​             RIVERSIDE RESIDENTS INFORMATION LETTER
 
On behalf of the Riverside Borough Council I would like to welcome new residents, renters, as well as those that have lived here for a number of years. This letter is designed for informational purposes to keep everyone in our town educated in the services the Borough provides and the many opportunities we have to offer to make your residency enjoyable.   The services we provide are Borough Council governance, Police Department, Fire Department, Street & Sewer Department, Emergency Management Agency, Zoning Offices, Planning Commission, Tax Collector, Boro Life Committee and Borough Office Secretary who can answer most questions presented or forward to the appropriate office. The following is a breakdown with personnel that serve the Borough both paid and volunteer.
 
Borough Council Secretary:  Lisa Fritz                      570-275-1751
Borough Council Members:  Steve Wagner, Peter Fleming, Ken Gardner, Mike Steimling,
                                                Barb Kriner, Robert Rickard, Rebekah Lenig.
Police Department:   Kerry Parkes,  Brad Harvey, Andrew Rupp
Fire Department:  John Stassel (Chief), Clifford Kriner (Deputy Chief), Jason Alexander (1st Assistant Chief)
Street & Sewer Department:  Dan Gable, Eric Mayan, Chris Henrie
Emergency Management: Jordan Klimas
Zoning Officer:  Brain Anderson
Zoning Hearing Board:  Craig Hort, Walt Reichen, Carolyn Bausch
Planning Commission: Arthur Chap, Carl Romanskie, Jay Jones, John Hockenbrough
Tax Collector: Ruth Peck
Boro Life Committee:  April Bostian-Shuman, Brian Whitenight
Mayor:  Todd Oberdorf
 
Police Department:  Riverside Borough Police Department is currently staffed by 3 full-time officers. The Officers work 10 hour shifts and strive to cover as much of a week as they can. Officers can be reached via phone 911 for emergencies, or non-emergency at 570-275-4305 or via email at [email protected] or Facebook Messenger. Fastest response is via phone call; callers have the option to leave a message or follow directions for non-emergency dispatch, Messenger and email are not constantly monitored. The Police Department enforces state laws and the Quality-of-LifeTicketing program for certain Borough Codes. Borough Codes listed are included in the QOL program: 94;115;170;238;246;268. The Police Department also handles a handful of other codes; all of which can be found at https://ecode360.com/R12751. The Police Department invites residents to call with any concerns or possible issues. If you even think for a half second about calling, please do. We would rather respond to your house for nothing, than to respond because there is a problem. Direct link via Borough webpage is www.riversideborough.org/police-department.html
 
Fire Department:The Southside Fire Company was organized in 1923 and is comprised of all volunteers.  They are located at 270 Avenue D in Riverside. The volunteers depend on donations to keep the company functional. There is a social club within the building to keep the support for the fire company as well. On a yearly basis they hold a Firemen’s Carnival with a Pet & Toy Parade. They also hold an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the area children.  The carnival grounds are very large to accommodate picnics and reunions and are available for rental. They also hold various fundraisers to benefit charities.  Mutual aid is provided to area communities in times of need and it is important to support these volunteers.
 
Street & Sewer Department: The Street & Sewer Department is comprised of 3 full time employees . The winter hours are 7am-3:30 pm. Summer hours are 6am-2:30 pm. To contact the department with any street or sewer issues call 570-275-5338. Please leave a detailed message as to the issue. Calls are answered in a timely manner. The sewer department has requested that residents do not flush disposable wipes. This creates numerous blockages in the sewer lines. Leave collection is also provided from October until the day before Thanksgiving. It is advised to rake leaves near the road on the berm, not on the road or ditches.. They also collect leaves after that time is expired if leaves are bagged. You must call the office to advise your location. No sticks should be placed with the leaves. The department also assists with the annual Dumpster Day which is scheduled by Borough Council. It usually falls in the May time frame. If any issues exist with street lights, such as being out, or traffic lights ,please call the Street Department office and leave a message. Lastly, please call 811 before digging for any type of construction projects, no matter how small. Street Department employees can assist with questions.
 
Emergency Management:  The EMA Office is located in Borough Hall. Mr. Jordan Klimas is the new EMA Director. He has numerous trainings to fulfill this position. The agency handles emergency situations in coordination with other agencies including natural disasters, emergency declarations, flood mitigation, flood mapping issues and is tasked to work with Northumberland County EMA and work closely with Montour County EMA . Other agencies include PEMA and FEMA which is State and Federal Agencies. The Borough has 3 emergency warning sirens within the Borough which are activated for tornado or flood warnings as well as evacuation for residents in the event of transportation incidents.
 
Zoning Office: Mr. Brian Anderson  is the Borough Zoning Officer. He can be reached at 570-205-0496. Building Permit issuance, sewer inspection and other related questions go through this office. If there are any questions regarding new construction, or existing construction, or maintenance projects,  they can be answered with him. Per a Riverside Borough Ordinance, all intersections must be clear of trees and shrubs which can impede driver safety, at a distance of 75’ from each intersection. All trees and shrubs must be no higher than 3 feet in height.
 
Zoning Hearing Board: The board consists of three members who are called upon if a variance is requested by the building permit applicant and Zoning Officer’s permit denial. Once a hearing is scheduled both the applicant and Zoning Officer shall be in attendance. The boards’s decision is then rendered.
 
Planning Commission: The board also consists of three members. This mostly involves subdivisions within Borough limits. Northumberland County Planning Commission is also involved with mapping, boundaries, etc.
 
Tax Collector:  Ruth Peck is our local tax collector for Northumberland County/ Riverside Borough taxes as well as Danville School District taxes. She has established set hours and information can be obtained from the Borough web site or Facebook.
 
Boro Life Committee: This committee is an all volunteer committee comprising 3 members along with the Mayor. They raise money to sponsor various events throughout the year. They include various fund raisers usually held on fire company premises. Some of the events that are planned are the annual Easter Egg Hunt held at Southside Fire Company, Community Yard Sales which occur in July, Trunk or Treat Events at Borough Hall on Halloween night and Parade of Lights held in December. These events are to bring the community together and provide enjoyment to our area children. They can also be found on Facebook with upcoming events.
 
Borough Secretary: Lisa Fritz is the Borough Secretary who operates from Borough Hall located at 415 Dewart Street. She can be contacted at 570-275-1751. Her job is to keep all agencies and Council members notified of any issues to the above named agencies. She processes Sewer Rent payments, LST payments for the occupational privilege tax for our Borough and has all contacts at her disposal to remedy any issues that arise with our residents.
 
Miscellaneous: The Borough has much to offer to our citizens which includes 3 churches for worship, Boy Scout Pack 33 for both male and female young citizens, Fire Company activities which are always looking for volunteers, Borough activities that are listed on our web site and Facebook. We are also associated with the DBA (Danville Business Alliance), Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau, and Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau. Various flyers are available for recreational enjoyment at the Borough Office.  Voting takes place now at St. Peter’s Church on Sunbury Road. This is much more suited with room for the constituents providing comfort from the elements. Many voting volunteers are involved with this process. Many friendly faces in the Borough wish to assist with your needs. Hopefully this gives everyone a greater scope as to what this friendly Borough has to offer. Please take advantage and become involved if you have the time.  
 
Respectfullly
      Todd Oberdorf , Riverside Borough Mayor                      
                           
 

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
March 16, 2026
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
             A. Minutes of 3/2/2026 Meeting
           B. Update on transferring funds to PLGIT 
           C. Delinquent Sewer Accounts 
           D. Review of PSAB New Council Member Boot Camp 
           E. Feral Cat Management
           F. Electronics recycling 
II.       NEW BUSINESS
           A. Bills to be presented at Council meeting for approval to be paid 
           B. Letter of Intent to start negotiating for the Police Contract.
           C. Financial Report questions 
III.     BORO LIFE COMMITTEE 
IV.       MOTION TO APPROVE
A.Dumpster Day, Saturday, April 25th 
V.        ACTION ITEMS
             A. Basement Concrete 
VI.       EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, April 6, 2026 @ 7:00 P.M.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner, Mike Steimling Sr., Rob Rickard and Rebekah Lenig.
Also present was Mayor Todd Oberdorf and Secretary Lisa Fritz
 
Absent:
Peter Fleming
 
Citizens present:
J.W. Snyder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard: 
None spoke
Approval of Meeting Minutes

• January 19th Minutes:
  • Corrections were made regarding an $80,000 transfer from the sewer fund to the general fund for 2026. The budgeted amount is $108,000, and an additional $28,000 transfer will be made.
  • Other fund source descriptions were corrected: $460,000 from Platinum ID 47, $708,000 from General Fund ID 40, and $300,000 from sewer fund ID 41.
  • Typos in building work quotes were fixed: "$81,000 for the chimney" to "$8,100" and "$51,000 exterior" to "$5,100."
  • A CD maturing on February 20th for $125,800 is also to be allocated to the sewer fund.
  • Barb made a Motion to approve the 1/19/2026 meeting minutes with the changes suggested. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
• February 2nd Minutes:
  • The new transcription software was praised, but a correction was needed for the "West End Sewer Project" heading, which should be "East End Sewer Project."
  • To improve speaker identification in future minutes, speakers will state their names, and the chair will verbally confirm who makes and seconds motions.
  • Mike made a Motion to accept the 2/2/2026 meeting minutes with changes suggested by Ken. Ken seconded. All in Favor.

Borough Building Renovations and Funding

• Renovations:
  • A motion was passed to approve $6,245 for the replacement of five windows by Window World.
  • The cost to repair the chimney is $8,100, and exterior brickwork repair is $5,100.
  • The council discussed pouring concrete in two dirt-floor areas of the basement to create an evidence room, which would free up another room for a kitchen.
  • The cost to apply spray-on insulation to the basement walls is $4,744.
  • A motion was passed to proceed with the chimney, exterior, concrete, and insulation work, with one member opposing the insulation. Barb made a Motion to approve the Chimney, Brick work and concrete work, taking funds out of the General Account. Rob Seconded. Ken opposed. Motion passed.
• Funding:
  • The total approved cost for renovations is $31,000, which will be taken from the general fund.

Sewer System Issues and Projects

• Water Infiltration on the West Side:
  • An ongoing issue of water infiltration from illegally connected downspouts and sump pumps undermines a recent $1.4 million project to reduce groundwater in the sewer.
  • Solutions discussed included smoke detection ($10,000), point-of-sale inspections, and direct enforcement.
  • The most favored approach is to enforce inspections and fixes when homes are sold. An alternative is to have the sewer department check clean-outs during rainstorms.
  • Speaker 1 will consult with Attorney Machete for legal advice on the matter.
• PAC-1 Paving Project Punch List:
  • The bond for the project expires in June, and the work must be finished by then.
  • A second punch list is being created to address remaining issues like a "lip in the gully."
  • Ken believes Pact One has been fully paid. The engineering firm should be holding remaining funds until the punch list is completed. Speaker 1 is confident a letter will be sent to PAC-1.
• East End Sewer Project:
  • The project will use $187,000 in leftover grant funds, matched by another $187,000, for a total of approximately $375,000.
  • This initial phase covers manhole covers, internal rings, and cleaning the line from Hillside Estates.
  • The total project cost is estimated at around $3 million, requiring a new grant and a PennVest loan to reline the pipe and manholes.

Financial Investments (PLGIT)

• General and Reserve Funds:
  • Barb made a Motion to move funds from three accounts into a high-yield 'PLGIT' account earning over 4% interest. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
    • Platinum account: $490,460.
    • General account: $540,000.
    • Capital reserve account: $27,900.
• Sewer Funds:
  • Mike made a Motion to move money from Service 1st accounts. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
  • $125,000 from a 12-month sewer certificate into a separate PLGIT reserve account.
  • $326,269.57 from Sewer CD before maturity (even with a penalty) and move it to the PLGIT reserve account.
  • $200,000 from the general sewer fund into the PLGIT reserve account.
  • The West End sewer account, with $186,000 in grant money, was discussed for transfer, pending clarification on grant rules.

 
Ordinances and Other Borough Business

• Solar Panels and Wind Turbines Ordinance:
  • A new ordinance is being drafted for the March meeting.
  • Key discussion points include council control over land use changes, removing the "solar grazing" section, stormwater management, and ensuring a decommissioning bond.
  • Concerns were raised about chemicals in some panels and potential hazmat situations.
• Feral Cat Management Program:
  • The council discussed a potential service to manage feral cats on a per-cat basis (~$45-$55).
  • Concerns were raised about distinguishing between feral and owned pets. Further information will be gathered on the organization's methods, including microchip scanning.
• Airport Neighbor Complaint:
  • A past issue regarding an airport neighbor's complaint was mentioned. The council agreed it is a legal issue between the neighbor and the airport, not the Borough.

Next Arrangements

• Transfer an additional $28,000 from the sewer fund to the general fund.
• Make a decision on the "PLGIT" this week.
• Proceed with the approved chimney, exterior, concrete, and insulation work, funded by $31,000 from the general fund.
• Contact the window contractor to proceed with the window replacements.
• Larson Design Group must send a letter to PAC-1 regarding the paving project punch list.
• Follow up on the PAC-1 paving project to ensure completion before the bond expires in June.
• Speaker 1 will meet with Attorney Michetti this week to finalize the solar and wind turbine ordinance and get legal advice on the west side water infiltration issue.
• Council members to send comments on the solar ordinance draft.
• Gather further information from the cat management organization, including a contract and clarification on identifying pets.
• Mike will contact Justin Skavery to confirm if the West End sewer grant money ($186,000) can be moved into a money market account.
• Lisa will attempt to negotiate the withdrawal of the capital reserve fund (account 52) despite the missed notification window.
• Ask the street department to work with Danville Sewer to check the difference in flow during rainy vs. dry periods.
• Barb will get the Borough Life Committee report from April and email it to Lisa.

1. A final decision on the exact amount to transfer from the general fund to the PLGIT investment was not reached. The discussion ranged from $540,000 to $720,000, but no consensus was achieved.

1. A definitive strategy for addressing the illegal downspout and sump pump connections on the west side has not been established, pending legal advice from Attorney Michetti.

1. The financial approvals for the chimney repair ($8,100) and exterior brickwork ($5,100) were discussed but not formally voted on in the provided transcript. The source of funding also needed to be addressed.

1. The decision on whether to move the West End sewer account funds ($186,000) is pending clarification on grant money regulations.

1. While a new loan and grant were mentioned as necessary for the East End sewer project, no concrete steps were assigned to initiate this process.

1. There was an unresolved question about whether PAC-1 had been fully paid, with the bond being the only leverage.

1. The status of "Andy working part-time" and a related "hold harmless" agreement was mentioned but not discussed further.

1. A decision on the "PLGIT" was mentioned as needing to happen "this week," but no specific details or action plan were discussed.

 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary