December 2, 2024 Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr
Also present were Attorney Antonio Michetti, Police Kerry Parkes, Dan Gable and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Mayor John LaMotte and Zoning Officer Brian Anderson.
 
Citizens present:
Todd Oberdorf, Frank Maciejewski, Drew Mumich, Allie Wertz and Girl Scout Troop 33.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Resident Frank Maciejewski questioned if the Garbage Ordinance is being enforced, as he is noticing bags not in cans particularly on Monday mornings. Kerry Parkes said the Police have issued citations. 
Girl Scout Troop 33 was in attendance. They are working on a Merit Badge and would like to do some maintenance on the Memorial Garden in the Borough Park.
 
Old business:
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 11/18 meeting minutes. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Steve read over the report. Barb made a Motion to accept the report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan said leaf collection was very dusty this year, due to lack of rain. They collected more loads of leaves this year than previous years. If residents still have leaves, they must be bagged and at curbside. The Street Department will collect the bags. The bucket truck will go out for repairs after the Christmas lights are up. When the generator is hooked up, there will be two pumper trucks lined up. A Code Inspector and PPL will be on site for the generator hook up. Dan stated there was a problem with the sewer line in Hillside Estate. The line was televised to ensure there was not a collapse. Ken Gardner asked if we check to see if people are paid up to date when they have a sewer issue. Dan said the blockage was in the main line and not any fault of the home owner.
Ken asked Dan if training for employees on the generator has been scheduled. Dan said it has not been, it will be after the generator is set up.
Barb suggested contacting Justin Skavery to apply for a Grant for a new backhoe. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report: None submitted.
 
Police Report:
Kerry said the new department computer has been installed and it is much faster than then previous one. Kerry would like to see $12,000.00 put into the Budget for the purchase of a new vehicle. John made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report: None submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Will discuss in Executive Session.
 
Borough Life:
Barb said the ‘Parade of Lights’ will be held on Saturday, December 14th. There will be treats in the Park. The Christmas tree is set up in the Park. Anyone wishing to put an ornament on it, may do so. The ornaments are saved each year and put back on the tree. Delavan made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business: None
 
Motion to Approve:
2025 Budget will be approved at the 12/16 meeting. There is a $95,000.00 deficit. Ken said the Budget is based on low income from Merck. Merck makes up 39% of the taxable Real Estate income. The Earned Income might also decrease. Merck is demolishing buildings and decontaminating the grounds. Production will stop in 2025. Steve asked, do we raise taxes. Ken suggested ‘no’ tax increase. Peter suggested a 1 Mill tax increase. Barb and Delavan were not in favor of a tax increase.  John Domanski made a Motion to increase Real Estate taxes by 1 Mill, effective January 1, 2025; with a committee to find out where we can cut the Budget. Peter seconded the Motion. All in favor.
Discussion was held on the Tax Collector’s commission. John made a Motion to set the Tax Collector’s commission at 2.5%. Ken said we need to keep the job attractive. John amended his Motion to set the Tax Collector’s rate at 3%. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept a proposal from Whistle Stop Fence Company for fencing around the generator at the pump station. Delavan seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
John made a Motion to re-appoint Sewage Enforcement Officer, Robert Fugate Jr. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Ken asked where we are at with an Auctioneer. Weaver is going to send a proposal and also Dustin Snyder will be sending a proposal. Attorney Antonio Michetti stated, Auctioneer’s sell ‘As IS’ and will state so in their contract.
 
Action Items:
None
 
At 8:12pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session. John seconded. All in Favor.
Council went back into Public Session at 8:45pm.
Peter made a Motion to hire a Labor Attorney. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Ken made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47pm. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Fritz
Secretary