Riverside Borough

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.  

A hooded sweatshirt jacket was found in the pavilion at the Riverside Park.  It has been added to the other items on the Lost and Found table.  Stop in and claim the sweatshirts, glasses, etc that have been found in the park!

The Regular Council Meeting scheduled for May 21, 2018 has been cancelled.  Next meeting will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 7:00 pm.

Sewer bill payments are due in the office prior to 3 PM today, Monday, May 14th.  those left in the drop slot after hours will have the late fee charged.

The Annual Riverside-Rush Township Memorial Day Service will be held at the Riverside Park on Sunday, May 27 beginning around 11 am.  The Danville Community Band will play at 11:15 am.  Guest Speaker will be Jason Bedisky.

As approved at the May 7th meeting, minutes of April 2, 2018 follow:
 
 
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, April 2, 2018 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.    Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Council President Carolyn M. Bausch. In attendance this evening were council members Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, John Domanski and John Novak as well as Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Absent this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming, Council Member Caressa Compton and Mayor Joseph Oberdorf.
 
In the audience this evening were Nicholas Fowler, Rebekah Lenig, Hope and Frank Gearhart and Danville News reporter Karen Blackledge.
 
Rebekah Lenig took the floor first regarding her recent bid purchase of property that abuts her current home on Third Street in the Borough.  Solicitor Michetti provided her with the Settlement Sheet and the Quit Claim deed.   Balance of payment was received for the bid.     Ms. Lenig then stated she was willing to rent the property and borough shed that is on it back to the borough. Following some discussion, a Motion was made by Beth Rake to rent the property/shed for $1.00; seconded by John Novak.  All voted in favor.  A Lease Agreement was then signed by all parties. 
 
Hope Gearhart then spoke to Council about the wedge of property that she had been seeking to have incorporated into her property.  She was not aware the property had gone out for bids; no bids were received during the bidding process for this land.  It is a small wedge and not able to be developed; Mrs. Gearhart stated they had to pay $2,000.00 to have the trees removed from that section when building their home and will be having the land hydroseeded at a cost to them so was not wanting to pay much more money for the piece of land.  Discussion of the wedge of land was held; Solicitor Michetti said there were no official measurements of the area.   Mrs. Gearhart then offered the borough $5.00 for the land.  On a Motion by John Domanski and Seconded by Beth Rake, the property was sold to the Gearhart family for $5.00.  All voted in favor.  Solicitor Michetti explained the Quit Claim deed and will be here for the May 7th meeting with documents for the Gearhart family. 
 
Minutes of March 19, 2018 were reviewed; no discussion was requested.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak, minutes were approved.  All voted in favor.
 
Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, gave his report for the month of February.  The oil tanks at the Cook property on Avenue F have been removed.   Dave Decoteau has removed a wing of the building on his property on D & H Avenue.  This is a busy time for permits with residents adding sheds, etc. to their properties.  Mr. Bloch will be continuing to remove the debris from his property behind the English Garden.    With no further discussion being held, the report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes then addressed council with the police report for March 2018.  Officer Brad Harvey has completed a 3 day Interview school.  The new cruiser has been ordered and is in the building stage.  The Chief has been contacted regarding SWAT team participation with the Columbia/Montour SWAT team.  It would be $1500.00 initially and a $500.00 per year cost after that.  He is still gathering information on the program.   There was only 1 complaint about the fireworks at Whitenight’s.  Chief Parkes also reminded residents that his office will be watching for out of inspection vehicles as well as those that have been in the same place for 72 hours.    After discussion, a Motion was made by Beth Rake and seconded by John Novak to approve the Police Report.  All voted for.
 
Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Chief, then gave the fire company report for March.   He spoke of the training that has been held so far and the hours yet to be completed for those wishing to be volunteer firefighters.  The annual carnival will be held on the grounds, May 22 – May 26, 2018.  No discussion was requested.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak, the report was accepted.  All voted for.
 
There was no Mayor report due to the absence of the mayor at tonight’s meeting.
 
Solicitor Michetti then opened the bids for the Dirt and Gravel Project.    Results are attached to this report.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and Seconded by Beth Rake, the bid submitted by Sudol Paving was accepted for the project.  All voted for.
A motion was made by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak to accept the Solicitor report.  All voted in favor.
 
A letter was then placed on the table from Shade Mountain Winery.  They are requesting to host an outdoor event on their property on Juy 14.  Discussion of previous event and any concerns were addressed.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak, request was approved for July 14, 2018.
 
A Motion to adjourn to an Executive Session was made by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.  Regular Council session ended and Executive Session began.
 
At approximately 8:29 pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn the Executive Session and return to regular council.  Seconded by John Novak.  Regular Council session resumed.
 
On a Motion by John Novak and seconded by Beth Rake, an amended memo will be distributed to employees regarding medical reimbursement costs.  Repayment cost section for 2018 will be withdrawn.   All voted in favor.
 
At approximately 8:32 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn which was seconded by John Novak.  Council Session ended.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary