Effective Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the following office hours will be in place:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 8:00am to 3:00pm
​Wednesday's - the Secretary will be working remotely from home.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 1, 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, Delavan Whitenight Jr and Ken Gardner.
Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr. Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Street Department Superintendent Dan Gable, Zoning Office Brian Anderson, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Citizens present:
Drew Mumich from the Press Enterprise, Residents: Stu Shrawder, Wanda Mandee, David Cook, Deanna Drabant, John Reamer, Christa Guenther and J.W. Snyder.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Christa Guenther stated she and her dog were attacked by two (2) dogs. Kerry said the cases were turned over to the Dog Warden. The owner was cited last year. The Legal charges were cleared and taken to the Judge’s office. The Dog Warden will be in-touch with the victims. It is very difficult to take dogs away. Resident, Deanna Drabant questioned Council as to why they should have to worry about walking dogs on the streets that we pay taxes on. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti stated you cannot rush the system. He did suggest people call the Dog Warden with complaints; as it takes a lot of dog bites to do something.
Wanda Mandell and Stu Shrawder, owners of 633 Sunbury Rd said the legal ramifications have been lifted on their property regarding the squatter, so they can now start to clean the property up and do renovations.
Resident, J.W. Snyder asked Chief Kerry Parkes about his registration for his vehicle, he said he never received the registration in the mail and was then cited for not having his vehicle registered. Kerry told him to contact the Department of Transportation. John Domanski told Mr Snyder that, ‘He, the owner of the vehicle is responsible to make sure it is registered, not the Police Department.’
 
Old business:
Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 18 meeting, Beth Rake seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
Per Attorney Michetti, Minutes of the Workshop held on 3/16 does not require minutes to be taken; therefore, no approval on the Minutes is required.
Ken Gardner stated he does not feel anyone should be able to go through the filing cabinets when they feel like it. All filing cabinets are now locked. Secretary, Lisa will develop a sign-in/sign-out sheet for anyone wishing to look at documents.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report. John Domanski stated he contacted Jackie Hart (with approval of entire Council, see March 18th meeting minutes) to ask if she could do a presentation at the May meeting on her services as a back-up Zoning/Code Officer. Brian Anderson questioned why a back-up officer is needed. Brian said he does not need an assistant and feels offended. Brian stated he has gotten three (3) properties totally cleaned up in his time as Zoning/Code Officer. Brian recommended Council read over the Ordinances to understand them and see if any need updating. Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning Report, Beth seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable read over the report. He said the Street Department employees are visiting the properties on the list that letters were sent to regarding repairs needed from a smoke test. They are trying to help residents locate the area where the repairs are needed. Dan has been in contact with Cherokee/Merck regarding the 2-3 lines that comes from the Merck property. Merck stated the lines will be capped close to the Main. John D. would like to work with Dan on the abandoned lines. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report: A report was not submitted.
Police Report:
Kerry presented his report. He commented on the dogs running loose; stating the Police would like to have people Volunteer to house stray dogs for a few days, as there is no-where to put dogs when they catch them running loose.
Kerry mentioned the eCode 360 online is different than in the book copy for Junk Vehicles.
Kerry stated all juveniles have been cited for the break-in at the school property. Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report: Nothing to report.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti presented a Recorded Deed of Easement regarding Dale and Kathleen Whitenight vs. Northumberland and Montour Joint Airport Authority, which dismisses the law suit.
Attorney Michetti discussed the ‘Small Games of Chance’, stating Council could adopt a resolution after updating the ordinance on Amusement taxes. It would have to be enforced and fees would have to be set. Council will discuss at the May 6th meeting. Beth made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Barb said the Egg Hunt at the Southside Fire Company was a success. Lots of candy was given out. John Domanski made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report, Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
Landlord/Tenant Reporting – Tax Collector, Ruth Peck informed the Borough Secretary that she does not know who is moving in/out of rental properties. Ruth wrote in an email to the Borough, “Requiring Landlords to report tenants, will not only give us a slight increase in Per Capita Tax Income, but it will also be beneficial to the Police Department to know who is moving into our area.” Danville Borough has an Ordinance requiring Landlords to report Tenant changes. The Solicitor stated such an Ordinance would have to Enforced by appointment with the Landlord and Tenant(s). Attorney Michetti will do research on this matter.
Door buzz in - John LaMotte will continue to research.
 
Motion to Approve:
Grant for Covid-19 ARPA PA Multi-purpose Community Facilities Program – a grant application is not feasible at this time. Council will pursue a Grant in the future.
​
Action Items:
School Property - John Domanski feels it was a mistake to purchase the school property, located on Avenue A. Spent to date is $70,000.00 + and we have nothing accomplished. We have a $10 million estimate, can Riverside afford this. John D stated, we have the sewer project and Pine Swamp Hollow Road guide rails in process. He feels we should sell the whole property. The Borough owns the lot next to the garage on Avenue D. There is a company called Morton, they will build to your specifications and will lease until paid off. John said to keep in mind, once Merck closes, we will be losing money. John Domanski made a Motion to sell the entire former School property. Peter agrees with John in a number of ways, stating perhaps COVID made the original (cost to build) estimate of $5 million escalate. Peter stated, however, he would like Council to look into other options. John LaMotte stated, they are searching for Grants. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti recommended to have the property appraised. Advertise to Bid or Auction to Bid. Barb Kriner asked if we should sub-divide. The Solicitor said, No, the Borough cannot get into real estate. There were no Second Motions on John Domanski’s Motion. Barb made a Motion to get proposals from a surveyor to present to Council. Ken Gardner seconded the Motion. John D opposed. Barb said her husband welcomes Council to go through their building in Northumberland. John LaMotte mentioned to John Domanski, ‘You missed the Workshop that you wanted scheduled to discuss the new building project.” Peter said two thirds of the building can be demolished. $350,000.00 to do demolition, $115,000.00 per square foot to do renovations, per the Engineering Company. John D asked if the tank in the ground is in included in the demolition estimate.
Council decided to table the discussion on digitizing the office records until an estimate is received.
 
Bridge Lights – Ken Gardner contacted the manufacturer of the current lights on the bridge. The company did not recommend aluminum. Ken received a quote of $3,000.00 for the six poles, which he is going to confirm that quote. Mahoning Township paid $7,800.00 to install the 6 poles, plus $20,000.00 for the lights. Ken also contacted Lewisburg about their light poles. They inspect them annually and paint them every ten years.
 
Borough Ordinance, Chapter 225-Sewers and Chapter 238-Solid Waste:
Discussion was held regarding the Real Property, the Borough’s Right-of-Ways (R.O.W.) and Lateral maintenance. Solicitor Michetti stated anything in the Right-of-Ways is the Borough’s responsibility. Property owners are responsible from the home to the R.O.W. Dan Gable explained by drawing how R.O.W.’s are exceeding in property lines. John Domanski said the R.O.W. Ordinance states they must be free of trees, shrubbery and buildings. John D said the Ordinance states a property owner is responsible to the property line. Dan asked Council if the ordinance can be defined. Peter commented on the delinquent sewer accounts. He would like to see names and properties published in the newspaper. Council will discuss such action at the next meeting.
 
Executive Session:
At 9:45pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personnel issues. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
At 10:20pm, Council went back into Regular Session. John Domanski made a Motion to hire Attorney Slusser for consultation. Ken Gardner seconded. Beth opposed.
 
Council Adjourned at 10:22pm
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
April 15, 2024
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.      OLD BUSINESS
         A. Minutes of 04/01/2024 meeting.
II.     BORO LIFE COMMITTEE       
III.   NEW BUSINESS
          A. Fax machine for Street Department
         B. Information Request Form
IV.    MOTION TO APPROVE
         A. Cell phone for Office     
 V.     ACTION ITEMS
         A. Resolution for Plan Revision for New Land Development-Pine Hurst Acres Events  Venue
         B. Pave and Mill Bids
          C. Bridge Lights
VI.    EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, May 6, 2024 @ 7:00 P.

​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, March 18, 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, Delavan Whitenight Jr and Ken Gardner.
Also present was Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Citizens present:
Residents Deanna and Chloe Drabant, Robert Rickard and Andrew Mumich from the Press Enterprise.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Deanna Drabant addressed Council with a dog issue. She and her daughter were walking their dog on the corner of 4th and Line Street on Monday, March 11th. Deanna said her dog was attacked by two dogs. Her dog was bit and had to be taken to a Veterinarian. The dog had puncture wounds, but did not require stitches. Deanna stated the very next day, Tuesday, March 12th, another resident was walking her dog and was attacked by the same two (2) dogs. The lady had a back injury from the dogs knocking her to the ground and they were attacking her dog. Her dog also had to be taken to a Veterinarian. Again, puncture wounds were found on her dog, no stitches were required. Riverside Police were notified and they contacted the Dog Warden. Deanna asked Council to do something before someone gets mauled or worse. Beth asked if the person has been cited. The owner has been cited three (3) times before. Peter stated Council will certainly follow-up. Council Members apologized for their experience.
Resident, Robert Rickard was in audience just to observe.
 
Old business:
John Domanski made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 4 meeting, Barb Kriner seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
 
Borough Life:
Nothing to report.
 
New Business:
John Domanski spoke with Jackie Hart about serving as a back-up for Brian Anderson, Zoning/Code Officer. Jackie agreed to attend a meeting to present her services. Peter feels Jackie is very thorough. Beth made a Motion to have Jackie Hart speak at the Council meeting scheduled for April 15th, Barb seconded. All in Favor.
John LaMotte commented on the Workshop held on Saturday, March 16th regarding the former school property. John said there is interest from individuals to buy or lease the land. Steve will contact one person who voiced an interest. John LaMotte suggest when demolishing part of the school building, we have someone come look at anything that could be recycled. Resident, Rob Richard stated the Lycoming County Waste Transfer Station accepts any electronics, TV’s, etc. for no charge. Peter said he saw a large TV over the bank on Boyce Hollow Road recently and some tires. Peter made a Motion to have the Street Department check on the items that have been dumped along Boyce Hollow Road. John Domanski seconded. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Filing Cabinets; 7 out of the 10 cabinets will have locks installed by Becks Lock & Key Service. John D recommends all the filing cabinets be locked. Barb questioned who would have the keys to the filing cabinets. Council President, Steve stated, Lisa will have the keys. Barb asked who will have keys to the building. She said, “If I want to do research in the evenings or read over old minutes, I can’t get in, I would have to come during the day. Why can’t I have a key to the building?” Delavan feels people who do business in the building, should have a key. Ken Gardner stated he does not want a key, as Steve said he has one, but does not want one. Barb objected to not having a key.
Beth told Barb she could have her key. Barb asked Peter if he had a problem with her having a key. Peter commented, “The locks were changed and it was agreed upon that only five (5) keys were to be given out.”
Steve said Council should take a vote on who gets keys.
The following Votes were made for keys to be given out:
BIU – Peter made a Motion to give a key, Barb seconded. Beth opposed.
Zoning Officer – Barb made a Motion to give a key, Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
Barb Kriner – Delavan made a motion to give a key, Ken seconded. Peter opposed.
Street Department – Peter made a Motion to give a key, John D seconded. All in Favor.
John D made a Motion to order four (4) more keys, Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Metal filing Cabinet for office – Delavan said he might have some that he could donate.
 
Action Items:
Ken contacted old Associates to see if tests can be done on the bridge light poles for sturdiness. They suggested that the poles ‘not’ be repaired, but instead, be replaced. Ken stated these poles are a liability to Council; 1 Million dollars per occurrence and 3 million per aggregate. If one light were to fall over and cause injury, we would be negligent. Ken made a Motion to get a minimum of two (2) bids to replace six (6) bridge posts using the old arms and lights with proper seal between arms and post, and proper seal at base cover which provides access to anchor bolts. Bids must include material and workmanship warranty, time to complete and payment terms. John L suggested protective barrier approximately seven (7) feet up the poles. He said we should ask the bidders for some type of protective shield on the poles. At John Domanski’s recommendation, Motion was modified to include optional more corrosion resistance material and an option for a shield to protect the poles from salt blasting. Council discussed at length the bridge poles and determined that the best course of action is to bid out to replace the six (6) poles. Barb seconded the Motion to get bids. All in Favor.
 
Ken highlighted on a few Articles in the Chapter 238 Solid Waste, Garbage and Rubbish Collection and Disposal. Ken stated Council should review and come back to decide if the Code needs revised. Ordinance(s) were written in 2011.
Ken said there were complaints from residents about damage from the vultures last year due to trash not being in containers and food being thrown out for animals. Article 238-2, Accumulation Prohibited - Exterior property and premises shall be free from any rubbish or garbage. Article 238-4, Containers required - for all garbage and refuse placed after 6:00pm on the day before collection and empty trash containers removed from the collection point prior to 8:00pm the day of collection. Peter said if we receive complaints about the vultures again, we will then address it. John LaMotte said, “It is pride in your community, all trash should be in containers.” Delavan said there might be a lot of boxes around Christmas. Beth said most trash haulers prefer trash ‘not’ be in containers. Barb questioned how much should local government interfere on rights of citizens. John L said trash needs to be into bags, then in cans. Steve said Council will review the Ordinance.
Ken commented on Ordinance 225, Sewers. The Ordinance regarding Sunny Acres and Beishline all discuss the interface is at the main sewer. He suggests Council read the Ordinance. John Domanski said homeowners are responsible from their home to the main. Peter understands the code to be from the house to the property line. Peter recommended the Ordinance be updated to state, ‘A property owner must obtain a permit for work done on laterals.’ Peter commented, “PSAB’s guidelines are that if an ordinance states something, it could be overturned in litigation.” John LaMotte said the lateral is the home owners’ responsibility. John Domanski stated that Attorney Michetti said in a previous meeting, he will research and report to Council.
Ken mentioned the sewer repair listing from Larson. He recommends to have the Street Department employees compare the list to the properties that need repairs made. Steve said the video regarding the Smoke Testing from Larson Design Group should be reviewed.
 
No Executive Session was held.
At 8:18pm, John Domanski made a Motion to adjourn and Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary