MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

March 20, 2025

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 W. Zimmerman, Jenifer D. Sill, James G. Neill, and Jean M.
Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Assistant Fire Chief John Kendrick, Scott Aaron Sill and Bob
Sweeten. Fire Official Dan DeSimone, Conrad J. Johnson, Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott
CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: Jean Zimmerman read the official fire election results received from the County Clerk’s office
for elections on February 15 th : Jean M. Zimmerman 155; James G. Neill 149; Salvatore J. DeSimone 106; write in
Kirby Stiltner Sr 1; Budget question – Yes 151, No 63
Robert Zimmerman had a communication from the firehouse for reimbursement of snow removal on January 5,
2025.
OLD BUSINESS: none at this time
NEW BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman presented two (2) renewed resolutions. They were Resolution 2025-11,
Establishment of Salaries and Wages for Hourly Wages for Full Time and Part Time Positions for Fiscal Year 2025
that included a 2.5% increase that was voted on and approved on the budget and Resolution 2025-12, Authorizing
the Stipend for the Positions of Chief, Assistant Chief, Captains and Lieutenants. Motion Greg Neill, second Jenifer
Sill to accept the two resolutions as read. All commissioners present voted aye.
Robert Zimmerman received a letter from the Rio Grande Fire Company requesting reimbursement for snow
removal and treatment in January (1,5,6,7,9). There were five (5) days, total. The bill was for $4,957.00 and they
are asking for $3,391.50 reimbursement. His thought was that we are a tenant in the building and snow removal
should not be our responsibility. The fire company did not call the township or state as in previous years for the
removal of snow. Jen Sill said it was never discussed ahead of time and Greg Neill thought we should have seen the
bill ahead of time and wondered how they came up with that figure plus we shouldn’t be responsible for the whole
parking lot. The fire company has paid the bill and was looking for some reimbursement. Greg Neill would have
liked a fire member to be present to discuss the bill. Robert said that the trustee who presented the request to him
also ordered the snow removal and was asked by Robert to have a representative from the fire company at the
meeting. There was no representative present at the meeting. The request was tabled.
Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: on February 27 th , Chief Belles and Bob met Lee from Lee’s
Emergency Equipment who was there to inspect and take pictures of damage to Quint 72 so an estimate could be
forwarded to the appraiser. February 28 th , the Fire Bureau Jeep had a tire going flat. The jeep was taken to Mr. Tire
who repaired the tire, which had a large staple in it, at no cost. On March 3 rd , Barry from Fire and Safety Services
added a clam shell switch on the doghouse of the Squad. This was in response to a request from several officers
who thought the existing switch was too far from the officer’s seat. This switch is to activate the Federal Q siren.
March 12 th , Barry from F&SS rebuilt the air shift on the fire pump transfer case of the Quint and replaced the air

dryer which was leaking air out of the purge valve. On March 14 th , Barry from F&SS replaced the cab lock bar
release on the Tanker that was broke prior to Christmas. He also checked the auto tank fill which was not
operating in manual mode. A replacement control was ordered. March 7 th , an email from Suzanne Schumann,
Middle Township Claims Coordinator for the JIF, was received. She said the township is in receipt of a check for
$1,258.20 for repairs to Quint 72 passenger side running board at the pump panel area. Middle Township Fire
District #2 is responsible for the $1,000.00 deductible. The total estimate for this repair is $2,258.20. We are
waiting for an estimate from the appraiser for damage to the rear of the Quint which will also be a $1,000.00
deductible. Bob also received an email from Municipal Emergency Equipment saying that Middle Township Fire
District #2 owed $277.50 for labor (compounding and buffing) of the Fire Bureau vehicles when graphics were
applied last year. When questioned about the bill, Bob was told it was for work beyond the original quote for
residue that was found on one of the vehicles after existing graphics were removed. Middle Township Fire District
#2 has paid the original quoted amount. Bob called Fire and Safety Services and spoke with Bob Emery (Sales
Director) about the pre-payment on the new truck. Mr. Emory followed up with an email explaining the amount
owed and a voucher. There is a $20,000 addition to the last proposal that expired January 30, 2025. The pre-
payment is billed at $1,383,141.59.
Bob Sweeten, LOSAP Coordinator, reported there are 22 qualified members for LOSAP. Last year, commissioners
paid $1,809.56 per member. This year with a 3.4% CPI increase, the cost would be $1,871.09 per member for a
total of $41,163.98 for 22 members. The members have until March 29, 2025 to appeal. There is one (1) member
who is no longer a member but is invested who will be closing their account and one (1) member resigning from
the program.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 70 fire calls; still waiting on the new batteries for the air packs that are still on back order. A bill
for $1,753.00 was received for Knoxbox iCloud license that had expired October 26, 2023. It was kept active even
though never receiving payment for renewal due to never sending a voucher for payment. Chief talked with a
gentleman who said that even though we didn’t use it, we still have to pay it since there was a signed agreement
which expires next year. The two (2) boxes are in the Tahoes and are very old. It was suggested to start replacing
them since they don’t make parts for them anymore. He also said that there have been problems where they
won’t release the key. 5 Ton will be getting painted and updating the lighting. Currently having problems with the
turn signals and rear lights. The chief was looking into a key device for electric vehicles.
FIRE BUREAU: Greg Neill said there were a lot of problems with the township wanting more information for the
ordinance. Had a phone call from Doug saying the township told us to forget about it. Mr. Braslow said to talk to
the state and the state says we are at the mercy of the township. Mr. Braslow will be meeting with the township
and Division of Fire and Safety. There was an email from Kim at the township office which said the ordinance
would be introduced at the 1 st meeting next month. Greg said he has asked the Fire Official for reports and it’s
taking two (2) months to get his request.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills by Greg Neill,
second Jenifer Sill, of $1,391,932.77. Jen Sill said that after the dust has settled on the truck deposit, she will start
looking at CD rates for the future in the Operations Account. Motion carried.
Jean Zimmerman, Secretary