – total $2,000

*6 sets of fire gloves – $150 each – total $900
*6 sets of extrication gloves – $55 each – total $330
*6 sets of boots – $500 each – total $3,000
*6 hoods – $80 each – total $480
Wish List total $47,541.77 not including iPads :
*Upgrade the iPads and switching to firstNet. We are now allowed to use the iPads again as per
the county. We can do much more with the iPads. The current iPads are outdated and the
cheap tablets we bought are not working for our use. They may take trade ins. Looking for 5-6
iPads.
*Skid unit for the pickup truck – $30,000
*Boat with motor and trailer for water rescue – $12,541.77 (This was turned down)
*Replace/upgrade lighting on Utility 72 – $5,000
Training: $5,000
Fire Hose: $5,000
Radio Maintenance: $5,000
Radios, if we don’t get the grant: $55,000
COMMISSIONERS: Leon Costello, CPA, gave each of the commissioners a preliminary 2026
Budget package and then went over the numbers with everyone. With the adjusted numbers,
he will be able to have the 2026 Budget to us for our November meeting.
Robert Zimmerman announced that Fire Official Daniel P. DeSimone will retire on October 31,
2025 and Helen M. Graham and Michael P. Quigley have resigned as of November 1 st and
November 5 th , 2025 respectively. All three emailed Robert Zimmerman and Conrad Johnson
with their announcements today, October 21, 2025. (Both Dan and Helen’s letters were dated
October 20, 2025 but emailed on October 21 st ) There will be a special meeting on Thursday,
October 30, 2025 with Mr. Braslow. A legal notice will be placed in the Press of Atlantic City
before 48 hours of the meeting. Conrad Johnson thought there was a 90 day window for
appointment of Fire Official.
On Wednesday, October 22 nd , 2025 a resignation letter was received from Ronald Panebianco.
Although the letter was dated October 20 th , Ron emailed Robert Zimmerman and Conrad
Johnson announcing his resignation effective October 31, 2025.
Jean Zimmerman, Secretary