Riverside Borough

The regularly scheduled Council Meeting scheduled for 7 pm, Monday, Sep 16th has been cancelled.
The next Council Meeting will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

 
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2019
 
Railroad Crossing Repair on Route 54 in Riverside Borough This Week
 
Montoursville, PA – Motorists in Northumberland County are advised Norfolk Southern Railroad Co., plans to repair damaged pavement near the railroad crossing on Route 54 (Elysburg Road) just off the Danville-Riverside bridge in Riverside Borough.
 
The roadway repair is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12 from 7 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.  Work includes milling and repaving the damaged roadway.
 
There will be no detour and traffic will be controlled by flaggers through the intersection.
 
Motorists should be alert and look for stopped or slow-moving traffic.
 
Subscribe to PennDOT news in Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties at www.penndot.gov/District3.
 
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 950 traffic cameras.
 
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
​

As approved at the September 3 meeting, minutes of 8/5/19 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, August 5, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  President Carolyn Bausch called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 pm with the following council members present:  Vice President Peter Fleming, Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, John Domanski, Michael Leibel and Kevin Romansik.  In addition those present included Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Deborah Bausch. 
 
The audience this evening included Nicholas Fowler, Todd and Sheri Oberdorf, Ken Kremser and Brian Whitenight as well as Danville News Reporter Karen Blackledge.
 
Ken Kremser addressed council with his concern about the traffic light at the intersection.  He spoke of changing the light to a No Turn on Red coming from Elysburg Road to go across the bridge.  He has seen many drivers not following the signs and turning at the wrong times.  Chief Parkes commented that to get a No Turn on Red would be a PennDot issue and there is a meeting scheduled in the office with the PennDot representatives next week.  This request will be brought up at that time for Penn Dot consideration.
 
Todd Oberdorf then addressed council with several issues.  He began with the drainage issue at this property.  He has spoken with Penn Dot officials about the ditch line in the area and how it affects the properties there.  After storms, he has to sweep the stones from the roadway.  He provided photos for the council to see as well as Chapter 8 of Pub 23 which addresses drainage maintenance.  He then addressed water run off on 9th Street between Avenue G and H.  Rain water lays on the southern side of roadway but not west of Avenue G intersection since road is crowned In that area.  He further stated the road has not been paved for approximately 36 years.  Color photos were provided for reference.  His final item of concern was the grass clippings being blown into the roadways by residents when they cut their lawns.  This is a safety hazard and needs addressed.  A lengthy conversation ensued concerning grass cutting.  Peter Fleming agreed that blowing grass clippings into the streets could be a safety hazard.  Beth Rake suggested a flyer be sent to residents to make them aware of the danger of grass in the roadways.  Talk included how organic matter can accumulate holding water on the roadway and not allowing water to flow freely which could ultimately damage roads.  Peter Fleming stated we should have an ordinance; Solicitor Michetti responded that he will look into other boroughs and see how they handle this issue.  Chief Kerry Parkes also spoke of a Quality of Life Ticket program he is going to speak about later in the meeting and the grass could possibly be part of that program.  Enforcement came up in regards to the grass clippings and Brian Anderson asked how you could determine whose grass was actually on the roadway when you have homes in close proximity.  Carolyn Bausch asked how you would determine an “amount” for an ordinance.  Dan Gable stated the brush hog leaves a trail of clippings behind it but they cannot do anything about those clippings.   Kevin Romansik added we need to look into ordinances for more information before action can be taken.
 
Old Business stated with review of the Minutes of the July 1, 2019 meeting.   Minutes were approved on a Motion by Beth Rake; seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
The May Budget report was put on the table for review.  At this time discussion was held about the amount of funds in the general fund account.  Barb Kriner spoke of moving money to a savings account so that it would still be accessible if needed.  Secretary Bausch stated the Credit Union has a Platinum Money Market which would be a better choice for a depository; Barb Kriner agreed with using the Money market account.
 Barb Kriner then made a Motion to move $500,000.00 from the General Fund to the Platinum Money Market Account; seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted in favor.    Barb Kriner then made a Motion to approve the May Budget report; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Brian Anderson then presented the Zoning Report for July.  He addressed council with a request for an increase in his salary; his last increase was 9 years ago.  The Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Peter Fleming; all voted in favor.  Peter Fleming then made a Motion to approve the pay raise as stated in the letter; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.  Peter Fleming further amended his pay raise motion to indicate it is for 2020 budgeting; Beth Rake  seconded the Amended Motion.  All voted in favor.
 
Dan Gable addressed council with the Street Department report.  The Pump stations have been cleaned and the street lights are now changed out to LED lights.  Dan spoke of some issues on Mainzer Hill Road that should be addressed; he presented two quotes from Sudol Paving to do some hole repairs and to recrown 750 lineal feet of roadway with DSA materials.  Quotes were $1000.00 and $2650.00 respectively.  John Domanski made a Motion to approve both quotes on the condition projects be completed prior to September 15, 2019.  Peter Fleming seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Dan Gable then gave a thank you to John Domanski for getting us a new spot to dump our leaves this year as a trial period.  The site is near Crest Haven and will be easier for the street crew to get to; John Domanski was instrumental in procuring this site.  Truck Limit signs are in place; signs are still needed for Circle Drive/Meadowlark Lane area for No Parking between signs.    Previous council meetings have brought up the issue of rotating our vehicles.  Dan stated we have two 2005 t tag trucks; one is going to be retained as a leaf collection and back up vehicle but the other 2005 should be replaced.   Our newest truck was about $93,000.00.  Will address at budget time.  Dan then stated a resident of Mainzer Hill had contacted him about runoff caused by a neighbor’s driveway.  Dan asked for legal clarification since that home is in Rush Township; however, they are connecting their driveway to the Riverside Borough roadway.  Solicitor Michetti stated since it is our road, the homeowner would need a Riverside Borough permit to connect onto our roadway.  Barb Kriner spoke of the guide rails for Mainzer Hill; there are reflective markers up and make it easier to see the roadway.   President Bausch then commented on how impeccable neat/clean the garage area is.  She had stopped in and everything was so neat and orderly; kudos to the guys for keeping it looking so nice.  Barb Kriner then made a motion to approve the Street Department Report; seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
The Southside Fire Company report was read by Fire Chief Nicholas Fowler.  There was no property loss in July.  A recall on the new engine put it out of service for a short time.  With no further questions on the report, Barb Kriner made a Motion to Approve the report which was seconded by John Domanski and all voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes then gave the Police Report for July 2019.   The gun storage door is in place and they just need to build some shelving in that room.  He then spoke of the Quality of Life ticketing program and provided samples of Danville door hangers presently being used in that borough.  He would like to add junk vehicles to our hangers.  The response rate is about 95% to courtesy door hanger notices.  Senate Bill 607 dealing with Police Radar use is coming up for a vote.   Chief said the truck signs are up and can be enforced in 90 days.  He would like to amend our streets of no trucks to include Factory Street.   Solicitor Michetti felt this could all be done at one time with the grass clipping/quality of life ticketing program ordinances.  Peter asked about google maps which are not current and giving drivers the wrong information.   Police report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
The Mayor had no report which was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Barb Kriner and approved by all present.
 
Solicitor Michetti also had not report which was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Under New Business, John Domanski inquired about fireworks having designated times.  There seems to be fireworks going off at all times of the evening.  Brian Whitenight said the PA Dept of Agriculture has guidelines for fireworks displays; he is planning a training class in the near future to educate people on use and safety.  We will check surrounding communities for fireworks ordinances.
 
The Minimum Municipal Obligation budgets for Police and Non Uniform Personnel were presented to Council.  Both were approved on a Motion by John Domanski, seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
Also presented to council was a retainer agreement for engineering services to be provided by Larson Design Group.  Approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Winter Services Agreement was also approved at tonight’s council session.  Motion for approval was made by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
One last agenda topic was an email from LDG inquiring if we would like to budget funds to complete the sewer mapping project that was previously done.  Some areas still need mapped.  Note will be passed to Dan Gable and item will be discussed at the next council meeting.
 
At approximately 8:06 p.m., John Domanski made a Motion to adjourn the council session.  Seconded by Beth Rake.  Council adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

September 2 – Labor Day Holiday   
Borough Offices Closed   -    Danville Area Schools Closed

September 3 (TUESDAY) –
Borough Council Meeting – 7 PM
 
September 7 -  Danville Fall Arts and Craft Fair -
                                        9am - 5 pm
                        
September 11 –    Patriot Day      
 
September 16 – Council Meeting    
 
  164th Bloomsburg Fair - Sept. 20 – Sept 28  
Danville Schools closed:  Sept 26-27
  
September 23 – Autumn Begins        
 
September 29 - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown

TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR SEPTEMBER
-By Appointment only!
Phone: 570-764-1393 to meet with our tax collector, Rebecca Steckley

The summer is drawing to a close and our Lost and Found has grown!  If you are missing any clothing or other items, please stop in the office to see if they are on the lost and found table!  Office hours are daily Monday through Friday, 8 am - 3 pm!

The concrete hole on the bridge is being repaired this weekend.  Traffic will still go two ways on bridge but expect delays.  They will be working beginning at 5 PM, Friday, August 9th until Monday, August 12th at 5 am.   They will reopen it to full traffic as soon as possible and hopefully before Monday morning.
 
The traffic will again be slowed for the overlay to be applied which has to be 28 days later.  They are anticipating using the September 20th date and again the roadway will be 2 way but slow going from Friday, Sep 20th until Monday Sep 23rd.  If this information changes, we will be notified.

     August 1 - 3 - Montour DeLong Community Fair, Washingtonville    
                     Evening Entertainment Schedule
                    8/1 – Hometown Boyz – 6 pm and 8 pm
                       8/2 – Avenue E – 6 pm and 8 pm
                       8/3 – The Loons – 6 pm and 10 pm

August 3 - 8th Annual Charity Duck Drop – Danville/Riverside Bridge – 12 Noon
 Sponsored by Service 1st Federal Credit Union
 
 August 5 – Riverside Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm  

 August 6 - National Night Out – 5 pm – Washies Playground, Danville  

August 10 – 40Fest Event sponsored by American                    Legion Post 40,
   Danville Soccer Complex, Noon – 11 pm    
 
August 10 - Pine Street Lutheran Church, Danville Ice Cream Festival         9 am-2 pm                              
August 14 – 3rd Qtr Sewer Bill payments due in the office by 3 PM to avoid late fee
 
August 15 - Ice Cream Social, St Peter’s UM Church - 4 pm; 

August 22 – Danville Schools Open – First Student Day
 
Rebecca Steckley, Tax Collector, will have office hours in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm
 
CONCERT IN THE PARK - Memorial Park, Bloom Road, Danville-“Rising Stars” @ 7 p

3rd Quarter Sewer Bills were mailed this afternoon. Please pay amount in left hand column.  Payment to avoid the late fee, is due in the office prior to 3 pm on August 14th.  Those using a bill payer service, be sure to have your account number on your payment and allow ample time for mailing. An automatic withdraw is available from a savings or checking account, fill out a form to sign up and avoid any late fees.  Payments may be left in the office door drop slot after hours.  Those placed there after 3 pm on 8/14/19 will have a late fee assessed.  If you have any questions, please contact the office, 570 275-1751. Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 3 pm.

As approved at the July 1, 2019 meeeting, minutes of June 3, 2019 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, June 3, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Council President Carolyn Bausch.  In attendance this evening were Council Members Barb Kriner, John Domanski, Vice President Peter Fleming, Michael Leibel and Kevin Romansik as well as Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch.   Absent this evening were Council Member Beth Rake and Mayor John LaMotte.
 
In the audience  this evening were Nick Fowler, Brian Whitenight, Hannah Connuch, David Connuch, and
Angie and Rod Kerstetter.
 
Hannah Connuch stated she was a student attending the meeting as part of a school project.  She was with her father, David Connuch.
 
Angie Kerstetter addressed Council with asking for an update on Mainzer Hill.  She was also concerned about speeding on the road.  Chief Kerry Parkes said if the road isn’t posted it is 55 mph limit.  Solicitor Michetti said a speed study would need done to change the limit on the roadway.   Contact will be made with Barry Garverick at PennDot regarding the study and signs that would be needed.  Also need to check on guiderails.
 
Old Business began with reviewing and approving the Minutes of May 20, 2019.  Minutes approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.   All voted in favor.
 
Budget Reports for the months of February, March and April were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Brian Anderson presented the Zoning Report for the month of April.  He spoke of driving by the former Cook property that is being renovated; however, there is no permit for the joists and rafters.  He shut the project down until the permits are obtained.  Brian also stated he was concerned about private sales of homes that do not get sewer line inspections done.  Most realtors are now aware of the ordinance.
Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
 
Vice President Peter Fleming presented the Street Department report for April.  Superintendent Dan Gable is off due to foot surgery.  Dan did provide photos of the Mainzer Hill area and also Avenue D water runoff problems.  Issue #1 was the water run off on Avenue D.  Water is not coming from the development up the road but rather the swampy wooded areas.  On 2 occasions the ditch was blocked which caused the water to rise higher than normal.   Item #2 was the water on Mainzer Hill.  Discussion ensued about the water runoff and how it affects the Kerstetter property. Water flows through the crosspipe to the SE corner of the property which is the natural flow path.  Angie said the worst part of the water runoff is into the middle of their yard. Talk continued on the best way to help resolve the problem.  It was decided a 45 degree pipe with an extension to get the water to the hedgerow would be a help.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Michael Leibel, approval was given to get pipe and reroute the water from the yard to the hedgerow.  All voted for.
Issue #3 was in regards to Mainzer Hill and the needed repairs as well as a guiderail to be installed for safety purposes.  Contact will be made with Penn Dot representatives about installing guiderails and what is needed to have it done. 
Pot holes need fixed on Mainzer Hill; Dan had been unsuccessful in reaching Sudol Paving.  Contact was made with Tony, assistant at Sudol Paving who stated they hoped to work on repairs the week of 5/27/19 pending weather conditions.  The Street Department report was approved on a Motion by Kevin Romansik and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Nick Fowler then addressed Council with the Southside Fire Company Report for May.  He highlighted some of the figures from the report.  The fire company is hosting a Wine Fest on June 15th.  Nick also presented an email he had sent to Brian Pufnak at Columbia County regarding dispatch issues.  There are major inconsistencies with the radio communications which is a serious safety problem.  Nick cited several instances recently of the radio dispatch problems.  They have switched to the hi-band radios but they can’t be set off.  Nick was advised to contact the Commissioners to get further action on the resolution of this issue.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted for.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes shared the Police Department report for April. He spoke first on TRACS training that he had attended and learned some new information.  Southside Carnival was a success with no complaints being filed.  He agreed with Nick Fowler about the radio issues.  Carolyn Bausch thanked the police department for their presence at the carnival.  The community appreciated seeing our officers at the carnival each year so new residents can meet them as well as intermingle with the attendees.
Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
 
The Mayor was not in attendance this evening.
 
Solicitor Michetti spoke on an issue with parking in the borough.  Specifically wherein driveways are being blocked by vehicles making it impossible for residents to get out of their driveways.  Signs were talked about as to what would be appropriate and where they would be placed.  Kevin Romansik inquired as to what areas signs would be needed to be placed in and John Domanski asked how big they would be.  It was decided it to talk with Chief Parkes as to signage and parking issues.  Barb Kriner asked the Solicitor if there is an issue to move money into a savings account rather than the Capital Reserve.  It was determined this would be no restriction on funds.  Barb stated she will make that motion at our next meeting.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Under New Business
The 18th Annual Sunbury YMCA Bike Race through some streets in the borough was approved for August 17, 2019.  Chief Parkes has been given a copy of the route for his staff. Barb Kriner made the Motion to approve which was seconded by Peter Fleming; all voted in favor. 
 
John Domanski then spoke on the upcoming bridge closure.  4 years ago we were advised this upgrade would last 20 years; last week’s meeting with officials indicated this will happen every 5 – 7 years.  John stated we need to do something now and not wait until it occurs again.  He would like to see the curbing removed from S D & H Avenue to allow two way traffic if the crossing would need closed.  He has volunteered to spearhead this project.  Carolyn Bausch showed an article in the newspaper regarding the railroad crossing and lauded John Domanski for his pursuit of information on this closing.  John Domanski then made a Motion to pursue removal of the curb area from Shade Mountain area to Route 54; seconded by Barb Kriner. All voted for.
 
Final agenda item this evening was a Motion to Approve an Ordinance regarding truck traffic.  Ordinance 1 of 2019 prohibits trucks in excess length of 45’ from traveling on Avenue C, South Mill Street-south of Sunbury Road and Third Street- Chestnut Street to Avenue C.  Ordinance was duly advertised.  Motion by Barb Kriner and Seconded by Kevin Romansik to approve the Ordinance and implement same.   All voted in favor.
 
At approximately 7:50 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn; seconded by Barb Kriner.
Council Meeting of June 3, 2019 adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary