Cherry Hill Fire Department

The meeting included a review of the regular meeting agenda, noting that Resolution #26-01-21-03 was rescinded for the February meeting. The Fire Chief presented the 2025 year-end run statistics and provided an update on the current hiring status, including onboarding new EMTs and a background investigator. A discussion focused on the new deployment model, which staffs Engine 1352 with a minimum of four personnel using overtime to limit forced overtime. Health benefit plan proposals from Partnership Health Centers and Connor Strong regarding the State Health Benefits Plan Member Solution for 2026 were reviewed; the Connor Strong proposal requires union and State Health Benefits group approval. Additionally, updates were provided on the Burn Building Project progress and ongoing work to adjust fees charged by the Fire Marshal's office. The Board passed a resolution authorizing exclusion of the public to discuss personnel and/or litigation matters during a closed session.

The meeting included the presentation of the Fire Chief's report, detailing attendance at various township and state meetings. The Treasurer's Report indicated cash accounts had an opening balance of $18,905,614.90 on December 1, 2025, and a closing balance of $19,225,571.29 as of December 31, 2025. A public hearing was opened and subsequently closed for the adoption of the 2026 Budget. Several resolutions were accepted, including the adoption of the 2026 Budget (Resolution #26-01-21-01), cancellation of unexpended balances (Resolution #26-01-21-02), authorization for professional service risk management consultant (Resolution #26-01-21-04), and appointing a provider for HRA services (Resolution #26-01-21-05). The Board entered into an executive caucus meeting to discuss personnel and/or litigation matters before reconvening to the public session and adjourning.

The regular meeting included the presentation of the Fire Chief's report, which detailed attendance at various local and state meetings and training sessions. The Treasurer's Report indicated a closing cash balance of $18,905,614.90 as of November 30, 2025, and the monthly bill list totaling $800,708.75 was accepted. A Public Hearing was opened and closed regarding the Capital Project for the 2026 Budget, where the Fire Chief explained planned apparatus and equipment purchases. The Board subsequently adopted several resolutions, including those authorizing the capital purchase of a new pumper apparatus, a new foam unit, and a support vehicle; adopting a temporary budget; designating banking authorities and signatories; setting meeting schedules for 2026; and awarding contracts for legal services, IT support, auditing services, occupational health services, engineering services, and solid waste collection. A resolution to introduce and approve the budget for Calendar Year 2026 was also passed.

The key topics of the meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for newly elected Fire Commissioners, followed by the reorganization of the Board. The reorganization resulted in the appointment of Commissioner Doran as Chairperson, Commissioner Mulholland as Treasurer, and Commissioner Kelly as Secretary/Clerk for the calendar year 2026. The meeting concluded after a public comment period where no comments were received, and the subsequent motion to adjourn.

The meeting agenda included the Office of the Fire Chief Update. The Board proceeded to close the public meeting to enter an executive caucus meeting to discuss matters pertaining to personnel and/or litigation, during which Resolution #WS_26-01-21-01 was accepted. The agenda also included provisions for public comment before the final adjournment.