Riverside Borough

​N O T I C E
 
A request for a variance of the property at 2009 Sunbury Road has been requested by
 Christine  Lee.
 
Mrs. Lee is seeking to have a
An Addition built on this property.
 
A Zoning Board Hearing will be held regarding this request on Wednesday, August 8. 2018 at 6:30 pm in the Riverside Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.

3rd Quarter sewer bills have been mailed.  Please note amount due is in the left hand column.  If not paid by due date, August 10, pay amount on the right hand side.  Forms are available for this wishing to have an automatic withdrawl to pay your sewer bill.  Return the side of the card with the bar code to the office.  There is a drop slot in the office door for those wishing to pay after office hours.

Want your voice to be heard?  The Borough has two open council seats to be filled.  If you are interested, please submit a Letter of Interest to the Borough Office prior to the next meeting date of August 6th.

As approved at the July 2 meeting, minutes of 6/4/18 follow:
​The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, June 4, 2018 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  Prior to the official meeting, several council members were present for a presentation by Lisa Krakovitz from the auditing firm of Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates.  She gave a presentation on the Borough’s DCED annual audit and answered any questions concerning the transition to Quickbooks and how things were working at this time.
Council President Carolyn Bausch brought the Council meeting to order promptly at 7:00 pm.  In attendance this evening were council members Caressa Compton, Barb Kriner, Beth Rake and John Novak.  Also attending were Mayor Joseph Oberdorf, Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Absent this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming and Council Member John Domanski.
In the audience this evening were residents of Avenue F - Giselle and Mike Mierzwa, Pat Dewalt, Pat Willard, and Larry St Clair.  Clair Andrews from Avenue D was present as were Nick Fowler and J W Snyder.
Clair Andrews addressed council concerning a sewer issue he had in his home on Avenue D.  Street superintendent Dan Gable stated there had been a blockage on Avenue D but the street crew cleared it.  Mr. Andrews stated he has spent money on clean up and has had to destroy clothing and household goods because of the sewer backup in his basement.  His home owner’s policy will not cover any of the cleanup costs.  Solicitor Michetti stated the Borough would submit the claim to their insurance carrier and it would be up to the insurance carrier if anything would be paid.
Mike Mierzwa then spoke on behalf of the residents of Avenue F that were present this evening.  One of the main concerns was the Cook property that is falling into a more deplorable condition.   Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, responded that he has been in touch with DCNR and DEP.  The ground was found not to be contaminated.  He will call the DEP office to see if property can be sold and also will check with the realtor to see the status of the sale.
Giselle Mierzwa and Pat Dewalt said several homes in their area are needing cleaned up and weeds cleared.  The Cook property has tanks sitting in front yard and porch is slowly collapsing.  Chief Parkes said he would check with Cook’s attorney, Greg Moro, to see what is happening with the property.  Charges can be refiled if cleanup is not done.
Pat Willard then asked about brush pick up and burning.  She said an area she mows is littered with dog feces and she has posted her own signs and it seems to have helped stop the issue.  She is asking residents to be responsible for animal cleanup of their pets.
Pat Dewalt asked about UGI repair on streets, especially Line Street.  Dan Gable, Street Superintendent said UGI will be restoring/repairing areas.  Pat Willard asked the phone number be posted of our UGI contact which will be done.
J.W. Snyder stated he was just here to observe.
Minutes of May 7, 2018 were reviewed and approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.
Budget reports for the months of March and April were discussed; approved on a motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak.  All voted in favor.
Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, then presented his report for the month of May.  He stated Mr. Bloch will have his clean up done by the end of June.  There was discussion of a lot on 16th Street in the borough that is for sale.  Solicitor Michetti explained what would have to happen to have the lot sold and incorporated into the homeowner’s deeds.  Caressa Compton made a Motion to allow combination of the plots with deeds delineated as combined; seconded by John Novak.  All voted for.  The Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak.  All voted for.
Chief Kerry Parkes then provided his Police Officer report for May.  He had previously emailed council members with the Complaint log for the month.  The new cruiser has had a VIN number issued but not sure of the build status at this time. He also gave a big Thank You to the newspaper delivery carrier who reported papers not being picked up and a resident’s life being saved because of the carrier’s observance.  The discussion then switched to the SWAT team and involvement by Riverside officers.  Solicitor Michetti stated he has been in touch with Al Breach for information.  Ralpho Township is not in the program and no insurance has been received as yet.  Cooperative police agreement was reviewed and will be forwarded to council members for all to see.  The Mayor spoke about insurance and the costs; he had done up a sheet discussing the costs incurred by the borough for police participation.  On a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Beth Rake, the SWAT proposal was tabled for more information and review.  Police report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by John Novak and approved by all.
Dan Gable then gave the Street Department Report.  He said all the rain lately and storms have them behind but they are getting caught up with mowing and filling in back roads. There was discussion on the road being fixed by the gas company who did a good job restoring areas; however, residents have been driving in the soft areas leaving serious ruts.  Who will be responsible for repair?  Dan gave the quotes for the proposed pole barn as follows:  Pioneer - $11,400.00; Kashner - $11,500 and Timberline - $11,650.  On a Motion by Caressa Compton, it was approved for Dan to move forward with the quote from Pioneer to erect the pole barn.  Seconded by Beth Rake, all voted in favor.  Street report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Caressa Compton and approved by all present.
Next up was Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Company Chief.  He highlighted the Southside report for May.  He thanked the Riverside Police department for their presence during the carnival.  It provided good PR for our force.  Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted for.
Blighted Property Committee didn’t have a report.  There were questions regarding updating a new list.  The Decoteau property was also questioned as to the status of what will become of the property.  Report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by John Novak; all voted for.
Mayor Joseph Oberdorf didn’t have a report but was very pleased with the Chief’s new reporting system.  There was no further discussion.  Report approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted for.
Solicitor Joseph Michetti had only the correspondence on a property in the borough that is being sold; Sheriff will need to be given the sewer bill for payment when sale is processed.  Report approved on Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak.  All voted in favor.
There was no New Business this evening.
Last agenda item for the evening was a bike ride sponsored by the Sunbury YMCA on July 14th.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake race was approved; YMCA will need to provide proof of insurance to the borough.  All voted for.
At approximately 8:28 pm,  Beth Rake made a Motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Barb Kriner.
Council meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
 
Deborah Bausch, Secretary

 
   July 2  - Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm
 
July 4 - Independence Day  - 
Borough Offices Closed for Independence Day Holiday
 
July 14 - Sunbury Bicycle Ride
 
July 20-22  Danville Heritage Events
See website for the list of events:  WWW.DanvilleHeritage.Com
20th -  7:00 pm - Parade on Mill Street
21th - dark - Fireworks over the River!
16th - Hymn Sing along the river @ 6:30 pm

                
Concerts in the Park - Tuesdays at 7:00 pm - Memorial Park, Danville
7/3 – Such and Such – Music by Chris Shipe, Suzanne Walzer and Friends
7/10 - The Clickard Consortium - Cool Jazz Orchestra
7/17 – Westbranch Barbershop Chorus
7/24 – “Stars Rising” – Local Youth Performers
7/31 – Brian Crane and Fred Krug – Timeless sons, Intricate harmonies
 
Tax collector, Rebecca Steckley, will have office hours in the Municipal Building on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, beginning July 10th.   

The milling and repaving of Third Street and a section of Avenue D near Southside Fire Company will begin on Monday, June 11, 2018.  Residents are advised to drive with care in those  areas while road construction is in progress.

As approved at the June 6 meeting, minutes of May 7, 2018 follow:
                                                RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, May 7, 2018 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The meeting was called to order promptly at 7:00 pm by Council President Carolyn M. Bausch.  In attendance this evening were Council Vice President Peter T Fleming and Council Members Caressa Compton, Barb Kriner, Beth Rake and John Domanski.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were in attendance.  Absent this evening was Council member John J. Novak. 
 
In the audience this evening were J W Snyder of Lonely Mt Lane, Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Chief and Karen Blackledge, Danville Newspaper.
 
Mr. J. W. Snyder spoke to council and apologized for not getting back to them sooner. He wanted to say what a wonderful road crew we have and especially Dan Gable for keeping the streets taken care of.    He previously attended a meeting voicing concerns about Mainzer Hill Road which is now going to be part of a new project for repairs and upgrades.
 
Minutes of April 2, 2018 were reviewed; no discussion was held.  Minutes approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Brian Anderson then presented his Zoning Report for April.  Mr. Decoteau has removed more of the structure on the D & H property.  The Bloch property on Elysburg Road has had more refuse removed from the site and is still a work in progress for continuing the clean up.   While presenting Zoning, it was brought up about the blighted property in the borough.  The Blighted Property Committee did not have a report to present; however, Brian stated one property along Elysburg Road has been sold and will be cleaned up and flipped.  Discussion was held on properties in the borough that had been on the listing. Report of Zoning and Blighted Property was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes then addressed Council with the Police report for April.  Update was given on the cruiser that has been ordered.  Discussion then followed regarding Riverside officers being part of the SWAT team.  Kerry gave rough estimates of costs involved to get into the program including initiation fee of $1000.00 and yearly fee of $500.00.  If available, uniforms would be given to the officer and we would be responsible to outfit the remainder of the needs; a holster would be needed and estimated to cost $150-$200.  Kerry also said he would like to look at a rifle dedicated to the SWAT team member.  The officer would be participating in approximately 20 work days/training days per year.  John Domanski inquired about salary for the officer when away; Chief stated it would be considered a borough work day for the officer.  A copy of an agreement was given to the Solicitor for his review on the program and our possible involvement.  After much discussion, the Chief was asked to get a solid number including salary costs before the council went further with being involved.  Chief Parkes then presented a new format for his monthly report.  He had a sample copy of call log sheets which he would email to the council members prior to the monthly meeting.  It would be more informative and he will still have the balance of his report as we currently do.    On a Motion by Caressa Compton, approval was given to change the reporting format; seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.   The Police report for April was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then addressed council with his street report for April.  He stated the trucks are to be inspected and the new truck is having a problem with the hydraulics working properly.  The Leaf Machine was checked and found the impeller had been destroyed.  It is now up and ready for leaf season in the fall.  Dan has been trying to get quotes for a pole barn.  He has one so far and hopes to have 2 more in the near future.  They had thought about a lean to shed; however there is a water issue where it would have been placed.  Street report approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.
 
Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Company Chief, presented their report for April.  He stated they had 3 hazardous condition calls which is usually a tree down and the possibility of life wires which cannot be seen in the evening hours.  The Carnival is scheduled to be held May 22 – 26, 2018 and help is needed from anyone who can volunteer some time.  The Pet and Toy Parade will be Wednesday the 23rd and the Mayor was requested to lead the parade which he agreed to do.  Parade forms at 6 pm and moves at 6:30 pm.  The final issue of discussion was on the mapping issue/911 calls.  This is a real problem and they have been contacting representatives and others to get some answers.  A monthly meeting of fire chiefs is held with Fred Hunsinger from the Columbia County 911 Center to discuss this issue.  President Bausch asked if it would be possible for council members to attend and Nick stated he would check into that for us.   President Bausch was going to call Commissioner Ken Holdren for an updated; Danville Council meeting is May 8 at 11 am and Council members may attend to get updates from them.
Nick then went over the Dumpster Day report.  He said it was great weather and the time worked much better.   A total of $203.00 was turned into the Borough from tires, Freon appliances and a donation.  Nick stated some residents had also brought food items for the guys while working.
The Southside Fire Company Report and Dumpster Day Report were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Mayor Joseph Oberdorf spoke of the upcoming Memorial Day Service in Riverside.  Program begins at 11 am with the Danville Community Band playing beginning at 11:15 am.  Speaker this year will be Jason Bedisky.  Tents will also be provided to give shade to the band and attendees.  Mayor Oberdorf was in agreement with Chief Parkes’ new report format.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.
 
Solicitor Joseph Michetti then addressed Council.  He had the Quit Deed for the Gearhart property.  They have been contacted regarding the costs to file this deed.  The Paving bids were then opened for the paving project as advertised.  4 bids were received and resulted in a contract being awarded to Meckley’s Limestone Products Inc.  Bid Award was granted on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner to accept the bid of $49,395.50.  All voted in favor.  Solicitor Michetti looked over paperwork provided by Chief Parkes regarding the SWAT team but will review it for more information.  He was requesting a contact from the Chief which was given to him following the meeting.  Solicitor’s report approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Under New Business President Carolyn Bausch showed a paper she had received in her mailbox by a contractor from Sunbury looking for business in this area.  She did have an opportunity to stop the contractor and ask for a permit which he did not have.  She told him he needed a Permit to Solicit in the borough and would be subject to a fine.  Residents should be aware of salesman knocking on their doors and ask to see a local permit; if none, contact the police department. 
Shade Mountain Winery has requested a change of date for their outdoor event.  It had been approved for July 14, 2018; they are now requesting the date be changed to June 30, 2018 due to the availability of the performer scheduled.  Date change approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski; all voted in favor.
Before closing the meeting, Secretary Bausch explained the new budget forms generated from Quickbooks and how wonderful it has been working with Lisa Krakovitz and the auditing firm.  After extensive work by Lisa and company, our annual audit has been submitted.
 
At approximately 8:13 pm, a Motion was made by John Domanski to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Barb Kriner.
 
Council meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

Sirens will be tested in the Borough on Tuesday, June 12th beginning at Noon time.  You may hear several sirens while they are being put in sync.

 June 4- Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm 
 June 6 - D Day      
June 8 - Last Day of School for Danville School District
June 8 -DanvilleHighSchool Graduation7:00 pm            
 June 9 – Berry Berry Fun BBQ – Whitenight Farm Market
 June 14 - Flag Day     
  June 17 - Father’s Day    
 June 21 - Summer Begins  
June 23 – Bring in Summer with A Bank Fireworks, Whitenight Farm Market
 
            TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR JUNE
Rebecca Steckley, Tax Collector, will have office hours in the Municipal Office
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY- Call her to make arrangements to meet her. 570 764-1393
 
Concerts in the Park -
Danville Memorial Park at 7 pm

6/05 – Van Wagner – Good Samaritan Fundraiser – Series Opener
6/12 – Danville Community Band
6/19 - Celtica – Celtic celebration of the Summer Solstice
6/26 – Jim McClincy – Classic country, folk, gospel & soft rock
to edit.

The Annual Riverside/Rush Township Memorial Day Service will be held Sunday, May 27th at the Riverside Park.  Danville Community Band will be providing music starting at 11:15 am with the program starting at 11:30 am.

BOROUGH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, MAY 28TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY.

Street or Sewer EMERGENCIES -  please call the borough garage 570 275-5338.