July 6, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner, Rob Rickard and Rebekah Lenig.
Also present was Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Brad Harvey with the Police Department, Dan Gable with the Street Department and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent: Council Member Mike Steimling, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes and Code/Zoning Officer Brian Anderson.
 
Citizens present:
John Shade, John Domanski, Michelle and Jimmy Getkin, Jim W Snyder and Drew Mumich
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard: 
Residents, Jimmy and Michelle Getkin addressed Council about glass scattered across streets; believed to originate from a garbage truck hopper draining water mixed with broken tempered glass from bagged debris. Dan Gable with the Street Department said high winds may have shattered patio umbrella tables; debris likely entered a garbage truck and leaked through a drain hole while driving. Jimmy Getkin said he and several other residents cleaned some streets themselves. Dan Gable said residents are advised to call the Street Department at (570) 275-5338 and leave a message for non-emergencies. Dan stated a sweep truck from Danville is scheduled for early morning on Tuesday, July 7th to clean up the glass.
Resident J.W. Snyder raised concerns about the guiderails along Pine Swamp Hollow Road.Steve stated a prior LSA grant application to fix it fell through. Steve stated Linda Schlegel is scheduled to do an onsite visit August 3 at 10:00 a.m. to assess and pursue another grant for guiderails along Pine Swamp Hollow.
Resident John Shade expressed a concern: Stop sign at “Ninth Street and Avenue H” intersection is obscured by overgrown trees; drivers blowing through; request to move or lower the sign and trim trees.
John also stated fireworks debris found within 2–25 feet of his residence; request for clarification on borough restrictions. Police Officer Brad Harvey stated there are no restriction on Holidays, such as the Fourth of July. (e.g., 150 feet from structures, time limits around 10:00 p.m. except holidays). John brought a bag of spent fireworks to show Council Members.
John reported past negative experiences calling police; encouraged them to work with residents.
 
 
June 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes:
Rob made a Motion to accept the meeting minutes of the June 1st meeting. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
Monthly Bills: Rob made a Motion to approve the bills from the month of June. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Zoning/Code Officer Report:
Council President Steve Wagner presented the Code/Zoning Officer’s report in Brian Anderson’s absence. Eight (8) building and sewer permits started; five (5) zoning; BIU building permit revenue $232.78; 19 meetings/calls; variance hearing noted.
Ongoing issue: porch at 427 Avenue E is falling down; follow-up planned.
551 Avenue C ownership change after a passing; notification pending; potential estate issues discussed.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning Officer’s report. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented the following report:

• Seasonal work: mowing, trimming for line-of-sight, ditch cleaning.
• USG completed manholes; began cleaning Hillside Street sewer; encountered “blowback” into homes via laterals.
• USG cleaned impacted basements and seeks a sit-down meeting to plan further sewer cleaning without causing blowback. Barb Kriner asked Dan if the Street Department still has a root cutter. Dan said they do have a wart hog machine, but it cannot get deep into the drains to clear them properly; heavy root intrusion in long sewer stretches; steep slopes hinder borough equipment; USG’s equipment is more capable.
• Dan said a Check-valve would prevent back-ups.
• Pack One added topsoil and hydroseeded areas in the West End.
• Two callouts in one day.
• $1,000 in scrap metal turned in.
• Ongoing problem with brush/trees encroaching alleys, especially along railroad right-of-way; residents urged to maintain vegetation.
• Conclusion:
  • Borough to coordinate a meeting with USG to adjust sewer cleaning approach and continue vegetation enforcement reminders.
• Description:
  • Recent hydro-jetting caused four-house backups due to insufficient slope in laterals; many homes lack check valves.
  • Exposed sewer line segments discussed near the Brewery Hollow/Creek area; vulnerability noted.
  • Plan to meet with USG to mitigate future blowback events.

Lighting for Street Department and Pavilion (LED Program)

• Potential vendor offering LED lights at $1 for an initial quantity (10 units), remaining at additional cost (~$700 total).
• Need 18 lights for the shop and pavilion.


• Ken Gardner asked Dan the status of the quote for the Salt Shed. Rob stated the subject is not on the Agenda and therefore cannot be discussed. Tabled for a future meeting.

Rob made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Southside Fire Company Report:
Barb read over the Southside Fire Company’s Chief’s Report from the month of April.
                        Rob made a Motion to accept the Southside report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Police Department Report:
Brad presented the Police report in Kerry’s absence.

• 287(g) training completed; time window noted as either 5–7 or 6–8 (uncertain).
• There currently have not been any Police applications picked up for the open position in the Police Department. Discussion on paying an applicant to go to the Police Academy. Training cost is $8,400 and a retention contract with terms prorating buyout if the Officer would leave employment early. Barb asked if there would be any benefits to paying someone to go through Act 120. Brad stated we might get some applicants if the Academy is paid for. Barb made a Motion to approve the Police report, with Rob seconding the Motion. All in Favor.

Mayor’s Report:
Todd Oberdorf met with Brad Harvey, Rob Rickard and Barb Kriner regarding the Police Contract and Chief Contract Negotiations. Todd spoke with Dave Levandoski with WNEP-TV regarding “Go Joe 29”, they will be coming to Gearhart Park on Wednesday, July 22nd at 6:00am.

• Description:
  • Police contract and letter acknowledging negotiations for the chief to be addressed in Executive Session.

Peter made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Barb seconded. All in Favor
Solicitors’ Report:
Ken Gardner asked Attorney Michetti if there were any changes to the Solar Ordinance.

• No changes reported to the solar ordinance; question raised about applicability to light industrial/industrial zones.
• Truck Ordinance reviewed.

Rob made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Boro Life Committee Report:
Barb stated the committee is planning Halloween in the Park in October and Parade of Lights in December. They are also working on several other events.
The Boro Life committee’s financials for the 250th Celebration are still being prepared. Barb will report on the financials at a future meeting. There are still a few outstanding bills from the 250th celebration.
 
Motion to Approve:

• Topic Title: Eagle Scout Tennis/Pickleball Court Project
  • Description:
    • Eagle Scout candidate Elliot Younger to lead a painting project; some recreation funds (~$7,000) available.
    • Additional goal to paint the fence; desire to clean up the park/building.
    • Pete volunteered to coordinate with Elliot.

Peter made a Motion for Elliot to proceed with the Eagle Scout tennis court project. Rob seconded the Motion. All in Favor.

• Topic Title: Sewer Billing System Upgrade Requirement
  • Description:
    • Current sewer billing system becomes obsolete on January 1; mandatory upgrade required.
    • New cost cited as $6,000 per year for upgraded sewer billing.
    • Existing system is original and never updated.

Barb made a Motion to proceed with the sewer upgrade. Rob seconded. All in Favor.

• Topic Title: Internet Security Upgrade
  • Description:
    • Current monthly: $500; proposed upgrade: $682.92 per month.
    • Strong recommendation to upgrade for security.

Barb made a Motion to approve the upgrade. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
 

• Topic Title: Merck/Cherokee Town Hall, Zoning, and Groundwater Concerns
  • Description:
    • Zoning board meeting regarding school property reuse; purchaser seeks zoning changes and well use; Merck representatives allegedly threatened litigation over actions affecting groundwater flow and contaminants.
    • Concerns about contaminant migration if wells are deepened or new wells drilled; debates about Merck’s obligations, EPA/DEP oversight, and long-term monitoring.
    • Discussion of testing private wells, who should pay, and risks of borough spearheading testing; options include residents self-testing, legal counsel guidance, or meeting with Merck/legislators.
    • Reports that EPA/DEP indicate two more monitoring quarters remain; uncertainty about post-closure responsibilities and monitoring cadence.
    • Suggestions to hire an EPA/environmental attorney; explore running a water line; coordinate with state representatives; await zoning hearing transcript.
• Topic Title: Fire Tax
  • Description:
    • Discussion on separating fire tax funds.
• Topic Title: Office Window Trim Bid Approval
  • Description:
    • Two estimates obtained for finishing window trim after replacements.
    • Lowest bid: $3,419.56; prior thought of self-performing estimated at over $1,000 in materials.

Barb made a Motion made to approve the lowest bid. Rob seconded. All in Favor.

At 8:23pm, Barb made a Motion to enter Executive session to address personnel and potential litigation items. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
At 9:42pm, Barb made a Motion to go back into regular session. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to approve the Police Contract. Peter seconded. Ken opposed the contract. Motion carried.
Next Arrangements:

• Deploy sweep truck and crews to remove remaining street glass (mapped areas).
• Schedule and hold a sit-down with USG (Michael) to plan sewer cleaning without residential blowback; develop SOPs and resident notification protocols.
• Provide written clarification to residents on borough fireworks restrictions (distance and permitted times); align with police for consistent enforcement.
• Conduct the site visit with Linda Schlegel at Pine Swamp Hollow guardrail on August 3 at 10:00 a.m.; prepare grant pursuit steps.
• Follow up on deferred roof topic with scope and next steps.

 
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz, Secretary