FLEMINGTON — Flemington Borough Council continued work on several ordinances while also focusing much of its second June meeting on efforts to assist the Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company as officials work to stabilize the organization’s finances and operations.

Solicitation ordinance moves closer to adoption

Council’s Community Development Committee, led by councilmember Stephen Hoy, reported that they reviewed solicitation ordinances from neighboring municipalities, including Mill Hall, Avis, Lock Haven, Murrysville and Beech Creek, to help select the framework for Flemington’s own proposal.

Committee members recommended several additions, including criminal background checks for commercial solicitors, permit fees of $10 per person per day, limiting solicitation hours to 9 a.m. to dusk, expanded permit applications and added enforcement by the borough’s constable, mayor, code enforcement officer and police.

Council spent considerable time discussing whether youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Little League teams and other nonprofit groups should be exempt from registration requirements.

According to the ordinance, youth organizations are exempt from any registration fee but are asked to register with the borough.

Some members argued this would be the easiest way for residents to verify who is legitimately canvassing neighborhoods.

“It just takes a phone call,” council member Dave Grimm said, noting registration would allow borough staff to reassure residents when questions arise.

Others expressed concern that requiring registration could discourage youth fundraising efforts.

“I think it makes our community seem unfriendly to organizations,” council member Traci Kuntz said while advocating for exemptions for children participating in fundraising activities.

The draft ordinance will be sent to the borough solicitor Justin Houser to be reviewed before returning to council for further consideration and a vote.

Council also announced that future ordinances will include a record showing how each council member voted.

Hoy additionally said work continues on a proposed property maintenance and outdoor stockpiling ordinance.

Council members discussed the need for clear definitions to distinguish between nuisance stockpiling and legitimate construction materials stored temporarily while residents await building permits or contractors.

The ordinance remains under review with Houser.

Fire company assistance continues

Council’s Fire Company Advisory Board met with Tracie Brungard, a representative from the Pennsylvania State Fire Commission, to discuss options for helping Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company recover from ongoing financial difficulties.

Council members Ed Higgins and Dave Grimm said the meeting focused largely on obtaining a required financial audit, which has delayed additional recovery efforts.

Brungard offered to help locate qualified professionals capable of completing the audit and is expected to meet directly with fire company leadership on July 8 before the company’s monthly meeting.

Council members emphasized that fire company officers should attend the session.

“It was a very good meeting,” Grimm said. “The fire company definitely needs help.”

Officials discussed ways to increase revenue at the Red Eye Center, including lowering rental fees, expanding fundraising events and improving use of the facility.

Fire company representatives also acknowledged frustration over the delayed audit but said progress has begun.

“We truly understand that we need to get that done,” Vice President Austin Houtz told council. “The sooner, the better.”

Other business

In addition to the meeting set up for July, the fire company announced several new fundraising initiatives aimed at improving its financial position, including:

— A new sponsorship program allowing businesses and individuals to become annual sponsors whose names will be displayed on a recognition board at the borough building.

— A hot sausage and hot dog sale on July 25.

— A Marianna hoagie fundraiser, orders are due July 13 and pickup scheduled for July 21.

Officials also reported rental rates have been reduced for both the Red Eye Center and the fire station in an effort to attract more bookings.

Council discussed allowing renters to use the facility’s kitchen in the future if liability and insurance concerns can be addressed.