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Abridged Report with Attachments
ABRIDGED REPORT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
NEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ
SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
The meeting was called to order by President Ordway at 9:00 am in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Notice of this meeting was posted on the New Jersey State Firemen’s website as required pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 231, P.L. 1975).
President Ordway pointed out the fire exits.
Vice President Hankins led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A moment of silence was observed for our deceased members and their families.
Second Assistant Secretary Dreby recited the opening prayer.
ROLL CALL:
Called by First Assistant Secretary Martone, all members were present except for Counsel Frank Cavallo and Sussex County Executive Committeeman Dan Scheuer, who were excused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The Abridged Minutes and Verbatim Minutes of the July 19, 2025, Executive Committee Meeting were approved as distributed on a motion by Executive Committeeman Kelly, seconded by Executive Committeeman Mecsey. MOTION CARRIED.
COMMUNICATIONS:
There was no additional communication that needed to be read. A motion to accept Communications as distributed to the Executive Committee by Executive Committeeman Fazekas, seconded by Executive Committeeman Roemmich. MOTION CARRIED.
LIFE MEMBER REPORT:
No report currently.
OFFICERS’ REPORTS:
Vice President Hankins:
Nothing to report currently.
Secretary Pelaia:
Secretary Pelaia mentioned that his report was included in the packets. He stated that for the last fiscal year the state office has processed 958 applications for new membership, 270 members obtained their life member status, and 692 members received their qualification certification.
First Assistant Secretary Martone:
First Assistant Secretary Martone requested that if the Executive Committee Members haven’t already done so to please submit this year’s County Caucus Meeting Minutes so they can be filed.
Second Assistant Secretary Dreby:
Second Assistant Secretary Dreby reported that everything is all set for the Memorial Service for the upcoming Convention. He reminded everyone that both the rear walkway and aisles need to be cleared for the Honor Guard and Pipes & Drums Band as they will need to come in and then go out the same way at the end of the service.
President Ordway mentioned that the Memorial Honor Roll is a little longer this year than in the past as there are members that were added this year that were never put on the list. He mentioned that he may hold off on starting the business portion of the meeting to allow the Memorial Honor Roll to finish if the Memorial Service finishes first.
Treasurer Mullen:
Treasurer Mullen stated that his report is included in the packets.
Field Examiner Hollingsworth:
Field Examiner Hollingsworth stated that her report is included in the packets. She stated that she has been reviewing all the relief applications that have been collected so they can be processed. She stated that she has three Associations that have not responded to her emails or turned in their relief applications, Lawrenceville, Mercer County (just found out today that they are on vacation), Byram Township, Sussex County, and Bloomfield, Essex County. She stated that she had about ten Associations that are also missing applications, but they have been in contact with her either on vacations or they have been sick. She stated that she does not know what the Executive Committee wants to do with these last two associations that have not turned in their relief applications. Field Examiner Hollingsworth stated that she has turned back the applications that she has completed so far to everyone and stated that she has a lot more to go and will complete them as fast as she can.
Counsel Cavallo and Assistant Counsel Morris:
Assistant Counsel Morris stated that he has no report at this time.
President Ordway:
- Office Closures:
The office will be closed for the Convention and various Holidays.
- Early closure on Wednesday, September 10th
- Thursday & Friday, September 11th-12th
- Monday, October 13th
- Tuesday, November 4th
- Tuesday, November 11th
- Relief Applications:
- Applications for Special Relief and Supplemental Relief must be submitted to the State Office by Monday, December 1st to be processed in the current calendar year.
- Reports Due:
- The Third Quarter ends September 30th and the Third Quarter Relief Paid Report is available online and must be submitted/finalized by October 30th. Hard copies are no longer accepted.
- Delegate & Life Member payment vouchers (Form 106 & Form 107) must be received in the office by November 1st. Do not send in the affidavit forms, they stay with the Secretary or Treasurer. If sent in they will be sent back. The Secretary or Treasurer needs to keep them for their records. We are Beta testing a new online version of forms 106 & 107 for next year. The registration will auto populate the attendance records from the convention to those two forms, and the local officers will just need to fill in the check number and the check amounts. They will no longer be required to get the signatures of the Delegates and Life Members for these forms. They will still need to get signed affidavit forms from the Delegates and Life Members. The new form versions will still need to be printed out after completion, signed by the Local President, Secretary and Treasurer; and then sent in. It is not mandatory to use these online forms this year and will be for next year.
- With any of the online reports, as always, start early in case you have an issue. If you receive any phone calls from any of the associations that have any problems with the reports, have them call us to assist them or get the problem corrected.
- We make minor changes to some of the forms and as we do, we put them right on the website. Please go to the website for the most up to date forms.
- 2025 Convention:
- The 2025 Convention will be a two-day Convention on September 12th & 13th.
- Registration is advertised to start at 7:00 am and end at 11:00 am on both days. We will probably keep it open a few minutes later for stragglers.
- The Friday session will start at 11:00 am. We will take care of some brief business while everyone settles in their seats and then after making sure the aisles are clear and back walkway is clear, we will start the Memorial Service. At the conclusion of the Memorial Service, we will conduct the business meeting.
- On Saturday, the voting will run from 7:00 am to 11:00 am – same hours as the registration, and again, for a short period, we will watch for people coming in and down the hall to keep it open.
- Reminder:
- For any Special Caucuses needed, (we will need one for Mercer County for a new Firemen’s Home Manager), the site must be ADA compliant.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Advisory Committee:
Chairman Walker stated that his report is included in the packets. He stated that under new business the Advisory Committee has a recommendation for a motion to reinstate a member and approve the member for qualifying status. President Ordway stated that when we get to New Business, we will explain the circumstance of the individual.
Compendium Committee:
Chairman Roemmich stated that he held a meeting on Thursday, August 28th and they reviewed the recommendations by Dr. Schwartz for some changes to the new member application. He read his report and stated that Dr. Schwartz suggested four issues that needed to be discussed: Diabetes, Asthma, Seizures, Blood Pressure. Chairman Roemmich explained concerning Diabetes Dr. Schwartz suggested having a reading of A1C 7 or under. A discussion followed and the conclusion was that we do not require a blood test currently and this change would require a blood test for all new member applications. Committee suggesting no change. Chairman Roemmich explained concerning Asthma, Dr. Schwartz suggested for pulmonary asthma, if applicant carries a diagnosis of asthma, they will need a PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) within one year which will be reviewed by medical consultant. A discussion followed and the conclusion was that no change was made or would be suggested for Asthma. Chairman Roemmich explained concerning Seizures Dr. Schwartz suggested that the applicant will need a letter from a neurologist stating seizure free for 12 months, which follows NJ DMV guidelines. A discussion followed and the recommendation from the Committee is no change. Chairman Roemmich explained concerning Blood Pressure, Dr. Schwartz is recommending a change to the blood pressure acceptable numbers as systolic 120-130 for the high to 80 as the low is an acceptable BP on medication. The current blood pressure numbers are systolic 150 to 90 and diastolic 100 to 50 as per the application and compendium. A discussion followed and the conclusion was that blood pressure change would be for systolic 140 to 80 and for diastolic to stay the same. This will be brought up under New Business for discussion. During these discussions it was noted that there was a discrepancy with the wording of the compendium compared to the new member application which needs to be updated (Article V Physical Examination Page# 16).
Chairman Roemmich brought up the next item presented to the committee for discussion from Executive Committeeman Handlin concerning administrative expenses for local officers being increased. He stated that President Ordway reported that the current amount is a maximum of $10,000 per person (officer, representative, or trustee) falling within the 15% allowable administrative expense based on the local’s annual revenue. He stated that Executive Committeeman Walker explained that the original amount was a rule change and not in the compendium. It was voted on at $5,000 but then went to the current $10,000. A discussion followed concerning raising this amount and the conclusion was that it is not recommended to be changed at this time. Chairman Roemmich stated that the Committee felt that the amount is well suited considering that more reports are being done online and there is less paperwork.
Chairman Roemmich stated that Field Examiner Hollingsworth asked for a guidance document for consolidation of local associations. He stated that she explained that there are currently six local associations dealing with either closing companies, merging companies, or merging associations and she asked for some directions for the locals, which would be helpful. He stated that Second Assistant Secretary Dreby mentioned a similar guidance document that was made in the past and he stated that he would search for it. He stated that President Ordway mentioned that for the current six local associations, they are a little different in each situation that they are going through. A discussion followed concerning this and the suggestion is this committee will work on creating consolidation guidelines. He stated that the committee has received the Consolidation Committee reports dated April 17, 2013, and they will use that document in the review of these issues.
Chairman Roemmich stated that First Assistant Secretary Martone mentioned that Executive Committeeman Lenarski had a local officer that was questioning why his address needs to be in New Jersey. He stated that First Assistant Secretary Martone explained that this local officer lives five minutes from the border of New Jersey in Pennsylvania and that this local officer has all the association books located in New Jersey as the rules require. The question is why his address can’t be listed as Pennsylvania. A discussion followed this, and the conclusion was recommended that there will be no change to this and the past practice of allowing officers to change their address due to going on vacation to other parts of the country will no longer be accepted. Chairman Roemmich explained that if a secretary or treasurer goes to Florida for a few months the office will no longer forward the mail to that new address.
Chairman Roemmich stated that he asked Executive Committeeman Walker if he had anything to bring up as the past chairman of this committee. He stated that Executive Committeeman Walker mentioned that the entire compendium needs to be updated. He pointed out the current copies that are posted on the website are from 2023, which needs updating. He stated that this is not a one-person job, and all the members of the committee need to help with this process as there are more than just some spelling and grammar errors. He suggested having a few working meetings to go through page by page or section by section. A discussion followed concerning this and the conclusion was to set some dates for the next committee meetings to be able to go through it all. Chairman Roemmich stated that First Assistant Secretary Martone passed out copies of the three documents to be reviewed, Local Association By-laws, Compendium, and State Statutes.
Chairman Roemmich stated there were two dates set for the next meetings, Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:00 am, and Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 9:00 am.
Delegate–Life Member Committee:
Chairman Florio reported that after the convention the committee will reconvene to review the expenses. He asked if anyone had any input that would help, we would appreciate it if you could forward those suggestions to the committee.
Finance Committee:
Treasure Mullen stated that the Finance Committee met on August 4th and that report was included in the packet.
Firemen’s Home Committee:
Chairman Otterbein stated that his report is included in the packet.
President Ordway stated that in conjunction with that, there is a Firemen’s Home Meeting in Wildwood on Thursday and that he knows that a lot of you usually attend. President Ordway stated that he is strongly suggesting that you don’t. He continued with the members of our Liaison Committee that they are okay to attend, and he is strongly advising not to attend, to allow the Managers of the Firemen’s Home to speak freely. He stated that this is only a suggestion.
Health Care Committee:
Chairman Reeves stated that his report is included in the packets. He stated that everything is working fine so far with health care and that they are doing a lot of good work.
Investment Committee:
Executive Committeeman Handlin stated that the report is included in the packet. He stated that he wanted to thank Treasurer Mullen and Jim Rice for getting the numbers together for this report. He added that the legacy bond holdings are bonds that we had prior to merging the other investments.
Legislative Committee:
Chairman Martone stated that the Legislative Committee’s report is in the packets. He stated that he wanted to thank the committee members for attending and giving reports at their county caucus meetings. He mentioned that the committee members will be split into two groups on Friday and Saturday, and they will handle the registration computers for the annual convention. He thanked them for their assistance because they are very helpful.
President Ordway stated that he wanted to remind the executives not to block the registration area while talking to your constituents and to please move away from the registration tables.
Long Range Planning/Review Committee:
Chairman Lane stated that his report is included in the packet.
Pension Committee:
Treasurer Mullen reported that the committee met prior to this morning’s Executive Committee meeting. He stated that there is an annual funding notice for the pension plan included in the packet. He mentioned that it is a federal requirement that everyone receives this, and it states that the funds are in good and healthy shape.
Resolution Committee:
Assistant Counsel Morris reported that the committee is ready to provide a report for the Friday session for the convention.
Salary Committee:
Chairman Fazekas stated that he had no report for this meeting.
Fire Commission:
Chairman Naylis reported that the next meeting of the Commission will be held on Thursday September 11th in Wildwood Crest Fire Department at 10:00 am. He mentioned that there are several new and revised regulations that are forthcoming, and he advised as soon as they are fully published that he would provide everyone with copies.
APPLICATIONS:
- Franklin Township # 501 (Somerset County) is requesting a new Fire Company #6. Secretary Pelaia stated that the application was reviewed and found to be in order, and they are working on the transfer applications for the members. A Motion to approve the new company by Executive Committeeman Kurdyla, seconded by Executive Committeeman Florio. MOTION CARRIED.
- Keyport # 171 (Monmouth County) has been restructured by combining six companies into one company. Secretary Pelaia stated that there is a meeting scheduled with them for this month.
- Winslow Twp # 402 (Camden County) has combined nine companies to one company. Secretary Pelaia has all the paperwork for this. A Motion to consolidate nine companies into one by Executive Committeeman Figueroa, seconded by Executive Committeeman Reeves. MOTION CARRIED.
- Delaware Twp # 447/Stockton # 086 (Hunterdon County) is consolidating two associations into one. President Ordway stated that all the paperwork was distributed to close Stockton and operate as Delaware Twp. A Motion to close Stockton and operate as Delaware Twp. by Executive Committeeman Phillips, seconded by Executive Committeeman Otterbein. MOTION CARRIED.
- Plainsboro Twp # 525 (Middlesex County) is changing the name of their fire company. President Ordway stated that we met with the local officers, and they are dropping the word volunteer from their fire company name. He stated that the change will be made in the office in our system.
- Carteret # 063 (Middlesex County) President Ordway stated that there is a meeting scheduled with the local officers this month.
OLD BUSINESS:
President Ordway stated that if there any Local Associations that need oversight, continue to need oversight, or can be removed from oversight to please contact the Field Examiner via email. He asked Field Examiner Hollingsworth if any Local Associations currently need to be discussed and she replied none at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
None required for this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Approval for the Officers to Attend the League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City:
A motion to approve the Officers to attend the League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City by Executive Committeeman Lane, seconded by Executive Committeeman Handlin. ROLL CALL VOTE: PASSED 20–0.
- Burial Benefit:
Executive Committeeman Minelli stated that at the Morris County Caucus Meeting Dan Smith from Chatham under new business made a remark requesting the burial benefit include a 3.5% price increase to the $12,400 annually to mirror the executive compensation pay. President Ordway stated that they will take this under consideration, however he believes that it will never be an automatic increase because it needs to be reviewed as we do with all the other programs.
- Reinstate a member and Grant Qualification Status: Vice President Hankins stated that Cliffside Park has a member line # 073-03-0074 who was active since 1969 and then was resigned in 5/1975 with only 75 months of service, shortly after he was injured at a fatal fire where two other members passed away. Vice President Hankins stated that the member is currently receiving a disability pension from the New Jersey Police & Fire Pension System since 4/1975. Vice President Hankins stated that the Advisory Committee reviewed all the paperwork for this and is recommend that the member be reinstated and grant his qualification status. A motion to reinstate the member and approval of the qualification status by Executive Committeeman Speigel, Seconded by Executive Committeeman Kelly. Question on the motion by Executive Committeeman Handlin, stating that a few years ago in Wildwood the Executive Committee voted to automatically grant injured members the qualification status. President Ordway stated that in this case the member is not active and needs to be reinstated first. ROLL CALL VOTE: PASSED 20-0.
- Recommendation from Compendium Committee to make change to New Member Application: Chairman Roemmich explained the recommendation concerning Blood Pressures to change the systolic number to between 140 to 80. A motion to make the change by Executive Committeeman Roemmich, Seconded by Executive Committeeman Otterbein. MOTION CARRIED.
- Moving the September 2026 Meeting:
President Ordway asked if the September 2026 Meeting can be moved to the Saturday before or keep it on Thursday like we did this year due to September 11th. A discussion followed and it was decided that the meeting can be left on Thursday in Wildwood for September 2026.
- Moving the May 2026 Meeting:
President Ordway asked if the May 2026 Meeting can be moved to the last Saturday in April instead of the first Saturday in May. A discussion followed and it was decided that the May Meeting can be left on the first Saturday of May for 2026.
- Place two Associations Out of Accord and Not Seated for 2025 Convention:
Executive Committeeman Speigel asked concerning the two associations that did not hand in their local relief applications at the county caucus meeting if we are acting on this. President Ordway asked if we could give them until September 30, 2025, so they can be notified, considering it is only a few days prior to the convention. Executive Committeeman Speigel asked if there was a deadline for turning in the applications. Field Examiner Hollingsworth stated that the deadline was at the caucus and then August 31st by email. Executive Committeeman Speigel stated that we have deadlines and we do not extend them. Executive Committeeman Handlin asked if the executives have reached out of these two associations. Executive Committeeman Lenarski stated that he wanted the record to reflect that an email was sent last Friday concerning Lawrence Twp., Mercer County that the Treasurer was going to be away on vacation. Field Examiner Hollingsworth stated that she had already removed Lawrence Twp. from the list and the only two that are left are Byram Township, Sussex County and Bloomfield, Essex County, who are already under review at this time. Executive Committeeman Otterbein stated that he has been in contact with Bloomfield concerning getting their relief applications in and mentioned that that he was told that the Treasurer was out of the country for a while. He stated that he has emailed them, and this will be rectified as soon as possible. Field Examiner Hollingsworth asked for the emails to be forwarded to her. A discussion followed concerning the deadline. A motion to place Byram Township and Bloomfield out of accord and not seated for 2025 convention including officers’ pay for 2025 was made by Executive Committeeman Speigel, seconded by Executive Committeeman Roemmich. A brief discussion followed the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: PASSED 16-4.
PUBLIC COMMENT: First Assistant Secretary Martone read the Public Comment Instructions.
Daniel Smith Jr., Chatham, stated that he appreciates the comments concerning the burial benefit increase of 3.5% annually. He stated that he understands the financial responsibility, however, the benefit is undervalued because of the funeral costs have been increasing and are expensive.
Jack Cunic, Denville Secretary, stated that he is a little disappointed that the forms 106/107 are not online this year, but looking forward to next year. He stated that concerning the 990’s being filed by the state next year, he questioned if the 1099’s for salaries would be filed by the state also. President Ordway responded that in the County Caucus Meetings he stated that the state will be handling the 990’s and the Local Officers will be responsible for the 1099’s along with handling getting and keeping the receipts for them.
Frank Gunson, Past President, stated good luck to everyone at the convention this year and it is good to see everyone.
Brian Lynch, Vernon Township, stated that he wanted to thank everyone for allowing him to attend the County Caucus Meetings. He stated that he would like to wish everyone a safe trip to Wildwood.
Charles Lind, President NJ Deputy & Battalion Fire Chiefs Association, questioned that if there was any thought about Volunteer Cancer Screening being covered by the Association. President Ordway stated that the state supports the current four bills in the legislature. Charles Lind stated that he would like to see the volunteers have the same benefits concerning the cancer screenings as the career staff.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Executive Committeeman Otterbein thanked everyone for the support for his reelection. He stated that he appreciates everyone in his county and his county associations for their support.
President Ordway stated that the next meeting will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025.
President Ordway stated that he has a presentation to Secretary Pelaia, who has chosen to retire this year. President Ordway read the resolution with Secretary Pelaia’s years of service and positions held. A standing ovation and applause were given to Secretary Pelaia. Secretary Pelaia read a speech thanking everyone for their help and stated that he would still always be available for anyone to help where he can.
Executive Committeeman Speigel reminded everyone of the National Fallen Firefighters event on Friday in Wildwood on the seaport pier.
Executive Committeeman Kelly thanked and congratulated Secretary Pelaia for his service. He also stated that he wanted to point out that both candidates running for election this year for Second Assistant Secretary have both run clean campaigns, have both been perfect gentlemen and were non-confrontational at the County Caucus Meetings. He stated that they showed us that everyone is friends and that this is the way an election should go.
Executive Committeeman Lenarski thanked First Assistant Martone and the Compendium Committee for discussing the issue with one of the local officers in Mercer County.
Executive Committeeman Naylis stated at his caucus meeting, he made remarks concerning his support for two resolutions that will be on this year’s ballot. He shared his thoughts and stated that he opposes resolution #4 concerning the Firemen’s Home expansion and urges everyone to vote no. President Ordway thanked him for his comments and respects his opinion but stated that he totally disagrees and hopes that everyone votes yes.
Executive Committeeman Lane stated that he would like to congratulate Secretary Pelaia on his retirement and thanked him for all his help with himself as well as with everyone here.
Top of Form
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Executive Committeeman Florio, seconded by Executive Committeeman Speigel. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brian E. Martone
Brian E. Martone
First Assistant Secretary
New Jersey State Firemen’s Association
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