11/7/2022 Minutes

​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