MARCH 7, 2016 MINUTES

As approved at the March 21, 2016 meeting, the minutes of 3/7/16 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, March 7, 2016 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside.  The meeting was called to order promptly at 7:00 pm by President John J. Novak.  In attendance this evening were Council Vice President Peter T Fleming, Council Members Caressa Compton, Beth Hancock, Barb Kriner, and John Domanski.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Bausch were in attendance.  Absent this evening was Carolyn Bausch.
 
Mrs. Christel Vanderlick was the first Citizen present to take the floor.  She voiced concern over a rut at her property.  She had requested more dirt or stones be placed at the site which was determined to be borough property; her request was rejected by the Street Department.  Dan Gable, Street Department Superintendent stated it was not an issue; she also contacted the police department who referred her to the Street Department and their answer; it was not a police matter.  President John Novak stated he would drive by the property and see the area in question.
 
Manuel DeLeon then took the floor to address council concerning a sewage issue.  He and his wife as well as daughter, Angelica who lives in the home at 1 Hillside Drive were present.  They provided pictures of the damage done in their home by the sewer backup.  This is not the first time there has been a problem there.  Mr. DeLeon gave some of his expenses and costs that were involved in cleaning the basement. They spent 49 hours cleaning the basement and he has ordered a check value for the sewer drain.  He was seeking reimbursement for his costs.  Solicitor Michetti stated they could file an insurance claim but would not guarantee the outcome.    He was informed he should present all bills and documentation to the borough office and we will contact the insurance carrier.
 
The minutes of February 1, 2016 were reviewed and approved by Motion of John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes presented the Police Report for February.  Discussion was held on the proposed 10 hour work shifts for the Police Office.  The officers are in favor of this change; it would require opening the contract to convert days to hours.  The officers would be giving up two holidays - Good Friday and their Birthday holiday.   John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 10 hour shifts on a trial basis; seconded by Beth Hancock and all voted for.  Program will be reviewed in December 2016.   Chief Parkes also reported he had been contacted by a resident, Tracy Shoffler, Avenue F, requesting a stop sign be put on their corner.  Her cat was recently struck there and there are children in the area; cars travel too fast on that street.  Chief Parkes will put the speed sign in the area to monitor it.  A complete road study would need to be completed to place a stop sign on that street.   The Police Report was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner; all voted in favor.
 
Barb Kriner presented the Southside Fire Company report.  Fire Company is selling house number signs for $20.00 each.  Report was approved on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report was concerning the Sunbury YMCA bike ride scheduled for July 9, 2016 through the Borough Streets.    John Domanski approved the ride contingent on them providing proof of insurance; seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
Barb Kriner then presented the Code Enforcement Report.   101 Elysburg Road will be getting cleaned up when the weather permits.   100 D & H Avenue was discussed.  Mr. Decoteau had been in the borough office with plans but has not been back since.  Contact will be made with Matt Witmer to see the status of the plans that Mr. Decoteau had shown him. 
 413 Avenue F and 196 D & H Avenue properties of Donald Cook have been issued citations.  Payment has been made on the previously issued citations.  Solicitor Michetti suggested a cumulative citation be filed with each day being a violation.   330 Avenue F is another property issue.  Owner is in a nursing home; no one wants to take responsibility for the property.  Attorney Michetti gave several options to deal with this property including a tax sale if appropriate; to get a clear title would require a judgement and judicial tax sale.  Contact will be made with a power of attorney for Mrs. Oberdorf if there is one on record.  The property at 1009 Avenue F has been sold and removed from blighted property listing.  The last property reviewed was 912 Sunbury Road.  Mr. Bostian has stated there is a possible sale; however there is no listing with any agent for the sale.  He was sent a final notice and then will be cited for failure to comply.  Report was approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Beth Hancock.  All voted in favor.
 
The Solicitor had no report but would call an Executive Session for a personnel matter.
 
New Business was then presented.  Annual Dumpster Day will be held in the Borough on April 30, 2016 with Leaf Collection taking place the week of April 25 - 20th.  This is one week only and was done per our leaf pick up schedule last year.  Dumpster Day and Leaf Collection Dates were approved on a Motion by
John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in Favor.
 
Next agenda item was regarding payment of Per Capital tax bills.  Tax Collector has requested payment of $0.25 per bill from Riverside Borough.  She currently receives $0.26 per bill from Northumberland County as a collection fee payment.  Payment of $0.25 approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Discussion was then held regarding home inspections when sold.  A homeowner would have to have lateral sewer line inspected before a sale; this inspection would be good for 3 years in the event the house would be sold again within that time frame.  Seller would be responsible for the costs involved with the inspection. Solicitor Michetti will draft an Ordinance to present to Council. 
 
At 8:07 pm. Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn regular meeting and go into Executive Session; seconded by Caressa Compton.
 
A Motion was made by John Domanski and seconded by Peter Fleming to end the executive session and return to regular council session at 8:15 pm.
 
This evening’s meeting was adjourned on a Motion by Caressa Compton and seconded by Barb Kriner at
Approximately 8:20 pm.
 
Respectfully submitted:
 Deborah Bausch
Secretary