Nesquehoning Hose Company is proposing a building expansion on its property.

During the borough council meeting on Wednesday, Shawn McArdle, captain of the fire company, said the company would like to withdraw its current application for gaming funds to purchase a firefighting pickup.Instead the company wants to apply for funds for a building renovation project.The project, estimated to cost $398,214, will include fixing the drainage problem on the fire company property, constructing a retaining wall and building two new bays to accommodate fire apparatus.McArdle said that he spoke with state Sen. John Yudichak's office and the fire company has full support from the senator.Fire Chief John McArdle noted that the company may not get the full amount at once, so the project would possibly need to be completed over a few year period.Council, which submitted the grant application on behalf of the fire company, approved the request in three motions.The first was to withdraw the current application.The second was to apply for gaming money for the building project, and the third was to allow the fire company to utilize the borough engineer to help with requirements for the project.In other matters, council told the fire companies in attendance that it has been determined that for the companies to be covered under workman's compensation insurance, they need to provide the borough with a list of events that the department will be holding or participating in. The list would then be approved by council.Councilwoman Mary Fox said that doing this will make sure that if anything happens, the fire companies are covered under the workman's compensation.Fox also announced that Bob Pilla, an employee at the borough's sanitation plant, has completed his operator's certification.Council voted to change Pilla's position to Operator 1, effective Sept. 1.