News

May 8, 2008

Shickshinny council, residents briefed on flood insurance

State official says coverage prudent for those with homes near the flood-prone river.

SUZANNE LATORRE Times Leader Correspondent

SHICKSHINNY -- Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency representative Terese Grubb told residents and the borough council about the advantages of the National Flood Insurance Program on Tuesday night.

The Susquehanna River is the most flood-prone river in Pennsylvania, Grubb said, and uninsured flood victims could only expect to receive a maximum of $26,500 each in aid. She urged those who live near it to purchase flood insurance.

Responding to a question by council member Randi Feno, Grubb also said residents not in the flood plain can purchase flood insurance. She noted that heavy rain can damage homes outside the designated flood plain, and some are prone to damage from mud and water draining from higher elevations.

In other business, the borough received two letters of intent from residents interested in the open council seat. The vote was tied 3-3 to appoint A. Sherman Fink. Mayor Beverly Moore, who would have cast the tiebreaking vote, did not attend the meeting.

Council rejected the application by Rick Noss by a 3-2 vote. Council President Rosalie Whitebread recused herself because Noss is her brother.

Council said it will hold a special meeting May 13 at 5:30 p.m. to vote on the Fink application again.

In other action, council hired Mr. Carl Alber as a building code nuisance ordinance officer for eight hours a week at $12 per hour.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews