TOWNSHIP OF LOWER, FIRE DISTICT NO. 1 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS P.O. BOX 1 VILLAS, New Jersey AGENDA

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1 TOWNSHIP OF LOWER, FIRE DISTICT NO. 1 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS P.O. BOX 1 VILLAS, New Jersey FIRE DISTRICT #1 MEETING: DATE: August 27, 2015 Meetings are the 4 th Thursday of the Month. Public Time: 8:00 pm AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: FIRE DISTRICT 1 of Lower Township 2. FLAG SALUTE: A: United States Flag should be posted to the right of the Board of Fire Commissioners as they face the Public. B: Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. INVOCATION: Almighty God, who holds the fate of Man and Nation, we most humbly beseech thee to bless our Fire District 1 of Lower Township, these deliberations and these thy servants, that they might act with wisdom and understanding for the good of our Community and thy greater glory. Amen. 4. ROLL CALL OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS PRESENT CHAIRMAN: WAREHAM X VICE- CHAIRMAN: ALEXANDER X TREASURER: BRANNON X SECRETARY: GENTEK X COMMISSIONER: SAMBENEDETTO X Attendance at the Meeting: FIREFIGHTERS, 4 PUBLIC, 2 LOSAP MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: 4

2 5. SUNSHINE LAW ANNOUNCEMENT In accordance with the provision of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings law, Notice of this meeting has been mailed to the following Newspaper: A: The Cape May County Herald As well as having been posted in the Lower Township Building, at least 48 hours in advance of this meeting, for Fire District #1. 6. READING OF THE LAST MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES A. Approval of the Meeting Minutes: Waved reading of last month s meeting minutes. Motion to wave reading/accept made by: Commissioner Alexander Seconded by: Commissioner Sambenedetto 7. TREASURER REPORT See Treasurers report following minutes. TOTAL BILLS: $43, Transferred: $42, A. Approval to wave reading/accept Treasurer s Report: Motion to accept made by: Commissioner Sambenedetto Seconded by: Commissioner Alexander 8. COMMUNICATIONS INCOMING Mail/ Received applications to withdraw funds from LOSAP program. Received new insurance policy from J. Byrne Agency. Several s to Commissioner Wareham from Atty. Braslows office regarding tonight s meeting. Phone message from a citizen, (in the audience) regarding absentee balloting. OUTGOING Mail/ s concerning the injured persons claim to respective agencies.

3 9. REPORTS OF EXECUTIVE BOARD Chairman Reports- Commissioner Brannon reported a change in fire protection services from Genron to Richardson due to pricing and the anticipated closure of the Genron company. Commissioner Wareham then turned his report to Atty. Braslow. Mr. Braslow spoke on the following topics. 1) Legislation regarding the desired change to move the Fire Commissioners voting date to the general election date in November, making several points. There would be no vote on the budget unless the cap needed to be exceeded. Mr. Braslow then proceeded to explain that process for public hearing. Also, there would be no further expenses bourn by the Commission for the stand alone election. There is support for the change in state government which is awaiting final draft of the Bill. This is Senate Bill #2947. Unfortunately, it does not appear that the Bill will be heard before years end. There was more information provided but is moot until the Bill gets passed. 2) Mr. Braslow also spoke about regionalization/consolidation of fire districts, similar to school Boards as a cost saving matter. This shows progress as well at the state government level. This program would not be mandatory. Committee Reports Fire Bureau This office is still awaiting outstanding Bureau reports. No activity during summer months. Commissioner Alexander stated that all Commissioners are invited to the September Fire Bureau meeting. Fire Apparatus New Command vehicle progress. ISO As of September 1, 2015, District 1 ISO rating will be 3-3Y. It was stated that this could result in a cost savings in a home owner s fire insurance policy. Hydrants Commissioner Alexander reported that a list and map proposing the installation of hydrants is forth-coming.

4 LOSAP The applications and distribution of funds for those members applying has been completed. Insurance The appointment of a carrier needs to be confirmed this evening. 10. FIRE CHIEFS REPORT Please visit the Chiefs report for this month. 11. OLD BUSINESS VanMourik property discussion. Upgrade to new, efficient boilers. 12. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Bob Walter a resident of District 1 discussed issue regarding voting. He has been receiving his vote by mail ballot too late for it to count. He questioned ways in which this may be remedied which the Commission has no power. Mr. Braslow recommended that Mr. Walter discuss this problem with the County Clerk. Mr. Braslow also mentioned he would investigate and propose a method for a quicker return. Mr. Mike Hutchison of Hutchison Mechanical discussed methods in which the fire company could upgrade one of two boilers, offering a Direct Install program. He proposed several methods and options which the Commission and Fire Company will investigate as a possible solution. The Chief Bryan Herron requested funding to purchase several sets of turn-out gear. Motion to purchase made by Commissioner Brannon, 2 nd by Commissioner Alexander. Passed unanimously. Motion to move VanMourik property to District 3 Erma. Roll call vote: Wareham-yes, Sambenedetto-abstain, Gentek-abstain, Alexander-yes, Brannonyes. The Commission and fire company are exploring the possibility to purchase the property for sale next door. It was discussed that there may be/ are grants available for the purchase. The Chief and Commissioner Wareham will look into the matter. 13. RESOLUTIONS Resolution to award contract to J. Byrne Agency Insurance for the next year. Motion made by Commissioner Alexander, 2 nd by Commissioner Sambenedetto. Passed unanimously.

5 14. OPEN COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC None 15. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING DATE: September 24, 2015 TIME: 8 pm TIME LINES INTRODUCED FOR UPCOMING MONTH See attached for month of September 16. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by: Commissioner Alexander Seconded by: Commissioner Brannon NOTE: This meeting will be run under Roberts Rules of Order and a copy is available if needed.