January 19, 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

Roll call was taken with commissioners Robert Zimmerman, Conrad Johnson, John Menz, J. Gregory Neill (zoom) and Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Company Chief Howard Graham, Rio Grande Fire Company Vice President Kirby Stiltner, Aaron and Jenifer Sill, Charles Cripps and Bob Sweeten. Richard Braslow, Attorney and David McNally, CPA of Holt McNally and Associates, were absent.

COMMUNICATION

John Menz gave his resignation letter effective January 30, 2023 due to his moving out of Middle Township Fire District #2. The commissioners thanked him for his service and wished him well.

Jean Zimmerman said she received three petitions for the fire elections. They are: Robert W. Zimmerman, Conrad Johnson Jr. and Kirby Stiltner Jr. She also said that she had been in contact with the County Clerk’s office regarding their request of ballots for mail-in voters. They are requesting 525. She will order 800 ballots from Leader Printers with 550 going to the Clerk’s office.

Jean Zimmerman stated that Terri and Melanie VanArtsdalen would not be available to sit at the polls on February 18, 2023. She asked if anybody knew of two people who would be able to sit from 2-9pm on Saturday, February 18, 2023 during the fire elections. They have to be registered in the county/district, cannot be the candidates or their family members and must be at least 18 years old.

OLD BUSINESS

Robert Zimmerman said he received the signed resolution from Aaron Sill’s dad at the Hodges Volunteer and Rescue Company in Alabama for the old air packs.

NEW BUSINESS

Robert Zimmerman remarked that with John Menz’s resignation, the two of them tried to think of a replacement for him. John had suggested Jenifer Sill in his letter who has banking experience and computer skills. She was approached with the offer and accepted to fill his unexpired term of one year. Motion Jean Zimmerman, second Conrad Johnson to appoint Jenifer Sill as John Menz’s replacement to fill his unexpired term of one year. She will be sworn in at the Re-Organization meeting in March.

Robert Zimmerman read Resolution 2023-01 for the Establishment of Salaries and Hourly Wages for Full Time and Part Time Positions. All commissioners voted aye to accept.

Bob Sweeten gave a report on LOSAP standings. He is waiting for the numbers from the Bingo Committee for 2022 year end before he can post the list. Last year we paid $1577.60 per qualified member. There is a 7.3% CPI adjustment increase of $115.16. With the increase, the total per qualified member would be $1692.76. We have been averaging 25-30 qualified members. Based on 30 qualified members this year’s total cost would be $50,782.80.

Bob Sweeten had an application to NJ State Firemen Relief Association for Raymond Letts. Motion John Menz, second Conrad Johnson to accept the application of Raymond Letts to the NJ State Firemen Relief Association.

Bob Sweeten also mentioned that the engine committee is still working on the truck specs. Trucks are looking at approximately $1.5 million with an approximate 4-year delivery. Robert Zimmerman said we may have to look at financing instead of buying outright for a new truck when the time comes. Robert said that he had talked to the chief’s office about getting prices on a skid unit for brush fires to save on some wear and tear on the tanker since we may be keeping it for longer than the typical 15 years.

CHIEF’S REPORT

435 fire calls for 2022; 13 fire calls; Line Officers are: Chief Howard Graham, Assistant Chief James Belles, Captains Charlie Cripps and Aaron Sill, Lieutenants Ron Panebianco, Tony Krieg, Wayne Hall, and John Thomson, Safety Scott Foster, Dan DeSimone and Kirby Stiltner, Chief Engineer Bob Sweeten; air packs are looking like February; should know about the grant within 7 months; gear is still back-ordered, looking like April or sooner; still waiting for O2 sensor and combustible sensor; chief vehicles got serviced last weekend; backup camera and fuel cap were fixed; Fire and Safety were called for scheduling the 3 big trucks yearly servicing. Robert Zimmerman asked what grant was being looked at and chief said he was only looking at one grant for upgrading the portables.

FIRE BUREAU

Greg Neill said he had a meeting with Dan DeSimone regarding outstanding fees. Danny thought the state would collect state fees not him. There is approximately $20,000 state fees that are uncollected. Danny is not sure how to collect. Greg said he would help Danny on how to collect the state fees.

Greg Neill thanked the chief for informing him about the fire alarm issues.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills by Conrad Johnson, second John Menz, of $18,580.53. Motion carried.

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Jean Zimmerman, Secretary