Earl Gifford

The meeting included the required procedures for a public meeting and confirmed compliance with Open Public Meeting Laws. Key discussions involved opening and closing the 2026 budget hearing and subsequently adopting the 2026 budget, which totaled $2,156,178.00 with $1,837,462.00 to be raised by taxation. Correspondence addressed a room request for a baby shower at the Old Station and required action regarding compliance with local finance board publication requirements, directing attention to the website's legal adherence. New business included the approval of a low quote to repair an overhead door motor, approval of a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Seabright for vehicle use, authorization for a Deputy Fire Marshal to attend a conference, and approval for the disposal of surplus equipment.

The meeting covered the Treasurer's Report, showing balances across several accounts. A public hearing was opened and subsequently closed for the purchase of two vehicles for the Fire Bureau, not to exceed $165,000.00, and a resolution authorizing this capital project expenditure was later passed. Key unfinished business included the completion of the annual audit, approval from the Board of Adjustment for a station addition, and completion of webbing work on engines. New business involved the purchase of seat covers for a vehicle, approval of Line-Item Transfers & Encumbrances for the 2025 Budget, and the introduction of the 2026 budget, including the amount to be raised by taxation and setting the budget hearing for January 20, 2026. Resolutions were passed for a temporary budget for 2026, the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024 Audit, and various reorganization items for 2026, including naming officers, awarding services (legal, accounting, auditor), setting the meeting schedule, designating official newspapers, and setting bond amounts. Resolutions were also passed to change employee titles to Fire Coordinator and Deputy Fire Marshal, and to appoint a Deputy Fire Coordinator. Finally, approval was granted for installing a radio charger in another vehicle.

The meeting included reports from the Chief and Fire Marshal. The Chief's report detailed call volumes for November and to date, the ordering of Struts and Irons, receipt of batteries, and the detailing of vehicle 37-2-66 to the incoming Chief. The Fire Marshal's report covered inspections, complaints, revenue generated from registrations and permits, and noted the upcoming retirement of Deputy Fire Marshal Dean Schoch after 20 years of service, along with the reassignment of departmental vehicles and a request for approval to install a portable radio charger in vehicle 37-2-31. The Fire Service Coordinator reported on repairs and maintenance performed on various vehicles and equipment, including hose retention netting installation and updates on the current cleaning service. Old business involved a Commissioner's request for the board to review an audit in preparation for an affidavit at the next meeting, confirmation of the hose retention project completion, and thanks for support regarding plans for the new station addition. New business focused on upcoming resolutions for budget introduction (totaling $2,156,178.00), reorganization resolutions, a hearing for capital projects to replace two fire bureau vehicles ($165,000.00), and several employment resolutions including hiring Nick Dowling, moving Tom Haege to Fire Coordinator, moving Nick Dowling to Deputy Fire Coordinator, and moving Nick Simons to Deputy Fire Marshal. A question was raised regarding allowing fire company members to call into meetings remotely, similar to the board's attorney.

The meeting included correspondence regarding a request to use Old Station for a birthday party, a Shared Services Agreement from The Borough of Sea Bright, and a request for driver training. The Chief's Report detailed maintenance issues requiring service on multiple vehicles, the completion of fire training by one firefighter, and mandatory class scheduling. The Chief also requested the ordering of specific equipment upon budget release, including gas detectors and a PPV unit. The Fire Marshal's Report covered numerous inspections, permit revenue, vehicle mileage, maintenance updates (including a radio charger installation and an issue with a door motor requiring replacement), and a request for authorization for Deputy Fire Marshal N. Simons to attend the IAAI conference. The Fire Service Coordinator Report noted vehicle maintenance, an accident involving vehicle 37-2-90, servicing of the Plyvent system, ongoing HVAC issues at Old Station, and the submission of the 2025 Occupational Injury and Illness Survey. New business included approvals for the OTPD to use the Old Station meeting room, approval for the birthday party use, and approval for FF B. Kushnir to begin driver training. Discussions were held regarding the upcoming budget hearing, the insurance review of the damage quote for vehicle 37-2-90, and the planned action for the IAAI conference request and the disposal of old equipment.

The proposed budget for 2026 is reduced compared to the 2025 budget. The budget includes revenues, fund balance utilization, and appropriations for administration, operations, and maintenance. The budget also covers items such as personnel costs, insurance, and capital improvements, with a focus on compliance with the Property Tax Levy Cap.