MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

August 15, 2024

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, and
Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief Howard Graham, Fire
Official Dan DeSimone, Aaron Sill and Bob Sweeten. J. Gregory Neill, Richard Braslow, Attorney
and Leon Costello, Ford Scott CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: none at this time
OLD BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman said there was a discussion about a change to the new fire
truck which was making it 107’ and not 75’. Bob Sweeten and the truck committee had a
meeting and think they should change to 107’ after a recent house fire showed them a
potential problem. There is a possible new development with multiple buildings that the 107’
would be more beneficial. Robert talked with Mr. Braslow about the possible change to the
truck and cost. Mr. Braslow said as long as we kept it under the original cost we would be good.
Bob talked with Rick from Fire & Safety about making changes and also keeping the cost under
$1,700,000. Bob also asked if there were any stock trucks available and was told there were
two (2). In keeping the cost down, Bob said there were a couple of items they could remove if
necessary. Waiting to hear from Rick with the new cost to see if possible to change order. If the
order does change, they are hoping that we can keep our spot in line for production.
NEW BUSINESS: Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: Utility is back in service
after front brakes were fixed and had oil change on July 26 th for $1,755.20; late last week,
tanker had new drip pan installed on AC because drain hose nipple had broken and was
replaced; squad had leak on cascade system on low pressure regulator rendering the cascade
system out of service. Barry replaced the low pressure regulator putting it back in service. There
is no bill from Fire & Safety yet; Utility has problem with front end swaying that was reported
by one of the drivers and also has a little oil drip. Will take back to Gentilini since it was just
worked on there. No update on the vinyl stickers for the fire bureau trucks. Also monitoring a
right rear inner tire leak on the Quint that might be a valve stem.

Robert Zimmerman handed out the 2023 Audit to commissioners present for review. There
were no Financial Statement Findings found by the auditors. Affidavit could not be signed due
to Greg’s absence, so Robert asked the commissioners to review the audit before September’s
meeting when the affidavit will be signed and notarized.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 211 fire calls; July 22 nd fire company had a 2 nd alarm house fire in Edgewood
section; attended National Night Out and Touch Truck events; getting ready for Fire Convention
in September; two (2) new members will be attending Fire Fighter 1 in August; a Junior member
has joined; joint drill with Middle Township Ambulance Corps went well, we’ll be putting
another one on before the end of the year; physicals were completed last week with a few
members still needing to complete them. Robert asked the chief and fire official to start getting
prices for items they may need next year prior to the Budget Work Session at the end of
October.
FIRE BUREAU: Dan DeSimone has blueprints for a housing project in Whitesboro for a major
subdivision by Habitat for Humanity. The buildings on Sumner street were approved by the DEP
being built on wetlands. There will be five (5) duplexes built.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills
by Jenifer Sill, second Conrad Johnson, of $18,721.68. Motion carried.
Jean Zimmerman, Secretary