May 1, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes

​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, May 1, 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, Street Superintendent Dan Gable, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent from Meeting:
John LaMotte Mayor, Council Members Peter Fleming and Delavan Whitenight.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Ken Gardner asked Council if a Recycling Program could be looked into. He stated if recycling was in place, perhaps the burning barrels could be banned. Beth Rake stated she will contact the Bloomsburg Recycling Center for information.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 4/17/2023 were read. Beth Rake made a motion to approve the Minutes, Barb Kriner seconded the Motion. All in favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report for the month of April. He stated requests for permits were low for the month. The fencing on Sunbury Rd is in the process of being replaced. The Blackburn property was investigate by Riverside Police for a break-in. Chief Parkes advised the property is run down. Brian will contact the owner to repair or tear down the property. Brian also stopped by the property located at 339 Gearhart St to follow-up regarding the fencing, no one was home, so he left a business card. Brian stated Matt Sudol started to build a new structure, but was told to cease work until the plans were approved. Barb Kriner asked Brian if he could check into the wooded area behind the English Garden, as there is a box of some type in the trees. Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, Brian Whitenight seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report. Barb Kriner mentioned a bus stop was moved to Maple Street and there are potholes. Dan stated the holes were filled in last week. Dan stated HRI is currently ADA ramps on Sunbury Rd. Adams Sewer and Drain will be doing the manholes on Sunbury the week of 5/1; then Sunbury Rd will be paved. Work will be done during night-time hours. Adams Sewer and Drain Cleaning gave the Borough a quote to repair a sewer line in the Right-of-Way at Ken Gardner’s property in the amount of $3,800.00. Beth Rake made a motion to approve the quote from Adams Sewer and Drain Cleaning, with April Shuman seconding the motion. All in Favor.
A quote was received from Big Rock Paving for Pine Swamp Hollow Road. Beth made a motion to accept the quote. Barb seconded the motion. All in Favor.
Nathan Apple submitted a ‘Letter of Resignation’ effective 4/28/2023. Nathan asked if he could remain on the employee roles as an emergency/on call person. John Domanski also would like Nathan to help with Dumpster Day on Saturday, May 20th. Beth made a motion to permit Nathan to stay on as an emergency/call out employee and to help out on Dumpster Day, with Brian Whitenight seconding the motion. All in Favor.
Beth Rake made a motion to accept the Street Department report. Barb seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
The Report was reviewed. The Southside Fireman’s Carnival will be held Wednesday, May 23rd through Saturday, May 27th. The Pet & Toy Parade will be held on Wednesday, May 24th starting at 6:30pm, forms at 6:00pm and moves from St. Peter’s UM Church in Riverside. Barb Kriner stated a citizen asked if a minor could drive an ATV in the parade. Kerry Parkes stated rules are different for parades, Parents must be with the minor driving the ATV in the parade. Barb also stated the ice cream will be from Sunset, with some new flavors this year.  Brian Whitenight made a motion to accept the report and April Shuman seconded the motion. All in favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes presented his report. Kerry stated there have been several break-ins, he advised to keep your vehicles locked, as thieves are stealing from vehicles. The Police have been called to a rental property that houses a mentally challenged person whom takes their clothes off and lays in the middle of the Street. The Caretakers of this facility cannot restrain the person, therefore, they summon the Police. At times, it is several times a day. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti stated he will research what might possibly be done.
Kerry mentioned that Officer Brad Harvey did a wonderful job addressing the flooding issues on Sunday, April 30th. Kerry stated there are many vehicles that go to “Black Heart Tattoo”, he asked if there is something in the Code’s that states no congregation in parking lots. Also, there should be an Occupancy Permit on file for the building, will check with the Zoning Officer, Brian Anderson.
Barb Kriner motioned to accept the Police report, Brian Whitenight seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
A report was not submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti will notify the owners of Lot #29 in the River Hill developments of the fact they are responsible for cleaning out the retention pond.
Attorney Michetti reviewed the revised non-uniform employee handbook and stated it looked fine. The Handbook will be in effect as of May 1st, 2023.
Attorney Michetti has not received written documents on the bridge lights as of this date, 5/1.
Sewer Rates: Revision of rates should be done by Resolution.
Windmill and Solar panels; will need to contact Larson Design Group to see if they have someone on staff for regulatory issues. Barb Kriner made a motion to accept the Solicitors Report, with Beth Rake seconding. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
The Memorial Day Service for Sunday, May 28th at 1:00pm is shaping up, just a few loose ends before the Program will be printed.
April will be setting up a stand for the Geisinger Residents welcome event in Danville on June 19th. Brian Whitenight made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, April Shuman seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
The Borough received a class action lawsuit settlement payment from Monsanto Company, et al (developers of Round-Up Weed Control Spray). A Liquid Fuels Tax Fund payment was also received.
A letter was received from the County Commissioners Off announcing the opening of the Federal Fiscal year 2023 Community Development Block Grant Program. The Borough will ask the Grant Writer to file for this Grant. The grant money will be put towards guardrails on Pine Swamp Hollow Road.
 
Motion to Approve:
None to approve.
 
 
Action Items:
Memorial Day Service is set for Sunday, May 28th at 1:00pm at the Borough Park.
 
Executive Session:
At 8:10pm, Beth made a motion to move into Executive session. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
At 8:25pm, Barb made a motion to go back into Regular Session. Beth seconded the motion. All in Favor. Barb Kriner made a motion to give the Secretary, Lisa Fritz, a 6% raise, retro-active to 4/1/2023. Brian seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Barb made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian seconded the motion. Council adjourned at 8:26 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary