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FLEMINGTON -- Flemington Borough Council addressed concerns about its response to the Sept. 2-3 storm, including the borough's decision not to issue a disaster declaration, as residents questioned how storm damage was reported and what steps officials are taking to prevent future flooding.
At the beginning of the meeting, Flemington Borough Mayor Jo LaRoque read a statement addressing the borough's response to the September storm.
"Concerning the storm of Sept. 2 and 3, 2026, the borough received only one report of damage, made at our meeting on Sept. 10. The borough office received no phone calls pertaining to property damage. After the deadline had passed for declaration of an emergency, we learned that three additional calls were made to the communication center. In the future, we request that borough residents with storm-related concerns please also contact the borough office to report damages to your property. Being informed will enable us to take immediate action and swiftly constant state officials," the statement read.
The statement prompted criticism from resident Johnathan Temple who questioned why the borough had not issued a disaster declaration after the storm and whether officials had acted on information provided by the county.
Temple also asked about changes made to a storm drain near his property between Sept. 17 and Sept. 26, noting that gravel had been added and the drain appeared to have been lowered.
Council members were asked whether the work had been authorized at a meeting and whether documentation existed explaining the changes.
Council members said the borough's maintenance personnel typically report their work during meetings, but the employees responsible for those reports were absent.
Officials indicated that additional information could be requested from the maintenance staff.
Temple emphasized that the experience should provide lessons for future emergencies, particularly when people are focused on protecting their homes and may not know which agencies they need to contact.
Stormwater management was another major topic, with council approving a proposal to have borough and county engineer Steve Gibson use county software to assess the borough's stormwater system.
The assessment is expected to cost approximately $2,500. Council discussed using unused money in the park budget to cover part of the expense, with the remainder potentially coming from public safety, the sewer account or the general fund.
The assessment could help the borough understand how heavy rainfall moves through its drainage system and provide supporting data for future grant applications.
Council members stressed that the software would be only one step in a larger process and that the results would need to be considered alongside conditions on the ground.
Council member Wayne Allison said the work would likely need to be completed in phases because the drainage problems extend across multiple properties and sections of the borough.
Officials described the proposed assessment as an important first step toward identifying improvements, establishing priorities and seeking grant funding.
Temple and his wife, Tiffany, suggested that homeowners affected by flooding could provide information about their experiences to strengthen funding applications through the survey being completed within the borough for a park plan.
Council members agreed that documenting the extent of the damage could help demonstrate the need for improvements and the areas to prioritize.
They also encouraged residents to participate in a separate park master-planning process, which includes gathering feedback from people who live near the park and its drainage system.
Council emphasized future work would likely involve multiple phases and depend on the borough's ability to secure grants and other financial support.
In other business:
-- Leaf pickup is scheduled for Tuesdays throughout November.
-- Council members additionally discussed preparations for seasonal holiday lighting awaiting permits and approvals from PP&L and PennDOT.
-- Council purchased blind pedestrian safety signage to place within the borough.