RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Dan Gable with the Street Department, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Delavan Whitenight Jr, Police Chief Kerry Parkes
 
Citizens present:
Drew Mumich, Rob Rickard & JW Snyder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Citizens present to observe.
 
Old business:
John made a Motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of March 3rd. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Attorney Michetti stated the vacant land at the former school property was sold to ‘Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC’. John made a Motion to adopt a Resolution to authorize the sale and signatures on the settlement statement and necessary documents. Peter seconded. All in Favor. The land sold for $350,000.00. Closing will take place on April 9, 2025. Barb said, it was disappointing with Merck purchasing the land, because the intent to sell was to generate tax revenue, not a one-time income.
Ken questioned the status of selling the front seven acres of the former school property. Ken said a Motion he made at the January 20th meeting to sell the front seven acres carried. Steve mentioned the school building is a liability sitting there. Ken would like to sell the whole seven acres, John and Steve agreed. Steve asked Council members if we should sell ‘As Is’ or demolish the building first. Peter and John will contact Appraisers for proposals on having front seven acres appraised. John made a Motion to sell the whole seven acres at a public auction. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Dan questioned the Right-of-Way, stating there is a driveway in the middle of Tract 3. Attorney Michetti stated the property owner(s) would be granted an Easement for that section of land. John made a Motion to obtain appraisals for the sale of the remaining former school property, as on the Hildebrand survey. Barb seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Update on West End Sewer Replacement Project – there was a pre-construction meeting held on 2/27/2025, with Larson Design Group and Pact One representatives. Construction started the first week of April and shall be completed by 10/1/2025. All Easements have been signed by properties owners and notarized for filing. Steve ‘Thanked’ Dan and Lisa for the work they did in regards to getting sewer easements signed and notarized.
Dan stated he talks daily with Arnold from Pact One regarding the progress of the West End Sewer Replacement project. Arnold with Pact One and Adams Sewer & Drain Cleaning have located all the septic tanks. Logan Hile with the conservation district will be inspecting the soils.
 
Ken Gardner suggested taking $250,000.00 out of the Grant and put it into a CD. Mike said they should consider a high yield money market, one in which we would have access to when needed. This discussion was tabled until a future meeting.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read over his report. Brian stated there is a gentleman selling things out of his house, which is not permitted in the Borough. Ken questioned how that affects yard sales. Brian stated, you can have one yard sale per month in the Borough. John made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
​ 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report. Dan stated the backhoe radiator is leaking. He has contacted a gentleman to speak with Council member regarding a purchase of a backhoe. Dan said a John Deere backhoe is approximately $159,000.00; through Co-Stars it would be approximately $118,000.00. Dan stated up to 40% of Liquid Fuels money can be used to purchase a backhoe. The current backhoe could be placed on Municibid to sell.
Dan presented a list of roads in the Borough that need paved. Barb stated perhaps Hailstone Economics Grant Writers could help with a grant for a new backhoe. John said a drain pipe on Sunbury road, near the gun shop is rough, making the road bumpy. Dan will look at it.
Barb made a Motion to put the whole list out to bid, with John seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
None submitted.
 
Police Report:
Mayor, Todd Oberdorf read over the Police Report. In Kerry’s report, he stated Spring is coming and asked people to clean up their properties, remove any junk vehicles.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Ken seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd read over his report for the month of March. He met with the Police department for preliminary contract negotiations. Met the Intern working with the Police.
Todd stated he received the ‘WARN’ notice from Merck, regarding the closing. Rode with Dan Gable from the Street department to review problem areas on roadways for paving. Todd also met with the BoroLife committee.
Todd stated he would like to recognize Southside Firefighter, George Wolf Jr for his 62 years of service and congratulated him on the State award that was recently presented to George.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti stated he will be doing a Bring-down search on the highest delinquent sewer accounts and will then advise Council.
Attorney Michetti suggested to Council that they consider updating the zoning ordinances. He said Solar is a topic. Barb asked if municipalities get a discount on power if solar is installed. Attorney Michetti said, no. Some areas get $3,500.00 per acre to lease land out for solar.
Ken asked Attorney Michetti if he checked on the information from a collection agency regarding our delinquent sewer accounts. Attorney Michetti stated the collection agency cannot do anything more than we are doing now. John suggested to stay the course to see how payments come in and if the delinquent amount goes up, then we can re-visit the collection company.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Barb said they met with the Mayor on 3/27. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at the Southside Fire Company on April 19th at 10:00am.
Community yard sale will be on July 11th and 12th. Sign up forms can be picked up in the Borough office.
The Parade of Lights will be moved to a Sunday this year.
They are planning a 250 Anniversary celebration to be held on June 13, 2026.
John made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
Peter mentioned he will be meeting, with the ‘DAR’, (Daughters of the American Revolution) at 10:00am on April 17th  to discuss the Gearhart sign installation.
 
Motion to Approve:
Digitizing office records – Lisa will get an update proposal for a future meeting.
Memorial Day Service will be hold in the Borough Park on Sunday, May 25th at 1:00pm.
Barb made a Motion to sign “The Proclamation for America 250 PA”. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
None.
 
At 9:15pm, Mike made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personal matters. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 10:11pm.
 
Mike made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:12pm.  John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Fritz
Secretary
 
 
 
 
 

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
April 21, 2025
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG                               
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 4/7/2025 meeting.
          B. Update on Sale of school front 7 acres
          C. Budget Review
II.       NEW BUSINESS
             A. Representative to speak – Backhoe purchase 
III.      MOTION TO APPROVE
             A. Digitizing
IV.       ACTION ITEMS
V.        EXECUTIVE SESSION
          
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, May 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming (via phone), John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Street Department Road Master, Dan Gable and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Zoning Officer, Brian Anderson
 
Citizens present:
Todd Oberdorf, Rob Rickard, David Decoteau, Maddie Parkes and Drew Mumich.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
Citizens to be Heard:  
Citizens were in audience to observe.
 
Old business:
Steve stated he would like to appoint a new Mayor, so he could set in on this meeting. Steve read a letter of Interest in the position from Todd Oberdorf. Barb made a Motion to adopt the Resolution to appoint a Mayor, with Ken seconding. All in Favor. John made a Motion to appoint Todd Oberdorf, Barb seconded. All in Favor.
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 2/17/2025 meeting minutes. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
The seven (7) acres behind the former school property was sold via Auction on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 4:00pm. The land sold for $350,000.00. A $15,000.00 down payment was made and will be held as a Reserve in the Borough’s account. There were 11 bidders.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Steve read over Brian Anderson’s report. John made a Motion to accept the report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
Ken mentioned an online course titled, “Zoning Officer & Zoning Hearing Board”. Ken suggested anyone could attend on April 24th.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented the Street Department report. Dan asked Council if Dumpster Day could be set for Saturday, May 31st. Ken Gardner asked why the Borough does not bid out for Dumpster day. Delavan said it is difficult to get companies to do to the number of containers we use. Dan said that Fought’s handles it well and they are very organized. Dan said three Street Department employees work dumpster day, doing about 18 containers. John made a Motion to set Dumpster Day for 5/31/2025, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor. The old Generator is now on MuniciBid, which is currently at $2,000.00.
Dan mentioned it is the time year to get quotes for paving, there are some Street’s that are in need of repair. He will have Penndot’s representative come look at the Streets to get quotes. John said Avenue D is in rough shape from about 5th Street down to 3rd Street. The backhoe is in bad shape, John said they are still looking at Grants for a backhoe. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
January’s report was submitted. Ken asked what the Lift Assist was. Barb stated when the fire company has to assist ambulance personnel with lifting people. Delavan made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry presented his report for January. He said large trucks still continue to be a problem in the Borough, damaging signs and properties. A truck took out a sign on Avenue G. Kerry said he received an email from a young man whom would like to do an intership with the Police Department. Ken asked if the person would be riding with Officers. Kerry said yes, as they have a ‘Ride-a-long’ program. Kerry said he will check with the Borough’s Insurance company.
Ken Gardner suggested for Kerry, Todd Oberdorf and himself to attend an online course for “Police Supervision & Oversight”, March 6th and 14th for $150.00.  Ken made a Motion to register for the course. Peter seconded. All in Favor. John made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Barb seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd Oberdorf said he appreciated Council members having confidence to appoint him as Mayor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Joseph Michetti stated he discussed with Brian Anderson the fact there is no occupancy permit required for Community Option, Inc to house people in a home in the Borough. A letter was sent to Community Option, Inc stating such.
Attorney Michetti stated there are 16 liens he will be filing on owners of properties whom are delinquent in sewer payments. These liens are public record. If there are other liens filed on the property, the sewer lien will stand behind those liens. Ken Gardner stated he initially was in favor of publishing names, but is now not in favor of doing so. Peter Fleming agreed. Barb asked if a collection agency could attach wages, Attorney Michetti said no. Steve spoke with a collection agency whom would add 25% onto the total due for their fee, with no cost of collection to the Borough. Steve would like Attorney Michetti to speak with the collection agency regarding their procedures. Attorney Michetti mentioned that some time ago, the Tax Collector, Ruth Peck said the borough does not know tenants that move in/out; therefore, a lot of people are not paying the Per Capita tax. Attorney Michetti suggested that Ruth and Lisa get together and make a list of rental properties. Then Lisa can mail letters to the owners requesting they inform the Borough of tenants.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
None submitted.
 
New Business:
Ken recommended an alternative newspaper be used to inform the public of Riverside Borough’s advertisements. John suggested advertisements be placed in two papers. Mike said the subjected should be tabled until a future meeting.
 
Motion to Approve:
Ken stated, since we have a very tight budget which will be worst next year, I move that all purchases over $500 except when not practical or in cases of emergency receive Council approval before purchasing and all purchases over $3000 receive Council approval except in case of emergency and have competitive bids except when not practical. In making this motion, I do not want to hamper our employees but I want everyone to think is this purchase necessary. Barb stated that we can work with department heads to ensure that big expenditures be made before the end of November. That way the bill comes before the end of the fiscal year. And that big expenses for the next fiscal year not be made until after the end of March or April to allow time for tax revenue to start coming in.
John asked if there have been abuses. Barb stated, we have a budget and it was passed. Attorney Michetti stated you don’t need bids unless over $14,000.00. Mike suggested to start looking at the budget in July.
 
Action Items:
Steve made a Motion to appoint negotiating teams for the Police and Street Departments Contracts this year. Ken seconded. Barb opposed; as she feels a Labor Attorney should be hired for the Street Department Union negotiations. The remaining Council members were in Favor.
 
At 8:11pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session for matters pertaining to ligation and personal matters. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 8:46pm.
 
Steve stated he forgot to name the negotiating teams:
Police Department will be Barb, John and Todd.
Street Department will be Peter, Mike, Ken and Delavan.
Ken asked if anyone could attend the negotiating meetings. Attorney Michetti stated, “No”.
 
John made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:50pm. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Fritz
Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
April 7, 2025
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 3/3/2025 Meeting
            B. Update on School Property
            C. Update on West End Sanitary Sewer Project
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. Budget Review
          B. Police Addendum
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
            A. Digitizing Office Records
          B. Memorial Day Service in Park
          C. The Proclamation for America 250PA
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, April 21, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M.

Attention Riverside Residents:
The election voting place has been moved to St. Peter's Church, located at 240 Sunbury Rd, Riverside.

​RIVERSIDE RESIDENTS:
            Several new items that should be disseminated;
First - we have an appointed Mayor, Todd Oberdorf. Todd has a wealth of experience with Riverside. We’re all excited to have Todd on board.
Second – we are in the process of selling the seven (7) acres of land behind the school. We had an auction on March 1st and it was sold for $350,000.00. Down payment was accepted, final payments must be made within 45 days of purchase.
Thirdly – Our sewer projects continue. Pump station is completed, minus a fence to be installed, pending warmer weather. The West sewer project will tentatively start April 1st. This project will alleviate issues for residents and our pump stations.
Lastly – We will have our Annual Dumpster Day on Saturday, May 31st. Please utilize this service, it is a big expense, but worth the clean-up of our community. Also, please utilize the Kiosk as intended. We’ve had chairs, knives, broken glass, books, clothing, moldy bread and much more dropped off; which our Street Department has had to dispose of at a cost.
Any questions with anything, please stop in the office, we would be happy to explain what we are doing. Also, our meetings are open to the public.
Thanks and let’s keep our Riverside beautiful.