Edward J. Lord

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the December 29, 2025 meeting. Commissioners then reviewed and approved twenty bills totaling $20,396.24, including payments for the annual hydrant assessment and the E-Dispatch annual subscription. The Chief reported on discussions with Cape May County OEM regarding the G-2 system, response plans, and the NERIS System, and noted that maintenance (brake and caliper replacement) was completed on Brush 73. Old business involved receiving one petition for candidacy for commissioner. New business centered on setting the election for February 21, 2026, arranging supervision for the voting procedure, preparing election ballots for the County Election Board, and awaiting the final LOSAP report which indicated a CPI COLA of 3.1%.

The proceedings commenced with a public budget meeting, attended by no members of the public. Key discussions during the regular meeting included the review and approval of seventeen bills totaling $41,182.69, with a specific note on a payment to Fire and Safety Services for maintenance on Engine 73 and Squad 73. The Chief reported that Fire and Safety Services completed maintenance on all apparatus. New business featured the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2025-14, authorizing several budget transfers between various funds, including allocations to the New Truck Fund. Resolution 2025-15, adopting the 2026 budget, was also unanimously approved. Additionally, the board discussed the availability of Petition for Candidacy applications and confirmed receipt of the fourth-quarter draw from Middle Township. Progress on the new Squad 73 was noted, with blueprint approval scheduled for late spring 2026.

The Commissioners reviewed and approved the bills totaling $41,407.96, which included the last quarterly payment of $37,500.00 to the fire company. The Commissioners received a resolution authorizing commissioner salaries for 2026 from Middle Township. Key actions included adopting resolution 2025-12 to transfer $1000.00 from Insurance to Maintenance. They also moved to maintain the fire protection agreement payment amount at $150,000.00 for 2026. Furthermore, resolution 2025-13 was adopted to introduce the 2026 budget, amounting to $610,455.00. The Chairman is scheduled to update this budget information into the State Fast system, and the public budget hearing is set for December 29, 2025.

The meeting included a roll call of commissioners, a review and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, and a review and signing of bills. The Chief's report covered completed pump tests, pump maintenance, new fire company members, and an email regarding old class B foam disposal. A discussion was held regarding the salaries of the commission members, and a motion was made to keep the 2026 salaries the same as 2025. The 2026 Budget discussion was started, and the budget will be introduced on November 28, 2025, and adopted on December 29, 2025.

The meeting included a review of the minutes from the previous meeting, which were approved unanimously. Bills totaling $8,709.61 were presented, reviewed, signed, and approved for payment. The Commissioners received a payment from Middle Township and deposited it. The quarterly LOSAP report from Lincoln Financial was received, reviewed, and filed. The chairman will contact Ford Scott Associates to start the 2026 Budget process and is considering purchasing a used scissor lift for repairs at the firehouse.