Riverside Borough

JUNE 19, 2021

Back the Hat -   time to put your hat making skills together Ladies!  

Brothers of the Brush - grow those fuzzy faces gentlemen!

There will be prizes awarded in 3 categories for  each of the above contests!

Purchase a button to participate - $5.00 for either contest

For those not wishing to participate an EXEMPT button can also be purchased for either event.

​All sales support other Celebration Events!

The Blue Card is Coming! First Quarter 2021 Sewer Bills have been mailed so watch for the card in your mail. Be sure to pay the amount on the left hand side column until 2/15/2021; then you would owe the amount in the right hand column. Those having automatic withdrawal for payment will see it withdrawn on 2/12/2021. If you wish to enroll in automatic account withdrawal please stop in the office and submit a form. You will be assured of never missing a payment and having a late fee assessed! There is an After Hours drop slot in the office door. If you drop off your payment and want your stub returned to you, be sure to include a return envelope; otherwise, they will be held in the office for your pick up. If you use bill payer services be sure to allow ample time for mailing. Many arrive after the due date and end up with late fee charges. If you have a sewer problem call the Street Department at 570 275-5338; billing questions should be directed to the office, 570 275-1751. ​

As approved at the 1/4/2021 meeting, minutes of 12/21/2020 follow:
 
The Riverside Borough Council had its final meeting for 2020 on Monday, December 21, 2020 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John Domanski.  In attendance this evening was Vice President Barb Kriner, Council members Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight and Secretary Deborah Bausch.   Absent this evening was Mayor John LaMotte.
In the audience were Police Chief Kerry Parkes and David Drumheller.
Old business began with approval of the Minutes from the December 7, 2020 meeting per Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr.  All voted in favor.
November Budget report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner; seconded by Brian Whitenight and agreed on by all.
Chief Kerry Parkes then addressed council regarding the new vehicle purchases.  Last meeting he had been granted permission to purchase a new charger and a truck.    Chief Parkes stated he had been given a wrong figure and the car would be $5,000 more than originally planned.  Discussion followed on the different vehicles and their costs.  The Durango would be pursuit rated.  President Domanski stated he would like to see the vehicles on a 6 year cycle rather than a 9 year cycle.  Difference between all wheel drive and rear wheel drive was talked about in length.  Delavan Whitenight Jr stated the trade in value would be better if not kept as long.  After more conversation, a Motion was made by Delavan Whitenight Jr to purchase the Durango and a truck; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
New business began with the Brosius Subdivision Plans.  Plans have been reviewed and approved by Northumberland County Planning Commission and the Riverside Borough Commission.  On a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Brian Whitenight, subdivision plans were approved.  Mr. David Drumheller, surveyor of the plans, was given the signed plans to be filed and recorded in Northumberland County Courts.
A project completed by Larson Design Group was on the table for discussion.  They would provide a map and books of the Storm water Plan in the borough for a cost of approximately $800.00.  On a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr, purchase was approved.  All voted for.
Employee Vacation time was addressed.  At this time, unused vacation time is lost and not carried forward.  It was decided to allow employees to carry vacation time forward to be used within the first quarter of the New Year.  This was approved by a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted in favor.   One employee wanted to convert their unused vacation time to sick time; this was denied.
The Liquid Fuels Audit was available for council to see.  There were no discrepancies noted in the 2019 report.
A letter was shared with council from Attorney Michetti to Anthony Township regarding the truck sale.
The Borough was notified from Northumberland County that we will be receiving a $2000.00 payment. This was from the CARES program.
 
Peter Fleming gave an update on the Riverside School.  President John Domanski and Peter Fleming had met with School Superintendent, Ricki Boyle, last week and presented a Letter of Interest.  The Borough would like to purchase the school property and keep the land in the borough’s possession.  They were told the letter would be presented to the school board at the Jan 4, 2021 meeting.    There are others looking at the property and we would not want to see a development there.  Discussion was held on the value and what we could pay for the property.  The 2018 appraisal was shared showing a value of $335.000.00 but lots of damage has occurred since that time with storms and trespassers. 
 
At approximately 7:55 pm, Peter Fleming made a motion to adjourn.   
 Council then enjoyed some treats brought in for the evening.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

      
January 1 - Welcome 2021!     Happy New Year!!  
 January 1 - Borough Offices Closed  
                    
January 4 - Borough Council Meeting at 7 pm
  
January 9- Boy Scout Troop 43 picking up Christmas Trees                
Phone: 570 275-1394, 570 784-7370 or 570 437-3280 prior to 1/7 to have your tree picked up.
 
   January 14 - Danville Schools Resume Classes -SUBJECT TO CHANGE
   
January 18 - Borough Council Meeting at 7 pm         
       January 18-Martin Luther King Jr. Day   
 
    January 22 -  Danville Schools Closed
 

Riverside Borough Police Department, Riverside PA, is accepting applications for a part-time Police Officer, 32 hours a week.  Candidates must be Act #120 certified and age 21 at time of application.
Starting salary for this position is $18.00/hr. and progressing upwards within 1st year.
Applications can be picked up Monday thru Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM at the Riverside Municipal Building, 415 Dewart St. Riverside PA 17868. 
Completed applications will be accepted until a candidate has been hired.  Anticipated hire date is February 1st, 2021.
Riverside Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Boy Scout Troop 43 will again pick up Christmas trees in the Borough for a donation!  Pick up will be on Saturday, January 9, 2021.  You must register to have your tree picked up.  Call any of the numbers below to get on the list:
570 275-1394
570 437-3280
​570 784-7370

As approved at the 12/21/2020 meeting, minutes of 12/07/2020 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, December 7, 2020 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John Domanski.  Present this evening were Vice President Barb Kriner, Council members Beth Rake, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight Jr.  Mayor John LaMotte was also present as was Secretary Deborah Bausch.   Peter Fleming participated by telephone this evening.  Solicitor Joe Michetti joined the meeting at 7:25 pm.
In the audience this evening wee Mr. & Mrs. Larry Long from 535 Dewart Street.  Mr. Long addressed council on behalf of his neighborhood.  There is great concern for the amount of large trucks coming through their neighborhood.  Most cannot make the turns and are there by accident following a GPS.  Mr. Long requested more signs be placed for no trucks.   He has spoken previously to the Police Department and Street Department as well as PPL.  Properties are being damaged.  President Domanski stated we need to put signs in the borough limiting access for large trucks.  Mayor LaMotte stated some streets are marked – 3rd St, Avenue G and Sunbury Road.  Vice President Barb Kriner asked the police if the plates are owners or that of a company.  Chief Parkes responded it can be either way.  Delavan Whitenight Jr. stated you can put up all sorts of signs but if people are not reading them and just following GPS they will still be on streets that are not meant for large trucks.  Mr. Long concluded his talk with the fact the neighborhood was concerned about safety as well as property damage.  Mayor LaMotte stated there are more home deliveries now bringing more trucks in the borough.  Vice President Barb Kriner quipped we should put up a sign GPS IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!
Old Business began with approval of the minutes of November 16, 2020 on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner, seconded by Brian Whitenight and all approved.
Budget Report for October 2020 was also approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner, seconded by Brian Whitenight and all approved.
Due to the absence of the Zoning Officer, President John Domanski put the report before the board.  It was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake; seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Street Department report submitted by Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, was approved on a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted in favor.
Southside Fire Company had no representative present.  Their report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner and all voted for.
Chief Kerry Parkes addressed Council with his November Report.  He notified Council that Officer Andrew Rupp has broken his hand and will be off for four weeks.  His next topic was new vehicles.  He got a good price for a trade in of the Tahoe and the 2015 Charger.  Conversation then began; President Domanski adamantly stated he was against getting a truck.  It was noted the Tahoe is actually a truck chassis.  Beth Rake stated the price of truck over the Durango would be a good savings; she questioned if we had to trade the Tahoe.  Chief Parkes assured her it was time to be replaced.  The new  truck would not be in the normal rotation for police vehicles.   
Delavan Whitenight stated the truck would be more versatile.  Peter felt truck purchase should never happen.  Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to trade the 2015 Charger and Tahoe for a new Charger and the truck.  Brian Whitenight seconded the Motion.  Vote was taken with two members saying no; President John Domanski and Peter Fleming voted against the purchase.  Yes votes by Vice President Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight Jr .were counted and the Motion carried.  Chief Parkes then went on to speak about the P1 channel and how it was not working for them.  The 30 days trial is ending; they will be returning to the Montour County channel.  Report approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner, seconded by Brian Whitenight; all voted in favor.
Mayor John LaMotte had no report at this time.  However, before meeting ended he did recall that he wanted to notify Council that any marriages he does, he will not charge a fee. 
At approximately 7:33 pm, Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn to an Executive Session.  Meeting adjourned to Executive session.
At 8:05 pm, Beth Rake made a Motion to end the Executive Session and return to regular Meeting. 
Solicitor Michetti left the meeting at approximately 8:10 pm.
Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to sell the piece of land recently surveyed by Brian Brosius to Brian Brosius at a cost of $500.00 and he is responsible for all costs to file the deed.  This would need approval of the Riverside Planning Commission before transaction is completed.  Seconded by Beth Rake and all voted in favor.
Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to authorize settlement of the 2005 truck; seconded by Brian Whitenight.  Solicitor will process a letter.
2021 Celebration Committee update was given to council.  Vice President Barb Kriner inquired what a Jam Cake was and Mayor LaMotte explained its origin; he also suggested Vice President Barb Kriner be a special guest judge for the baking contest in August.  President Domanski questioned when the fireworks would be held and it was noted it would be the finale on August 21.2021  Report approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner, seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr and approved by all.
Letter from James Sanders, SEO officer was reviewed.   Vice President Barb Kriner made a motion to reappoint Jim Sanders as our SEO and Kenneth Young  as the alternate SEO and also the 2021 fee schedule.  Seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted in favor.
The 2021 Budget was given final approval on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by Brian Whitenight and approved by all.  It was noted there was no tax increase for borough residents.
Final agenda item was approval of Resolution 20-12-07 which is the Tax Millage Resolution.  There is no tax increase.  Vice President Barb Kriner made a motion to enact the Resolution; seconded by Brian Whitenight and all voted in favor.
At approximately 8:17 pm, Brian Whitenight made a Motion to Adjourn; seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.   Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch, Secretary

As approved at the Dec 7th meeting, minutes of 11/16/2020 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Council President John Domanski.  In attendance this evening were Vice President Barb Kriner, Council Members Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight Jr.  Secretary Deborah Bausch was present; absent this evening was Mayor John LaMotte. There were no citizens present.
Minutes of November 2, 2020 were approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr and approved by all.
Budget Report for September was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted for.
Discussion on Employee Health Coverage was put on the table for discussion.  An account change was recommended and it was noted there is a $250.00 deductible in the new plan.  This would be paid out of the $1500.00 employees are given for co pays, prescriptions, etc.  This will have to be discussed with the Police to be sure it is compatible with their contract.  Beth Rake made a Motion to tentatively approve the GFA PPO plan pending police contract compliance; seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner and all voted in favor. 
Vice President Barb Kriner then began the discussion of voter fraud.  Philadelphia and Pittsburgh seem to be ruling the election results and small communities are not getting counted.  Fraudulent ballots were known to be submitted; Municipalities need to get together to get fair voting in place.  Beth Rake thought there was someone looking into voter fraud but they had not substantiated proof of voter fraud.   President John Domanski stated the rural counties aren’t counting when it comes to electoral votes and that needs changed.  Peter Fleming stated we definitely need some uniform voting rules set so everybody knows what is happening.  Vice President Barb Kriner stated she had spoken with our election representatives and the rolls are not being cleaned up in some areas; deceased people and those that have moved are not being removed from the voter rolls.  Kevin Romansik said it needs to be a grassroots movement and remove emotions from the equation.  After a lengthy discussion, President John Domanski stated we need to draft a letter to our Representative to hold a town meeting, perhaps in Feb 2021, to discuss the voting issues. 
Next agenda item was the General Code contract for updates for 2021.    Approval was given via Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Our Winter Service s Agreement has been received.  This is normally placed in the Street Dept CD; however it was decided to leave it in the Liquid Fuels account to add to our paving fund there.
A letter from Anthony Township was put before the Council.  This item was tabled until our December 7th meeting.
Another topic of discussion was the Borough Insurance Policy.  Quotes were received from McGowan Insurance and our current carrier, Weiss Schantz.  After comparing quotes, it was put before council.  On a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Kevin Romansik, insurance carrier will be Weiss Schantz for 2021.  All voted in favor.
Information was received from Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates for our payroll next year.  The costs to bring it back in the office included upgrade to Quickbooks as well as the software program purchased.  WDEA’s price was lowered; however council felt it best to bring payroll back in house.  On a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight, payroll will be done in house beginning in 2021.
Another topic for discussion was put on the table by President John Domanski and it dealt with speed limits on the borough streets.  The objective is to get people to slow down when driving in the borough.  Kevin Romansik suggested a blanket 25 MPH posting of the borough streets.  This would require an amendment to our ordinance which is something that could be done and then makes the speed limit an enforceable ordinance.  Peter Fleming stated residents are concerned and we need to do something.    Kevin Romansik stated that if signs are not up, street speed limit goes back to an old limit.   President John Domanski stated we will speak with the solicitor and proceed from there.  We live in a nice quiet community with lots of people out walking and we need to maintain that.  Delavan Whitenight said he will check with Penn Dot on some of our concerns especially the Targeted Enforcement Area signs.  Brian Whitenight suggested purchasing another flashing speed limit sign and post at the west end where there is major speeding going on.   On the same issue, the English Garden does not want to put a Left Turn only sign on their property. 
Another item was the Riverside School building which we have heard may be up for sale.  This property was discussed by the board; we have not heard anything from the school district but would potentially be interested in this property.   Peter Fleming will get additional information.
Brian Whitenight spoke of the tree situation in the borough.  We have a lot of dead trees around the borough.  It was noted the budget for next year was increased to take more trees down.  The risk is growing for accidents if trees fall on cars.
Kevin Romansik added he had received a call from a resident regarding the storm water basin responsibility of property owners.  President John Domanski stated the main concern is the in/out pipe outlets.  It was suggested the homeowner contact Dan Gable at the Street Department who may have some information that would assist the home owner.
At approximately 8:38 pm, Beth Rake made a Motion to Adjourn; seconded by Peter Fleming.
Meeting Adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary