MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

October 17, 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, and Jean Zimmerman present. Also present were Rio Grande Fire Chief Howard
Graham, Aaron Sill and Bob Sweeten. Richard Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott
CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: none at this time
OLD BUSINESS: Jean Zimmerman reminded everyone of the budget work session on Tuesday,
October 22 nd at 6pm. Robert Zimmerman confirmed that Leon Costello, accountant, would also
be there.
Bob Sweeten, the engine committee and Rick, from Fire &;Safety, met last Thursday, regarding
the changes to the truck order. Everyone was on board with the change from 75’ to 107’ and
some minor changes to the order. The new cost is $1,628,281.71 with the prepayment of
$1,383,141.59 due in February or March, 2025 after elections. Amount due at delivery, some
time in 2028, will be $245,140.12. Pierce will do a Cancel and Replace which is cancelling our
first order and replacing with our new order and also be able to hold our place in the
production line. A new Purchase Order was signed and will be sent tomorrow. All
commissioners present voted aye to accept PO #2024-03. This cost does not include the trade-
in when replaced.
NEW BUSINESS: Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: MEE has completed the
graphics for the 2014 Ford Expedition and the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe at a cost of $2,013.50; Mr.
Tire removed a nail from the tire of 2019 Tahoe, chief’s vehicle, this past weekend for $8.99;
Barry, from Fire & Safety, was here and adjusted oil dry hopper door on the tanker; ordered
replacement key handle for that door; leak in bay 7 from tanker, Bob and Buster were able to
stop it. Barry had to order a new thermal protection valve; tanker needs its pump packing
adjusted or replaced, front shock absorbers will be replaced on tanker; Quint needs its pump
packing replaced; Barry inspected all three (3) Pierce apparatus and recommends performing
maintenance service on all trucks excluding oils and filters due to low mileage and hours since

last oil change in 2023 on each of the trucks. He also feels caf doesn’t need service due to low
hours as well as the generator on Quint. He said they don’t need the oil changed as often as we
are doing it and that we are just wasting money with the current frequency of change.
Robert Zimmerman received an email from Government Records Counsel saying we have to
add a link to our website for Adaptable OPRA Request Form that is required by all municipalities
and agencies to post. This link will provide a request form for information regarding the Fire
Bureau and Fire Company. Motion Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson to adopt the Adaptable
OPRA Request Form and place on the website with the same fees as the township. All
commissioners present voted aye.
Greg Neill reported that people are walking around the firehouse and taking pictures when the
doors are open and/or they are in the building for an event such as Bingo or a wedding. He feels
that the fire company should have signs prohibiting people walking around the bays and taking
pictures. Jen Sill suggested something like “Only Authorized Personnel Beyond this Point”. Greg
will talk to Mr. Braslow about how to handle it between the fire district and fire company.
CHIEF’S REPORT: 275 fire calls; 5” hose has been delivered and replaced on Squad; Life Safety
rope has been placed into service on Quint 72 and working on Squads rope; received a trophy
from the Firemen’s Convention for Most Outstanding Fire Company in Cape May County; Live
Burn scheduled for next week at fire academy with fire company; Quint went to Middle
Township Elementary School on October 9 th ; Squad went to Lowe’s for Fire Prevention Day on
Saturday, October 12 th ; chief asked what he should do with the hoses that have failed testing.
He was told to discard them. Chief also said there is about ½ spool of extra life safety rope and
wondered if he could donate to the academy. Conrad Johnson said the academy could probably
use it. Robert Zimmerman asked the chief how the officers stipend program was coming along
and he said they were all doing good. Robert hopes to be able to pay them at December’s
meeting instead of January. He and the chief will get together beginning of December to check
on their status.
FIRE BUREAU: Greg Neill commented they were in the process of getting the outstanding bills
collected. Greg talked with Jen Sill about getting another computer. Jen said that since Penalty
money can be used to buy an extra computer, she would bring information regarding computer
details to the budget work session on Tuesday. Greg said he would have a quote for a Hahn
filing cabinet for the meeting on Tuesday also. Jen said she only needs two drawers.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills
by Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson, of $15,251.58. Jen Sill said there are three (3) CDs
coming up for renewal and will be looking at 3 month CD rates for them. Robert Zimmerman
thanked the commissioners for their quick response in getting him their driver license
information so that he could get a 5.1% CD before the rates went down. Motion carried.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary