As approved at the Novmber 18 meeting, Minutes of November 4, 2019 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, November 4, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Council President Carolyn M. Bausch. In attendance this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming, Council Members Barb Kriner,
John Domanski, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight, Mayor John LaMotte, Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch. Absent this evening was Council Member Beth Rake.
In the audience this evening were Nick Fowler, J W Snyder, Chris Henrie and Karen Blackledge, Danville News reporter. J W Snyder and Chris Henrie were here to observe.
Minutes of October 7, 2019 were reviewed. John Domanski made a Motion to approve which was seconded by Barb Kriner. All voted in favor.
Budget Report for September was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming. All voted in favor.
Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, then presented his report for September 2019. He read his report and highlighted that a blighted property on Scenic Drive/Elysburg Road area has been sold and will be renovated. Brian then addressed John Domanski on an issue from last meeting regarding sewer line connections. Brian has spoken with Jim Sanders, SEO, regarding this issue. To have to connect to the sewer main, you must be within 150’ of the line. Peter Fleming said if within 150’ home owner could be compelled to hook up but they would be going to a pressure line which may not make it feasible. Solicitor Michetti spoke of the “Grandfather” clause that previously was for those having 10 or more acre tracts. John Domanski also asked Brian if he could get information for our next meeting on the American Disabiity Act (ADA) Requirements for public buildings. Mayor John LaMotte researched the ADA requirements and read what he found regarding requirements to be met; Carolyn Bausch stated we do not need outside opener for the door. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted for.
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then took the floor with the Street Report. He stated the Flail Mower has been purchased and employees have been shown how it operates. The tractor tires had to be filled to handle the weight of the mower. Dan also highlighted on a possible scenario in the future regarding the gas company and home sewer lateral lines. The borough may be made responsible to locate home lateral lines. Barb Kriner questioned about the sewer line work that was done on the tablets in the past and was informed that the home laterals are not on there; it is mostly manholes and storm drains. Main lines are owned by the borough and makes us liable for them. Discussion ensued as to who is responsible for line from home to main line. Peter stated it is the home owner’s responsibility from home to street or edge of property line. Barb asked about our sewer camera and Dan responded the camera can only go down so far. Solicitor Michetti suggested we get our engineer involved to do the scope of our ditches and lines; he stated he had spoken with Dave Walters, LDG, and he passed him onto Chris Shaffer, LDG staff who was involved in our project in the past and could handle this project. Barb Kriner stated if something is in the works, the borough should get a jump start on it and be pro-active . Peter Fleming stated the companies that are in the borough, Chip Adams and RotoRooter could make the borough aware of pipe connections when they do work in the borough.
Dan then stated leaf collection has been going since the beginning of October and so far 16 loads of leaves have been gathered. Residents should be patient as they canvas the borough to get the areas with the most leaves out for collection. All areas of the borough are checked and collected. The new drop site is working real well. Dan also stated the Facebook page has negative comments; John Domanski stated the guys should only worry about Council not the comments on facebook.
Carolyn Bausch stated there are always unhappy people and the good comments are not always put on. Peter said the social media is for those who like to express themselves behind a curtain. Carolyn also commented to please not respond to any negative comments. Peter Fleming continued that the street department has worked out their snow plowing, leaf collection and sewer work in a fine manner that works for the borough. Street Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming and approved by all.
Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Chief, then presented the fire company report. He read the monthly figures from the report. Nick stated the fire company has begun billing Rush and Mayberry Township for fire calls to their areas. Nick continued that of the four billed, three had no insurance. Nick also said the annual Christmas Tree sale will begin on November 29th. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted for.
Chief Kerry Parkes then presented the October Police Report. Chief Parkes highlighted the trainings recently completed by his officers. Officer Brad Harvey had been off for two weeks for the birth of his son, Chase David Harvey. The Speed Sign had been in place in the West End area of the borough and Chief Parkes highlighted the numbers of speeders and the speed some had traveled coming through that area. In 10 days over 8080 cars had traveled that road in the west bound direction. It was also noted the roadway had been closed a couple of days for bridge work. The question was posed to Solicitor Michetti as to who was responsible for an empty property on D & H Avenue. Solicitor Michetti will research this property. Chief Parkes stated he is waiting for end of year computations to see if he has enough funds to purchase a new computer for their office. He has priced one out at about $4700.00. He is also asking to have extra funds put into the Police Car CD for the purchase of their next vehicle. Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner. All voted for.
Mayor John LaMotte spoke on his request for some updated playground equipment. He had found two pieces of equipment. Secretary Bausch has been in touch with Justin Skavery, Northumberland County, and he has begun a grant for us through WalMart. We are hoping for some help with the possible $6000.00 cost for both pieces of equipment. These pieces would be an addition to the park; the tether ball pole would be removed. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted In favor.
Solicitor Joseph Michetti then spoke about the project of the lines and possible ordinances. He suggested the council should authorize the secretary to approve Chris Shaffer to meet with Dan and move forward with the project. Solicitor Michetti said ordinances could be combined into one. John Domanski questioned Solicitor Michetti on a statement on the sample ordinance on grass cutting he had provided previously – “Rebuttal of resumption”. Solicitor Michetti then explained the terminology to be the action was presumed to have occurred. Discussion also took place about enforcement which could be handled by Borough Police and Code Enforcement officer could be authorized via the ordinance. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted for.
Under New Business, Mayor LaMotte questioned the No turn on Red sign for the intersection. He was informed there had been a meeting with Penn Dot. John Domanski stated we got the same answer for all our concerns, need a study done. Engineers would need to be involved to make any change. John further stated one good thing came from that meeting…the manholes on the bridge area were fixed. Peter questioned where the Welcome to Riverside sign is and was told it was being handled by Sudol paving. We will get in touch with him.
Under Motion to Approve this evening was the Council Meeting dates for 2020. Dates approved by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted in favor.
At approximately 7:45 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn, seconded by Barb Kriner.
Council adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, November 4, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Council President Carolyn M. Bausch. In attendance this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming, Council Members Barb Kriner,
John Domanski, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight, Mayor John LaMotte, Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch. Absent this evening was Council Member Beth Rake.
In the audience this evening were Nick Fowler, J W Snyder, Chris Henrie and Karen Blackledge, Danville News reporter. J W Snyder and Chris Henrie were here to observe.
Minutes of October 7, 2019 were reviewed. John Domanski made a Motion to approve which was seconded by Barb Kriner. All voted in favor.
Budget Report for September was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming. All voted in favor.
Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, then presented his report for September 2019. He read his report and highlighted that a blighted property on Scenic Drive/Elysburg Road area has been sold and will be renovated. Brian then addressed John Domanski on an issue from last meeting regarding sewer line connections. Brian has spoken with Jim Sanders, SEO, regarding this issue. To have to connect to the sewer main, you must be within 150’ of the line. Peter Fleming said if within 150’ home owner could be compelled to hook up but they would be going to a pressure line which may not make it feasible. Solicitor Michetti spoke of the “Grandfather” clause that previously was for those having 10 or more acre tracts. John Domanski also asked Brian if he could get information for our next meeting on the American Disabiity Act (ADA) Requirements for public buildings. Mayor John LaMotte researched the ADA requirements and read what he found regarding requirements to be met; Carolyn Bausch stated we do not need outside opener for the door. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted for.
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then took the floor with the Street Report. He stated the Flail Mower has been purchased and employees have been shown how it operates. The tractor tires had to be filled to handle the weight of the mower. Dan also highlighted on a possible scenario in the future regarding the gas company and home sewer lateral lines. The borough may be made responsible to locate home lateral lines. Barb Kriner questioned about the sewer line work that was done on the tablets in the past and was informed that the home laterals are not on there; it is mostly manholes and storm drains. Main lines are owned by the borough and makes us liable for them. Discussion ensued as to who is responsible for line from home to main line. Peter stated it is the home owner’s responsibility from home to street or edge of property line. Barb asked about our sewer camera and Dan responded the camera can only go down so far. Solicitor Michetti suggested we get our engineer involved to do the scope of our ditches and lines; he stated he had spoken with Dave Walters, LDG, and he passed him onto Chris Shaffer, LDG staff who was involved in our project in the past and could handle this project. Barb Kriner stated if something is in the works, the borough should get a jump start on it and be pro-active . Peter Fleming stated the companies that are in the borough, Chip Adams and RotoRooter could make the borough aware of pipe connections when they do work in the borough.
Dan then stated leaf collection has been going since the beginning of October and so far 16 loads of leaves have been gathered. Residents should be patient as they canvas the borough to get the areas with the most leaves out for collection. All areas of the borough are checked and collected. The new drop site is working real well. Dan also stated the Facebook page has negative comments; John Domanski stated the guys should only worry about Council not the comments on facebook.
Carolyn Bausch stated there are always unhappy people and the good comments are not always put on. Peter said the social media is for those who like to express themselves behind a curtain. Carolyn also commented to please not respond to any negative comments. Peter Fleming continued that the street department has worked out their snow plowing, leaf collection and sewer work in a fine manner that works for the borough. Street Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming and approved by all.
Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Chief, then presented the fire company report. He read the monthly figures from the report. Nick stated the fire company has begun billing Rush and Mayberry Township for fire calls to their areas. Nick continued that of the four billed, three had no insurance. Nick also said the annual Christmas Tree sale will begin on November 29th. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted for.
Chief Kerry Parkes then presented the October Police Report. Chief Parkes highlighted the trainings recently completed by his officers. Officer Brad Harvey had been off for two weeks for the birth of his son, Chase David Harvey. The Speed Sign had been in place in the West End area of the borough and Chief Parkes highlighted the numbers of speeders and the speed some had traveled coming through that area. In 10 days over 8080 cars had traveled that road in the west bound direction. It was also noted the roadway had been closed a couple of days for bridge work. The question was posed to Solicitor Michetti as to who was responsible for an empty property on D & H Avenue. Solicitor Michetti will research this property. Chief Parkes stated he is waiting for end of year computations to see if he has enough funds to purchase a new computer for their office. He has priced one out at about $4700.00. He is also asking to have extra funds put into the Police Car CD for the purchase of their next vehicle. Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner. All voted for.
Mayor John LaMotte spoke on his request for some updated playground equipment. He had found two pieces of equipment. Secretary Bausch has been in touch with Justin Skavery, Northumberland County, and he has begun a grant for us through WalMart. We are hoping for some help with the possible $6000.00 cost for both pieces of equipment. These pieces would be an addition to the park; the tether ball pole would be removed. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted In favor.
Solicitor Joseph Michetti then spoke about the project of the lines and possible ordinances. He suggested the council should authorize the secretary to approve Chris Shaffer to meet with Dan and move forward with the project. Solicitor Michetti said ordinances could be combined into one. John Domanski questioned Solicitor Michetti on a statement on the sample ordinance on grass cutting he had provided previously – “Rebuttal of resumption”. Solicitor Michetti then explained the terminology to be the action was presumed to have occurred. Discussion also took place about enforcement which could be handled by Borough Police and Code Enforcement officer could be authorized via the ordinance. Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted for.
Under New Business, Mayor LaMotte questioned the No turn on Red sign for the intersection. He was informed there had been a meeting with Penn Dot. John Domanski stated we got the same answer for all our concerns, need a study done. Engineers would need to be involved to make any change. John further stated one good thing came from that meeting…the manholes on the bridge area were fixed. Peter questioned where the Welcome to Riverside sign is and was told it was being handled by Sudol paving. We will get in touch with him.
Under Motion to Approve this evening was the Council Meeting dates for 2020. Dates approved by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski. All voted in favor.
At approximately 7:45 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn, seconded by Barb Kriner.
Council adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary
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