4/15/2024 Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner and Ken Gardner.
Also present was Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Delavan Whitenight, Jr
 
Citizens present:
Residents Brian and Paula Anderson, Robert Rickard, Oliver and Maighread Kelly
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Resident, Paula Anderson, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson’s wife stated she read the 3/18/2024 Minutes. Paula questioned Council Members as to why Jackie Hart being considered as back-up for Zoning or any other position? Brian takes calls at home all day, evenings and on weekends. While on vacation, he takes calls. She stated Brian sets up appointments to accommodate times requested by customers. Paula said, “Zoning is not an emergency or same day service.” She asked why a back-up is needed. She asked Council if they have a back-up for every employee while they are on vacation. Brian was never made aware of the fact that a back-up was approved by all Council Members. Peter Fleming told Brian he does a good job and we know you cannot sit at home waiting for a zoning issue to come up. People sometimes think they want immediate action, so we, as Council Members, thought a back-up person was a good idea. Paula suggested the phone number on the kiosk outside the Borough Building be changed to Brian’s cell phone so people can call him no matter where he is at. Paula stated, “This is a back-door plan.” Council President, Steve Wagner told Paula that Council will sit down with her at another time to discuss the issue. Paula asked when. Steve stated he will get back to her with dates/times.
Resident, Robert Rickard was in audience just to observe.
Resident, Maighread Kelly asked if there was any update on the school property. Steve said we hope to sell the back seven (7) acres off. Maighread asked if some sort of renovation on the tennis court could be done, as there are cracks in it.
 
Old business:
John Domanski made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1 meeting, Beth Rake seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
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Borough Life:
Nothing to report.
 
New Business:
A Fax machine will be set in place for the Street Department at the garage for the PA One Calls to be sent directly to the Street Department. A cell phone will be ordered for the Street Department to use versus using their own personal cell phones. Beth said she would be fine if the Street Department wants to continue to use their own cell phones, but would like the employees to consider a work cell phone. Barb made a Motion to order a fax machine and cell phone for the Street Department. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
Information Request Form – Steve would like to implement a form for people to sign when they want to look at office records, meeting minutes, etc. Ken Gardner made a Motion to implement the request form, with Barb Kriner seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
 
 Motion to Approve:
Beth made a Motion to get a cell phone for the Borough Office, so the Secretary does not have to use her personal cell phone for business. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
A Resolution for the Plan Revision for New Land Development-Pine Hurst Acres Events Venue was accepted, made by a Motion from Beth Rake. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Sealed Pave and Mill Bids were opened at approximately 7:30pm. Barb made a motion to accept the contract from ‘Dave Gutelius Excavating, Inc.’ pending review by Solicitor, Attorney Michetti and Street Department Superintendent, Dan Gable. Beth seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
The Bids were as follows:
HRI, Inc. - $18,684.40
Big Rock Paving, LLC - $25,850.00
Dave Gutelius Excavating, Inc. - $16,940.00
Robert C. Young, Inc. - $25,455.00
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. - $28,025.00
 
Bridge Light - Ken Gardner received an estimate in the amount of $17,766.00 to replace the six (6) light poles on the bridge from Schaedler Yesco Distribution. Ken stated the two (2) poles by the Railroad tracks were not put up properly; as there were no spacers installed. Ken recommended to included installation of the spacers for those two (2) light poles in the estimate. Ken asked if we should keep the old light poles. John Domanski feels the light poles should be sold to a scrap yard. Traffic plans and traffic control through Penn Dot will be set up by Contractor. John Domanski made a Motion to purchase the bridge lights, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
 
At 7:48pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to move into Executive Session for Personnel issues. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
At 8:22pm, Council moved back into Regular Session.
Barb spoke with Sara from Hailstone Economics regarding a free Grant and how it would benefit low income. The Grant writer wants a description of community related projects and a commitment from organizations. Council will hold off on this particular Grant until a future time.
 
John Domanski made a Motion to permit Secretary, Lisa to work remotely on Wednesday’s on a trial basis for three (3) months, then will re-evaluate. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
At 8:25pm, John made a Motion to adjourn. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
 Lisa Fritz
Secretary