August 17, 2023 – 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 Zimmerman, Conrad Johnson, Jenifer Sill, J. Gregory Neill, and Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief Howard Graham, Rio Grande Assistant Fire Chief Jim Belles, Aaron Sill, Kirby Stiltner, Robert Sweeten. Richard Braslow, Attorney and David McNally, CPA of Holt McNally and Associates, were absent.

COMMUNICATION

None at this time

OLD BUSINESS

None at this time

NEW BUSINESS

Bob Sweeten said the engine committee decided on going with the 75’ aerial to save on cost. The basic 75’ steel aerial on the enforcer with Paccar engine price is $1,500,000, puck style pump would be an additional cost. They will try to narrow down the rough outline in order to reduce the final cost. Engine Committee is not sure if they are going with steel or aluminum ladder. Pierce’s Cummins pre-2027 engine they wanted is sold out. Paccar engine is coming in cheaper. Paccar Company owns Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt who make their own engines. The committee will try to have a figure by January so it can be put on the February election ballot. There is a four year delivery after the contract is signed.

Bob Sweeten said he received a request from JIF to submit our Inventory of Fire District’s Equipment. Old air packs and their value will be deleted and new air packs with their value added along with portable radios, and mobiles depending on their threshold price. There were eight thermal imagers listed previously but should only have been four.

CHIEF’S REPORT

264 fire calls; air pack training was held on the new packs and new air packs have been put in service on trucks; still waiting to hear from Blaze for the slide in pump; sending back masks that are not needed, all members have their personal masks; Barry still working on yearly maintenance on some of the trucks; tanker was serviced with no issues; ladder testing done.

FIRE BUREAU

In his absence, Dan DeSimone asked Greg Neill to mention the Middle Township Food Truck Ordinance which the township will now be doing mercantile licensing. An application for employment was received from Ronald Panebianco for part time Fire Inspector. He has passed his Inspector’s test and received his certificate. Motion Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson to hire Ronald Panebianco for part time Fire Inspector in the Fire Bureau. All commissioners present voted aye to hire Ron. Fire Chief and Fire Official inspected plans of Wildwood Golf Carts at the corner of Rt 47 and S. Railroad Ave. They will have golf carts outside while they are doing work on the inside. Greg will talk with Dan DeSimone about getting reports together regarding the new strip mall at the corner of Rts 147 and 9 to see who is registered and not registered, on what’s outstanding and who owes.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills by Conrad Johnson, second Greg Neill, of $247,484.43.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary