RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming (via audio), Brian Whitenight, Delavan Whitenight Jr, April Shuman and Beth Rake.
Also present was Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
John Domanski
 
Citizen (s) present:
Joseph Semiclose, Pam Whitenight, Frank Maciejewski, Stephen Wagner, Ken Gardner and Clark Shuman.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Pam Whitenight asked Council if a sewer issue on a property, located on Dewart Street, listed by her as a Real Estate Agent could be taken care of so the property can be sold. She was told by Brian Anderson and Adams Sewer & Drain that it would be taken care of months ago. The issue is on part of the private property and part under the roadway in the borough. Pam stated she did speak to Chip Adams about the repair, they have been extremely busy. Barb Kriner stated she will speak with Brian Anderson on the issue.
Pam Whitenight and her husband want to start a business on the commercial property owned by the Whitenight family. Brian Anderson told them they will need a variance and to speak with BIU Construction Code Official, Matthew Witmer. Matthew informed Pam he does not do variances, but should contact Brian Anderson. Pam and her husband would like to do the proper thing, but is up in the air with the confusing information. The property is currently zoned commercial. Barb Kriner said she will also touch base with Brian Anderson regarding this issue.
 
Barb congratulated Stephen Wagner for winning a seat on Council in the 2023 General Election.
 
Resident, Ken Gardner, thought the Town Hall Meeting was very informational and would like to see more of those types of meetings. Ken also stated he does not feel the tax payers can afford all the projects the Borough is doing. Barb stated there were Grants received for the two sewer projects and a Grant Writer is currently working on other grants for the construction of the new building on the former School property. Barb said the Borough is working on financing for the new building project and also applying for Grants to help with the funding of the new building.
Ken asked Council the status of the root removal under the roadway in front of his house. Dan Gable told Ken several months that Adams Sewer & Drain Company did put it on their schedule. Barb will ask Brian Anderson if the Borough could call another sewer repair company to do the work. Ken Gardner asked if the new 8” main being installed for the sewer would be substantial for future development. Brian Whitenight stated it would be able to handle any future construction of new homes.
 
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of November 6, 2023.
Beth Rake made a motion to approve the minutes, Brian Whitenight seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
 
Borough Life:
Beth stated they are planning for the ‘Parade of Lights’ to be held on December 9th. The parade forms at 5:00pm and moves at 5:30pm. Applications to participate in the parade can be obtained in the borough office. The Boro Life Committee met to update their By Laws. Delavan made a motion to accept the Borough Life By Laws, with Beth seconding. All in favor.
 
 
New Business:
No new business.
Motion to Approve:
The 2024 proposed Budget was read over by Council Members. Brian made a Motion to approve the Budget, April seconded the Motion. Beth opposed the Motion, as she has some questions on some of the amounts. The rest of Council was in Favor. Barb will sit down with Beth to go over the figures.
 
Action Items:
Peter Fleming made Motion to accept the Sewer Contract with Danville Borough. Beth seconded the Motion. Brian opposed. The rest of Council were in Favor. Barb stated Council will look at what our Street Department can do versus using Danville Borough to do all the maintenance and testing.
 
Brian made a Motion to go into Executed Session at 7:41pm, April seconded the Motion.
Brian Whitenight asked Secretary Lisa Fritz and Mayor John LaMotte to leave for the Executive Session. All in Favor.
 
At 7:57pm, Brian made a motion to go back into Regular Session, Beth seconded. All in Favor.  
At 7:58pm, Beth made a Motion to adjourn the meeting, with Brian Seconding. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
December 4, 2023
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 11/20/2023 meeting.
II.       ZONING OFFICER REPORT
III.      STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT    
IV.       SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT
V.        POLICE REPORT
VI.       MAYOR’S REPORT
VII.     SOLICITOR MICHETTI REPORT         
VIII.   BORO LIFE COMMITTEE       
IX.       NEW BUSINESS
              A. Borough Office Internet Upgrade             
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE      
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, December 18, 2023 @ 7:00 P.M.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Brian Whitenight, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, April Shuman and Beth Rake.
Also present were Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent from Meeting:
Mayor John LaMotte, Delavan Whitenight and Street Superintendent Dan Gable
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Guests in the Audience were Northumberland County Commissioners Joe Klebon and Sam Schiccatano.
They said they were happy to attend the meeting. The Commissioners stated Grants have been given to the Borough, with a one million dollar Grant being the largest amount they have given a municipality. There is also one Grant in process. Justin Skavery, the Northumberland County Planning Coordinator is currently working on Grants for the Police Department, guiderails and drainage improvements at the Airport in Riverside. John Domanski asked if Merck has been in contact with the County regarding the closure. They stated Merck has only been in contact with the Assessment Office regarding adjustments to their assessments.
John Thanked the Commissioners for coming to the meeting. Barb wished them luck in the Election on November 7th.
Resident, Mary Paladin presented a letter to Council regarding the recent fireworks. She stated the fireworks have been escalated to a high level of disturbance for residents, Veterans coping with battle experience, pets and wildlife. Due to the time of year of the fireworks being set off, sparks were flying into leaf covered yards. Mary stated her windows were shaking and lamps were vibrating. In her letter, she made some recommendations that she would like Council to consider and review the Code. Brian Whitenight stated the decibels are low and within the Code and Laws. Barb said Council will review the Code.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 10/16/2023 were read.
Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Minutes, John Domanski seconded the Motion. All in favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report.  Barb asked Brian how many permits are out there. Brian stated four (4) permits are currently out there. Brian Whitenight asked how he knows the work has been completed by the permit deadline. Brian Anderson stated he actually goes to the property and does a visual inspection.
Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, John Domanski seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Council read over the report, as Dan was not able to attend the meeting. The Street Department is continuing to collect leaves through Wednesday, November 22. Peter made a motion to accept the Street Department report, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
Southside Fire Company Report:
September’s Chief’s report was submitted. They were busy in Rush Township with MVA’s, trees down and an automatic alarm. John Domanski made a motion to accept the report. Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes presented his report, he stated Brad Harvey has been re-certified as a Taser Instructor. The fireworks were held without incident. Kerry said Trick-or-Treat Night was a huge success this year; but he does recommend it be held the same night as Danville and Mahoning Township in the future.
Beth motioned to accept the Police report, Brian seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
A report was not submitted. John Domanski said John LaMotte is not a good participant as the Mayor of Riverside. Attorney Joseph Michetti (Solicitor) reminded Council there was talk at a previous meeting, where he (Attorney Michetti) suggested Council Members speak with the Mayor regarding their concerns. Barb said he hasn’t finished anything; he quit the Boro Life Committee and also stepped down as a Council Member. Peter feels the Mayor is an A-Political position. Barb stated, “Our vision for Council is that everyone has a voice and/or opinion. Everyone should be able to participate.” Barb said she feels as if John LaMotte stepped away from Council and Boro Life because he wanted to control everything.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti did not have anything to report.
 
Borough Life:
Beth stated Halloween was very busy this year. Brian said they gave out 120 hotdogs, among other treats and beverages. Barb mentioned that Trick-or-Treat was moved to a Saturday versus a school night, at the request of several residents.
April stated they will need to meet to discuss the Parade of Lights Parade, which will be held on December 9th.
Barb made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, Brian seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
John Domanski made a motion to proceed with the Statewide LSA Resolution, which will enable the process of a Grant for the West End Sewer Replacement. Peter seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Document scanning: Beth said it would be a good idea to have all of the office documents scanned. Peter feels the Borough is behind the times with the current storage system. All agreed to get quotes for the process of scanning the documents.
 
Action Items:
Planning & Zoning: Barb would like to have a Council Member attend the meetings to keep Council informed. The question was raised if a Council Member can also sit on the Planning & Zoning Committee. Solicitor, Attorney Joseph Michetti stated a person cannot sit on two boards. John Domanski said he would like to be the liaison between Council and the Planning/Zoning committee.
Barb mentioned the Sewer Contract with Danville Borough. Barb will touch base with Brindy in Danville to ask if Riverside could use the generator blue prints from Danville.
 
Executive Session:
At 7:51pm, John made a motion to move into Executive Session. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
At 8:10pm, Brian made a motion to go back into regular session, with John seconding. All in Favor.
 
John made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Peter seconded the motion.
Council adjourned at 8:11 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
November 20, 2023
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
       A. Minutes of 11/6/2023 meeting 
II.  BORO LIFE COMMITTEE
       A. By Laws
III. NEW BUSINESS      
IV.  MOTION TO APPROVE
       A. 2024 Budget
​       B. Resolution for PA Department of Community and Economic Development
V.   ACTION ITEMS
       A. Sewer Contract w/Danville Borough
 VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
       
 
 
           
 
         
           
         
 
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, December 4, 2023

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner.
 
Council members present: 
John Domanski, Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, April Shuman and Beth Rake.
Also present was Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Mayor John LaMotte and Delavan Whitenight Jr
 
Citizen (s) present:
Clark Shuman, Frank Maciejewski and Stu Shrawder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizen Stu Shrawder asked Council if the Borough would be interested in pursuing an extension for 8th Street, as it would open up access to the property he recently purchased and possibly further development. John Domanski asked Mr. Shrawder put the request in writing to Council, they will then forward to the Solicitor for further advice. Peter Fleming stated usually the Developer puts roadways/streets in.
 
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of October 2, 2023.
Brian made a motion to approve the minutes, John Domanski seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
Follow-up from the Town Hall Meeting held on October 10; April felt it was very successful. Citizens had good questions and concerns. April said some residents would like to see more of those types of meetings. Barb stated it was a wonderful wealth of information for the residents.
 
Southside Report:
Barb presented the August report. Beth made a motion to accept the report. Brian seconded. All in favor.
 
Borough Life:
Beth stated the Boy Scouts will be doing Trunk or Treat on Saturday October 28th, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Trick-or-Treat Night in the Borough is also on 10/28. Brian Whitenight will be doing fireworks shortly after 9:00pm. Council will be hosting Hotdogs, Warm Cider, Hot Chocolate, Popcorn and Candy in the Park by the Borough Municipal Building.
Peter made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, with Barb seconding. All in favor.
 
New Business:
A generator proposal was submitted by Larson Design Group. Brian Whitenight asked if another proposal could be sought. John Domanski stated that Larson Design Group is the engineering company doing the East and West End projects and feels they should be the company to do the generator. John made a motion to accept LDG’s proposal, with Peter seconding. Brian Whitenight opposed the generator proposal. The remaining Council Members were in favor of the proposal.
 
Motion to Approve:
West End Sewer project Resolution was submitted by Larson Design Group. Beth made a motion to accept and sign the Resolution. John seconded. All in favor.
John mentioned there are several properties with septic tanks under porches, decks or garages, even some with bad pumps. Residents will be responsible for the removal or filling of those tanks. The Borough will pay for the first pumps that are not in working order, then the residents will be responsible thereafter. John made a motion to have the Solicitor review the Sewer Ordinance and to see if any changes/additions are necessary. Peter seconded. All in favor.
 
Barb Kriner, as Council President was made by motion of John, Brian seconded. All in favor. The Vice President was made Nomination of April Shuman to appoint Brian Whitenight. John seconded. Beth Rake will remain as Pro tempore (Pro tem). These appointments are active until the Re-Organization Meeting on January 2, 2024.
 
Action Items:
John Domanski stated the company Pennvest has low interest rate loans for Municipalities to pursue improvements. John said Grant monies could be used to pay off the loans.
 
Brian mentioned possibly meeting with Merck Representatives to discuss utilizing Merck’s treatment facility as a sewer treatment plant for Riverside. John Domanski will contact Merck to set up a meeting.
 
Budget Meeting Dates were set for the following dates: 10/18 and 10/25 to start preparing the 2024 budget.
 
Resident David Decoteau submitted a letter questioning why he has received a sewer bill when there has not been running water or any bathrooms at a property he owns for the past three (3) years. Council members asked Zoning Officer, Brian Anderson to visit the property.
 
No Executed Session was held.
 
John Domanski made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian seconded the motion. All in favor. Council adjourned at 7:55 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
November 6, 2023
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
GUESTS:
Northumberland County Commissioners: Joe Klebon and Sam Schiccatano
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 10/16/2023 meeting.
II.       ZONING OFFICER REPORT
III.      STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT          
IV.       SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT
V.        POLICE REPORT
VI.       MAYOR’S REPORT
VII.     SOLICITOR MICHETTI REPORT
VIII.   BORO LIFE COMMITTEE       
IX.       NEW BUSINESS
              A. Statewide LSA Resolution for a Grant on the West End Sewer Replacement              X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
              A. Document Scanning     
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
            A. Planning and Zoning Commission Appointments
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, November 20, 2023 @ 7:00 P.M.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, Delavan Whitenight, April Shuman and Beth Rake.
Also present were Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Street Superintendent Dan Gable, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent from Meeting:
Mayor John LaMotte.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Chris Berleth, President, from the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, ‘Thanked’ Riverside Borough for being members of the Chamber. He stated this Chamber also represents surrounding areas.
He handed out packets with the following information: Chamber Membership Directory, Business Matters Publication, The Chamber Monthly Dashboard Flyer, The Foundation of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Program Guide and The Quality Living Magazine. Chris informed Council that the Chamber can help get the word out about Events and Projects in Riverside Borough. He also stated there is help for residential and commercial business through the Chamber to search for energy suppliers. Contact information – PH: (570) 784-2522; website: www.columbiamontourchamber.com. You can also visit their office located at the Mulberry Mill Complex, 237 W 6th Street, Bloomsburg. Peter Fleming asked if they help students with job opportunities and what are the statistics of students getting jobs in the area. Chris Berleth said there is a work force website that provides that information, workforceinvestment.pa.
 
Stew Shrawder, recently purchased the property located at 633 Sunbury Rd in Riverside and is planning to do some developing on the land. Beth Rake welcomed Stew to Riverside, along with the rest of Council.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 9/18/2023 were read.
Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Minutes, Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report.  He stated he has not had many building permits come in, mostly sewer inspections. Brian said there are some problems with sewer lines; such as cracks and tree roots growing into the lines that are in the Borough’s Right-of-ways. Brian wanted to let Council know there will be repairs the Borough will need to do. Dan Gable said the issue is cracks are underneath the Streets. Dan said when Adams Sewer & Drain does repair work, they will split the bill and send the portion due from the Borough. John Domanski questioned how long the issue has been going on with the Right-of-Way lines needing repair? Brian Anderson stated about four (4) years, but more prevalent in the past year. Brian stated there are approximately five (5) properties with Right-of-Way sewer line issues at this time. Brian Whitenight asked why the issues are only in the Borough’s Right-of-Ways’?  Dan Gable said it is mainly due to tree roots. Dan also stated the Laterals from homes up to the Right-of-Ways are good. As properties are being inspected, these issues are discovered and corrected. Brian Anderson just wanted to alert Council so they could factor upcoming repairs into the Budget.
Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Peter Fleming seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report.  Dan called PennDot regarding the RT 54 paving. The paving is on hold until Spring 2024, as there is an issue with the Railroad. John Domanski asked if the manhole at the intersection on Sunbury Rd and Rt 54 could be leveled out. Dan will call PennDot to ask if they can level the manhole cover. Dan stated Leaf Season collection will be from 10/16 through 11/22/23, longer if need be. Resident, Ken Gardner said he does not feel leaf collection should end on 11/22, as leaves still fall into November. Dan stated, the Street Department has collected leaves into December, but if it snows early, they plow. Dan asked Council if they would prefer a different date range. Council stated the dates are fine and to leave them as slated. Barb Kriner stated they kept a truck specifically for leave collection, Dan said they do use that truck. Dan encouraged residents to bag leaves and they will collect the bags when they see them.
Barb made a motion to accept the Street Department report, with Brian Whitenight seconding. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
A report was not submitted.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes presented his report, he stated the MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) which is a secure digital access for devices will be mandated by 10/21/2024. Kerry plans to speak with the Borough’s IT company regarding set-up.
Resident, Ken Gardner questioned Chief Parkes if the number of Warnings in his report pertain to trash violations. Kerry stated, No, as his department has recently started issuing warnings for trash bags not in containers. Ken Gardner believes the covered trash cans are working to deter the Vultures, as he has not seen as many in the area.
Brian motioned to accept the Police report, Barb seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
A report was not submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Act 600 – Attorney Michetti believes the notice received to implement Act 600 was solicitation for business. He will check into it further. President, John Domanski asked Attorney Michetti to read a letter of resignation as Council President. Attorney Michetti stated, in absence of the President, Council Vice President, Barb Kriner will step in. Council Members ‘Thanked’ John for his dedication and wished him well. Barb Kriner made a Motion to accept John Domanski’s letter of resignation. Beth Rake seconded. April Shuman opposed. The remaining Council Members were in Favor.
Brian made a motion to accept the Solicitor’s report, with Delavan Whitenight, Jr seconding. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Barb Kriner stated they are preparing for Halloween in the Park.
Barb made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, Brian seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
John Domanski stated a donation was received from The Assembly of GOD Church for use of the Borough Park. John gave an update on Merck; 75% of the buildings will be leveled when the plant closes. Buildings to remain will be: the Guard house, Locker room, Cafeteria and the new Administration building. Some sewer lines will be cut off and closed. The Fire hydrant outside of the fencing will remain accessible.  Merck stated they do not anticipate a buyer at this time. Resident, Ken Gardner asked when the timeline for demolition is. John said they did not mention the time-frame for demolition. Ken Gardner asked Council if they would consider moving into the Merck site versus building new on the former School property. John stated he will check into that option.
Beth Rake made a Motion to upgrade Quick Books to the Elite program, as the desktop version will be obsolete by the end of 2023. Peter seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Beth made a Motion to approve the 2024 Council Meeting Dates, Brian seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
A meeting was held with Danville Borough regarding increased fees slated for their work they do regarding the Pump Station in Riverside Borough. Danville officials stated that Riverside Borough was a burden to them. Council is checking into a Generator for the Pump Station to eliminate call-outs to Danville Borough when the pump station throws an alarm. Brian Whitenight asked the Secretary, Lisa to contact Larson Design for an estimate on a generator. Danville Borough is also not interested in a partial contract, the contract between Riverside and Danville expires 12/31/2023. Danville is willing to train personnel in Riverside (a fee will be assessed) for water sampling and pump station checks. Peter mentioned surroundings areas have also received increases from Danville Borough.
A Town Hall meeting, open to the public will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 6:00pm at St. Peter’s Church. State Senator Lynda Schlegel-Culver and House Representative Michael Stender will be speaking, along with representatives from Larson Design Group, Mid-Penn Engineering and Grant Writer Sara Hailstone.
Executive Session:
No Executive Session was held.
Barb made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Peter seconded the motion.
Council adjourned at 8:47 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
October 16, 2023
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
       A. Minutes of 10/2/2023 meeting
       B. Follow-up from Town Hall Meeting on 10/10
II.   SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT
III.   BORO LIFE COMMITTEE
       A.         Trick-or Treat Night     
IV. NEW BUSINESS
        A. Generator Proposal
V.  MOTION TO APPROVE
        A. West End Sewer Resolution
        B. Vice-President
 VI.   ACTION ITEMS
        A. Pennvest Loans
        B. Budget Meeting Dates
VII.  EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, November 6, 2023 @ 7:00 P.

***The dog has been found***
There is a missing dog, name is "Lumen" in the vicinity of Dewart Street, Riverside, near the Police Department. It is a 6 year old Catahoula, brown and white. If seen, please call John at (920-883-7188)

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.
Council members present: 
Vice President Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming and Brian Whitenight. 
Also present was Secretary Lisa Fritz.
Absent: April Shuman, Beth Rake and Delavan Whitenight, Jr.
Citizen present was Ken Gardner
Pledge of Allegiance
Resident Ken Gardner stated he was happy to see Council acting on a solution for the Vulture situation. He questioned why they were not going in other directions regarding the birds. John Domanski stated we must follow USDA’s recommendations’ first, as per State guidelines. The first step is for the food sources to be removed; such as placing trash bags in containers and outdoor animal food(s) removed. Brian Whitenight stated other areas also have vulture issues.
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of September 5, 2023. Barb Kriner approved the minutes upon the following added language to the Street Department Report: The issue of salting the intersections and hills has been addressed numerous times in the past; therefore, it will no longer be the practice to ONLY salt intersections and hills. The Street Department should salt all roads where needed to keep residents safe.
Peter Fleming seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
Borough Life:
Postcards will be mailed out soon. Brian stated the fireworks for the Iron Heritage were postponed due to inclement weather, they were re-scheduled for Saturday, October 28th at 9:00pm. Trick-or-Treat Night has been moved to Saturday, October 28th from 6pm-9pm, as Council received requests from residents to move Trick-or-Treat night from a weeknight, 10/31 to the weekend. Peter made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, with Barb seconding. All in favor.
New Business:
A notice was received from the Borough of Danville regarding fee increases for the maintenance of the pump stations. John Domanski would like to meet with Danville Borough Council members to discuss the increases. John will set up a meeting in the future. He would also like Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, Dan Gable and Eric Mayan to attend. Barb made a Motion to talk with Danville regarding the increase in maintenance fees. Brian seconded. All in Favor. Brian said that perhaps one of Riverside Street Department employees could be trained or certified to do the testing/work that Danville now does. Barb Kriner stated Danville would most likely want an outside company to do the testing. Eric Mayan does check the pump stations every day.
John D mentioned a registered letter received from Merck/Cherokee Pharmaceuticals giving notice they have filed a ‘Notice of Intent’ with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission requesting a reduced surface water withdrawal quantity for an extension of four additional years and nine months (through 2028). Resident, Ken Gardner questioned if the letter is an indication that Merck will cease operation(s)? John Domanski stated, it could possibly be in 2024; however, there will be a small crew into the future. Barb stated the Borough would lose taxes and sewer monies received from Merck once they close.
Motion to Approve:
Nothing to approve.
Action Items:
Recycling – Riverside Borough could pay Danville Borough $600.00 per month for Riverside Borough residents to take recycling to Danville’s bins. Brian feels recycling should be in Riverside, because he didn’t feel many residents would want to go over to Danville. Brian is going to check on other avenues for recycling in Riverside. The discussion was tabled by John Domanski until a future meeting. Barb stated Danville borough bills everyone for recycling.  Brian Whitenight made a Motion to table the recycling issue for now, with Barb seconding the motion. All in favor.
Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session at 7:46pm. Brian seconded. All in Favor.
At 8:10pm, Barb made a Motion to go back into regular session. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
John Domanski set a meeting for Wednesday, September 20th at 8:00am with Peter Fleming, Dan Gable and Eric Mayan to discuss the Danville Pump Station and get some input so they can schedule a meeting with Danville Borough to further discuss the increase.
A Town Informational meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10th, 6pm at St. Peter’s Church. State Representatives, County Commissioners, Engineers and a Grant Writer have been invited to speak. A notice will be placed on the Borough’s Facebook page, the website and in the Press Enterprise.
Brian Whitenight made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Barb seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 8:13 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted: 
Lisa Fritz
Secretary