​To All Riverside Residents;
 
I want to introduce myself as your Council President. My name is Steve Wagner and I apologize for not communicating earlier. It’s been a busy year, and as I was sworn in January 2024 and nominated as President, time has flown by. I hope this communication leaves everyone with a better understanding of what we are doing. Our first project is the sewer, which is a three tier issue. One part is fixing the pump station, which is almost complete. This project was necessary due to contaminants being transferred to Danville, electrical panel malfunction and the use of Danville’s generator during peak flow. The other two tiers are split as East and West Sewer Renovations. Our sewer is old and in desperate need of repair piping. We have a million dollar matching Grant with a loan to complete the West End sewer renovation. The East project has not been financially secured as of yet. Other projects are the auction of seven acres behind our Elementary School, hopefully to be used for renovation. We are also in the process of a Grant for the Guiderail replacement along Pine Swamp Hollow Road. In addition to these projects, we are losing Merck Chemical Company, 39% of our taxable Real Estate income comes from Merck. We will be in a deficit with our budget this year. Council has no choice but to raise our taxes 1 Mill, 11.5 to 12.5. No one likes to raise taxes, we are in need of revenue, so any businesses that you think would like to set up shop in our little town, please send them to us.
            Riverside Council has the best interest of its’ citizens. We are in some difficult times, losing Merck and fixing our 50+ year sewer are two issues we need to address. Please feel free to attend our meetings and any help is appreciated.
 

Riverside Residents whom received a letter along with an Easement for the West End Sewer Project:
The Borough is under time restraints to Record these Easements, please try to stop in the Borough office to have your Easement Notarized as soon as possible.
Hours: 8am to 3pm
The Office will be closed on Friday, December 20.
The Office will also be closed on Tuesday, December 24 at 11:00am through Friday, December 27.
 
 
 

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr
Also present were Attorney Antonio Michetti, Police Kerry Parkes, Dan Gable and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Mayor John LaMotte and Zoning Officer Brian Anderson.
 
Citizens present:
Todd Oberdorf, Frank Maciejewski, Drew Mumich, Allie Wertz and Girl Scout Troop 33.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Resident Frank Maciejewski questioned if the Garbage Ordinance is being enforced, as he is noticing bags not in cans particularly on Monday mornings. Kerry Parkes said the Police have issued citations. 
Girl Scout Troop 33 was in attendance. They are working on a Merit Badge and would like to do some maintenance on the Memorial Garden in the Borough Park.
 
Old business:
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 11/18 meeting minutes. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Steve read over the report. Barb made a Motion to accept the report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan said leaf collection was very dusty this year, due to lack of rain. They collected more loads of leaves this year than previous years. If residents still have leaves, they must be bagged and at curbside. The Street Department will collect the bags. The bucket truck will go out for repairs after the Christmas lights are up. When the generator is hooked up, there will be two pumper trucks lined up. A Code Inspector and PPL will be on site for the generator hook up. Dan stated there was a problem with the sewer line in Hillside Estate. The line was televised to ensure there was not a collapse. Ken Gardner asked if we check to see if people are paid up to date when they have a sewer issue. Dan said the blockage was in the main line and not any fault of the home owner.
Ken asked Dan if training for employees on the generator has been scheduled. Dan said it has not been, it will be after the generator is set up.
Barb suggested contacting Justin Skavery to apply for a Grant for a new backhoe. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report: None submitted.
 
Police Report:
Kerry said the new department computer has been installed and it is much faster than then previous one. Kerry would like to see $12,000.00 put into the Budget for the purchase of a new vehicle. John made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report: None submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Will discuss in Executive Session.
 
Borough Life:
Barb said the ‘Parade of Lights’ will be held on Saturday, December 14th. There will be treats in the Park. The Christmas tree is set up in the Park. Anyone wishing to put an ornament on it, may do so. The ornaments are saved each year and put back on the tree. Delavan made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business: None
 
Motion to Approve:
2025 Budget will be approved at the 12/16 meeting. There is a $95,000.00 deficit. Ken said the Budget is based on low income from Merck. Merck makes up 39% of the taxable Real Estate income. The Earned Income might also decrease. Merck is demolishing buildings and decontaminating the grounds. Production will stop in 2025. Steve asked, do we raise taxes. Ken suggested ‘no’ tax increase. Peter suggested a 1 Mill tax increase. Barb and Delavan were not in favor of a tax increase.  John Domanski made a Motion to increase Real Estate taxes by 1 Mill, effective January 1, 2025; with a committee to find out where we can cut the Budget. Peter seconded the Motion. All in favor.
Discussion was held on the Tax Collector’s commission. John made a Motion to set the Tax Collector’s commission at 2.5%. Ken said we need to keep the job attractive. John amended his Motion to set the Tax Collector’s rate at 3%. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept a proposal from Whistle Stop Fence Company for fencing around the generator at the pump station. Delavan seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
John made a Motion to re-appoint Sewage Enforcement Officer, Robert Fugate Jr. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Ken asked where we are at with an Auctioneer. Weaver is going to send a proposal and also Dustin Snyder will be sending a proposal. Attorney Antonio Michetti stated, Auctioneer’s sell ‘As IS’ and will state so in their contract.
 
Action Items:
None
 
At 8:12pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session. John seconded. All in Favor.
Council went back into Public Session at 8:45pm.
Peter made a Motion to hire a Labor Attorney. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Ken made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47pm. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Fritz
Secretary
 
 
 

​"Hello and Merry Christmas Riverside Borough Residents"
 
"Year End is coming quickly and we have several Real Estate, Danville Area School
District and Per Capita Taxes outstanding. I know, life is hectic and bills sometimes
get put on the backburner because they are sent out earlier in the year, so please do not
hesitate to call or text me at 570-850-5870 to make arrangements to pay taxes by December 31st.
Any unpaid Real Estate and School District Tax will be sent to Northumberland County to 
collect after the 31st of December.  Riverside Borough has contracted with "Keystone" to
collect all Unpaid Per Capita. Additional Fees will be added to these unpaid bills. 
FYI, Per Capita Tax is NOT escrowed so please contact me if you are unsure if they are paid."
"You can also email me at [email protected] if you need a copy of your tax bill emailed." 
 
"Best Wishes, to all, for the New Year!" 
Ruth Peck

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
December 16, 2024
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 12/02/2024 meeting.                    
II.  BORO LIFE COMMITTEE         
III. NEW BUSINESS
            A. Pennvest and adoption of ordinance for DCED approval on borrowing.
           
IV.  MOTION TO APPROVE
          A. 2025 Budget
             A1. Pay Increases
            B. Re-appointment of Kyle Postupack to MARC (Montour Area Recreation Commission)
          C. School Auction

V.   ACTION ITEMS
VI.  EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, January 6, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M.

​Harbor of Hope Counseling and Resurgent Life announce the following Christmas events in conjunction with Danville Assembly of God Church in Riverside, PA (734 Sixth Street, Riverside PA 17868)
 
*SOLO DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE OF SCROOGE: Friday, December 13 @ 7:00 pm: Walter Smith presents "The Gospel According to Scrooge" - $10 at the door (12 and under are free) - doors open at 6:30 pm
 
*FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Sunday, December 15 @ 10:30 am: Christmas Concert with David DeMarco - DONATIONS WILL BE COLLECTED
 
*FREE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WALKTHROUGH: December 15 & 22 @ 7:00 pm: Stages of the Nativity Christmas Light Walk Through Display - Hot Chocolate and Christmas cookies available in the auditorium - DONATIONS WILL BE COLLECTED
 
*FREE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: December 24: Christmas Eve Gatherings: 10:30 am (bagels, donuts, muffins, fruit, coffee, tea, water) and 7:30 pm (coffee, tea, water, cookies, pies, and Birthday Cake for Jesus).
 
Call the office with questions: 570-764-6444 *option 1
 
Keith and Jeni Evans

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski and Barb Kriner.
Also present was Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner, Mike Steimling  Sr and Mayor John LaMotte
 
Citizens present:
Todd Oberdorf, Drew Mumich and Jaime Lyons
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Jaime Lyons, Director of Community Options stated a concern regarding a Certificate of Occupancy for homes they have own in the Borough. She spoke with Brian Anderson whom told her she did not need a C.O.O., she asked for a letter stating so on Borough Letterhead. Council decided to discuss at the 12/2 Council meeting, so the Solicitor can advise.
 
Old business:
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 11/4 meeting minutes. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
Discussion was held regarding the 2025 Budget. Merck/Cherokee is demolishing buildings, which will affect the tax base. Lisa will contact the Northumberland County Assessment Office to get the 2025 tax figures.
John made a Motion to sign the agreement with Pact One, LLC for the West End Sewer Replacement. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Peter made a Motion to approve and sign the Comcast Franchise Agreement to install service in the Riverside Area. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Nothing reported.
 
New Business:
 
Motion to Approve:
Steve recommended the Borough have an inspection service to oversee the West End Sewer Project. Larson Design Group submitted a proposal. John made a Motion to accept LDG Inspection Fees with written reports each month. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
Steve recommended to have a fence installed around the new generator. Per the Borough’s building inspector, Matt, a six (6) foot fence with razor wire does not require a permit. John suggested chain-link fencing with vinyl coating. John will contact fencing companies for pricing.
Barb Kriner submitted a letter from a co-worker she works with at Danville Borough regarding sewer isssues’ he had for two (2) weekends. Dan Gable contacted Roto-Rooter to do a visual inspection on Wednesday, November 20th. It was reported that blockages are occurring due to someone flushing wipes.
 
An Executive Session was not held.
Barb made a Motion to adjourn at 7:45pm. John seconded. All in Favor.     
                                             Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz, Secretary