WE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ADVICE
Saucier’s Failed Attempt To Reinstate Suspended Director Carty
Summary: The Mount Holly Board of Fire Commissioners meeting of May 13 was dubbed “special” since it was a make-up for the postponed April session. The meeting was originally centered on hiring new legal counsel and approving 11 new firefighters, but a contentious “walk-on” resolution by Commissioner Saucier took center stage. Saucier attempted to reinstate the suspended Fire Director Jason R. Carty, who is still on paid leave after labor attorneys recommended his termination. [Readers will recall that the vote to fire Carty failed because Thiessen, Gaskill and Sheppard received legal advice to not vote. And the other two commissioners ended up in a deadlock 1-1 vote with Saucier being the sole vote to retain Carty.] Commissioner Logue motioned to table Saucier’s resolution. The Tabling motion was supported by Commissioners Sheppard and Thiessen which leaves Carty in a paid, suspended status.
Resident Raises Objection About Failure To Discharge Carty: In the Public Comment section prior to the effort to reinstate Carty, resident Jeff Eversmeyer noted that the personnel investigation which recommended termination of Mr. Carty cost over $10,000 which Eversmeyer said was wasted due to a defect in the “moral compass” of certain Commissioners who refuse to take legal advice to fire Carty.
The Mount Holly Reporter estimates that Mr. Carty has received approximately $20,000 so far while on paid leave.
Saucier Attempts To Reinstate Carty
Commissioner Saucier’s resolution to reinstate Jason Carty to the Director job was read aloud. After the reading, Commissioner Logue objected to the language in the resolution which claimed that Commissioners gave “due consideration” to bringing Carty back. Logue said that there would be only 5 minutes of consideration prior to a vote and that was not sufficient. Logue therefore moved to table the resolution.
This prompted heated discussion from Saucier and Gaskill who insisted that the reinstatement resolution should receive a vote. Commissioner Sheppard stated that if Commissioner Gaskill intended to vote on it, despite the lawyer’s recommendation that Gaskill should not vote, then Ms. Sheppard would also disregard the lawyer’s advice about recusing herself from voting.
At that point, Commissioner Saucier stated that the lawyer is only meant to give legal advice and that “we [commissioners] are not required to follow the advice”.
“We Are Not Required To Follow The Advice” Commissioner Nicole Saucier
Chairman Thiessen said the tabling motion had to be done first and called the vote which was carried with Logue, Sheppard and Thiessen voting in favor to table.
Saucier then commented inaudibly to Thiessen. Sheppard directly addressed Saucier using her microphone stating that Saucier should make her comments into the microphone. Saucier said, “You heard me”. Sheppard replied that she did not hear and that Saucier should make her comments into the microphone. Saucier stated into the microphone that “Letting this be tabled, instead of letting this go through, is a prejudice, period.”
Bid Investigation Concludes, Malamut Law Nominated, Saucier and Gaskill Vote No on Malamut
Readers will recall that at the April 1, 2026 meeting, it was revealed that all 3 law firm bids were spoiled because an unauthorized person opened a bid from the Malamut Law firm. This required that the bidding process be repeated. At the time, Commissioner Sheppard stated that neither she nor Commissioner Logue had access to the office where the bids were stored. Commissioner Logue introduced a resolution amendment requiring an official investigation into how the bid was opened. Commissioners Saucier and Gaskill voted against the investigation.
At the May 13th meeting Chairman Thiessen announced that the investigation found the person who opened the bid, but that the person claimed it was accidental. Thiessen did not reveal the name of the person who opened it but later told The Reporter that a commissioner opened it. After the meeting, a source close to the investigation told The Reporter that Commissioner Saucier opened the bid.
At the end of the May 13th meeting, Chairman Thiessen said that 3 new bids for General Counsel serving the District through December 2026 were reviewed by the QPA Mike DeHoff. All Commissioners had a summary of the 3 bids from Mr. DeHoff. Thiessen opened the floor for nominations of a law firm and Commissioner Logue moved to nominate Malamut Law. Commissioner Sheppard seconded that motion. Saucier and Gaskill voted against Malamut, but the firm was confirmed anyway by the votes of Logue, Sheppard and Thiessen.
Other Decisions and Insights
· The board approved 11 new volunteer fire recruits.
· A walk-on resolution to hire a temporary administrative assistant was made by Thiessen to rectify a critical lack of up-to-date public records and meeting minutes.
· Financial oversight remains a priority as the district investigates potential overbilling by New Jersey American Water and missing revenue from the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA).
· Special Counsel: A separate resolution was passed to retain Parker McKay as secondary special counsel for labor policies and specific projects, leveraging their existing familiarity with current district issues.
· Utility Discrepancies: An investigation is underway regarding New Jersey American Water fire hydrant rental fees ($14k–$15k/month). The district suspects it has been overcharged for at least one to two months.
· Painting Restoration: Significant discussion occurred regarding the restoration of a historical painting (valued by some at nearly $1M). The Board is implementing stricter protocols for the handling and curation of historic fire district artifacts to ensure insurance coverage.
· Curatorial Authority: Terry Matthews (President, Relief Fire Company) confirmed that Carl Shaw is the authorized curator. No artifacts are to be moved without his direct approval.