Committee hires building inspector,
and authorizes new part-time workers
By:Melissa Edmond
In another step to rebuild the Hillsborough Building Department, the Township Committee filled several inspection positions Tuesday.
The committee hired John Fiedler to be the construction official, replacing Ronald E. Estepp, who was charged in October with second-degree official misconduct for allegedly accepting $14,000 in home repairs, meals and drinks from a developer.
Mr. Fiedler "is an impressive candidate, not just in credentials but in character," said Committeeman Steven Sireci. "I think he’s going to be the person to bring the necessary integrity, fairness and consistency to the Building Department that is surely needed there."
"It’s really good to see a person hired that understands the construction trade from the ground up," Committeeman Paul Drake said.
Mr. Fiedler, who was in attendance at the township meeting, said he was thankful for the opportunity to serve the township.
"I’m a hard-working individual. I’m sure my work ethic is going to be beneficial to everyone here," he said.
Mr. Fiedler, who most recently was the building official in Warren Township, will start on Dec. 15 for a four-year term at an annual salary of $60,000.
"We’re only going in the right direction. I feel extremely confident that through this additional hire, we’re moving towards a friendlier, fairer department," said Committeeman Anthony Ferrera.
The township recently created the position of director of the Building Department and hired Ron Skobo, a retired captain of detectives for the Somerset County prosecutor’s office, in September to fill it.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Township Committee also adopted a resolution to hire two part-time fire protection inspectors and one part-time electrical inspector for the Building Department.
According to the resolution, these are on-demand positions, for work up to 20 hours a week at $28 an hour. The positions are necessary to provide coverage for inspections during the absence of full-time fire protection and electrical inspectors.
"The part-time inspectors enable us to continue Saturday inspections," said Mayor Bob Wagner.

