May 5, 2025 Meeting Minutes

​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Delavan Whitenight, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Attorney Antonio Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Dan Gable with the Street Department, Kerry Parkes Chief of Police, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Barb Kriner
 
Citizens present:
Cody Alexander, Brenna Gable, Drew Mumich & JW Snyder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Cody Alexander with Five Star Equipment gave updated information to Council on a backhoe purchase; he got a lower price and was able to include a parts package for the purchase of a John Deere 310P backhoe. Cody stated delivery would be in approximately 3 weeks for a 310P, as one is in stock. Other models would have to be ordered. Cody stated the 310P is a good machine. Ken Gardner asked if it was such a good machine, why is it still in inventory for so long. Cody stated because newer models are being ordered. Mike Steimling stated, the Borough needs an automatic transmission, a manual transmission is not good for what we have to do. Ken asked if the Street Department could do storm sewer repairs with the new backhoe. Dan Gable said the Street Department does not do storm sewer repairs, due to compaction.
 
Old business:
John made a Motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of April 21st. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read over his report. Brian stated there have been some issues: a house on Sunbury Road needs the sewer replaced; a property located on 9th Street runs a little business out of his house. Solicitor Attorney Michetti will work with Brian on an ordinance for half-way housing in the Borough. Ken asked if there is a sign advertising the business, Brian said there is not a sign up. Brian also mentioned there is a property on S&H Avenue being sold and the sewer inspection failed. He stated the lateral needs replaced and is the home owners’ responsibility. Peter made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report. The Street Department had several trees down that they had to clear off roadways during the month of April. Dan stated the West End Sewer project is going very well. There was a power outage in Riverside, including the Borough Municipal Building, the Street Department used a generator to power the office. Kerry suggested Council look into a gas powered generator for the Borough building; as it is crucial to keep the office running because it is a command post for disasters.
Peter made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
A report for the month of March was submitted. John made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
 
 
 
Police Report:
Kerry read over his report. Kerry warned that scams are increasing; do not send money or gift card information over the phone to anyone you personally do not know. Kerry stated LPR (License Plate Recognition) keeps the roads safe for all. The Warrant list was published, giving people with warrants until June to take care of them.
Kerry introduced John Barley, an Intern whom has completed his internship with Riverside Borough Police Department. John ‘Thanked’ Council Members for permitting him to do the internship and John also ‘Thanked’ Kerry for training him.
Ken asked Kerry if they are doing more frequent patrolling. Kerry said, yes. Ken asked the status of the Regional Police presentation. Kerry stated he felt the idea has died. It was tried in other areas and did not work out.
Peter made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd stated he met with Kerry regarding the LPR (License Plate Recognition).
Met with Joan Topper member of D.A.R., regarding the sign placement. They are planning a dedication ceremony in September. Todd is contacting the cemetery owners regarding Veterans markers. Todd stated he would like to re-name the park, ‘Gearhart Park’. Steve made a Motion to approve re-naming the park and get a new sign. John seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Todd said he attended the Easter Egg Hunt in April at the Southside Fire Company. Todd signed letters seeking floral donations for the Memorial Day Service in the Park on Sunday, May 25th at 1:00pm. National Medical Emergency Week is 5/18 through 5/24. There will be a Pet-n-Toy Parade on May 21st at the Southside Fireman’s carnival. He hopes a lot of people come out for the carnival.
John made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Antonio Michetti opened the 2025 multiple street paving bids. John made a Motion to accept the lowest bid from New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, subject to Solicitor review. Mike seconded. Ken opposed.
 
Borough Life:
None submitted.
 
New Business:
John made a Motion to accept the proposal from Northeast Tree Service for tree and stump removal on Gearhart, Avenue G and Avenue H. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
John made a Motion to accept the proposal from Pact One, LLC to replace metal piping on Oak and Maple Streets. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
Delavan made a Motion to accept Adams Sewer and Drain, LLC proposal for $4,250.00 to replace the sewer line at the Borough Office. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Discussion was held regarding the backhoe purchase. Ken looked on MuniciBid site at backhoes, he said they were in poor condition. Peter made a Motion to trade the current backhoe and opt to make payment in full for a new 310P backhoe. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items: None
 
At 8:52pm, Mike made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personal matters. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 9:16pm.
John made a Motion to deny John LaMotte to work dumpster day due to insurance liability. Delavan seconded. All in Favor. Steve will contact Todd Leiby and ask him to work dumpster day.
 
Peter made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20pm.  John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted;
Lisa Fritz, Secretary