March 20, 2017 Minutes'

As approved at the April 3, 2017 Meeting, minutes of March 20, 2017 follow:

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, March 20, 2017 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The meeting was called to order promptly at 7:00 pm by President Pro Tempore Carolyn Bausch.  Present this evening in addition to Carolyn Bausch were Caressa Compton, Barb Kriner and John Domanski.  Absent this evening were President John Novak, Vice President Peter Fleming, Council Member Beth Hancock and Mayor Joe Oberdorf.  Secretary Deborah Bausch was present.
 
In the audience this evening were Bob Stoudt, MARC Director and his son Ben Stoudt.  Also present were Reporter Karen Blackledge and Chris Henrie.
 
Bob Stoudt addressed council with proposed signage for the proposed boat launching area off D & H Avenue.    Discussion ensued and Caressa Compton noted the area should be made available to unload/load any boats/kayaks in the area leading down the ramp.  No Parking signs were marked where they would be placed to avoid using the road along D & H Avenue which has heavy truck traffic into the Merck plant.   Questions were presented to Dan Gable, Street Superintendent regarding the area around the Danville Pump Station.  Bob explained there will be no digging or dirt removal to pave the area as this would require a permit of around $3,000.00; instead the area will be a carry in access.  On a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner, approval was given to go forward with signage with a revision to include 15 minute load/unload sign.  All voted for.
 
Under old business, the Minutes of March 6, 2017 were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.
 
The Financial Reports for February 2017 were approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, then took the floor to give the Street report.  The major snow storm was very taxing on the Street Department crew.  Extra help would have been a help to the guys but they did the best they could and had several issues with trucks during the snow storm; lots of time was spent shoveling out trucks and trying to keep roads clear.  Less snow would have been better according to Dan!   Carolyn Bausch stated she has had nothing but positive feedback on the job done on our streets. 
Dan and crew are going to put a plan together so they are more prepared if this event should happen again.  Trying to get to all the areas of the borough with a 3 man crew was not an easy task; priority concern was the main roads and then the other areas were plowed. Council has asked Dan to put together an expectations list for handling this scenario in times to come.  Bringing on help for snow plowing was discussed as to what liability would be incurred as far as pay and workers comp payments.  This will be revisited with the budget meetings.   Dan Gable then also spoke of the bridge lights.  We are responsible for approximately 34 lights on the bridge; Mahoning Township has the cost of the other side of the bridge.  Electricians Seidel and Cero are putting together a quote to replace the bridge lights with LED lighting.  Right now there are grants and programs there to offset the costs. Dan explained the LED lights do not have a ballast to go bad.  To replace the bulb and ballast at the current set up would be about $500 per light pole.  The LED lights would also be a savings on the current electric bill.  It was requested that more quotes be received and also Dan will speak with the Street Department in Mahoning Township to see if we can work out something together.  Street Department report approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner; seconded by John Domanski and approved by all.
 
Dumpster day for the Borough was set for May 6, 2017 from 7 am - 3 pm at the Borough garage.  John Domanski inquired about advertising.  This will be advertised in the Danville News and Bloomsburg Press as well as our webpage and Facebook page.  Dumpster Day approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.
 
Quotes were discussed to upgrade the heating system in the Borough Building to a new gas furnace; three quotes were received but not all have the same data.  Dan Gable will check with a vendor to get clarification on his quote.  On a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner, the matter has been tabled until the next meeting to select a vendor.  John Domanski opposed the motion; Carolyn Bausch voted for the Motion.  Matter has been tabled until April 3, 2017.
 
Invoices from the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Montour Visitor’s Bureau were received for membership dues.  These entities have separated from each other.  It was decided to continue our membership with the Chamber; however there was not much interaction for Riverside on the Visitor’s Bureau site and it was felt that we would not join that membership.
 
At approximately 7:50 pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn regular Council to an Executive Session for personnel matter.  John Domanski seconded the Motion and Council adjourned to an Executive Session.
 
On a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner, the Executive session ended at approximately 8:59 pm.  Regular Council session resumed.
 
At 9:01 pm, John Domanski made a Motion to Adjourn; Barb Kriner seconded the Motion.
Council meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary