Borough mulls replacement process
By Nick Norlen Staff Writer
A day after Monday’s announcement of Princeton Fire Chief Jamie Alkhateeb’s pending resignation, Borough Council introduced an ordinance that would amend the process used to select a new chief for the all-volunteer department.
Meanwhile, some firefighters are still waiting for the borough to resolve tax issues that have prevented them from receiving their stipends.
Township Deputy Mayor Bernie Miller announced at the committee meeting Monday that Chief Alkhateeb is moving to Florida and will officially resign Sept. 25.
”Jamie has done an outstanding job in the short time he has been chief,” he said, noting that the outgoing chief was instrumental in “moving the department in the right direction.”
Chief Alkhateeb replaced former Chief Pat McAvenia in October 2006, amidst statements from other fire officials that his departure was partially fueled by an unhealthy atmosphere of competition among the department’s three stations: Mercer Engine Company No. 3 on Witherspoon Street, the Hook & Ladder station on North Harrison Street and Engine Company No. 1 on Chestnut Street.
But Chief Alkhateeb said Tuesday that he believes that situation improved over the last year.
”I think that relations are better,” he said. “We all agree that a respectful, competitive nature between the companies is good – as long as we’re still keeping the right communications flowing.”
However, Mr. Bruschi said that at least some reservations exist about the proposed selection process, which he said has been in the works for months.
”Most people are OK with the way the process is put,” he said. “Some do have some concerns.”
The new ordinance would dissolve the board of engineers and place authority with the chief and deputy chiefs, Mr. Bruschi said.
The appointment of a new chief would be undertaken by a selection committee including the borough administrator, the two fire commissioners – currently Deputy Mayor Miller and Councilman David Goldfarb – and three station chiefs, who would be elected in November by their respective companies.
”I think that there are a number of very good candidates within the department,” Deputy Mayor Miller said.
However, the fire commissioners would hold only advisory roles.
The chief would be chosen by the majority vote of the three station chiefs. If no majority is reached among the station chiefs, the borough administrator would choose the chief – a change made to prevent station chiefs from simply choosing from their own ranks, Mr. Bruschi said.
A decision must be rendered by Dec. 15.
Mr. Bruschi said the deputy chiefs will likely choose an interim chief among themselves for the time being.
The ordinance also removes the limit on the number of terms a chief can serve.
Other proposed changes include removing the maximum limit of department members, extending the distance radius for membership, waiving residential requirements for new members, and allowing the annual stipend to be governed by the annual budget, rather than the ordinance itself.
Chief Alkhateeb said he would advise the incoming chief to assess staff levels and resources, and consolidate them where appropriate.
He said he wishes he could stay and “keep the momentum.”
”We’ve made a lot of good changes and we’re moving in the right direction,” he said, citing improvements during his tenure such as the updating of standard operating procedures and the streamlining of the volunteer incentive program.
However, a few department members attending Tuesday’s meeting raised concerns about the latter item.
Mr. Bruschi said the problem with the implementation of the program – which he said was “generally endorsed by everyone” – arose when questions were raised about whether firefighters should be taxed on their stipends.
Engine Company No. 1 Deputy Chief Rick McKee saidthe confusion has some members waiting for as much as $2,000, with the average volunteer awaiting $1,300.
”We will take care of it,” Mayor Mildred Trotman said.
Mr. Bruschi said an auditor’s resolution of the issue is expected within a week.