LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS

FLEMINGTON — Flemington Borough had their second meeting for this month Thursday night where they discussed their Clinton County Economic Partnership and individual resident ambulance memberships, Watch Children signs and other items.

Council is made up of President Albert Hill, Vice President Wayne Allison and councilpersons Stephen Hoy, Don Grant, David Grimm, Ed Higgins and Traci Kuntz. The borough’s newly elected mayor, Jo LaRocque, was also in attendance at Thursday night’s meeting.

Clinton County Economic Partnership

Clinton County Economic Partnership CEO Jason Fitzgerald was in attendance to discuss what the partnership does and the membership benefits for the borough if they were to rejoin the partnership.

“One of the main things that we do is the Leadership Clinton County program, helping youth get involved in leadership in the area,” said Fitzgerald.

Several members of Leadership Clinton County attended as well.

Moving towards the main benefits around the membership, Fitzgerald shared that this will include assisting the borough with grant applications.

“In particular for municipalities, one of the things we’re offering is assistance with grants,” said Fitzgerald. “We’ll help review them. We can even submit them. And we can also talk to our legislators in Harrisburg and Washington, depending on if it’s a federal or state grant, and encourage them to be approved.”

Upon discussion between the council, it was unanimously approved to have Flemington Borough join the partnership with an annual fee of $1,300.

In joining the partnership, the council is hopeful they will continue to see economic growth with the assistance of CCEP.

Goodwill Hose Co. Ambulance Association

Goodwill Ambulance Association Assistant Chief Alvin Stoltzfus addressed ambulance membership concerns with council.

“We did not stop doing transfers entirely,” said Stoltzfus. “We started to focus on more emergent transfers.”

Stoltzfus gave the example of having a heart attack at Lock Haven Hospital and needing immediate transport to Williamsport.

“That would be treated like a 911 call,” Stoltzfus said. “We respond immediately and then transfer you down to where you need to go.”

In a case of non-emergency transfers, Stoltzfus reassured the borough they will continue to do their best to provide that to the residents.

“If you want to be transported somewhere, you can call or have the hospital call the station and as long as there’s a crew in the station, they’ll answer,” he said.

Stoltzfus shared that the station felt it is most important to be ready for 911 calls in the community.

“There will be times where we are unable to come out [for non-emergent calls] but we do try our best to get a second crew to come in,” he said.

With the membership, any transfers by another service in Clinton County or Jersey Shore will be honored based on the brochures mailed to those who qualify.

These membership brochures have been sent out by Goodwill Hose stating residents within their coverage area could purchase a subscription that would allow the ambulance company to still bill your insurance, but anything left over will be covered, at no additional out-of-pocket costs to the family.

There are three different levels of subscriptions that are offered. For a single senior, anyone over 65, is $50, for an individual under 65, it is $75 and a family option that will cover you and any other taxable dependents that are living in the home.

Watch Children signs

Heated discussion between council members began over approval to purchase lighted Watch Children signs to be used in the borough.

The total for two portable signs is $2,253.79, according to Allison.

“That’s quite a bit for a sign,” said Higgins.

The use of the signs would prevent congestion and potential injury to children being dropped off at Rachael’s Dance Unlimited, and can be moved to the ball park during the baseball season.

According to Hill, council was contacted regarding a road study along that street that will need to be completed by LTAP, Local Technical Assistance Program, however due to LTAP’s lack of funding, they are unable to schedule any projects until April.

At this time, the council has approved the purchase of the two lighted signs and will continue further discussion on LTAP later in the spring.

As a way to mitigate any risk to children and community members, council will continue working with the owners of Rachael’s and their clients, asking that everyone dropping off or picking up their children be mindful of those around and use caution.

In other business:

— Council voted to approve the Collins/Toboz Bridge to Bridge Run on May 3 at 9 a.m.

— Council appointed Eric Williamson as Sewer Enforcement Officer with Justin Dashum as the alternate.

— Council appointed Dave Grimm to the Clinton County Water Filtration Authority following the resignation of Jack Peters.

— Council voted to approve a meeting with solicitor Justin Houser regarding amendments to property maintenance ordinances.