AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING February 5, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 01/15/2024 meeting. B. East & West End Sewer Projects C. Locks & Keys 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. Guiderail B. Meeting Minute Changes. C. Facebook X. MOTION TO APPROVE A. 2024 TRA Electric Maintenance Agreement B. 2024 PENNDOT Municipal Winter Traffic Services Agreement C. Sewer-past due payments XI. ACTION ITEMS XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, February 19, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M.
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RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The Re-Organizational Meeting was called to Order by Mayor John LaMotte at 7:00pm. Council members present: President Barb Kriner, John Domanski, Peter Fleming (via Audio), Delavan Whitenight, Jr and Beth Rake. Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr., Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Street Superintendent Dan Gable and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Citizens present in the Audience were Brian Whitenight, April Shuman, Clark Shuman, Ken Gardner, Murray Johnson and Todd Deroba. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor, John LaMotte conducted the Swearing into office of the following: Barb Kriner, Steve Wagner and Todd Deroba. Todd Deroba immediately submitted a letter of resignation, as he could not accept the Council seat due to his new job. John LaMotte asked for Motions to nominate a Council President and Vice President. President nomination for Barb Kriner was made by Delavan Whitenight, Jr. John Domanski made a Motion to nominate Steve Wagner for President, with Beth Rake seconding the Motion. Steve received four (4) votes. Barb received one (1) vote. Steve Wagner elected as Council President. Vice President Nomination was made by John Domanski for Beth Rake. Delavan Whitenight nominated Barb. Beth received four (4) votes for Vice President. Barb received one (1) vote. Beth Rake elected as Vice President. Barb made a Motion to re-appoint all appointed Borough employees, the Solicitor, Zoning Officer, Sewage Enforcement Officer, Building Inspection Underwriters and Engineers. John Domanski seconded the Motion. All in Favor. John Domanski made a Motion to re-appoint the Planning Commission Members. Beth seconded. All in Favor. Barb made a Motion to re-appoint current Zoning Board Members. Peter seconded. All in Favor. Motion was made to hold for the Montour C.O.G. (Council of Government) representative, as the Borough needs a volunteer to fill the position. Barb made a Motion to re-appoint EMA Director, Todd Oberdorf. John Domanski seconded. All in Favor. Barb made a Motion to appoint April Shuman as D.A.E.I.T.O (Danville Area Earned Income Tax Office) Board Member, appointing Brian Whitenight as Alternate Board Member. John Domanski seconded the Motion. All in Favor. At 7:11pm, Barb made a Motion to adjourn the Re-Organizational meeting, with John Domanski seconding the Motion. All in Favor. President Steve Wagner called the Regular Meeting to start. Citizens to be Heard: Ken Gardner stated he submitted a letter of interest for the vacant seat on 12/22/23 and would appreciate the opportunity to serve the Community. Old Business: Minutes of 12/18/2023 were read. John Domanski made a motion to approve the Minutes, Delavan Whitenight, Jr seconded the Motion. All in favor. Beth suggested to have Lisa send the minutes to Council Members, as she has been doing; but have Council approve any changes at the next meeting. All agreed. Zoning Officer Report: Brian Anderson was not present to present his report. John Domanski asked who does the final inspection on properties and how do we know things are being done correctly. BIU does final inspections. Beth made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Barb Kriner seconded. All in favor. Street Department Report: Dan Gable presented his report. Dan stated there was Street sign damage due to big trucks on Sunbury Rd & Ave F, 6th St & Ave F, Sunbury Rd & Factory St. Peter asked if there was any record of who did the damage, Dan stated he did not know who did the damage. John Domanski questioned if we have received any information from Larson Design Group on a Generator quote. John asked Dan to check into the quote. Dan spoke with Joe Pfirman with Larson regarding the location of all the septic tanks and he was given all the information. John made a motion to accept the Street Department report. Beth seconded the motion. All in favor. Southside Fire Company Report: No report presented. Police Report: Kerry Parkes read his report. The Police Department did not receive any payment(s) from the Magistrates Office in December. Two (2) of his Officers were off in December with Covid. Kerry said he is not certain they want to keep the Tasers. A Medical Marijuana Enforcement Grant was awarded in the amount of $17,000.00. Andy Rupp will be attending Drug Training and all Officers will go to Medical Marijuana training using some of the Grant money. Kerry stated they now have an Evidentiary Alcohol Breath Test machine. They will no longer have to transport suspected Drivers’ of DUI to Geisinger for testing. A bill from the Antenna company was received this date of 1/2/24 for work done in July 2023, this bill will now have to go in the Police budget for 2024, when it was budgeted for in 2023. John Domanski motioned to accept the Police report, Barb seconded. All in favor. Mayor’s Report: The Mayor had nothing to report. Solicitor Michetti Report: Attorney Michetti stated December was a quiet month; therefore, he had nothing to report. Borough Life: Beth said she has an idea for a St. Patrick’s Day event in the Park and will announce the details closer to that event. New Business: Barb made a Motion to accept the Resignation letter from Todd Deroba stepping down from his Council seat, as his job does not permit him to be on Council. Peter seconded. All in Favor. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti stated Council has 30 days to fill the vacant position. The person will serve until 12/31/2025. Attorney Michetti stated there are two (2) options; the vacancy can be advertised or appoint one of the three (3) people whom submitted letters of interest in the position. Barb stated, “In her opinion, Brian Whitenight should be appointed to fill the empty seat.” John Domanski made a Motion to advertise the vacancy. Delavan said, “I feel Brian should be appointed as he did all the paperwork for the Election.” Peter said, “I think we should pick from the three (3) whom submitted letters of interest.” Peter made a Motion to appoint Michel Steimling, Sr. A Second Motion was not made. John Domanski made a Motion to appoint Ken Gardner. Beth Seconded the Motion. Barb made a motion to appoint Brian Whitenight, with Delavan Whitenight Jr seconding the Motion. Beth, John Domanski, Peter and Steve all Voted to appoint Ken Gardner to fill the vacant seat on Council. Barb moved to “slate of Candidates be closed”. Ken Gardner appointed to the vacant Council Seat. All in Favor. Mayor, John LaMotte gave Ken Gardner the Oath of Office as Council Member. Motion to Approve: Barb suggested the purchase of an office laptop and wall mount large screen for Council Members to use for Zoom meetings and the BoroLife email account. Ken Gardner questioned what Budget account this purchase will come out of. It will come out of the General Office equipment account. Barb made a motion to permit Secretary, Lisa to purchase a laptop and wall mount computer, not to exceed $1,200.00. John Domanski seconded the motion. All in favor. Action Items: Septic tank locations: Dan gave all information to Larson Design Group. Barb asked if Larson has decided how they will handle the tanks that are under porches, decks or garages. Barb asked if something could just be pumped into those tanks. John Domanski said there are quite a few of them. Ken Gardner asked if you could cut through the garage flooring. Delavan questioned who would assume the cost for doing so. Lisa will set up a meeting with Larson Design Group and Council Members for a plan on the covered septic tanks. There was no Executive Session. John made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Barb seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 7:57 o’clock pm. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING January 15, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 1/2/2024 meeting. B. East and West End Sewer Projects C. Generator D. Budget II. ZONING OFFICER REPORT III. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Police vehicle B. Locks C. Street Department Coverage V. MOTION TO APPROVE A. Appointment of Pro-tem VI. ACTION ITEMS VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, February 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner. Council members present: Vice President Brian Whitenight, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Delavan Whitenight Jr and April Shuman. Also present was Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Beth Rake Citizen (s) present: Clark Shuman, Murray Johnson, Stephen Wagner and Ken Gardner. Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Resident, Ken Gardner said whomever worked on the Budget believes a good effort was put into it; however, he did not see a line item for replacement of vehicles. Barb Kriner stated for the Police Department, they put $5,000.00 and if a vehicle is needed, the rest of the funding would be taken out of the Police CD. No funding was budgeted for vehicles in the Street Department, as some of the vehicles are not that old. Brian stated some vehicles were indeed old. Barb stated they normally do budget $8,000.00 each for both the Police and Street Departments every year. Barb said for the Street Department a portion can be taken out of the Sewer account for vehicles if needed. Barb said when working on the Budget, she was trying to figure out the income and expenses to balance the budget. Old business: Approval of the minutes of December 4, 2023. John Domanski made a motion to approve the minutes, Brian Whitenight seconded the Motion. Approved by all. John Domanski questioned if there was an update on the situation with Pam Whitenights’ construction permit. Secretary, Lisa told Council Pam and her husband were in to meet with Brian Anderson on Monday, December 18 and will be meeting with BIU inspector, Matthew Witmer on Tuesday, December 19th to get confirmation on approval to build. John also questioned the status of the blocked sewer lines. Brian Whitenight said not all of them have been taken care of. John mentioned the flooding situation by the Airport; Airport officials are working with Lynda Schlegel-Culver to apply for Grants to remedy the flooding on Sunbury Road. Brian Whitenight said retention ponds are meant to fill up to a certain point, then drain out. Peter Fleming asked if there was water across Sunbury Road today, 12/18. Brian said there was and it did recede around 4:00pm. John said Merck’s sediment pond is over-grown with weeds and debris, it needs cleaned out. Brian stated we need to keep up with the Airport drainage situation, as it has been about 30 years of discussions. Brian also stated the pond at Neizers’ always comes across the road by Kipps Run Road. Barb suggested Council make a list of water issues so solutions can be worked on. John Domanski questioned if our Zoning/Planning Officer does follow-up on construction. Barb stated the BIU inspector does do a final inspection once construction is complete. Borough Life: April Shuman said the ‘Parade of Lights’ held on Saturday, December 9th was a huge success. She stated many people are already planning for next years’ parade. April said the Assembly of GOD Church had refreshments. Brian Whitenight felt there many more people watching the parade this year versus prior years. The event at the Park after the parade was also very successful. Barb said the back-drop was very nice this year for photos with Santa. Barb stated she would like to build on Mr. Gardners’ comment from the previous meeting on 12/4, regarding people getting along. Barb said in her opinion, everyone at the table has a voice and people should work together to do accomplish what is best for the community. Barb stated all the information has been accurate and helps Council work for the community. Barb said this meeting was April’s last meeting. She said April has gone above and beyond expectations of a Council Member. Barb ‘Thanked’ April for her dedicated work on Council. April said Mr. Wagner seems very able and involved, she is happy he will be a Member on Council. Peter Fleming said April did an outstanding job on Council. April said she will miss the Seat, but will remain active in the community. John Domanski said it is also Brian Whitenights’ last meeting and ‘Thanked’ both April and Brian for their service. New Business: No new business. Motion to Approve: John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 2024 Budget. Delavan seconded the Motion. All in Favor. The purchase of an office laptop was discussed. Prices will be researched. Action Items: No actions items were discussed. At 7:38pm, Delavan made a Motion to adjourn the meeting, with Peter Seconding. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING January 2, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 12/18/2023 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. Per Capita Resolution X. MOTION TO APPROVE A. Office Laptop and 50” wall screen XI. ACTION ITEMS XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, January 15, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner. Council members present: Vice President Brian Whitenight, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Delavan Whitenight Jr, April Shuman and Beth Rake. Also present were Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Street Superintendent Dan Gable, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent from Meeting: Zoning Officer Brian Anderson Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Resident, Ken Gardner stated he has been a resident of Riverside for 48 years and has enjoyed living in the Borough. Although, he feels there is a serious problem with Borough Officials. Ken said anyone who attends meetings or reads the minutes knows there are conflicts amongst Council members. He said there have been articles in the Press Enterprise newspaper that have not been good. He feels there should be unity and some Council members needs to bury the hatchet. Ken said if there is an Official that cannot cooperate and get along with others, they should resign. Old Business: Minutes of 11/20/2023 were read. John Domanski would like clarification on the 11/20 minutes regarding the issues Pam Whitenight presented Council with at that meeting. John asked if the issues were resolved or if they were just pushed by the side. Beth elaborated and said a variance is not needed, as Pam Whitenight and her husband decided to build on the Whitenight land across from their home versus building on their private property, the property across the road is owned by the Whitenight family and is currently zoned commercial. Beth stated Pam was told different things which were confusing. Barb stated Brian Anderson did speak with Pam. Barb said she would follow-up with Brian Anderson, John said Council President should not be handling duties that the Zoning Officer should be doing. Attorney Michetti stated the Zoning Officer would have to act on an application and the building must be built to Code. John asked if the sewer issue on a property Pam has listed on Dewart St was resolved. Barb said Brian Anderson informed her the owner of the property is away and asked Adams Sewer & Drain to hold off on the repairs until mid-December. John Domanski also mentioned the four to five (4-5) sewer lines (that are the Borough’s responsibility) were talked about a few meetings ago, he wanted to know the status. Dan Gable said he and Brian are working with Adams Sewer & Drain on getting those repaired. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Minutes, Delavan Whitenight, Jr seconded the Motion. All in favor. Zoning Officer Report: Brian Anderson’s report was read. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Beth Rake seconded. All in favor. Street Department Report: Dan Gable read his report. Leaf collection ended on 12/1. 55 loads and 96 bags were collected. John asked is that total was high or low. Dan said when he first started they had 99 loads of leaves. Dan stated when they hung the Christmas wreaths on the light poles, there were many poles that have electrical issues, Dan asked Council if he could contact TRA Electric to look at the light poles. Council unanimously agreed to let Dan contact TRA. Brian asked Dan if the drain issue on Scenic Drive was taken care of. Dan stated they were called out; however, the issue was not the Borough’s, it was on private property. Brian asked Dan to check on an adapter to help unclog lines with roots in them. Dan said there would be an issue with the Street Department cleaning those lines as they would need permission from home owners to cross their properties unto Borough right-of-ways. Dan has asked Adams Sewer & Drain and Roto-Rooter to install clean-outs when they do repair work. Dan stated home owners are required according to Borough Code to replace lines in need of repair on their property. Beth stated when properties are being sold and an inspection fails, lines are being replaced and a clean-out is being installed. Barb asked Dan to get estimates on clean-outs, Dan said he did just that this date of 12/4. Barb & Beth worked on a ‘Work Order From’ for the Street Department to use. A copy would be kept in the Borough. John asked who is going to follow up on these work orders. Peter feels Council members could look at them and then get with Dan to check on projects/work being done. Barb asked Dan to get estimates on a backhoe. When the Borough’s backhoe needs parts, they either are difficult to get or cannot be found. Delavan asked if there are any Grants that could be applied for to purchase a backhoe, Dan said the last he heard, there were not Grants available for equipment purchase. Peter made a motion to accept the Street Department report, with Beth seconding. All in Favor. Southside Fire Company Report: A report was not submitted. Police Report: Kerry Parkes presented his report. Kerry stated they got a good deal on body cameras and they have been using them. They entered into a five (5) year contract for the cameras. The first year fee is $1,562.00; then $1,540.00 per year after. ILEE (Instruction for Law Enforcement Education) training is scheduled for February 2024. It is two (2) half-day courses. Resident, JW Snyder asked the Chief, Kerry if anyone has seen his deer with orange collars on. JW said he has had these deer for nine (9) years and they are his family. Kerry stated the Game Commission called saying they had reports of deer in the Borough and the Commission planned to come into the Borough and remove the collars. JW asked if seen, please contact him so he can come get them. Beth said we will keep a look-out for them. Resident, Ken Gardner asked Kerry if he has issued any citations on trash violations or chickens. Kerry stated they had not issued citations. Ken said on a Sunday evening, he saw six (6) trash violations and just today, 12/4, he saw two (2) trash violations. Kerry stated he will his Officers know to look on Sundays for trash violations. John motioned to accept the Police report, Brian seconded. All in favor. Mayor’s Report: The Mayor had nothing to report. Solicitor Michetti Report: The Solicitor had nothing to report. Borough Life: The parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, 12/9 stepping off at 5:30pm. Judging will be held at the Church. Barb spoke with a lady from the Church and they will have hot chocolate available. New Business: Internet Upgrade for the Municipal building. Barb spoke with PTD (PenTeleData), as internet service is slow in the Municipal building. John Domanski made a Motion to upgrade the internet service. Brian seconded the Motion. All in Favor. New Agenda: Barb suggested to add more to the Agenda such as Tax Collector, Secretary, Financial, Planning, Zoning, Correspondences/Announcements, Resolutions, Ordinances, Actions Items, Community Communication topics. Secretary, Lisa, will check with PSAB on Agenda format. 2024 Meeting Dates were advertised. The Solicitor, Attorney Michetti, stated there is no need to advertise workshops when working on the Budget. The Budget is discussed and voted on at public Council meetings. Motion to Approve: Nothing to approve. Action Items: No action items. Executive Session: An executive session was not held. At 7:58pm, John made a motion adjourn the meeting, with Peter seconding. All in Favor. Council adjourned at 7:58 o’clock pm. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING December 18, 2023 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 12/4/2023 meeting II. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE III. NEW BUSINESS IV. MOTION TO APPROVE A. 2024 Budget B. Office Laptop V. ACTION ITEMS VI. EXECUTIVE ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Tuesday, January 2, 2024 @ 7:00pm 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 |
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