January 3, 2023 Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Barb Kriner, Brian Whitenight, April Shuman and Beth Rake. 
Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr., Chief of Police Kerry Parkes and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Citizens present in the Audience was resident Clark Shuman.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
None
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 12/19/2022 were read. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Minutes, April Shuman seconded the Motion. All in favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson was not present to present his report. Beth Rake mentioned that a resident from Meadow Lark Lane spoke to her regarding neighbors that are violating the Zoning ordinance. Attorney Michetti stated it is a Civil matter and the residents should contact their Attorney for advice. Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Barb Kriner seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
The Street Department report was read by Council. John Domanski mentioned that the carbide blade needs replaced, he told Chris Henrie to order one. John Domanski said Chris Henrie asked if he could carry over 37 hours of vacation time that he was not able to use due to an employee being on medical leave. Council agreed to let Chris carry the time over, using it prior to March 31, 2023. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Street Department report. Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
No report presented.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes read his report. He stated the Police Department did not receive any Grant monies. Kerry mentioned they were called out for the shooting incident at Geisinger. Barb Kriner asked Kerry if his Officers know how to investigate a crime such as the Geisinger incident. Kerry replied they stay up to date on training and if a crime should occur, they would bring in State Police to do the investigation. Kerry stated he and his Officers had an ‘After Action Review’ regarding the Geisinger incident. The Police Department participated in the Borough Christmas Giving to a family.
Barb Kriner motioned to accept the Police report, Beth Rake seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
No report was submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti researched different approaches to Wind Power and Solar Panels. Currently they can be placed anywhere in the Borough. Attorney Michetti stated the Ordinance can be amended and suggested contacting the Writer of the ordinance for information on an amendment. John Domanski stated he is concerned large Solar Farms might be installed. Barb Kriner questioned what effect Solar would have on farming. Attorney Michetti stated they would not be able to farm where the panels are in place and income is better than farming. Attorney Michetti is going to do more research on the matter.
Act 537- Resolution from Gannett Fleming Sewage Enforcement Act from the Borough of Danville. Barb Kriner will follow up with Danville Borough’s Manager to get further information.
Attorney Michetti questioned the status of the Borough’s sign placement on a resident’s property. Peter Fleming is handling this. The sign cannot be moved until Spring.
LED Street Lighting – Brian Whitenight stated PPL might be replacing the Street lights in March with LED lights. PPL stated the Borough could not purchase their own lights.
Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Solicitors Report, with Brian Whitenight seconding. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Nothing to report.
 
New Business:
The Borough will be purchasing file folders for maps. Council suggested when Dan Gable returns to work, he could put all the maps into the file folders.
Larson Design Group sent a notice with an update on the West End Sewer project.
Council received a letter from William Conrad thanking them for the opportunity to serve the Borough as custodian. John Domanski researched Ice Skating rinks for the Borough. Council decided to table the idea until the new building is complete. Beth Rake suggested perhaps MARC (Montour County Area Recreation) could assist with an ice skating rink.
Barb Kriner mentioned the dangerous situation of water and /or ice that forms on the roadway near the Airport. On December 23, 2022, water froze on State Route 4001 and PennDot closed the road. John Domanski feels the problem is between PennDot and the Airport. Attorney Michetti suggested a letter be sent the appropriate personnel regarding the situation. John Domanski will draft a letter.
 
Motion to Approve:
2023 Budget – Beth Rake made a motion to approve the budget, with Brian Whitenight seconding the motion. All in favor.
 
Action Items:
Council approved the ‘Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement’ authorizing Council President, John Domanski to submit future applications for Traffic Signal modifications.  All in Favor.
 
There was no Executive Session.
 
Beth Rake made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 8:58 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary