Riverside Borough

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, October 1, 2018 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, Pa.  The meeting was called to order by President Carolyn M. Bausch at 7:00 pm.  In attendance this evening were Council Members Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, and Kevin Romansik.  Solictor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch also attended.  Absent this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming, Council Members Michael Leibel and John Domanski as well as Mayor Joseph Oberdorf.
The audience this evening consisted of Angie and Rod Kerstetter, Anthony Knight, Rebekah Lenig, Nick Fowler, Matt Sudol and Karen Blackledge, Danville News reporter.
Rod Kerstetter of Mainzer Hill Road addressed Council first with an issue regarding the road work being done on that road.  He stated the way it is now, his yard will be inundated with water runoff and requested an additional  cross pipe be placed to divert the water issue.  He also spoke of crowning the roadway away from his driveway area.  Dan Gable of the Street Department responded that we do have pipe available that could be used.  Matt Sudol who is doing the current project was also present and said it would be an additional $1250.00 to add the pipe and repair work.  Matt suggested that the Kerstetter’s put a swale in their yard to also help in water diversion.
Rebekah Lenig that spoke on the stray cat issue.    Zoning states a home is allowed to have 5 cats and she is dealing with about 9 at this time as well as a new litter of 4.  She was advised to speak with the homeowner to ascertain ownership of the cats.  She will work with the Zoning Officer regarding the problem.
Matt Sudol then spoke about the Mainzer Hill Project and the roadblocks he has run into,i.e., not being able to get in touch with the DCNR representative and additional rainfall.  He asked for an extension of the contract.  On a Motion by Beth Rake and Seconded by Kevin Romansik, extension was granted for the work to be completed by November 5, 2018 as well as the extra pipe work for $1250.00 previouly discussed.  All voted in favor.  Dan Gable then told Council Sudol’s Paving should be commended for going above and beyond on the work they have done so far.
Old Business included approval of the minutes of September 17,2018 ; this was done on a Motion by Kevin Romansik and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
Prohibited truck signage was the last old business for discussion.  Kevin Romansik stated the signs he had seen and shared with Dan Gable were not PennDot signs.  Dan will look into these signs and see how many we would need in the borough.
Brian Anderson then presented the September Zoning Report.  There were 2 Zoning Variance Hearings held in August, Christine Lee and Keith McRee.  Both projects were approved.  Brian spoke of Eminent Domain for blighted properties.  Solicitor Michetti explained the procedures for proceeding with this course of action which does take months.   He will look into this further and report at the next meeting.  Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
Chief Kerry Parkes presented the Police Department report for September.  He recapped the monthly report including the sale of the Crown Vic vehicle and our 1st Riverside DUI checkpoint.  He is interested in hiring at least one part time officer next year and will work on the budget for that.  Report approved on a Motion by Kevin Romansik and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Dan Gable, Street Department Superintendent, updated council on their activities in September.  Bridge lights were replaced by Seidel and Cero.   Gas line restorations are complete and the gas company is starting a new phase of gas line on Avenue F to Beishline and Riverhill developments.  He was told they would be boring rather than trenching the new lines.  He discussed the truck maintenance being done in preparation of leaf collection.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Kevin Romansik, leaf collection will take place in the Borough during the period of October 22 to November 21, 2018.  All voted in favor.   Street Department report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
Nick Fowler gave the Southside Fire Company report.   He reviewed his report of calls for the month.  He also stated a visit had been made to Hower Road and there is no longer an issue there.   They will be getting a new heavy duty lock to replace the one currently in place.  He also requested consideration be made at budget time to assist with a generator purchase.  This would be housed at the fire company.  St Peter’s church is the current evacuation center but they have no generator.  Todd Oberdorf, EMA, is to meet with St Peter’s next week to discuss the issue.  Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
Due to the Mayor’s absence this evening, there was no report given.
Solicitor Michetti then advised council he is working on the Railroad Tax Appeal. He explained the process and what will happen going forward.  Report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Kevin Romansik.
For New Business, Kevin Romansik inquired about business conducted in homes.  Brian Anderson, responded to the question and said business cannot be held in certain districts of the Borough.
Last New Business was approval of the date and time for Halloween Trick or Treating.  On a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Barb Kriner, Trick or Treating will be allowed in the Riverside Borough on Wednesday, October 31st from 6 – 9 pm.
At approximately 7:46 pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to Adjourn.
Council meeting adjourned for the evening.
Respectfully Submitted,
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

As approved at the 10/1/18 meeting the minutes of 9/17/18 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, September 17, 2018 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order by President Carolyn Bausch at 7:00 pm.  Present these evening were Vice President Peter Fleming and council members Beth Rake, John Domanski, Michael Leibel and Kevin Romansik.  Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were present also.  Absent this evening was council member Barb Kriner.
 
In the audience this evening were Rick, Jen and Evan Warren as well as Karen Blackledge, news reporter for the Danville News.
 
Rick Warren addressed council with concern over his son’s ATV riding on their property being an issue for neighbors.  He had read the newspaper article on the last meeting and wanted council to know his son does not ride an altered vehicle; it is a 2012 Yamaha Raptor vehicle and he only rides on their property at 46 Blue Hills Court.  He does not ride all hours; during school has an 8 pm curfew and 9 pm at other times.  He also does not ride before 8 am.  Evan had talked to several neighbors when he got the vehicle and none had any issues with him riding it.  Jen Warren stated she had conversations with Chief Parkes and there was no violation taking place.  It was suggested the Warrens speak with the neighbors who have the issue and hopefully they can work out the concerns.
 
Minutes of September 4, 2018 were approved on a Motion by John Domanski; seconded by Beth Rake.
All voted in favor.
Financial Reports for July 2016 were approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted In favor.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then addressed council concerning the purchase of a new bucket truck to replace our failing machine.  He has looked at and test driven a 1996 vehicle that is for sale.  It has 3 small things to be fixed but it has a new transmission and would be a good investment for their department.  Asking price is $4500.00.  The boon on the vehicle does need inspected.  On a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Beth Rake, Dan was given permission to purchase the vehicle.  All voted in favor.
 
John Domanski inquired about the status of Mainzer Hill project.  Sudol paving has milled off the old tar and chip surface.  Again the weather has not been cooperating with the completion of the project.
Discussion then went to the problem with large trucks going on streets in the borough such as 3rd Street, and recently S. Mill Street onto 10th Street.  Properties are being damaged.  Kevin Romansik stated there is a nice sign in Danville and is going to get a photo of it for council to see if it would work in our areas.  Dan will take note of areas that would need signs posted. Will discuss at 10/1/18 meeting.
 
At 7:28 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn.  Seconded by Kevin Romansik.
Riverside Borough Council meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

​4th Quarter Sewer Bills were mailed today so watch for your blue card to arrive. Please pay amount on the left hand column if paying prior to November 13th. After November 13, amount will be the one on the right hand column. Payments may be placed in the after hours door slot in the office.
Payments must be in the office before close of business on November 13 to avoid the late fee; those placed in the after hours drop slot will be charged the late fee if left after 11/13/18. Forms are available in the office for those wishing to do automatic bank withdrawls for your sewer bill. For those residents using bill payer, please be sure to allow time for mailing to the office. If you have any questions regarding your sewer bill, please call the office, 570 275-1751. If you have a sewer emergency, contact the Street Department at 570 275-5338.

 October 1 - Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm      
Oct 4 – 7 Covered Bridge Festival, Knoebel’s                                                   Grove, Elysburg   
​   
 October 8 – Columbus Day 
 
 October 15- Borough Council Meeting
 
October 11 - Southside Fire Company Open House, 6 pm – 9 pm
                                                  
October 22 - Leaf Collection begins in the Borough(pending Council approval)

October 25 – Danville Halloween Parade at 7:00 pm     (rain date:  Oct 28 @ 3 pm)
 
  October 31 –HALLOWEEN
  Trick or Treat observed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Homeowners should leave a light  on if you want Trick or Treaters to visit!
 
TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR OCTOBER
By Appointment only!
Phone 570 764-1393 to meet with Rebecca Steckley

As approved at the Sep 17, 2018 meeting, minutes of 9/4/18 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Carolyn Bausch. In attendance this evening were Council Members Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, John Domanski and Kevin Romansik as well as Vice President Peter Fleming.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Joe Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were in attendance.  Prior to further action of the Council, Mayor Joe Oberdorf did the swearing in of Michael Leibel to the Riverside Borough Council.  Michael then joined the Council Table.  President Carolyn Bausch stated to all that the meetings are taped for record of the proceedings.
 
Citizens in the audience this evening included John Novak, Nick Fowler, Tara and Charles Smargiassi, Scarlet Erdman, Matt Sudol, Anthony Knight and Rebekah Lenig.  Charles Smargiassi took the floor to inquire about a noise ordinance; 4 wheeler is still being ridden which is very loud and disruptive to neighbors.  He has not spoken to the parents of the youth.  He stated it is an altered vehicle.  Chief Kerry Parkes then stated there is a Quality of Life ticketing program which could be considered to be enacted.
Rebekah Lenig spoke of the problem of feral cats; she has had 6 caught and fixed but there are new kittens constantly being born.  Solicitor Michetti stated there is no ordinance about cats.  We will continue looking into this issue.
 
Minutes of August 6, 2018 were approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
Budget Report for June 2018 was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
The Zoning Officer Brian Anderson, was not present this evening.  Report was presented by President Carolyn Bausch.  Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes then gave the Police Department report.  The new car is here and operational.  We will sell the Crown Victoria on Municibid.  He has applied for a grant towards new radios.  He spoke of an issue with PennDot and asking for help with painting the yellow lines in front of the Muffin Man.  This is a borough responsibility but the Chief felt the PennDot painters came through the area to turn around and it was only about 60 feet that needed done.  Matt Sudol then spoke up and stated his company had the equipment and could do it with the Borough supplying the paint.  Paint runs approximately $140/5 gallon pail.  Beth Rake made a Motion to have Sudol doing the painting with reimbursement for cost of paint; seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.   Chief Parkes then stated he had an application from Andrew Bustin who is looking for part time work in the police department.  John Domanski stated the Karr property across from the airport is in need of mowing.  Police Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Dan Gable then present the Street Department Report.  The plow truck has been repaired and new gutters are on the garage building.  2 trees came down in an alley along the river and had to be removed by Northeast Tree Service.  The Bucket Truck is in need of a new transmission at a cost of approximately $2400.00.   They have found a F450 for sale at a cost of $5000.00; it is a 1996 model.  Dan will go see the vehicle and check it out.  Dan stated there had been an issue about a drainpipe on Avenue G.  PennDot will be paving the road soon.   After discussion, John Domanski stated we have no responsibility in this case.
Mainzer Hill project was the next topic of discussion.  Due to weather and material delays, an extension was requested for the completion of the project which was to have been August 31, 2018.  Solicitor Michetti said the contract date could be made retroactive.  On a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake, an extension has been granted to Sudol Paving to complete the Mainzer Hill Project by October 2, 2018.  All Approved.  The Street Department Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Nick Fowler, Southide Fire Chief, presented the fire company report for August.  It was a slow month.
There will be an Open House on October 11, 2018, 6-9 pm in observance of Fire Prevention Week.   The Hower Road safety issue was discussed; brush has been trimmed back and cleared. Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Blighted Property Report will be incorporated into the Zoning Report.
 
Mayor Oberdorf recommended using Municibid for the sale of the Crown Vic.  The Borough has been using the program for previous police sale items and has been successful for the borough.
Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by Peter Fleming and all approved.
 
Solicitor Michetti spoke on the Railroad Transfer Tax Refund that is pending; a response waiver has been requested which will mean no action for 60 days.  Solicitor Michetti explained the process in depth to the council.  State will make their decision first.  Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Under New Business, John Domanski inquired about budget items.  He spoke of the Evacuation Center and working with Southside Fire Company to make it the Evacuation center since St Peter’s Church stated they knew nothing of being the center for emergencies.  It was suggested Nick Fowler work with the board at St Peter’s to have a safe place for residents in an emergency situation.  John Domanski then started conversation about having a time block for extra hours for street department to help out with street issues due to rain, etc.    A final agenda item was presented by Beth Rake who stated she had been contacted about a community yard sale in the borough.  Other communities have been doing this and her neighbor thought it would be a good idea also and perhaps the Southside Fire Company grounds could be used.  Barb Kriner responded that it had been considered in the past but didn’t get put into action.
 
At approximately 8:04 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn.  
Riverside Borough Council adjourned the Meeting.

Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

September 1 – Cops vs Karaoke – 3pm, Southside Fire Company
September 3 – Labor Day Holiday   
Borough Offices Closed   -    Danville Area Schools Closed
September 4 (TUESDAY) – Borough Council Meeting – 7 PM
September 8 -  Danville Fall Arts and Craft Fair -   9am - 5 pm
September 9 - Doggie Dive, 11 am - 3 pm,        Knoebels Park  
September 11 –    Patriot Day     
September 15 - Starry Night, Hess Field,     Walk/Run     Pediatric Brain Tumors
September 17 – Council Meeting    
    163rd Bloomsburg Fair - Sept. 21 – Sept 29  
Danville Schools closed:  Sept 27-28
   
September 22 – Autumn Begins        
   
TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR SEPTEMBER
-By Appointment only! Phone 570 764-1393 to meet with Rebecca Steckley
 
Borough Secretary will be out of the office during September 5 – 14!

​RIVERSIDE AND WASHINGTONVILLE MOSQUITO SPRAYING SET FOR 08/29/2018
The Northumberland County Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program, in coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection, will be conducting an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus on August 29, 2018 in parts of Riverside and Washingtonville Boroughs.
The treatments will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying residential and recreational mosquito habitat. The equipment dispenses Deltagard at a rate of 0.66 ounces per acre. The product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application material has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.
Provided there are no unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather, the spray will begin at dusk.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.
In 2018, West Nile virus has been detected in the following counties: Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Union, Venango, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming, and York.
Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation.
If conditions do not allow application on August 29, 2018, the following evening, August 30, 2018 will serve as the back-up spray date.
If conditions remain unfavorable, the spray will be postponed until weather permits.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, please visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.
# #

From the desk of State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver:
Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Pennsylvania residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building that requires identification or military installation.
PennDOT is working with the federal government to update its systems to complete compliance. In the meantime, Pennsylvania residents will be able to use their current driver’s license to access federal facilities through Oct.10, 2018, under an extension granted by the federal government. Additional extensions are anticipated as the Commonwealth comes into compliance.
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began taking online applications for REAL ID pre-verification for customers interested in obtaining a REAL ID. Customers eligible for this service are those who obtained their first Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID card after September 2003.
Beginning in September 2018, you can bring your REAL ID documentation to any PennDOT Driver License Center for verification. Then, once the REAL IDs are available in Spring 2019, you will be able to order your REAL ID online – no need to go back to the driver license center.
To obtain the REAL ID, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $30, plus a renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year noncommercial driver’s license or a photo ID). The expiration date of your first REAL ID license or ID card will include any time remaining on your current license or ID card, plus an additional four years (unless you are over 65 and have opted for a two-year license). For example, if your license is set to expire in October 2020, but you upgrade to a REAL ID in October 2019, your new REAL ID compliant license or ID card won’t expire until October 2024. This means that you won’t “lose”
time that you’ve already paid for. Visit www.Penndot.gov/REALID for more information.
With the implementation of REAL ID, many Pennsylvanians will be requesting a copy of their birth certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records. Despite efforts to work with the department to improve processing times, it currently takes as long as six months for the state to issue a birth certificate.
In June, the House passed legislation that would overhaul the process for issuing birth certificates. House Bill 84 is currently under consideration in the Senate. Residents are reminded that they can submit birth certificate applications through any of my district offices, which typically reduces the processing time, although Vital Records does not guarantee this. The fastest way to obtain a birth certificate is to go in-person to a Vital Records office in Harrisburg or Scranton.

​Get the Facts About Concussions
By State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland/Snyder)
With many student athletes gearing up for fall sports practice, students, parents and coaches are reminded about ways to prevent, recognize and manage concussions.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Concussions can have serious short-term and long-term impacts, especially on young people whose brains are still developing.
In 2011, the Safety in Youth Sports Act was signed into law in Pennsylvania, requiring all school entities to develop return-to-play policies for student athletes with concussions, as well as requiring related training for coaches. Visit www.health.pa.gov/topics/school/Pages/Concussion.aspx for more information.
Most importantly, if you think your child has a concussion, seek medical attention, discuss the injury with the coach and don’t allow the athlete to return to play without permission from a health care professional. Good luck to all our student athletes this year, and remember, safety first!

​ 
MAINZER HILL ROAD WORK WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2018 AND WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS.
 
EXPECT DELAYS DURING THIS ROAD IMPROVEMENT TIME