1/29/2026 Special Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL SPECIAL INSURANCE MEETING MINUTES
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 9:00AM for a Special Meeting. 
 
Council members present: 
Stephen Wagner, Peter Fleming, Rob Rickard, Mike Steimling and Ken Gardner.
Also present was Mayor Todd Oberdorf and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Barb Kriner and Rebekah Lenig.
 
Citizens present:
No citizens were present.
 
Council President, Steve Wagner said, “we're going to test this new recorder out tonight. So, everybody, you're being recorded. Steve felt it should be posted that meetings are being recorded. Rob Rickard stated he remembers reading about recording meetings and because it was a public meeting, we did not have to announce the meeting was being recorded; but he said he would check into this information. Kerry Parkes suggested to check with the Solicitor at the February second meeting.
 
Steve stated, this special meeting is being held to decide on a replacement for a full-time Police Officer.
Rob made a Motion to accept the resignation of Police Officer, Andrew Rupp. Peter seconded. Ken Gardner opposed, for the reason he would like to investigate hiring two (2) part-time officers, which would be less cost than a full-time officer. Peter said, we don’t know how many part-timers would apply. Kerry stated that a full-time officer would be more loyal, as a part-time officer might have a job somewhere else. Peter feels a full-time officer would be more invested in the community. Rob made a Motion to retain Andrew Rupp as a part-time Police Officer, on as needed basis with the pay rate of $24.00 per hour. Mike seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Ken questioned if there would be benefits for a part-time position. Kerry said there would be no benefits. Kerry said testing will be done at the Church in Riverside. Kerry also said there will be a graduating class in April from the Police Academy. There might be some interested graduates. Right now our requirement states an applicant must be Act 120 certified. A hired officer cannot start working until after graduating from class or within sixty (60) days of application deadline. An officer could be hired without the academy, with the conditions that they are going to complete it within so many months of being hired. Ken Gardner mentioned that the 1989 Police contract referral is outdated. Kerry stated they use it as a guideline for their contracts. Rob made a Motion to looking into applicants from the Police Academy. Peter seconded. All in Favor. A new officer will spend time training with Kerry for many months, as it takes about two (2) years to be completely trained.
 
Kerry said Scott Township requested to buy Andrew Rupp’s bullet proof vest, which would be prorated on the remaining life of the vest. Mike made a Motion to sell the vest. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
At 7:19PM, Peter made a Motion to Adjourn. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted;
Lisa Fritz, Secretary