10/3/2022 Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, October 3, 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., April Shuman and Beth Rake. 
Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr., Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Street Superintendent Dan Gable, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Citizens present in the Audience were Clark Shuman, Oliver and Maighread Kelly.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Oliver and Maighread Kelly of South Mill Street expressed concerns about the noise from trucks using jake brakes on Sunbury Road. They stated this noise disrupts the quality of life in the Borough. The Kelly’s questioned if the drivers could be asked to refrain from using jake brakes in the Borough. Chief of Police, Kerry Parkes stated Sunbury Road is a PennDot Road. Route 54 into Riverside is deemed a ‘ No Jake Break Zone’. A noise Ordinance resolution was given to the Kelly’s. Delavan Whitenight stated the jake brakes are a safety feature and once you take your foot off the gas pedal, the break retarders automatically come on. Peter Fleming stated it seems the newer model trucks are much quieter than older models. Oliver Kelly asked if a sign could be placed stating, “Please be kind of noise in our neighborhood”. Barb Kriner will contact PennDot to discuss the issue.
 
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of September 19, 2022 which was done by Motion of Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  Approved by all.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report and stated he issued 16 permits during the month of September. John Domanski questioned if the fence that was exposed due to brush removal has been repaired by the resident. Brian Anderson stated he will contact the owner and let them know they should repair the fencing. Beth Rake made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Peter Fleming seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report, stating many items were worked on over the month of September, including work on Coyote Lane. There still seems to be a problem with water laying in the potholes, this is due to water run-off. Dan Gable said the Street Department tried to create a swale on the Borough right-of-way to re-direct the water. Brian Whitenight stated they are not finished working and the contracted company should put the grounds back to original condition. Dan should keep track of time and materials regarding this issue. John Domanski and Dan Gable will look at the situation and contact the company doing the work.
Dan stated a private sewer line was repaired on Avenue E, during this repair the Borough’s sewer line was collapsed. Dan received a quote to repair the Borough’s line in the amount of $2,000.00.
Dan questioned if Nathan Apple (whom was hired temporarily, full-time for 6 months) will be paid over-time or can use comp-time. Attorney Michetti stated over-time pay will have to be given, no comp-time.
Delavan suggested a spot light for on the Street Department bucket truck, so drivers can see them clearly.
Leaf collection will be from October 17th through November 23rd, or longer if need be. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Street Department report. Peter Fleming seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
Barb Kriner read the Chief’s report. The Fire company will be selling Christmas trees again this year. Delavan Whitenight Jr motioned to accept the report, with Brian Whitenight seconding the motion. All in favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes presented Street Superintendent, Dan Gable with a donation the Police Officers collected for him regarding Dan’s leave of absence.
Kerry stated Magistrate money was down for the month of September. Lights have been installed in the Pavilion, they are on a timer. They can be turned off if need be, but should be turned back on. Beth Rake motioned to accept the Police report. Brian Whitenight seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
No report, as the Mayor was not in attendance at the meeting.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti had nothing to report.
 
Borough Life:
Beth Rake stated that Borough Life is hosting a Halloween gathering at the Borough building on Saturday, October 29th during the Trick-or-Treat hours of 6:00pm until 9:00pm. They will be doing S’mores over a campfire that night also.
The Boy Scouts will be hosting ‘Trunk or Treat’ at St. Peter’s Church.
Brian Whitenight mentioned the “Parade of Light”, which is set for Saturday, December 3rd.
Council will be deciding what gifts to give kids during the parade of lights.
 
New Business:
The Secretary was given a $2.00 per hour raise beginning 10/4/22, as her probationary period of six months ends on this date. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Secretary’s raise, with Beth Rake seconding the motion. All in favor.
A State Aid Allocation for pension plans was received in the amount of $51,804.51.
A ‘Thank You’ card was received from Milton Borough for Riverside Borough’s old office chairs that was donated to them.
 
Motion to Approve:
A Sewer evaluation on the East was estimated in the amount of $49,900.00 for Smoke Testing, along with an $800.00 fee to notify Residents. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the estimate and the fee for notifying residents. April Shuman seconded. All in favor.
 
Action Items:
The Danville Area Halloween Parade is Thursday, October 27th.
John Domanski gave a recap of the meeting with PennDot on 9/19 regarding signage due to tractor trailer trucks going the wrong way and getting stuck.  The Borough would have to hire a consultant to do a study. John Domanski stated they will take another look to see if signs can be eliminated and new ones put up. Beth suggested paint on the roads. John said he will draft a letter requesting paint directions on the roadway.
Northumberland County Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Borough will be adopting a resolution for this plan.
A letter of resignation was received from SEO, James Sanders, effective October 1, 2022. The Borough will contact individuals for the position.
2023 Budget Committee will be Barb Kriner, Brian Whitenight, Peter Fleming and April Shuman.
Beth Rake motioned to accept the Action Items and Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
At 8:16pm, Barb motioned to move into the Executive Session. Peter Fleming seconded. All in favor.
Beth Rake made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 8:47 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary