Riverside Borough

The Riverside Borough Council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2019 is CANCELLED.
Next meeting will be Monday, November 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

                                                                RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.   The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Carolyn M. Bausch.  Present this evening in addition to the President were Vice President Peter T. Fleming, Council Members Barb Kriner, John Domanski and Kevin Romansik.  Antonio Michetti sat in as Solicitor for the meeting.  Secretary Deborah Bausch attended also. Beth Rake participated in the meeting via telephone due to working out of state.  Absent this evening were Council Member Michael Leibel and Mayor John LaMotte.
 
In the audience this evening were Todd Oberdorf, Alex Oberdorf, Nick Fowler and Brian Whitenight as well as Danville News Reporter, Karen Blackledge.
 
Todd Oberdorf took the floor first to address Council regarding the water run off at his property.  He has met with Penn Dot officials as well as Dan Gable from the street department and council member John Domanski regarding installing a new pipeline along his property.  He has been told it was the homeowner’s responsibility; however, he disagrees.  Pipes were put in 40/50 years ago and he is sure homeowners did not do it.   He measured the length today and it would take 63’ pipe to fix the issue at an approximate cost of $500.00.  John Domanski suggested blocking off the inlet pipe and installing an air bag and baffle to help with water run off; water is bubbling out of the ground which would seem to indicate a blocked pipe.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding precedents that would be set.  It is more than just the cost of pipe, it would be manpower and materials to consider as well.  Todd agreed to try the pipe alternative as suggested by John Domanski and inquired as to who would monitor it and was told the borough would monitor it.  Carolyn Bausch was concerned about the precedent being set and felt Penn Dot should have some skin in this.  Todd stated someone from council should be talking with Penn Dot. It should be noted discussions have been held previously with Penn Dot personnel.  Peter Fleming said we have experienced Penn Dot’s lack of responsibility.  Peter Fleming will talk with Dan to see if he has had any more conversations with Penn Dot on this problem.
Todd then began discussing an old topic of grass clippings in the roadways.  Kevin Romansik stated conversation we had previously was what measured amount is considered dangerous. Todd stated the borough does not have leaf blowers to use to blow off clippings.   Peter Fleming stated our borough mower has a rear discharge but the bush hog cutter would leave debris in the roadway.  Attorney Michetti said an ordinance could be passed for organic material in the roadway but it could be challenged in court; he also explained the presumption of whose grass was in the roadway can be hard to ultimately legally enforce.   Beth Rake stated she had talked with people in the borough that rode bikes and motorcycles and none had an issue with the grass on the road. Enforcement was further discussed; John Domanski stated it would have to be observed to be cited. Barb Kriner also stated homeowner could say it was not their grass and would need proved as to whose grass it was.
Carolyn Bausch said she does not like grass clippings on the road either but enforcement could be hard.  John Domanski felt if we had an ordinance on the books it might deter residents from continuing to do that.   
Barb Kriner asked Chief Parkes about the door hangers he had spoken of in a previous meeting. Chief explained if a neighbor reported someone for grass in road, and the citation would go to hearing, that person would need to appear to testify. 
 John Domanski was making a motion to draft an organic matter ordinance; however, Attorney Michetti said a motion was not needed at this time.  He would draft up a recommended ordinance for our October meeting. Peter Fleming would be all for an ordinance; he went on to talk about our recent paving which we found the road to be wider but due to grass overgrowing on the blacktop we had to have more paving done.  Solicitor Michetti asked if an ordinance would be just for grass clippings?  Barb Kriner questioned about sticks being part of the organic matter?  Beth Rake stated she would be opposed to any ordinance regarding grass clippings; too hard to enforce and it will be a slippery slope to open a new can or worms.  Todd Oberdorf questioned the snow ordinance doesn’t address any amount and therefore grass would not need any amount listed either.  Chief Parkes stated he had spoken with a local judge in Millville about the issue and was informed if it was an entire property being blown onto the road, that would be a problem; however one path would not be a problem.  Bike riders should pay attention when riding to stay safe. Solicitor Michetti will prepare a broad ordinance for council to review and then would need advertised if they decide to go forward.  Barb Kriner agreed with Carolyn Bausch with being against adding any organic matter except grass.  Kevin Romansik said enforcement would be an issue; it would be more of a courtesy. 
One last issue from Todd Oberdorf was street repairs.  He presented council with a list of roads and intersections that needed repair.  Paving has been completed for this year.  Roads to be paved are chosen by our Street Department as well as our expert Penn Dot representative who canvas the borough for the roads needing the most repair.
 
After reviewing, Minutes of August 5, 2019 were approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Budget Reports for the months of June and July were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Due to the absence of the Zoning Officer Brian Anderson, his report was read by Carolyn Bausch.  Carolyn Bausch stated she and Brian Anderson had ridden the borough streets checking out visibility issues at intersections.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, was also absent this evening and Carolyn Bausch presented his report.  Ditches have been cleaned and the paving has been completed.  One item of discussion was new Christmas decorations.  Several vendors had provided quotes for 22 wreaths for the lamp posts.  Wintergreen Corporation had the best prices; John Domanski brought up it had sales tax on invoice.  Secretary Bausch has a tax exempt certificate that was filed with them to remove that cost.  Peter Fleming made a Motion to Approve purchase of 22 wreaths (48” size) from Wintergreen Corporation.  Motion seconded by John Domanski.
 Peter Fleming then spoke of pipes in driveways being the responsibility of the homeowners to maintain.  Street Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Nick Fowler then addressed council with the Southside Fire Company Report for July 2019.  He stated the fire company was meeting with Rush Township asking for a half mill (1/2) fire tax to be incorporated; they are also meeting with Mayberry Township in this request.  Nick Fowler spoke about the issue with radios; the Kenwoods are good radios but Montour County is requiring the higher priced Motorola radios.  Kenwood would be allowed on the StarNet network; however Montour County will not allow their use. John Domanski asked about the cost to update the Kenwood radios.   The Kenwood radios could have been updated for a cost of about $2000.00 compared to the huge cost to replace with Motorola models. Chief Parkes added that we are being mandated by Montour County to switch to Motorola or go back to Northumberland County for dispatch.  John Domanski said the consultant from Motorola was getting a commission and should not be allowed to be the consultant and sell the product also.  Barb Kriner then stated there was one positive point to the Motorola radios in that the system will be a better system.  She further explained it will be set up with the State Police and towers are being upgraded.  Capital Communications has the state contract.  Nick said their 7 radios that had not been working properly are now working.  Barb Kriner stated radios have been from Danville to Columbia County but with Capital doing the contract improvements are coming.  Radio cost for the fire company has been dropped to approximately $20,000.00. 
 Carolyn Bausch said we were being dictated too and Peter Fleming felt the state should investigate since there is public safety involved.   Barb Kriner felt things will be more uniform.  Chief Parkes said the police radios would be about $40,000.00 and he would like to see the borough cover the cost of both police and fire company radios.  There was a meeting today with Penn Strategies who we hope to hire to help find grants which may offset some radio costs as well as other issues in the borough.  Peter Fleming made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company Report as well as cover the cost of radios for both departments.   Motion was seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes presented the Police Department for July 2019.  He stated National Night Out was a success but he would like to see more Riverside residents attend.  Nick Fowler suggested we hold it here one year.  Barb Kriner stated that Sarah Fowler does a great job with doing flyers and getting the word out for events such as their Fire Prevention program.   Barb Kriner made a Motion to Accept the Police Report as well as paying for radios and seeking funding for them; Motion seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in for.
 
There was no Mayor’s Report this evening.
Solicitor Michetti also had no report.
 
Under New Business this evening was Cyber Liability Insurance for the borough.  Our insurance representative sent two quotes for data breach protection.
 After some discussion, Barb Kriner made a Motion to Accept the quote from Hiscox Pro at a cost of $1378.00.  Motion was seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted for. 
Another topic involved our borough insurance for the upcoming year.  Peter Fleming stated we should check with other companies every 3 – 5 years to keep competitive rates.  Our carrier, Weiss Schantz has been good to work with and handle our issues.
  They do periodic checks with vendors to be sure we are getting the most for our money.  Two other companies had requested to give us quotes but after discussion, it was felt to stay with Weiss Schantz this upcoming year and future years to get competitive bid packages. 
 
Next Agenda Item was the presentation of the Letter of Resignation submitted by Council Member Michael Leibel .  His letter dated August 19, 2019 stated he was resigning due to health issues and he will be moving from the Borough in the near future.    Carolyn Bausch mentioned we have 30 days in which to fill the vacant seat.  Letter of Resignation was accepted on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.  Carolyn Bausch stated that we have a nominee on the ballot in November.  Beth Rake stated she felt Brian Whitenight should be appointed to the seat since he is on the November ballot.  Barb Kriner said that would be her suggestion also.    Brian Whitenight was in the audience and stated he would be agreeable to accepting the seat.  On a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner, Brian Whitenight will be the interim council member replacing Michael Leibel.  The term would end on December 31, 2019.  Brian Whitenight will be sworn into office at the next meeting, September 16, 2019.
 
Last agenda item of the evening was the paying of the Sudol paving project.  There was much talk about the costs and payment from which accounts.  We had budgeted money for this project and the bid had come in at $78,989.00.  Invoice total was $91,927.00 which was about 16% over the bid price.  Money was to come from Liquid Fuels and General Fund for this project.  John Domanski questioned some of the figures for the budget and difference in the total and invoice.  Barb Kriner made a Motion to pay the invoice cost of $65,000.00  from  Liquid Fuels and the balance of $26,927.00 from the General Fund.  Motion seconded by Kevin Romansik.  Voting in favor were Carolyn Bausch, Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming and Kevin Romansik.   John Domanski voted no.  Motion passed on majority of yes votes.
 
At approximately, 8:22 pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn the Regular Council session to an Executive Session.  John Domanski seconded the motion.  Council adjourned.
 
9:06 pm the Council had resumed meeting from the Executive Session.   Barb Kriner then made a Motion to raise the salary of Secretary Bausch from $19.28 to $22.50 per hour effective immediately.  Motion was seconded by John Domanski and all voted in favor.
 
Council Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:07 pm on a Motion by John Domanski.
 
Council adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

For those who have picked up the form to have the sewer automatically withdrawn from a bank account, please return them this week!!  Those wishing to use this option, please pick up a form in the office to complete.  

   October 7 - Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm      
Oct 3 – 6 Covered Bridge Festival, Knoebels Grove, Elysburg      
        
  October 12 – Columbus Day  

October 21- Borough Council Meeting                                                    
October 21 - Leaf Collection begins in the Borough(pending Council approval)

   October 24 – Danville Halloween Parade at 7:00 pm   (rain date:  Oct 28 @ 3 pm)
 
 October 25 – No School -  Danville School District
 
  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

The regularly scheduled Council Meeting scheduled for 7 pm, Monday, Sep 16th has been cancelled.
The next Council Meeting will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

 
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2019
 
Railroad Crossing Repair on Route 54 in Riverside Borough This Week
 
Montoursville, PA – Motorists in Northumberland County are advised Norfolk Southern Railroad Co., plans to repair damaged pavement near the railroad crossing on Route 54 (Elysburg Road) just off the Danville-Riverside bridge in Riverside Borough.
 
The roadway repair is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12 from 7 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.  Work includes milling and repaving the damaged roadway.
 
There will be no detour and traffic will be controlled by flaggers through the intersection.
 
Motorists should be alert and look for stopped or slow-moving traffic.
 
Subscribe to PennDOT news in Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties at www.penndot.gov/District3.
 
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 950 traffic cameras.
 
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
​

As approved at the September 3 meeting, minutes of 8/5/19 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, August 5, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  President Carolyn Bausch called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 pm with the following council members present:  Vice President Peter Fleming, Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, John Domanski, Michael Leibel and Kevin Romansik.  In addition those present included Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Deborah Bausch. 
 
The audience this evening included Nicholas Fowler, Todd and Sheri Oberdorf, Ken Kremser and Brian Whitenight as well as Danville News Reporter Karen Blackledge.
 
Ken Kremser addressed council with his concern about the traffic light at the intersection.  He spoke of changing the light to a No Turn on Red coming from Elysburg Road to go across the bridge.  He has seen many drivers not following the signs and turning at the wrong times.  Chief Parkes commented that to get a No Turn on Red would be a PennDot issue and there is a meeting scheduled in the office with the PennDot representatives next week.  This request will be brought up at that time for Penn Dot consideration.
 
Todd Oberdorf then addressed council with several issues.  He began with the drainage issue at this property.  He has spoken with Penn Dot officials about the ditch line in the area and how it affects the properties there.  After storms, he has to sweep the stones from the roadway.  He provided photos for the council to see as well as Chapter 8 of Pub 23 which addresses drainage maintenance.  He then addressed water run off on 9th Street between Avenue G and H.  Rain water lays on the southern side of roadway but not west of Avenue G intersection since road is crowned In that area.  He further stated the road has not been paved for approximately 36 years.  Color photos were provided for reference.  His final item of concern was the grass clippings being blown into the roadways by residents when they cut their lawns.  This is a safety hazard and needs addressed.  A lengthy conversation ensued concerning grass cutting.  Peter Fleming agreed that blowing grass clippings into the streets could be a safety hazard.  Beth Rake suggested a flyer be sent to residents to make them aware of the danger of grass in the roadways.  Talk included how organic matter can accumulate holding water on the roadway and not allowing water to flow freely which could ultimately damage roads.  Peter Fleming stated we should have an ordinance; Solicitor Michetti responded that he will look into other boroughs and see how they handle this issue.  Chief Kerry Parkes also spoke of a Quality of Life Ticket program he is going to speak about later in the meeting and the grass could possibly be part of that program.  Enforcement came up in regards to the grass clippings and Brian Anderson asked how you could determine whose grass was actually on the roadway when you have homes in close proximity.  Carolyn Bausch asked how you would determine an “amount” for an ordinance.  Dan Gable stated the brush hog leaves a trail of clippings behind it but they cannot do anything about those clippings.   Kevin Romansik added we need to look into ordinances for more information before action can be taken.
 
Old Business stated with review of the Minutes of the July 1, 2019 meeting.   Minutes were approved on a Motion by Beth Rake; seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
The May Budget report was put on the table for review.  At this time discussion was held about the amount of funds in the general fund account.  Barb Kriner spoke of moving money to a savings account so that it would still be accessible if needed.  Secretary Bausch stated the Credit Union has a Platinum Money Market which would be a better choice for a depository; Barb Kriner agreed with using the Money market account.
 Barb Kriner then made a Motion to move $500,000.00 from the General Fund to the Platinum Money Market Account; seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted in favor.    Barb Kriner then made a Motion to approve the May Budget report; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Brian Anderson then presented the Zoning Report for July.  He addressed council with a request for an increase in his salary; his last increase was 9 years ago.  The Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Peter Fleming; all voted in favor.  Peter Fleming then made a Motion to approve the pay raise as stated in the letter; seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.  Peter Fleming further amended his pay raise motion to indicate it is for 2020 budgeting; Beth Rake  seconded the Amended Motion.  All voted in favor.
 
Dan Gable addressed council with the Street Department report.  The Pump stations have been cleaned and the street lights are now changed out to LED lights.  Dan spoke of some issues on Mainzer Hill Road that should be addressed; he presented two quotes from Sudol Paving to do some hole repairs and to recrown 750 lineal feet of roadway with DSA materials.  Quotes were $1000.00 and $2650.00 respectively.  John Domanski made a Motion to approve both quotes on the condition projects be completed prior to September 15, 2019.  Peter Fleming seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Dan Gable then gave a thank you to John Domanski for getting us a new spot to dump our leaves this year as a trial period.  The site is near Crest Haven and will be easier for the street crew to get to; John Domanski was instrumental in procuring this site.  Truck Limit signs are in place; signs are still needed for Circle Drive/Meadowlark Lane area for No Parking between signs.    Previous council meetings have brought up the issue of rotating our vehicles.  Dan stated we have two 2005 t tag trucks; one is going to be retained as a leaf collection and back up vehicle but the other 2005 should be replaced.   Our newest truck was about $93,000.00.  Will address at budget time.  Dan then stated a resident of Mainzer Hill had contacted him about runoff caused by a neighbor’s driveway.  Dan asked for legal clarification since that home is in Rush Township; however, they are connecting their driveway to the Riverside Borough roadway.  Solicitor Michetti stated since it is our road, the homeowner would need a Riverside Borough permit to connect onto our roadway.  Barb Kriner spoke of the guide rails for Mainzer Hill; there are reflective markers up and make it easier to see the roadway.   President Bausch then commented on how impeccable neat/clean the garage area is.  She had stopped in and everything was so neat and orderly; kudos to the guys for keeping it looking so nice.  Barb Kriner then made a motion to approve the Street Department Report; seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
The Southside Fire Company report was read by Fire Chief Nicholas Fowler.  There was no property loss in July.  A recall on the new engine put it out of service for a short time.  With no further questions on the report, Barb Kriner made a Motion to Approve the report which was seconded by John Domanski and all voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes then gave the Police Report for July 2019.   The gun storage door is in place and they just need to build some shelving in that room.  He then spoke of the Quality of Life ticketing program and provided samples of Danville door hangers presently being used in that borough.  He would like to add junk vehicles to our hangers.  The response rate is about 95% to courtesy door hanger notices.  Senate Bill 607 dealing with Police Radar use is coming up for a vote.   Chief said the truck signs are up and can be enforced in 90 days.  He would like to amend our streets of no trucks to include Factory Street.   Solicitor Michetti felt this could all be done at one time with the grass clipping/quality of life ticketing program ordinances.  Peter asked about google maps which are not current and giving drivers the wrong information.   Police report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
The Mayor had no report which was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Barb Kriner and approved by all present.
 
Solicitor Michetti also had not report which was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Under New Business, John Domanski inquired about fireworks having designated times.  There seems to be fireworks going off at all times of the evening.  Brian Whitenight said the PA Dept of Agriculture has guidelines for fireworks displays; he is planning a training class in the near future to educate people on use and safety.  We will check surrounding communities for fireworks ordinances.
 
The Minimum Municipal Obligation budgets for Police and Non Uniform Personnel were presented to Council.  Both were approved on a Motion by John Domanski, seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
Also presented to council was a retainer agreement for engineering services to be provided by Larson Design Group.  Approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Winter Services Agreement was also approved at tonight’s council session.  Motion for approval was made by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
One last agenda topic was an email from LDG inquiring if we would like to budget funds to complete the sewer mapping project that was previously done.  Some areas still need mapped.  Note will be passed to Dan Gable and item will be discussed at the next council meeting.
 
At approximately 8:06 p.m., John Domanski made a Motion to adjourn the council session.  Seconded by Beth Rake.  Council adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

September 2 – Labor Day Holiday   
Borough Offices Closed   -    Danville Area Schools Closed

September 3 (TUESDAY) –
Borough Council Meeting – 7 PM
 
September 7 -  Danville Fall Arts and Craft Fair -
                                        9am - 5 pm
                        
September 11 –    Patriot Day      
 
September 16 – Council Meeting    
 
  164th Bloomsburg Fair - Sept. 20 – Sept 28  
Danville Schools closed:  Sept 26-27
  
September 23 – Autumn Begins        
 
September 29 - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown

TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR SEPTEMBER
-By Appointment only!
Phone: 570-764-1393 to meet with our tax collector, Rebecca Steckley

The summer is drawing to a close and our Lost and Found has grown!  If you are missing any clothing or other items, please stop in the office to see if they are on the lost and found table!  Office hours are daily Monday through Friday, 8 am - 3 pm!

The concrete hole on the bridge is being repaired this weekend.  Traffic will still go two ways on bridge but expect delays.  They will be working beginning at 5 PM, Friday, August 9th until Monday, August 12th at 5 am.   They will reopen it to full traffic as soon as possible and hopefully before Monday morning.
 
The traffic will again be slowed for the overlay to be applied which has to be 28 days later.  They are anticipating using the September 20th date and again the roadway will be 2 way but slow going from Friday, Sep 20th until Monday Sep 23rd.  If this information changes, we will be notified.