February 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, J.
Gregory Neill (by zoom), and Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief
Howard Graham, Bob Sweeten. Richard Braslow, Attorney and David McNally, CPA of Holt
McNally and Associates, were absent.
COMMUNICATION: Robert Zimmerman had an affidavit of the postings of election notice for
Capital Purchasing of truck.
OLD BUSINESS: Jean Zimmerman announced that Kathleen Belles and Alyssa Altman would sit
at the polls on Saturday, February 17, 2024. They each will receive $150.00 for doing so.
Robert Zimmerman spoke with Leon at Ford Scott about the purchasing of the new truck. Leon
said we can’t do anything until after the elections and are approved. He will also have to see
what the options are from Pierce.
NEW BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman reminded everyone that next month will be the Re-
Organization meeting starting at 6:45pm prior to the regular meeting at 7:00pm.
Robert Zimmerman read Resolution 2024-03 Authorizing Creation of Position of Fire Apparatus
Coordinator. Motion Conrad Johnson, second Jenifer Sill to accept the resolution as read. The
resolution will be advertised and adopted at the March 21, 2024 regular meeting.
Bob Sweeten reported on LOSAP. There are 21 qualified members with no one appealing yet.
Last year $1,692.76 was paid per firefighter for a total of $35,547.96. The 2023 CPI is 6.9%. With
the 6.9% CPI, the 2023 total would be $1,809.56 per firefighter for a total of $38,000.76 for 21
members. Motion Greg Neill, second Jenifer Sill to accept the 6.9% CPI increase for LOSAP at
$1,809.56 per firefighter.
Bob Sweeten is hoping the truck passes in the elections since this will be a whole new process
for purchasing.

CHIEF’S REPORT: 29 fire calls; Gary Rudy, life member, past President and Fire Chief, fire
commissioner and former Chairman of Fire District #2, passed away February 2, 2024; one (1)
member attending Firefighter 1 and three (3) members attending I-300 in Atlantic County;
Barry replaced the module for the foam system and now needs a new check valve inside the
foam pump; Goodyear tires are 90% back in production and we were told to wait for the
ordered tanker tires; during the 2023 oil service on the Squad, Fire & Safety took oil samples to
a lab and came back with high copper readings but they are lower than 2022, will keep checking
to make sure it’s going down.
FIRE BUREAU: Greg Neill reported there were some concerns with paid vacation and sick time.
There was a complaint to the Fire Bureau, Greg called and explained and now all is straightened
out. Still waiting for the state to approve the fees. CASA is having issues with their IT and it’s
affecting the issuance of payroll checks.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills
by Jenifer Sill, second Conrad Johnson, of $20,551.72. Jenifer Sill reported that a CD matured in
January and rolled over for another 9 months. Motion carried.
Jean Zimmerman, Secretary