MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

September 19, 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, Fire Official Dan DeSimone, Mike Quigley, Aaron Sill and Bob Sweeten. Richard
Braslow, Attorney and Leon Costello, Ford Scott CPA were absent.
COMMUNICATION: none at this time
OLD BUSINESS: Robert Zimmerman asked if there were any questions about the 2023 Audit.
There were none. He then read the 2023 Audit Resolution. Motion Greg Neill, second Conrad
Johnson to accept the 2023 Audit Resolution as read. Roll call vote was taken with all
commissioners present voting aye. A Group Affidavit was signed and notarized.
Bob Sweeten talked with Rick, Fire & Safety, and was told that the changed truck request
amount will come in under the amount approved by voters. Bob will be meeting with Rick in
the next two weeks. They will be able to change to 107’ from the original 75’. Rick sent an
option list to make sure that nothing was missing. Bob would like to have a revised Purchase
Order at our next meeting in October since the price received is only good thru October 31,
2024.
NEW BUSINESS: Bob Sweeten, Fire Apparatus Coordinator, reported: Utility 72, 2004 Ford, had
a wheel alignment at Mr. Tire on August 30 th for a cost of $948.48; oil drips on floor have been
taken care of; M&E proofs were sent last week to Dan DeSimone and may have one truck done
next month.
Robert Zimmerman talked with Leon from Ford, Scott, Accountants, about attending our
Budget Work Session on October 22 nd at 6pm. Robert asked the Chief and Fire Official to have
their “wish list” of wants and needs with costs for 2025 at the work session. Robert wanted
Leon at this meeting because of the new truck and wanted to make sure that everything was
correct for the budget concerning the truck.

CHIEF’S REPORT: 243 fire calls; trucks went to Fire Convention parade; Tanker will be attending
a tanker drill in Dennisville, Saturday, September 21 st at 10am; Quint 72 was asked for Funeral
Detail for Assistant Fire Chief Jack Holland, Wildwood Crest, today; ordered white safety rope;
hose still on back order not sure when it will be here.
FIRE BUREAU: Dan DeSimone had the blueprints for the five (5) duplexes project in Whitesboro
by Habitat for Humanity. There are two (2) hydrants in the area but not on the street of the
proposed new buildings and he is requesting a third hydrant be added. The location is George
and Sumner Streets.
Rio Grande, Cape May Court House, Goshen and Green Creek Fire Companies will be doing Fire
Prevention at Elementary #1. They were asked not to hand out whistles, sharp objects, rulers,
etc so will have stickers/cutouts to hand out that were leftover from last year so no cost to
district.
Dan DeSimone brought in the seven (7) files of outstanding businesses and businessmen over
$1,000. He spoke with Mr. Braslow regarding collections who then referred him to a Fire Official
in Toms River who saves his township money by going through the courts. Mr. Braslow said that
an Ordinance was passed on January 1, 1980, Status Code 1206-05, Fire Code Violation and in
March 18, 2016 was updated. Dan was given a ticket book and badge with ID number from
Stacy McPherson, Middle Township Clerk, for summons’. This will speed up the process for
collecting. Using the ticket book will relieve Mr. Braslow of collections unless they are one of
the 30% who don’t pay. After 45 days, a warning is mailed, then a second warning is mailed and
then they are fined if still no payment is received. Dan will be meeting with Lower Township to
see how they use it. Dan was asked by Robert Zimmerman and Jenifer Sill if a second computer
would help in the office and he replied yes. Jen said she would look into what he would need
and then for him to put it on his “wish list” for the work session.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Robert Zimmerman read the bills, motion by resolution to pay the bills
by Greg Neill, second Conrad Johnson, of $12,053.97. Motion carried.
Jean Zimmerman, Secretary