Riverside Borough

Due to some work on a pole located at the Post Office, the Post Office window for service will be closed from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm on Wednesday, October 18, 2017

As approved at the October 16, 2017 meeting the minutes of 10/2/17 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, October 2, 2017 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John J Novak.  Others in attendance included Vice President Peter T Fleming, Council Members Carolyn Bausch, Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, John Domanski as well as Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Absent this evening was Council Person Caressa Compton.
 
First order of Business was to approve the minutes of September 18, 2017.  This was done on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
Carolyn Bausch inquired about the status of the auditors.  An agreement has been signed and is being processed with Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates, PC from Selinsgrove.
 
The Zoning Report was reviewed by Council; Zoning Officer Brian Anderson was not present this evening.  A letter that was received from Dave Decoteau was shared with Council.    Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Peter Fleming.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes then addressed Council with his Police Report.  He stated they have received new duty firearms.  There are some duty equipment (holsters, etc) for sale; Chief asked about posting on Facebook and was told it was okay since they were not firearms. Chief also spoke about new radios in the future that could run up a cost of close to $30,000.  Report approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.   All voted in favor.
 
Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Company Chief, the only attendee in the audience then presented the Southside Fire Company Report.    For Fire Prevention Week the fire company will hold an Open House, October 12, 2017 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.   Nick then asked Council’s permission to look into a sign to be placed near the bridge; he was told he would need to check PenDot regulations first as they have lots of requirements for signs.    The subject of a generator was again addressed.  Nick gave reasons for having a permanent one at the fire company and the costs involved with it.  Council had previously discussed this issue and agreed a generator, if purchased, should go to St Peter’s UMC since it is the designated FEMA shelter.  More discussion will be held before moving forward with this item.
Report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Mayor Oberdorf had nothing to report; approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted in favor.
Solicitor Michetti had nothing to add this evening; approved by Motion of John Domanski and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted for.
 
Under New Business, John Domanski stated he has been in touch with the gas company.  They are anticipating being back to work in the borough in approximately 2 - 4 weeks.
 
At approximately 7:32 pm Barb Kriner made a Motion to Adjourn; seconded by Carolyn Bausch.
Council Adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

4th Quarter sewer bills were mailed this afternoon. Please note the amount due prior to 11/17/17 is the amount on the left hand column marked Pay By Due Date; after 11/17/17 amount due is the right hand column, After Due Date!   Please notify the office of any address changes/corrections.  Office phone:   570 275-1751.  Forms are available online or in the office for those wishing to have an ACH withdrawl for their bill.

As approved at the October 2, 2017 meeting, minutes of 9/18/17 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, September 18, 2017 in the Borough Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John J Novak.  In attendance this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming and Council Members Carolyn Bausch, Caressa Compton, Barb Kriner and Beth Rake.  Secretary Deborah Bausch was present.  Absent this evening were council member John Domanski and Mayor Joseph Oberdorf. 
 
In the audience this evening were Stephanie Hauck, Caitlin Patraw, Angie and Rod Kerstetter, all residents of Mainzer Hill Road.  Stephanie Hauck spoke on behalf of the group regarding the condition of their road.  She stated in the past there had been tar and chip surfacing done; however that has not happened in recent years.  There is a major rut at the top where three roads intersect - Mainzer Hill, Boyce and Molter.  Street Superintendent Dan Gable responded to the group and stated the borough is aware of the condition of the road and there is a grant pending for assistance in getting it repaired.    His crew is trying to keep up with the pot holes as they occur especially after the heavy rains we had recently.  If no response is received within the next two weeks concerning the grant, he will reach out to Northumberland County and see what the status is.  President Novak assured the residents that they would be updated on the progress of the road repair.  Dan Gable stated the street crew would be there first thing in the morning to repair the rut at the top of the road.
 
Minutes of September 5, 2017 were approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner; all voted in favor.
 
Budget report for August was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then addressed council.  He spoke first on the upcoming leaf season.  He would like to purchase a banner to put on the truck announcing the last day of leaf collection.  Discussion was held about getting signage that the date could be changed to be used in subsequent years.  On a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Barb Kriner, approval was given for Dan to purchase a sign up to and not exceeding $150.00.  All voted in favor.  Dan also spoke about the need for additional help during leaf season as well as snow plowing.  Options were discussed and will be researched further.  Leaf Collection dates of October 23 - November 22, 2017 were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.  Barb Kriner then inquired about the new street signs; Dan informed council the signs are in the process of being ordered.   The Street Department report was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
2017 Halloween Trick or Treat will be held in the Borough on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 from the hours of 6 pm to 9 pm as approved by Motion of Beth Rake and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted for.
 
At approximately 7:38 pm, Barb Kriner made a motion to adjourn to an Executive Session for a personnel matter.  Seconded by Peter Fleming.  Regular council session adjourned.
 
Barb Kriner made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session at about 7:50 pm.  Peter Fleming seconded the Motion and Regular Council resumed.
 
At 7:51 pm Carolyn Bausch made a Motion to Adjourn Council Session of September 18, 2017; seconded by Barb Kriner.  Council Adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

The beautiful sunny days have brought many people to the Riverside Park.  Please be sure to take your things back home with you.  Several items have been brought into the office so if you are missing something, please stop in the office  to browse the collection table for anything you may have left behind.

As approved at the 9/18/17 meeting, the minutes of 9-5-17 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.   The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John J Novak.
In attendance this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming and Council Members Carolyn Bausch, Caressa Compton,  Barb Kriner, Beth Rake and John Domanski.  Also in attendance were Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch.
 
In the audience this evening were Nick Fowler, Southside Fire Company and Karen Blackledge, Danville News Office.
 
Minutes of August 7, 2017 were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
July’s Budget report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted in favor.
 
Letters received in the office regarding the burning ban were discussed.  This issue had been put on the table previously for discussion and at that time resident was told to pursue the ban would require a Petition to have signatures and brought back to council.  This has not been done; two letters received were one for the ban and one to continue burning as currently done in the borough.  On a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by John Domanski, the burning in Riverside Borough will continue as is currently in place.  All voted for.
 
Brian Anderson then presented the Zoning Report for August.  He updated council on several properties that were out of compliance with Borough Regulations.  He found one illegal business (car wash) in the Borough and that business has ceased its operations.  He has been in touch with Dave Decoteau about the property that is be torn down on D & H Avenue.   He will be reaching out to Mr. Randy Bloch to see what progress is being made for demolition of his property behind the English Garden.   The Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted in favor.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes addressed council with his August report.  He stated National Night Out was a big success.  He thanked Montour County for including the Borough in this event.  Classes were held last week at St Peter’s UM Church.  He extended a thank you to the Church for allowing the classes to be held there and also to Riverside Notary for providing vehicles for the students to get hands on for vehicle searches.   Money recently donated to the office has been spent to purchase new duty weapons.   Chief Parkes then went into the problems with grass ordinance and the repeat offenders.  Much discussion was held on this topic.  On a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Beth Rake the grass ordinance was tabled until more research can be done.  All voted for. President Novak then inquired about dog law citing a resident had been attacked by a dog in the Highland Drive area.  Chief Parkes stated this has been turned over to the dog law enforcement officer. Police report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted for.
 
Nick Fowler then addressed Council with the Southside Fire Company reports for July and August.  When questioned about the Wine Fest he stated it had doubled from last year’s event and they already have a vendor lined up for next year.  Barb Kriner then added Station 70 has been added as a drop off point for supplies for Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas.  She is getting the information to Nick and the fire company.  Donations will be accepted after noon time at the Fire Company.  Both reports were approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted in favor.
Mayor Joseph Oberdorf had no report.  As in the past the Mayor’s none report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Solicitor Joseph Michetti then discussed the borough property that is in question as to ownership since no deeds can be located.  He explained the options for a Quit Claim Deed and Quiet Title which involves some fees to be paid.  The two properties will be assessed for value before proceeding any further.
Solicitor Report was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Under new business, discussion was held on the borough auditors and hiring an independent firm which is what most municipalities are now doing.  Two quotes were presented to council.  Carolyn Bausch made a Motion to hire the firm of Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser and Associates, PC. and take further steps to implement the disbanding of our elected auditors; seconded by Caressa Compton and all voted in favor.
 
Barb Kriner then addressed Chief Parkes regarding junk vehicles in the Kipps Run area.  Discussion was held regarding farm machinery and trailers.
 
At approximately 7:59 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to adjourn to an Executive Session for a personnel matter; Barb Kriner seconded the motion.  Council adjourned the Regular meeting.
 
The Executive Session adjourned at about 8:18 pm on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  Council is now back in Regular Session.
 
Chief Parkes then addressed the Council regarding 911 calls through Columbia County.  The P1 channel has too much traffic.  He is keeping statistics for the next 30 days to monitor the calls and response times. 
 
On a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner, the Council Adjourned at approximately 8:29 pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver reminds residents that September is National Preparedness Month.    Visit www.ReadyPA.org to find sample checklists, contact lists and other preparedness tools to take advantage of before an emergency of any kind occurs.  Additional tips can be found at Be Ready PA on Facebook or follow @ReadyPA on Twitter.