Riverside Borough

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, Delavan Whitenight, Jr and April Shuman. 
Also present was Secretary, Lisa Fritz.
 
There were no citizens present.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of December 5, 2022 which was done by Motion of Brian Whitenight and seconded by Delavan Whitenight.  Approved by all.
Sewer Rate Increase – there were two general comments on the Borough’s Facebook page regarding the increase. The Borough has not received any other feedback to date. Brian Whitenight stated the Commercial rate needs to be uniform. Council will discuss rate(s) for commercial businesses.
 
Borough Life:
John Domanski presented the idea of a portable Ice Skating Rink. Council will discuss liability with their insurance company. April questioned security for the rink. John stated he and Chief Parkes will do more research on ice skating rinks.
 
New Business:
John Domanski read a ‘Thank You’ letter from MARC (Montour Area Recreation Commission), thanking the Borough for the $500.00 donation. A ‘Thank You’ card was also received from the Southside Fire Company for the Borough dedication to the fire company. The Fire Company also sent a gift bag with coffee and chocolate to the Borough. Barb Kriner stated the fire company is doing well regarding debt reduction.
 
Motion to Approve:
Council plans to meet with the Borough’s Insurance carrier to discuss the options/pricing regarding the policy. Council did approve the 2023 policy so there is no lapse in insurance. Peter Fleming made a motion to accept the 2023 Insurance Policy, Barb Kriner seconded. All in favor.
 
Action Items:
Brian Whitenight has been in communication with PPL regarding LED street lighting. Brian is waiting for documentation from PPL regarding the Borough purchasing LED lights. John Domanski said an estimate is needed for the installation of the lights. Brian Whitenight stated LED lighting would be a great savings and they illuminate brighter.
John Domanski mentioned an Ordinance for Solar and Wind Farms. The Borough will contact their Solicitor to devise and Ordinance.
 
No Executive Session was held.
 
Barb Kriner made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 7:50 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
January 3, 2023
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 12/19/2022 meeting.
II.       ZONING OFFICER REPORT
III.      STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT        
IV.       SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT
V.        POLICE REPORT
VI.       MAYOR’S REPORT
VII.     SOLICITOR MICHETTI REPORT
VIII.  BORO LIFE COMMITTEE         
IX.       NEW BUSINESS
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
          A. Voting to Pass the 2023 Budget
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
      A. TSMA (Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement) approval 
                   B. Meadow Lark Lane
XII.    EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, January 16, 2023 @ 7:00 P.M.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, Delavan Whitenight, April Shuman and Beth Rake. 
Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr., Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Citizens present in the Audience were residents Sam Crone and Robert Fugate.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Resident Sam Crone was just present to listen. Robert Fugate was present to be Appointed as the new Sewage Enforcement Officer.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 11/07/2022. Barb Kriner made a Motion to approve the minutes, with Brian Whitenight seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report. Brian stated the owner of the property with the broken fencing has not been available to speak to. Brian will give the owner 30 days to repair or take the fencing down. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Beth Rake seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
John Domanski read the report. John stated they will look into repair of the sleeve for leave collection. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Street Department report. Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
Barb Kriner stated the fire company held a Christmas sale and they sold out. Beth made a motion to approve the report. Delavan Whitenight seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes read his report. He stated Officer Brad Harvey is now certified for Handguns and Shotgun instruction. Kerry stated the Riverside Laundromat was burglarized.
Barb Kriner motioned to accept the Police report, Beth Rake seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
The Mayor was not in attendance and no report was submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Nothing to report.
 
Borough Life:
Barb reported that the Parade of Lights had a wonderful turn-out this year; with participants from neighboring communities. A basket raffle was held at the parade. Beth Rake mentioned upcoming events; Easter, etc.
Beth made a motion to accept the Borough Life report. Peter Fleming seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
 
 
New Business:
Solicitor Attorney Michetti submitted the “Act 57 of 2022, Waiver of Additional Charges for the late payment of Real Estate Taxes Resolution. The resolution was signed.
Brian Whitenight reported that PPL will install LED lights in the Street poles at no cost. Lights would be brighter and more directional than the current lighting. Attorney Michetti would like Brian to gather further information from PPL regarding the LED lighting before Council makes a decision. An Agreement and a Resolution will need to be signed. Attorney Michetti will review the information once Brian attains it and prepare the Resolution. The current lights are over 20 years old. Beth Rake stated she believes the Borough should have the LED lights installed.
 
 
Motion to Approve:
Council Meeting Dates: Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the dates, with Beth Rake seconding the motion. All in Favor. The dates will be posted on Facebook and on the Borough’s website.
 
Action Items:
Sewage Enforcement Office appointment: Robert Fugate was appointed as the new SEO. Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the SEO appointment, Brian Whitenight seconded. All in Favor.
John Domanski stated he received two (2) quotes from Surveyors for the School Property.  Peter Fleming made a motion to hire Brad Ziegler, Surveyor. Barb Kriner seconded. All in Favor.
Beth Rake brought up the office cleaning. Council stated the Secretary will clean the office for $50.00 per month starting in January 2023. All in Favor.
Council adopted a Tentative Budget for 2023, with no Tax increase. They approved a Sewer fee increase of $30.00 starting with the 2023 second quarter billing. The Final Budget will be adopted at the January 3rd meeting. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the tentative budget, Barb Kriner seconded the motion. All in Favor.
John Domanski stated some Council members met with two (2) consults for Grant writing. One consultant charges by the hour and one consultant had a fixed rate. John stated both were very good Grant writers. Brian Whitenight had a concern regarding a fixed rate, asking would the Borough be required to pay a fee for months/time they did not use the Grant Writer. Attorney Michetti suggested Council ask for written contracts from the Grant Writers.
 
There was no Executive Session.
 
Barb Kriner made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 8:59 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

​BSA Venturing Crew 43 will be collecting Christmas trees on Saturday, January 7th.
The Trees will be taken to a local farm for Wildlife Habitats.
If you would like your tree picked up, please call one of the following numbers by 1/6: (570) 784-7370 or (570) 437-3280

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
December 19, 2022
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 12/05/2022 meeting.
II.   NEW BUSINESS
            A. Thank you letter from the Montour Area Recreation Commission
III.     MOTION TO APPROVE
          A. Insurance Renewal
IV.   ACTION ITEMS
        A. LED Street Lighting
V.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Tuesday, January 3, 2023 @ 7:00 

​Riverside Borough Council Meeting Dates
2023
 
Riverside Borough Council will hold meetings at the Riverside Borough Municipal Building located at 415 Dewart Street, Riverside PA
Commencing at 7:00 o’clock pm on the following dates:
 
January 3 (Tuesday)                                    July 10
January 16                                                       August 7
February 6                                                       September 5 (Tuesday)
February 20                                             September 18
March 6                                                   October 2
March 20                                                 October 16
April 3                                                     November 6
April 17                                                    November 20
May 1                                                       December 4
May 15                                                     December 18
June 5                                                                                                                             
Meetings are open to the Public.
There will be no Second Meetings for the months of June, July and August.
The Second Meeting of the month is subject to cancellation depending on Agenda items.
 

Happy Holidays Everyone!
There is a Christmas Tree for your delight by the playground pavilion. Please share an ornament with your name and date on this tree. Take a picture and post on our FaceBook page if you like.

​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, April Shuman and Beth Rake. 
Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr., Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Mayor John LaMotte, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Citizens present in the Audience were residents Leah Tedford and Clark Shuman.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Resident Leah Tedford had a concern about walking after dark in the neighborhood, stating it is very dark. She asked if something could be done to illuminate the streets better. She said there are dogs that come off their property out into the street as she is walking her dog and due to the darkness, she cannot see these dogs coming near her. Peter Fleming stated since COVID, the dog population has increased and a lot of people are taking advantage of the recent warmer weather this November. John Domanski suggested that Lisa put a message on Facebook regarding dogs being contained to their yard or on a leash. Kerry stated that command to a dog can be verbal or physical. Kerry told Leah Tedford that she should call the police if any dogs are not controlled or contained in their own yards. Beth Rake asked Leah if she carries Pepper spray, Leah stated she does. President, John Domanski stated Council will check into lighting.
Leah Tedford also mentioned how a tractor trailer truck drove through the corner of her property. Beth suggested a boulder, but stated that several boulders have been drug by trucks in the Borough.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 10/17/2022 were approved by all.
Update on Sanitary work; Notices were mailed to residences in the areas were the Smoke Testing will be performed. Notices were also mailed to the residences in the areas where the Sanitary Sewer System improvements will be done.
Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Old Business, with Brian Whitenight seconding the motion. All in favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report. Brian stated he stopped by the property with the broken fencing to speak with the owner regarding repairs to the fence, but the owner was not home. Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Peter Fleming seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Barb Kriner stated she has a contact at PPL for the damaged roads. John LaMotte said he had to weld the Collar for the leaf collection machine and feels a new Collar should be ordered, as the current collar has been welded multiple times. The Street Department requested permission to order four new office chairs, Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the Street Department to purchase four new office chairs, not to exceed $1,000.00 for all the chairs. Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Street Department report. Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
Barb Kriner stated she did not have the Fire Company’s report for the month of October.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes read his report. He stated there has been an issue with uploading data. The company is working on the issue. Kerry plans to request an extension of the contract due to the upload issues. NIBRS Training (National Incident-Based Reporting System) has been scheduled. Trick or Treat night went well, with no major issues. Local Law Enforcement Grant application was submitted. Kerry stated there is a new motorcycle club being formed by the Tattoo business in Riverside and they planned a party for Saturday, 11/12. All Police Officers will be on duty that day. Resident, Leah Tedford asked how long the Tattoo Parlor has been in business, Kerry stated the business has been in Riverside for two years. Kerry Parkes stated they have built a bar in the garage area of the building.
Kerry said the Street Department truck was placed on MuniciBid and on Facebook for $4,500.00.
Barb Kriner motioned to accept the Police report, Peter Fleming seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
The Mayor had nothing to report.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti drew up an Easement between property owners, Knouse and Riverside Borough for the placement of the ‘Welcome to Riverside Borough sign’. The Easement will survive the Grantors/Grantees. Peter Fleming met with the Knouses’ to go over the Easement, they are not in agreement to supply power from their property to illuminate the sign. Beth said perhaps some type of Solar lighting could be used. The Solicitor stated the Borough will be liable for the maintenance of the sign and any adverse effects that might occur.
There is a business in the Borough that is not paying the LST (Local Service Tax) to the Borough. Attorney Michetti stated the people working at the business could be private contractors and they are not required to pay the tax. Beth Rake made a motion to accept the Solicitors Report, with Peter Fleming seconding. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Beth Rake stated the Halloween night was successful this year, with a steady line of kids from 6:00-9:00pm. She stated Doug Heimbach, Boy Scout Leader said he will have more kids next year, as he signed 50 new kids up for Boys Scouts.
The “Parade of Lights”, which is set for Saturday, December 3rd  at 5:30pm. The parade will follow the same route as last year. Council will meet soon to finalize the plans for the parade. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Borough Life report. Peter Fleming seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
New Business:
Council decided not to implement a Sewer Billing upgrade for now.
 
Motion to Approve:
No Motions to approve.
 
Action Items:
April Shuman mentioned that PSAB has companies willing to meet with Council to discuss Grant Writing. April will set up a meeting for Wednesday, 11/16 at 6:30pm. April received a letter from the Danville Municipal Authority stating they will be charging surcharge fees for high strength discharges in the Riverside System. Peter Fleming questioned what protocols Danville is using to do the testing. April state the testing Protocols are in the contract. April will provide Council Members with a copy of the contract. Council will meet and come up with questions for the Danville Municipal Authority. April stated the levels have been low in some areas and higher in other areas the last few times the sewer was tested. Danville has not pin-pointed where the high testing comes from.
John Domanski stated Council is meeting with Lenders to discuss financing for the new building. John said the contractors probably will need to use the 60 foot right-of-way to do the demolition work on the building. Solicitor, Joseph Michetti suggested the property for the new building be surveyed. Peter Fleming motioned to have the property surveyed and accept the Action Items, Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
There was no Executive Session.
 
Barb Kriner made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 8:05 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
 
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
December 5, 2022
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 11/7/2022 meeting.
II.       ZONING OFFICER REPORT
III.      STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT        
IV.       SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT
V.        POLICE REPORT
VI.       MAYOR’S REPORT
VII.     SOLICITOR MICHETTI REPORT
VIII.  BORO LIFE COMMITTEE         
IX.       NEW BUSINESS
A. Act 57 of 2022, Waiver of Additional Charges for the late payment of Real       Estate Taxes Resolution.
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
          A. 2023 Council Meeting dates
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
            A. Appointment of Sewage Enforcement Officer     
XII.    EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, December 19, 2022 @ 7:00 P.M.