By John Tredrea, Special Writer
STOCKTON —A proposed bond ordinance authorizing the expenditure of up to $175,000 in emergency sewer repairs was introduced by the Stockton Borough Council at its Feb. 13 meeting.
Borough Clerk Michele Hovan said the measure is in response to a leak, due to a pipe collapse, in the borough’s sewage pumping station.
An ordinance intended to reduce damage from flooding in the future was adopted at the Feb. 13 meeting, Ms. Hovan said.
Under that ordinance, all pre-fabricated houses to be erected, or substantially improved, must be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable state and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.
For all new construction and substantial improvements or additions to existing structures, the electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air-conditioning equipment and other service facilities must be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
A portion of the ordinance addresses non-residential construction. In areas designated “special flood hazard” zones, that type of construction must have its lowest floor, including basement together with the attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, either:
— Elevated to the level of the base flood elevation and meet requirements on grading and drainage, or;
— Be flood-proofed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
— Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy;
— And, be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice.

