Riverside Borough

        RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order promptly at 7:00 pm by President John J Novak.  In attendance were Vice President Peter Fleming and Council Members Barb Kriner, John LaMotte and John Domanski.  Mayor Joe Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were present.  Absent this evening were council members Caressa Compton and Lori Steele.

Audience members this evening included Carolyn Bausch, Maria Burke, Eloise and Judson Bennett and Tom McGreevy. 

Maria Burke took the floor first regarding a property issue with 1009 Avenue F.  Maria has lived at her home, 1011 Avenue F for 58 years.  The neighboring property is being neglected and needs put on the blighted property listing.  She states the property has been neglected for the past 6 or 7 years and is in a deplorable condition with trash around and animals on the property.  Her son, Christopher, had been in the Borough Office to file a complaint and she was here to expand on her concerns.  She presented Eloise Bennett who previously resided in the home to state the condition of the home had not been that bad.  Eloise stated there are now trees growing up rather close to the proximity of the house and there may be an underground spring under the property.  They did not have a problem with mold when she was growing up there.    President Novak then stated he had contacted Jackie Hart, Code Enforcement Office to do a preliminary walk around of the property.  Jackie reported the property is in violation as a vacant property due to trash on the property as well as house siding and gutters are needed repair.  Home does omit an order of mold.

Council member Lori Steele joined the council at approximately 7:10 pm.

A Motion was made by John LaMotte to add 1009 Avenue F to the Blighted Property list; motion was seconded by Barb Kriner.  Motion carried as all voted in favor.

Tom McGreevy then took the floor.  He has an issue with a section of property that is a right of way to the borough sewer line.  He is requesting it be cleaned up and ruts filled in.  Residents of Scenic Drive use this area to drive to the road.  Council will have Dan Gable look at the area; access must be given to keep open in case sewer machine needs to be taken there.

Carolyn Bausch stated she was just there to observe the evening’s proceedings.

Old Business began with the approval of the minutes from June 2, 2014.  Motion was made by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.   Financial reports for April were approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  Both motions carried on a vote by Council members present.

The May Zoning report was given by Brian Anderson.  He said he has found 2 pools in violation of the borough code in the last day; one on Sunbury Road and another on Fourth Street.  He also found a deck with no building permit and since no one was home he will return there tomorrow.   Discussion then followed on how Council wishes Brian to proceed about signs.  Route 584 coming from Elysburg area is being flooded with small signs advertising businesses, etc.  On a Motion by Lori Steele and seconded by Barb Kriner, Council voted to approve his report. Motion carried.  Brian will remove signs that had not end dated or local ties.  It was stated yard sale signs are okay as long as they are removed when sale is over.  Signs should not be attached to PPL poles.

Barb Kriner then gave the Southside Fire Company report.  Report was approved on a Motion by John LaMotte and seconded by Lori Steele.  All vote for and motion carried.

Paving Bids were then opened with the following results:

Company           
Base Bid
Alternate Bid

Eastern Industries                                           $45,180.00                                        $5,865.00

HRI,Inc                                                             $58,539.00                                        $7,812.00

Meckley’s Limestone                                     $44,080.00                                        $7,990.00

Robert C Young, Inc                   
$49, 620.00                                       $6,345.80


After much discussion, Lori Steele made a motion to accept the bid from Eastern Industries to include Base bid and Alternate Bid.  Barb Kriner seconded this motion.  Bid results will be given to Solcitor Joseph Michetti, Jr for review before contract will be issued.

A letter from MARC (Montour Area Recreation Commission) was reviewed for use of the Riverside Park on August 5, 2014 for a presentation by “Stars Rising”.  Use was approved on a Motion by John LaMotte and seconded by John Domanski.  All approved and motion carried.

Discussion then focused on summer meetings.  On a Motion by Lori Steele and seconded by John Domanski, Council voted to hold one meeting a month during the months of July and August.  There will not be a second meeting on the third Monday during these two summer months.  July meeting will be held on July 7 and August will be held on August 4. All voted for the Motion.

Vice President Peter Fleming then added an agenda item.  The DAV are looking for a place to hold meetings.  They have asked to use the Borough Building.  Local contact George Bonetti was in recently and said they may be meeting in Elysburg but would like a back up meeting place.  Council has no problem with them using building as long as there is no conflict of other meetings.

At 8 pm, Lori Steele made a motion to adjourn Regular Council and proceed with an Executive Session; Barb Kriner seconded the motion and regular session adjourned.

8:25 pm Council exited the Executive Session and returned to Regular Council session on a Motion by Lori Steele and seconded by Barb Kriner.

Motion was made by John Domanski to hire an outside attorney for airport tree issue investigation at a cost not to exceed $1,000.00.  Motion was seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.

At 8:30 pm. John LaMotte made a motion to adjourn the Regular session of Council; Seconded by Barb Kriner.     Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted:

Deborah Bausch

Secretary

 

Note- Correction under Zoning Report  - Road to be Route 54

Thomas Summers, tax collector, will not hold office hours on Wednesday, July 16 or Thursday, July 17.  He will return on Wednesday, July 23.

JUST RECEIVED THIS UPDATE FROM PENNDOT:

2:30 p.m. Monday Update: Work will be completed and the detour lifted at approximately 4:30 p.m. today.

Because of the forecast for rain on Wednesday, this week’s North Branch Canal Trail work day is being rescheduled from Wednesday to Thursday, 6/26.  We’ll now begin at 8:00am to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, ending our work by roughly 11:30am.  We’ll again park behind the barn on the Rohrbachs’ farm, located along Legion Road, 0.7 miles west of the intersection with PA-42 and immediately east of the power line as shown in the image below.  From that parking location, we have a short walk to the day’s work site.

Our work continues to focus on briar, vine and small tree clearing along the trail corridor.  No earthmoving work of any kind will be done, so shovels, picks and other similar tools are not needed, though machetes and tools of that nature will be useful.  Volunteers should wear sturdy work boots, heavy-duty (briar resistant) clothing and work gloves.  Poison ivy is abundant along this portion of the trail corridor, so please prepare accordingly.  Only MARC staff and veteran trail crew volunteers will be permitted to operate chainsaws or other power equipment.  All volunteers will be required to sign liability waivers before beginning any work.  Because trail conditions are still very rough, we ask that children not attend this session.  Additionally, because of the legal agreement governing trail construction and access, please understand volunteers may only be on site during the times listed above, in the presence of MARC representatives.  The trail corridor remains closed to public access until further notice.

 Our next work days, weather permitting, are tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday, July 1st, from 8:00am – 11:30am and Monday, July 7th, again from 8:00am – 11:30am.  A reminder will be emailed to everyone in the days before those dates.

 If you have any questions or need additional information, please email me at MontrRec@ptd.net or call me at (570) 336-2060.  Thank you again for your interest in the North Branch Canal Trail project

Bob Stoudt | Director, Montour Area Recreation Commission / River Towns Race Series | PO Box 456, Danville, PA 17821

(570) 336-2060 | MontrRec@ptd.net | http://www.MontourRec.com

Shade Mountain Winery and The English Garden are hosting a Wine, Walk and Shop event on Saturday, June 21.  Event will feature giveaways, food, door prizes, wine tastings, and specials on your favorite wine brands!  Their motto:  "Don't 'wine' about the bridge closing!  Enjoy the WINE,WALK & SHOP Event!"  More information can be found at our facebook page or visit ShadeMountainWinery.com

As approved at the 6/16/14 meeting:

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Present were Council President John Novak, Vice President Peter Fleming and Council Members Caressa Compton and John Domanski.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Mayor Joseph Oberdorf were also in attendance.  Missing this evening were Council Members Barb Kriner, John LaMotte and Lori Steele as well as Secretary Deborah Bausch.

Audience this evening consisted of Carolyn Bausch as well as Crystal and Kirsten Snyder.   The Snyder’s were here as part of a school program that Kirsten is participating in. 

Carolyn Bausch stated the stop sign in front of her property is bent.  Dan Gable addressed the issue and stated there are many signs needing repair in the borough and they are awaiting some supplies to take care of those signs.

Minutes of May 19, 2014 were approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by John Domanski.   Financial Reports were tabled until the June 16, 2014 meeting.   All Approved.

Police Chief Isaac Ramer presented the Police Department Report.  John Domanski inquired about the cruiser prices and Co Star options.  This is being addressed in July as previously noted on the record.

Report was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Peter Fleming.

Dan Gable, Street Department Superintendent then gave the Street Department Report.   They have been busy taking care of pot holes and clearing brush from around stop signs.  Trees have been cut down by Northeast Tree Services including one on Brewery Hollow Road and Gearhart Street.  Dirt is being taken to the Gearhart Street property to replace the sidewalk previously there.  Homeowner requested dirt rather than a stone walkway.  Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Caressa Compton.

Mayor Joseph Oberdorf had no report.

Code Enforcement Report was read by President Novak.  Discussion of ownership of the property at 305 Third Street was questioned.  This is a Habitat for Humanity home and may not be under title to the Hartman family; Solicitor will check into this issue.  Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Peter Fleming.

 Solicitor Michetti stated he has the Resolution for Fee for UGI completed and ready for signature.  He was not aware the citation against the O’Neil property on Gearhart Street has been filed; he will be in touch with Jackie Hart regarding this issue.   Report approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by John Domanski.

 New Business started out with a discussion on the number of monthly meetings during summer months.  John Domanski questioned if 2 meetings a month were necessary during July and August.    Solicitor Michetti said it would have to be advertised one time if meetings were going to be cancelled.   Item will be put on the agenda for June 16th meeting.

 President Novak then spoke about our electricity contract renewal.  Contract is up soon and APPI has provided a rate of 088.18 for a 36 month period.  On a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Caressa Compton, approval was given to renew the contract with APPI at the above rate.  President Novak will email them to send a contract for signature.  All Approve Motion.  

On a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Caressa Compton, Council went into an Executive Session.

 Executive Session was adjourned; Regular Council Session resumed and meeting adjourned on a Motion by Caressa Compton and Seconded by John Domanski at approximately 8:30 pm.

 Minutes were transcribed from tape recording.

 Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

Contractors placing bids for the Riverside Borough project are reminded bid proposals are due in the Borough Office, 301 Dewart Street by 7:00 pm, Today, Monday, June 16th.

Residents are reminded that next Friday, June 20, beginning at 6:00 pm you will only be able to go TO Danville on the Riverside Bridge.  To RETURN to Riverside you will need to travel to Bloomsburg or Sunbury.  Again, you will be able to drive across bridge TO Danville until completion of the railroad crossing which is anticipated to be Monday, June 23 by 6:30 pm.

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, May 19, 2014 at the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Due to the absence of the President, Vice President Fleming called the meeting to order at 7 pm.  Present this evening were Council Members Caressa Compton, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, John LaMotte and Lori Steele.  Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were present as well. 

Guests in the audience this evening were Crystal and Kirsten Snyder from Montour Boulevard, Danville.  Crystal addressed the council on behalf of her daughter, Kirsten, who is attending council meetings for a school credit.

 Minutes of May 5, 2014 were reviewed and approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by John LaMotte.  Motion approved by all council members.

Vice President Fleming then gave an update on the Danville Municipal Authority and the progress with Riverside Borough for an agreement on sewer issues.  The Agreement is being reviewed by the Attorneys for finalization.  Peter Fleming thanked Joe Oberdorf for his work in compiling figures and data for work on the new agreement. 

John Domanski then gave an update on the gas line project.  Letter had been drafted by Secretary Debbie Bausch and John also did a letter.  After editing, Lori Steele will do a new draft.  Discussion of mailing and costs was discussed in length.   Letter will be mailed to those interested parties that showed a previous interest in gas lines in Riverside.  Debbie will be handing out cards to people as they come in the office to vote on Election Day. 

Police Cruiser was the next agenda item.  Different vehicles options were put on the table.  Mayor and Chief Ramer will do more research on available models and costs.  John LaMotte suggested checking fuel economy of the models and John Domanski stated we should get an all wheel drive vehicle.  Matter was tabled until July 7, 2014 on a Motion by Lori Steele and seconded by Caressa Compton.

Southside Fire Company had requested permission to use the overflow lot by the Borough Garage on Avenue D on Thursday, May 22, 2014.  The Carnival begins on May 20 and the Fire Company hosts a Shuffleboard Tournament on Thursday evening and may need extra parking.    Request was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and Seconded by John LaMotte.  All approved.

Letter was received from Iron Heritage Festival for approval of fireworks to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 beginning at 9 pm.  The insurance certificate referred to in the letter was not enclosed as stated.  Approval is granted pending receipt of the insurance certificate on Motion made by John LaMotte and seconded by John Domanski.

Mayor Joe Oberdorf then reminded council of the Memorial Day Service on Sunday, May25th beginning at 11:30 am.  Speaker will be Randy Keister, US Air Force retired and a Riverside Resident.  Michael Benjamin will lead the audience in singing.

Secretary Debbie Bausch asked that council members be sure and speak clearly at the June 2, 2014 meeting as she will be out of town and meeting will be recorded to be typed for minutes upon return.  Council Member Barb Kriner will also be away at the next meeting.

On a Motion by John LaMotte and seconded by Barb Kriner the meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted

Deborah Bausch
Secretary