5/6/2024 Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, May 6, 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 Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr. Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Zoning Office Brian Anderson, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Council Member Delavan Whitenight Jr and Street Superintendent Dan Gable.
 
Citizens present:
John E. Hockenbrough, Keith and Jeni Evans, Christa Guenther, Drew Mumich and Robert Rickard.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Pastor Keith Evans from the Assembly of GOD Church asked Council if there are Grants to renovate Historical buildings.
Resident Christa Guenther stated she loves living in Riverside and complimented Council and employees for the job they do. Christa said the first meeting she attended was on April 1st and felt it was a fighting match, Council fought across the table, it was awful. She did ‘Thank’ Kerry and his Officers for their support regarding the dog attack situation, stating she walks about four (4) times per day and wants to feel safe.
Resident Rob Rickard stated the paving near Sunny Lane has made it safer for children at the bus stop. Rob stated the traffic light (left turn signal) at the intersection of Rt 54 coming into Riverside does not cycle, he suggested to contact PennDot to have the left-turn light cycle longer.
 
Old business:
Beth made a Motion to accept the Minutes of the April 4th Meeting. John Domanski seconded. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report. Beth made a Motion to accept the Zoning Report, Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Barb made a Motion to approve the quote from Northeast Tree Service to remove six (6) trees, with John D. seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
Barb stated the Carnival runs from May 21st through May 25th, 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The Pet & Toy Parade will be on Saturday, May 25th. The Cake Donation cards were mailed out. The Chief’s report was submitted for March. Beth made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry presented his report.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Peter seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Nothing to report.
 
 
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
The Riverside vs. Whitenight case is closed. Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitors report, with Beth seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Kipps Run Night and the Yard Sale were proposed for July. John Domanski made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report, Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
No new business.
 
Motion to Approve:
Barb made a Motion to approve the appointment of John Hockenbrough to the Planning commission, with Ken Gardner seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Subdivision of the former school property was received from Surveyor Wayne Hildebrand. Waiting for the appraisal on the 7.107 acres behind the school building. Beth mad a Motion to accept the subdivision as proposed from Wayne Hildebrand, granting Right-of-Way to the property owner. Barb seconded the Motion. John Domanski opposed, stating he wanted to sell the entire property. Barb made a Motion to have Council President Steve Wagner sign the survey, with Ken seconding. John Domanski opposed.
Discussed, at length a generator, manholes, grant money for the East and West End sewer projects.
Discussion regarding the Pennvest loan. John Domanski made a Motion to ‘not’ accept the loan. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Meeting Minutes. Barb made a motion to shorten the minute verbiage, with Beth seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
Bridge Light – John made a Motion to accept the quote from Williamsport Electric Inc for the replacement of six (6) light poles on the bridge, but getting a more detailed estimate for the caulk removal. Beth seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
None.
 
Executive Session:
Barb made a Motion to move into Executive Session at 8:02pm. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
Council reconvened back into Regular Session at 8:22pm.
Beth made a Motion to hire Attorney Chris Slusser for representation regarding a Union. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Discussed notifying Larson Design Group about not getting generator from Merck. 
Discussion to apply for a loan for the entire sewer project. Steve and John will speak with Joe Phirman from Larson regarding a generator and the sewer project.
 
Barb made a Motion to adjourn at 8:40pm. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary