12/5/2022 Minutes

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