January 5, 2015 Meeting Minutes

As approved at the January 19, 2015 meeting, the minutes of January 5, 2015 follow:

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, January 5, 2015 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  President John Novak called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 pm.  In attendance this evening were council members Caressa Compton, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, John LaMotte and Lori Steele.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were in attendance.  Absent this evening was Vice President Peter Fleming.

Visitors this evening included Judy Parkes, Amy Parkes, Luke Parkes and Madilyn Parkes.

Minutes from December 15, 2014 were reviewed and approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by John LaMotte.  All voted in favor and motion carried.

At this time a Motion was put on the table to swear in Kerry J Parkes as Chief of Police of the Borough of Riverside; Motion made by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor and Motion passed.  This was followed by Chief Parkes taking an Oath of Office given by Mayor Joseph Oberdorf.  Pining of the Badge of Chief was done by Amy, Luke and Madilyn Parkes.  Chief Parkes was congratulated by all for his achievement of the position of Chief.

Brian Anderson then presented his Zoning Report.  Report approved on a Motion by John LaMotte and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.

Dan Gable then presented the Street Department Report.  He stated they have been out twice so far with cinders and salt.  There is a broken catch basin on First Street near Merck which will be repaired by Sudol Excavating in the near future.  Light at the English Garden has been repaired.  President Novak inquired if there is an area to store the generator that is coming over from Danville for the Pump Station and Dan said he would check for a place to put it once he knows the size of this machine.  Street Department report was accepted on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.

Police Chief Kerry Parkes presented the Police Office Report.  He discussed the new car to be purchased this year and will get updated price quotes.  Report was accepted on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.

Chief Parkes then requested a conditional offer of employment be given to Jennifer Goss who is one of the two remaining eligible candidates for the open position in the police department.  Motion was made by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton to accept the recommendation of Chief Parkes and offer conditional employment to Jennifer Goss.  All voted in favor; motion carried.

Barb Kriner then read the Southside Fire Company report for December.  She stated the Fire Company had a very successful Christmas tree sale this year.  Report was approved on a Motion by John LaMotte and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.

The Code Enforcement Report was then read by President John Novak.  Properties were discussed as listed on the report.  It was stressed that Mr Bloch who is working on the property at 101 Elysburg Road will need to have sewer updated and reviewed by Sewage Enforcement Officer if he remodels property to be used for a home.  Report was approved on a Motion by Lori Steele and seconded by Barb Kriner; all voted in favor.

Mayor Joseph Oberdorf stated he has nothing to report this evening.

 Solicitor Joseph Michetti stated he will be getting addresses and parcel lot information on the delinquent sewers to process Municipal Liens.  He will also have the Resolution to merge Beishline into the regular sewer district.  Report was approved on a Motion by Lori Steele and seconded by John Domanski.

President Novak then presented the Resignation Letter of Thomas Summers, Tax Collector effective January 5, 2015.  Tom stated he would assist a new tax collector if needed.  Motion to accept the resignation was made by John Domanski and seconded by John LaMotte.  All voted in favor of accepting the Resignation of Thomas Summers. Discussion then followed about filling the position.  Rebecca Steckley has indicated interest in taking the position.   Council has decided to post the position with resumes due in the office by January 16, 2015 with a new tax collector to be appointed on January 19, 2015.  

Secretary Deborah Bausch presented information on Service First Credit Union as requested by a previous council meeting.  Having met with officers of Service First, there are many beneficial options to gain by joining Service 1st.  All employees and council members could become members of the Credit Union.  They also would have a desk scanner available to download checks directly to the account thereby eliminating some trips to town to do the banking.  Motion made by Lori Steele to sign a letter of intent to join the credit union; seconded by John LaMotte. All voted in favor. Letter signed by President John Novak.

At 7:55 pm, a Motion was made by Lori Steele and seconded by John LaMotte to adjourn the Council Meeting.

Respectfully Submitted:  Deborah Bausch

Secretary