Trending
FLEMINGTON -- Flemington Borough Council handled a number of items at its recent meeting, including the conditional approval for the next phase of a proposed senior housing expansion.
Council unanimously granted conditional approval for both the subdivision and land development plans associated with the proposed Flemington Manor senior housing expansion.
The project would add a new 46-unit senior housing building adjacent to the existing Susquehannock Heights complex.
Engineer Chad Schaffer, of Stahl Shaffer Engineering, presented updated plans, explaining the development would utilize the existing entrance, include new parking areas and incorporate significant stormwater improvements, including underground stormwater storage.
"We're doing several stormwater basins and one very large underground stormwater basin to handle all the additional runoff from this development," he said.
The Clinton County Planning Commission previously recommended conditional approval, subject to several outstanding engineering and permitting requirements.
Clinton County Planner/Engineer Steve Gibson, who provides engineering services for the borough, outlined the remaining conditions, including completion of easement agreements, sewage planning approval, acquisition of DEP permits, submission of a site development bond equal to 110 percent of construction costs, additional stormwater review and compliance with Fire Chief recommendations.
Vice president Wayne Allison questioned why several permits remain outstanding after earlier approvals, expressing concern about being asked to act under a tight construction schedule.
Schaffer and Leslie Osgood, the SEDA COG project manager, explained the project faces deadlines established by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
"We have to close with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency in September," she said.
Officials emphasized that no construction can begin until all required permits and conditions have been satisfied.
Council first approved the subdivision plan, contingent upon easement agreements and sewage planning approval, before unanimously granting conditional land development approval subject to all remaining engineering and permitting requirements.
Insurance renewal
approved
Gearhart Herr insurance representative, Wilson Riccardo, reviewed the borough's annual insurance renewal, describing it as another strong year with only modest premium increases.
He explained the largest increase stemmed from workers' compensation costs due to higher payroll and several claims.
"You're still doing really well," he told council. "You've had almost $6,000 worth of losses in 12 years. That's excellent."
Wilson noted the borough continues to benefit from an experience modifier below one, meaning it still receives a workers' compensation discount despite the recent claims.
Among the claims discussed were employee medical incidents dating back to 2021, a slip-and-fall claim in 2022 and a 2025 shoulder injury.
He also encouraged the borough to periodically review its equipment inventory to ensure insured values remain accurate and praised the municipality's current carrier, Trident Insurance Group, for providing separate umbrella liability coverage for general liability, auto and workers' compensation.
"That's a feature that I've actually never seen in another insurance company," Wilson said.
Council members discussed beginning next year's renewal process earlier to allow more time for reviewing proposals.
Following the discussion, council unanimously authorized renewal of the borough's insurance coverage with Trident.
Ordinance updates
Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 268 regarding removable parking regulations.
Members also received an update on a proposed property maintenance ordinance addressing stockpiles and outdoor storage. Borough officials said solicitor Justin Houser continues refining the language to avoid unintended consequences before the proposal returns to council.
"We want to make sure that the wording of it is correct and it meets our goals," council member Steve Hoy said.
Council members noted they want the ordinance to clearly define prohibited conditions while ensuring consistent enforcement across the borough.
Fire company updates
Goodwill Hose Fire Company representatives reported continued membership growth, adding approximately 10 new members over the past several months while expanding junior firefighter recruitment efforts.
To accommodate the increase, the station is reorganizing its meeting and rental spaces while exploring future improvements, including air conditioning for the building.
Representatives also announced several upcoming community events, including:
-- Participation in a free children's event Aug. 15 at Flemington First Church of Christ with fire trucks, games and a dunk tank.
-- A Sept. 12 event combining a 9/11 memorial with suicide prevention awareness.
-- A trunk-or-treat planned for Oct. 24.
-- A Break the Bank Bingo fundraiser Nov. 21.