MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

June 18, 2026

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, and Jean M.
Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief Jim Belles, Rio Grande Fire
Company President Larry Forsyth, Bill Frank and Bob Sweeten. Jenifer D. Sill, James G. Neill,
Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: none at this time
OLD BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman mentioned that the grants are still in process with last
minute changes, questions and comments being made. The application has not yet been
submitted and Robert thought July 22 nd was the deadline for submission. He also mentioned
that the Fire Bureau checks were given to Doug, Fire Bureau #1, and he was going to handle
them.
NEW BUSINESS: Jenifer Sill and Robert Zimmerman have been contacted by the CPA about the
audit which was started early last week.
Bob Sweeten reported on LOSAP. He said the payment was made and we are good for another
year.
Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator report: 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, Assistant Chief’s
vehicle, went to Mr. Tire for noise in the front end. Diagnosed as noise coming from the power
steering rack. $50 diagnostic charge. Vehicle has to go to Gentilini for repair.; *June 11 th : Barry
from Fire & Safety Services replaced the shoreline air connection unit on Squad 72. Not billed
yet. Also, Tanker 72 was checked for an air leak in the officer seat step. He will look into replacing the
air step piston. Also not billed yet. Barry also checked Quint 72 for fault codes due to the check
engine light coming on intermittently. He added coolant to the engine and checked the foam level
light. Display is flashing a code for transducer voltage. Barry will monitor this situation. Also not
billed yet.; *June 17 th : 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe went to Gentilini for front end noise. It appeared
to be from debris in the underbody splash shields making contact with the transmission. They
removed the debris and also performed the annual maintenance of oil change, filters and tire
rotation. Cost was $262.88.

CHIEF’S REPORT: 216 fire calls; renewal for the air compressor air testing is coming up for a
quoted cost of $505 for the year. Air testing is done quarterly. Waiting for an invoice; *Jeep will
be getting wrapped and lettered at VCI for a quoted price of $5,493.80. They will fit us in once
the material comes in; *air bags are being put on the brush truck because of the way the rear is
sagging and this will level it out. The chief said that this is going to be installed by our own
members.  Robert Zimmerman stated that if there is anything that needs to be taken apart, he
did not want our members doing this type of work on our vehicles. Cost is $365.70; *six (6) new
sets of ordered gear will be shipped on July 10 th, 2026; *hose testing will be done on June 24 th,
2026; * Hurst Tools will have their PM done on July 9th, 2026; *few guys took the Quint to a
public safety recruit event at the high school. A few people showed some interest in
firefighting; *Chief Belles expressed concern about manpower and not getting guys out and
thought maybe there was some kind of grant or stipend program for firefighters that might
help. He said there are 29 active firefighters on the rolls now. Example was of a fire alarm
yesterday morning, and only three (3) guys showed up for the call to ride the truck and only one
(1) was qualified to pack up. This will be a major issue if the call turns out to be a fire. It’s been
an ongoing problem for a few years and is getting worse. Guys are picking and choosing the
calls they want to go to. He has brought the issue up many times in their meetings but it
doesn’t seem to help. He thinks, maybe, some kind of a stipend program would help. Robert
Zimmerman asked him about 4 th of July celebrations at Okie Wisting field. Jimmy said they are
on fire standby along with other fire companies and three (3) Forest Fire trucks.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert W. Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the
bills by Conrad Johnson, second Jean Zimmerman, of $20,563.62. Motion carried.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary