Minutes from June 6, 2016

As approved at the July 5th meeting, the minutes of June 6 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, June 6, 2016 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John J. Novak.  In attendance this evening were Vice President Peter T Fleming, Council members Carolyn Bausch, Beth Hancock, Barb Kriner and John Domanski.  Also present were Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Absent this evening were Council Member Caressa Compton and Mayor Joseph Oberdorf.
 
In the audience this evening were Brenna Gable and Dave Decoteau.
Brenna Gable was here just to observe the proceedings. 
Dave Decoteau then stated he was here in case there were any questions regarding his property at 100 D & H Avenue.  He had previously met with Brian Anderson and Matt Witmer as to his work request.  Discussion was held on what can be done and how he can revise his plans with an addendum to make the modifications.  He was told to meet with Matt Witmer and Brian Anderson in the morning to get clarification on how to proceed and what can be done.
 
Minutes of the May 16, 2016 meeting were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Carolyn Bausch; all voted in favor.
Financial Reports for April 2016 were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Hancock.  All voted in favor.
 
Brian Anderson then presented the Zoning Report for May 2016.  There is a Variance Hearing that has been tabled at this time.  Solicitor Michetti has advised it would be beneficial to the borough to have an attorney present for the proceedings which were continued until June 29th.  Motion was made by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski for the Solicitor to contact some local attorneys to see who might be available to help out with this Hearing. Motion was accepted and voted in favor of by all present. Brian presented a copy of a newspaper ad regarding a pool accident which included electrical shock; deaths have also been reported from pool accidents. He stated he gets lots of complaints from pool owners about needing the inspections so he wanted to stress the importance of proper installation and inspections.   Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.
 
Police Chief Kerry Parkes presented the Police Report.  He stated there have been 2 classes held and one was done at St Peter’s church.   The Church was thanked for letting them use their facility.
Two Letters of Commendation were received from the Mayor and a thank you from the Attorney General’s Office for their assistance within the Borough.  Chief Parkes then spoke about HoverBoards and some issues with them.  He has been in contact with PSP to see if there are any ordinances out there to cover their use.  Beth Hancock found a write up regarding a law issued in the State of California. Chief will do more research to see what can be found.   Riverside Police participated in a Mock Crash at the High School prior to prom night.  Barb Kriner stated the fire company appreciated their presence at the Carnival last month    Report was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch; seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Barb Kriner presented the Southside Fire company report.  Report was mainly the Carnival that was held at the grounds.  She estimated the profit to be about $10,000.00 this year.    Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Beth Hancock.  All voted in favor.
 
There was no Code Enforcement Report.
 
Due to the Mayor’s absence, there was no Mayor’s Report tonight.
 
Solicitor Michetti presented his report.  He stated he has been in contact with Jackie Hart regarding the borough’s blighted properties.   She has been told to go forward with processing citations on several properties.   Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski; all voted for.
 
Dan Gable addressed Council with the Street Department Report.  He spoke of the conditions of many streets in the Borough.  Discussion was held on the need for a tax increase next year to help offset the need for so many street repairs.   The Project Estimate Sheet prepared by our Penn Dot liaison, Barry Garverick was reviewed.  It was decided to put the bid out to complete all the work listed on the Estimate Sheet.  Motion was made by Barb Kriner and seconded by Carolyn Bausch to approve the Paving list; contact will be made with Barry Garverick in the morning to get the bid package ready.  Dan also spoke about the remaining catch basin that needs repaired on Avenue D near the Merck entrance.  He had contacted several vendors; the only two responding were quite different in price.   He will be contacting Elijah Evans to do the work at an estimated cost of $4,000.00.  UGI Restoration will begin in the near future; he does not have the date at present.  Street Department report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted for.  At this time, Dan presented the name of his candidate for hire by the Council for the street department position.  He explained resumes were reviewed and interviews held.  At least 30 resumes/applications were received.  The hiring committee met and it was narrowed to three qualified candidates for interviews.  Carolyn Bausch was on the committee and stated she had reviewed each and every applicant and there were many not qualified; she also participated in the interviews and agrees with Dan’s selection of a candidate.  He was well qualified with his past experience and presented himself well.  On a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner, the position was offered to Christopher Henrie.   Mr. Henrie was then brought in and introduced to the council members.  He is currently employed and will be working out a two week notice with a start date with the Borough of June 20, 2016. 
 
New business was put on the table.  John Domanski said it was old business but inquired about the status of the ordinance for home inspections when selling properties in the Borough.  Attorney Michetti
stated samples were given out for council members to review.  This item will be put on agenda for next month’s meeting.
 
Final agenda item for the evening was fireworks for the Danville Heritage Festival in July.  Fireworks are going to be done by Brian Whitenight.  Fireworks will be held on July 16th and will be set off behind the English Garden over the river.  Fireworks were approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Carolyn Bausch.
 
Motion was made at approximately 7:55 pm to adjourn the council meeting.  Motion seconded by Barb Kriner and meeting adjourned.  Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.
 
Respectfully submitted:
 Deborah Bausch, Secretary