Riverside Borough

If you attended the Saturday, June 19 event at Southside Fire Company and bought raffle tickets, one has not been claimed!   It you are holding yellow ticket # 178031 - contact the office immedaitely.  Call the office  570 275-1751
It is the Shade Mountain Gift Set!
All other raffle items have been claimed as well as the beautiful set of corn hole boards made by resident Dave Wemple with the borough celebration logo.
Thank you to all who came out to support this event.  Movie had to get cancelled due to weather but will reschedule in the near future. 
Out next big event is JULY 10 - Beer and Wine Festival!  Vendor spots are still available!
Contact the office or email:  Dbausch@RiversideBorough.Org

As approved at the June 7, 2021 Council meeting, minutes of May 3 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met at the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, May 3, 2021.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski at 7:00 pm.  Present this evening were Vice President Barb Kriner, Council Members Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight Jr.  Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Deborah Bausch.
The audience this evening included Jon Stassel, Southside Fire Company and Rick Dandes, Danville News reporter.
 
Old business started with approval of the Minutes of April 5, 2021 by a Motion from Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming; all voted for.
Budget report for March 2021 was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight; all voted for.
 
Brian Anderson presented his Zoning report for April.  Borough has quieted down a lot since last month; there were no major issues.  He is busy with sewer inspections.  Report approved on a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner; all voted in favor.
 
Dan Gable then took the floor with the Street Department Report.  His discussion focused on truck traffic in the borough and signs for truck traffic.  Chief Parkes added that he would like to shut down the lower portion of the borough streets for truck traffic.  Signs would have to be put on every corridor for police to enforce them.  Mayor John LaMotte inquired about if the trucks cause property damage would a sign make a difference?  President Domanski spoke about what streets to post and how we would need to change the ordinance.  He does not want to have to be changing the ordinance every time we want to add a street.  Dan Gable then stated most of the problem is trucks using Route 54 and going straight across; he felt maybe a sign could be placed by the red light to alert them which way to go.    Merck traffic is a major contributing factor in this problem; the company uses 100 Avenue C which sends truckers using GPS on the wrong streets.   Beth Rake stated a sign needs to be placed to show truck drivers which way to Route 80.  President Domanski asked Dan to get a list of streets to the secretary and she will contact Solicitor Michetti with them to amend the ordinance.
Prior to opening the bids, Solicitor Michetti inquired about the pipes on private property with the water issue.  Dan stated the pipes were part of the bid package; we would need to get permission to put them on the private lanes that access the roadway.    Beth Rake inquired about maintenance of the pipes and was told it would be our street department’s job to maintain the pipes.  Bid packages were then opened by Solicitor Michetti with the low bid going to R C Young Inc.   Beth Rake made a motion to accept the bid of R C Young and award the contract to that company; seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
Vice President Barb Kriner then made a Motion to Approve the Street Department Report and it was seconded by Brian Whitenight with all voting in favor.
 
Jon Stassel addressed council with the Southside Fire Company report.  He stated it was also a slow month and they were thankful for no major property damage.  Accidents were near Boyd station in Rush Township.  He wanted to say Kudos to Vice President Barb Kriner for her work with the fire company in preparing things for the upcoming Borough Celebration.  Beth Rake asked if there will be a carnival this year and council was informed it will be May 25 – 29, 2021!  Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes took the floor to discuss the police report for April.   Car switch outs were a nightmare but all done now.  The generator was picked up by Locust Township for the SWAT team; Jason has picked up the 4 wheeler to go over to see what repairs are needed.   Chief Parkes then asked if anything had been discussed about body cams; council agreed they had not looked at them further.  Secretary will get the copies out to council members to look at before the next meeting.  Chief Parkes likes the Watchguard system best as they would take charge of securing, maintaining, protecting data.    He also stated spring cleanup is in full swing – residents are reminded of junk vehicles and grass, trash removal or be cited.  Police report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
 
Mayor John LaMotte spoke of Dumpster Day; 11 skids were loaded and a good job done by Street Crew and Fought’s Dumpsters.  Metal dumpster was not accepted so next year other arrangements will need to be made for metal drop off.   Delavan Whitenight Jr stated perhaps a separate dumpster from Jeff’s would work out better. Donations totaled $275.00 from residents for tires, appliances, etc.  One resident stopped in the office to state she was so happy with the crew that worked the event; they were helpful and so pleasant.  Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti informed council the hearing for the sale of the school is now on the Court Calendar for July 8th, 2021; should be able to settle by mid-July.  He will do a new extension of the Sales Agreement.  Report approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner; seconded by Peter Fleming with all approving. 
 
Mayor John LaMotte asked who would like to speak at the cake cutting ceremony on May 8th; President John Domanski will say a few words.  Mayor John LaMotte will introduce speakers before the cake is cut. The 2021 Committee report was in council packets; parade is Saturday and hope that all council members will be present to walk and/or participate.  Committee Report approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight; all voted for.
 
Under new business President Domanski spoke of the borough holidays.  He is suggesting we change the 1st day of antlered deer and Good Friday into floating holidays.  Not everyone hunts or celebrates the religious holidays  On a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight, the holidays will be changed to floating holidays with the days to be used within the calendar year; days off would be at the discretion of  the  supervisor.  Police holidays will be pending until speaking with them. 
All voted in favor.
 
Resolution 21-04-21 was put before council.  Solicitor Michetti highlighted the bullet points and complies with Action 537.  Resolution approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kiriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Final agenda item was to let Council know we have been approved to use the Federal Surplus site in Harrisburg for office needs, etc. 
 
At approximately 8:05 pm a Motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Council adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch, Secretary

The Riverside Memorial Day Service scheduled for Sunday, May 30 has been cancelled.  A Time of Remembrance will be held on June 19 at the opening of the 150 Year Celebration Event.

 
June 4 – School’s Out for Summer 
 June 6 - D Day      
  June 7- Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm 
   June 14 - Flag Day     
 
June 19 – 150 Year Celebration Day 
              Southside Picnic Grounds
                   1 pm – Corn Hole Tournament
   3 pm – Brothers of the Brush - Beard Contest
   4 pm – Back the Hat – Hat Decorating Contest
  5 pm – Games for kids including Treasure Hunt prior to Movie
    9 pm (Approximate time) Movie - Goonies - popcorn and smores served
                            
  June 20 - Father’s Day  
  June 21 - Summer Begins  
 
Secretary will be out of the office  - June 23 – 27.

​June 26 – Danville Spring Fling Event
 
            TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR JUNE
Rebecca Steckley, Tax Collector, will have office hours BY APPOINTMENT ONLY- Call her to make arrangements to meet her. 570 764-1393

Borough Office, 415 Dewart Street, is the Polling place for Riverside voters.  No office business will be conducted.  Polls are open, 7 am - 8 pm = Get out and Vote!!

Riverside Borough council meeting scheduled for Monday, May 17th has been CANCELLED 
​ due to a lack of agenda items.

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, April 5, 2021 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Council President John Domanski.  In attendance were Vice President Barb Kriner, Council members Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight Jr, Beth Rake participated by Telephone. Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Absent this evening were Council Member Kevin Romansik and Mayor John LaMotte.
 
Our audience this evening consisted of Rick Dandes, Daily Item Reporter, Jon Stassel, Southside Fire Chief, Aiden Stein and Joel Wiest.
 
Joel Wiest spoke first and said he was not there on a legal issue but was with Mr. Stein, owner of Affordable Fuels.  They spoke of an incident wherein one of their fuel trucks got stuck in a culvert and there was a heated conversation with the Chief of Police.  Mr. Stein spoke on how his company has been in the borough for a long time and has never had an issue.  He had asked for a return phone call from the Chief but it was never received; the Chief responded he felt it was not necessary since the driver of the truck was on the phone with the owner and the Chief was there as things were being relayed.  There was conflicting times for arrival of a removal vehicle.  President Domanski stated he was on scene shortly after it happened and there was a long time till the tow truck arrived, more than the 8 minutes previously reported by Mr. Stein.  Traffic was blocked for a lane and a partial lane and the issue of safety is what the chief addressed that day.  President John Domanski stated we would back our Chief in this matter.  Brian Whitenight then stated in his business he has had tow companies forced on him in similar situations so this does happen. 
 
Minutes of March 15, 2021 were put on the table.  Vice President Barb Kriner called attention to a correction from previous minutes; Southside Fire Company does not charge Riverside residents for call outs.  Jon Stassel confirmed they only bill out of area calls.  Peter Fleming made a Motion to approve the minutes with the noted correction.  Seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner and all voted in favor.
 
Budget Report for February 2021 was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr.  All voted for.
 
Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, presented his March report.  It had been a busy month and there was one variance hearing.  The Susquehanna Valley Modelers Club wanted to erect a sign that was larger than the ordinance allowed.  This sign was approved at the Zoning Hearing board on 3/31/21.  Vice President Barb Kriner inquired what was happening with the Decoteau property; lots of activity there.  Peter Fleming added that Dave Decoteau is in charge of kayak rentals at a local venue.  Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight; all voted for. 
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then presented the street department report which covered several issues.  First was talk of the water issue on 8th Street; springs have water running across the street and in winter freezing causing many problems.  He presented a proposal from Chip Adams to install an inlet box and 12” pipe to divert the water to the creek. Brian Whitenight inquired if a study needed done;  Peter Fleming added that at one time it had been a borough ditch. Solicitor Michetti stated that no study would need done since it was not going on private property.
 
The next issue was a sewer line at the property of Holly McCormick.  Borough code states the sewer line is the borough responsibility to the property line; the pipe is the old orangeberg and it was proposed to blow in a liner rather than dig up the roadway.  A Motion was made by Brian Whitenight to do both projects with funding to come from the Sewer Fund.  Seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner and all voted in favor.  Boyce Road was the next topic of discussion.  Dan explained how much time and materials are used on that road each year and still not in good shape.  Part of the problem is drainage pipes which would need addressed first before road repairs could be done.  Road could be repaired from Kipps Run Road to an area just past Farmall Lane.  Other part of the road would be marked No Maintenance but would be kept open for passing and emergency vehicles.  It is felt that the residents use other roadways to leave their homes in that area.  We would need homeowners to replace the driveway pipes; if we just remove them it would leave a ditch.  Brian Whitenight suggested the homeowner buy the replacement pipe and we install them.  Dan said a letter would have to be given to the homeowners.  Delavan Whitenight suggested a cement culvert be installed.  On a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight a bid package will be issued for repairs to Boyce Road.  President Domanski stated we are to receive some COVID monies and that could fund this project.  Another issue was the grading of Mainzer Hill.  Dan has contacted Rodger Wintersteen who has done this in the past and will do again this year.  He charges approximately $125/hour for his services.
 
  A big issue is also trucks in the borough.  They are on streets they should not be on and damaging signs and property.  Signs need placed on Gearhart, Avenue C, Dewart and Factory Streets which see the most truck traffic.  Posting of these streets would have to be authorized via an amendment to our Code book.  President John Domanski asked for Dan Gable and Chief Parkes to get together and get a list of streets that would need signs placed before we do any amendments to our code. Street Department Report was approved on a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.  
 
Dan stated Chris Henrie has been in charge of replacing street signs to be in compliance with new regulations; so far he has done about 100 and about 40 remain to be completed.
 
Paving Bids were opened with the lowest bidder being New Enterprise Stone and Lime Inc.  Motion made by Vice President Barb Kriner to issue contract pending review to New Enterprise; seconded by Brian Whitenight and agreed to  by all. Results of the other bidders is attached to these minutes.
 
Jon Stassel, Southside Fire Company Chief, presented the fire company report.  He stated the first meeting is difficult for him to attend but will be sure his report is here each month.  He said February was a slow month but March was a very busy month; property damage was over $100,000.00.  He also stated the Borough Celebrations can be held at the Southside Fire Company grounds at no cost Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted for.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes reviewed the police department report and started by saying Thank You to Southside Fire Company for offering to buy the department a pair of Conducted Electric Gloves.  The generator is only a 5k unit and is being donated to Locust Twp who will take it and refurbish it for use by  the SWAT team.  Chief Parkes went into an in depth discussion of body cameras explaining their costs and programs available.  He stated the RPOA would like to pay for some ammo purchased for training – Winchester 9mm; everyone was fine with that.  The new vehicles are here; police have been playing car shuffle with removing equipment from old vehicles and placing in the new vehicles.  The 2015 charger has been traded and delivered to Zimmerman Motors.    Chief Parkes wanted to alert residents that spring clean up time is here – junk, vehicles, etc. need to be cleaned up.  It was pointed out our Dumpster Day is May 1st.  Chief Parkes also presented council will a letter he received from a resident in the borough praising Office Eamon Shoff who handled a family incident for them. 
He was very thankful for the professional manner in which Officer Shoff presented himself and the Riverside Borough Police.  President John Domanski then asked the chief regarding the 4 wheeler; since he took care of the generator what is happening with the 4 wheeler.  Chief stated the guy who was to come take a look has not made it here yet and President John Domanski told him to find someone else then to handle it.   Police Department report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner, seconded by Brian Whitenight and approved by all.
 
Due to the absence of the Mayor, there was no mayor report.
 
Solicitor Joe Michetti spoke of the progress in the school purchase.  An Affidavit has to be received from appraiser for the school/courts to move forward.   His report was approved on a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Standing Committee report for the 2021 celebration committee was given to members.  Secretary Debbie Bausch explained a couple of the items and a flyer was given on the back of written notes for council to see what we have lined up so far.  We are still seeking donations; fundraising is going okay.
Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
At 8:20 pm, Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to Adjourn to an Executive Session for personnel matters.  Seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr.  Regular Session ended and Executive Session began.
 
Approximately 8:54 pm, Peter Fleming made a Motion to Adjourn the Executive Session and return to Regular Council Session.  Seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.  Executive Session Ended.
 
Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to give Chief Parkes a letter dismissing his grievance and returning his money.  Seconded by Brian Whitenight and approved by all.
 
Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to contact an Attorney who is a specialist with work employment law.  This was seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted for.
 
Secretary Deborah Bausch was requested to look into dental and vision plans for the employees.
 
At approximately, 8:58 pm, Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to Adjourn, seconded by Brian Whitenight. 
 
Council adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
 Deborah Bausch
Secretary

​Sewer Payments are due in the office prior to close of business on Friday, May14th! If you mail or use a bill payer service, be sure to allow ample mailing time. Many arrive late! Those left in the door drop slot after 3 pm on Friday will have late charges assessed. Forms are available in the office for direct withdrawal from a checking/saving account for the sewer bills. Any questions, contact the office, 570-275-1751

 May 1 – Dumpster Day, 7 am – 1 pm 
  May 3- Council Meeting at 7 PM      
 
May 4 – HAPPY 150TH ANNIVERSARY, BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE
Incorporated May 4, 1871 
 May 8 – PARADE at 10 am followed by Cake Cutting Ceremony,
Chicken BBQ and Bands – Red Velvet, Shockwave Sounds &  Wonderchunk Band
 May 9 - Mother’s Day
May 15- Armed Forces Day     
 May 17- Council meeting at 7 pm 
May 18 – Primary Election Day  7am – 8 pm
May 30 - Memorial Day Service, 11:30 am - Riverside Park Monument
Abbreviated service; bring lawn chairs
May 31- Memorial Day Holiday -  11:20 am  Service at American Legion Post 40 
Borough Offices Closed 
 
 
TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR MAY: Rebecca Steckley will be available by Appointment Only during May and June.  Telephone:  570 -764-1393

2nd qtr sewer bills have been mailed.  Please pay the amount on the left hand column until May 14th; after that date amount is the right hand column.
Please allow ample time if you are mailing in your payment or using a bill payer service!  There is a drop slot in the office door for after hours payments.  For those with automatic payment of your bill, you will see amount withdrawn on 5/13/2021.  Forms are available in the office if you wish to have an automatic payment for your account.  Never a late fee!  Those owing over $500.00 are subject to a Municipal Lien on your property.
​Questions on your bill?  Contact the office, 570 275-1751.