Riverside Borough

  January 1 -  Welcome 2016!     Happy New Year!!  
                          Borough Offices Closed
January 2 - Christmas Tree pick up by Jerseytown Boy Scout Troop - $2 donation - for pick up call  570 -  784-7370  or  570 - 4737-3280
 
   January 4 - Danville Schools Resume Classes
January 4 - Borough Council Reorganizational Meeting at 7 pm 
 
 January 18 - Borough Council Meeting at 7 pm
  Martin Luther King Jr. Day -
                       Danville Schools Closed
 
 
 
         

Click herThe Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, December 7, 2015 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  In the absence of the President, the meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 pm by Vice President Peter T. Fleming. Council members in attendance were Carolyn Bausch, Caressa Compton and Barb Kriner.  Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were present.  In addition to President John Novak, absent this evening were Council Members Lori Steele and John Domanski.
Keith Geise was present to discuss his land subdivision on Boyce Road.  This Subdivision was approved by Northumberland County Planning Commission as well as the Riverside Borough Planning Commission. Mr. Geise explained this is being done strictly to handle some bank financing.  The land is not being developed.  On a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Caressa Compton, subdivision plan was approved.  All voted in favor.
 
Meeting Minutes of November 16, 2015 were approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.  Peter Fleming did clarify paragraph 3 of the minutes regarding the Snyder brothers concerns over a driveway on their property.    There will be no driveway; this was being used by surveyors for a lot development in the River Hills II area.
 
Zoning Report was given by Brian Anderson.  He stated there have been 2 residents in contact with him regarding subdivisions of their property; he is still checking into these requests.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted in favor.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes then presented the Police Report.  Report was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.  Barb Kriner then extended a Thank You to the Police Department for coordinating the search for our missing resident.  Chief Parkes said it was  incredible to work with the IMT Team and what a great job Patrolman Kevin Romansik did getting things in place.  Chief Parkes also noted Quentin Reinford came to help in the search after working a late night shift.   At this time Chief Parkes asked to hire Quentin Reinford for the Riverside Police Department.  A conditional hire was made via motion by Barb Kriner and Seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.  Quentin will need to pass a physical and psychological as part of the conditional hire.
 
Barb Kriner then presented the Southside Fire Company reports for October and November.  Discussion was held about the need for ashes at a recent fire on Pine Swamp Road.  There are no hydrants in Riverside so water must be trucked to sites and can spill over.  Barb also stated tree sales are going good and there have been approximately 200 trees sold to date; now making a profit on the sales.  Report was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Barb Kriner. All present approved.
 
Solicitor Joseph Michetti joined the Council meeting at approximately 7:20 pm. 
 
Mayor Joseph Oberdorf gave his report.  He commended the Police Department for their work on the missing person and reiterated what an outstanding job was done by Patrolman Kevin Romansik. The Mayor was amazed at all the support and assistance available and used during this search and rescue effort.   Barb Kriner stated she was glad they found the body to give closure to her husband, George Bonetti; she was in awe of the whole group of volunteers and services that were present.  Vice President Fleming offered condolences to George Bonetti and family at this difficult time.  Mayor’s report was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in Favor.
 
Solicitor Joseph Michetti then presented his report.  Research was done on the phone books being tossed in the borough and there is nothing we can do about this; it is a dead issue.  Attorney Michetti then discussed the issue of collection of costs against insurance companies by the fire company.  There can be a Recovery Funds Ordinance done.  Barb Kriner also discussed the Boot Drive done by fire companies which has now been made a legally allowed collection process.  A Motion was made by Caressa Compton and seconded by Carolyn Bausch to have the Solicitor draft an ordinance to allow fire company to seek costs for clean up from insurance companies.  All voted in favor.
A letter was received from Robert Burns regarding a property classification.  This was evidently discussed back in 2009 but only orally and nothing in writing.  Mr. Burns referenced an agriculture protection plan which Attorney Michetti believes he is referring to an agriculture preservation plan.  Attorney Michetti will look into this inquiry.  Solicitor Report was approved on a motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted for.
 
Carolyn Bausch had new business to discuss.  She had attended a meeting in Sunbury last week involving Penn Dot.  She provided a summary brochure for the council members.  She spoke of the Highway Beautiful program and signage which is being reviewed.  Banners are illegal and she had lots of information about where signs could be placed and colors for digital signs.  She stated it was a very interesting meeting. 
 
Motion to approve the tax millage as well as 2016 budget proceeded for review.  Vice President Fleming stated there is no tax increase and millage will remain at 9.5 mills.  Budget figures were recapped.  Budget was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Barb Kriner.  The tax millage ordinance was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  Both motions passed in favor by all in attendance.
 
A survey form for State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver was reviewed.  Form will be completed and returned as requested. 
 
On a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner, Council meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
 
Respectfully submitted:

Deborah Bausch
Secretary
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The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, November 16, 2015 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  In the absence of President John Novak, the meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Vice President Peter T. Fleming.  In attendance this evening were Council members Caressa Compton, Barb Kriner and John Domanski. Mayor Joe Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were in attendance.  Absent this evening were Council Members Carolyn Bausch and Lori Steele.  President John Novak joined the meeting at 7:10 pm. 
 
The Meeting started off with the Oath of Office being administered to Officer Kevin Romansik by Mayor Joe Oberdorf.  Police Badge was pinned on by his wife, Sarah Romansik with sons, Callaghan and Jaxson beside her.  Kevin was welcomed to the Riverside Borough Police Force and Borough Family.  He was congratulated by family members in attendance, Paul Kort and Laura Richards.
 
First citizen to be heard was Ben Snyder of Avenue G.  Ben stated someone is trying to put a driveway across his property.  He said pins were placed part way up his driveway for a drive to cross his.   He is not sure who is doing it; said he had spoken with the surveyor but wasn’t sure of his name.  Ben’s brother, Jim Snyder, Bloomsburg, also spoke about the family property and the threat of this driveway crossing their property.  The Snyder’s were informed nothing has been filed with the Borough and there would need to be paperwork filed and approved by the Riverside Borough Planning Commission as well as the Northumberland County office.   Council assured them we would notify them immediately if anything was filed.  Ben Snyder left his phone number in case something should develop.
Other citizen in the audience this evening was Beth Hancock who has been elected for a council seat in 2016.
 
Minutes of November 2, 2015 were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak.  All voted in favor.
Financial Reports for October were also approved.  Motion was made by Barb Kriner and seconded by
Caressa Compton.  All voted for and motion passed.
 
Dan Gable, Street Department Superintendent, then presented his streets report.  The street department crew has been very busy with leaf collection as well as storm damage.  Three trees were downed in the winds recently.  So far 52 loads of leaves have been taken from the borough streets.
Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
There was no Southside Report.  Report will be given at next meeting for the two month period.
 
Barb Kriner then presented the Code Enforcement Report.  First property at 330 Avenue F is owned by Betty Oberdorf who is in an assisted living facility in Shamokin.  House is in a state of disrepair and littered with trash.  Ms. Oberdorf had hoped for a sale but it fell through.  Anyone wishing to purchase property should contact the law office of Marks, McLaughlin and Dennehy.
The two properties of Don Cook, 196 D & H Ave and 413 Ave F, have been cited; there are 19 citations on the properties to date.  Warrants have been issued for Mr. Cook.  Discussion was held on Act 34 which is a new House Bill addressing blighted properties.  Article is published in PA Borough News magazine.
100 D & H Avenue, property of Dave Decouteau is still under a stop work order.  Brian Anderon is working with this property owner.
Mr. Bloch has been working on demolishing his building at 101 Elysburg Road. 
The last property reviewed was 912 Sunbury Road owned by Tom Bostian Jr.  He is working on selling this property.
Report was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by John Novak.  All voted in favor.
 
Under New Business John Domanski stated UGI has received the Right of Way from Merck to go forward with the gas lines.  John Novak thanked John Domanski for all his work on getting the gas lines in the borough.
 
Meeting dates for 2016 Council meetings were approved by Motion made by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.  Dates will be published in the newspaper.  There was a question about the Reorganization Meeting; this will take place at the January 4, 2016 council meeting.
 
Proposed budget was put on the table; accounts were recapped.  Advertising of preliminary budget was discussed including ad content and figures.  Approval of the Preliminary Budget was put on the table via Motion by Barb Kriner and Seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor except John Domanski who voted no.  Motion passed by majority vote. John Domanski then made a motion to increase the library contribution to $500.00; seconded by John Novak.    After further discussion on the subject, John Domanski rescinded his previous motion; seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted for.  The increase to the Library will be done in a meeting in 2016 and budget will go forward as proposed. 
 
Another topic of discussion was new flooring in the Police Office.  One bid had been received for laminated flooring; one was received for carpeting.  Council is seeking more bids and information. Flooring has been tabled for a later meeting on a Motion by Barb Kriner and Seconded by John Novak.
 
At 8:05 pm, Barb Kriner made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting to an executive session; seconded by John Novak.
 
The Executive Session was ended at 8:50 pm on a motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Novak.  Regular Council Session was resumed.
 
Discussion of a new Leaf Box was put on the table.  The second box was ordered due to the street department taking leaves to a different disposal spot.  They have been able to work with the one box; however it was too late to cancel the new box.  There is a money market account at FNB which is to be moved to Service 1st.  It was suggested to take the cost of the leaf box from those funds and deposit the remainder into a CD at Service 1st.  This was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.
 
The Council meeting was adjourned at 8:58 pm on a Motion by John Novak and seconded by John Domanski.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
 Deborah Bausch
Secretary

 
  Dec 7 – Borough Council Meeting                      
  December 7 - First Day of Hanukkah

Dec 14 - Community Singers Program at St Peter's UM Church at 7 pm

 December 21 – Borough Council Meeting
       December 21 – Winter Begins 

Dec 23– Jan 1, 2016 - Christmas Break – No School
  December 25 – Christmas Day  
                  Borough Offices Closed

 December 26 – First day of Kwanzaa
December 31 – New Year’s Eve     
 
 TAX HOURS – Tax office is not open in December
By Appointment only!     Phone 570 764-1393 to meet with Rebecca Steckley