MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 15, 2021

As approved at the March 1, 2021 meeting , thnutes of 2-15-21 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, February 15, 2021 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by President John Domanski.  In attendance this evening were Vice President Barb Kriner, Council Members Peter Fleming, Kevin Romansik and Beth Rake via telephone.   Brian Whitenight joined the meeting at 7:05 pm.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch were also in attendance.  Absent this evening was council member Delavan Whitenight and Mayor John LaMotte.
 
In the audience this evening was Jon Stassel, Southside Fire Chief.
 
Old business began with approval of the minutes of January 4, 2021 on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
Budget Report for December was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted for.
 
The official appointment of Kevin Romansik to MARC Board effective January 1, 2021 was approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner. All voted in favor.
 
Brian Anderson, Zoning Officer, presented his report for January 2021.  Report was approved on a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Kevin Romansik.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, spoke of his department’s activities during January.  Child Play signs will be put up once the weather breaks.  He would like to see some restricted signs placed; we have had a lot of issues with large trucks driving on streets they should not be on.    He presented council with a map of alley ways in the borough, those maintained and those strictly on paper.  Much discussion followed on the alleyways and how to proceed with them.  Solicitor Michetti offered some guidance and things the council would need to consider before doing any abandoning of alleys.    Peter Fleming added the street crew did a great job with the snow plowing and salting during our recent storms.  President John Domanski then read a note from resident Dolores Blasick thanking the street crew for their work.
Street report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.
 
Jon Stassel, Southside Fire Chief, addressed council with the fire company report.  He questioned where the electronic sign that was previously approved by council could be put.  He asked about the property near the bridge – where is that borough property?  Dan Gable explained it is near the railroad tracks and there are some bushes there.   Brian Anderson sated they are filing a grant to help recruit more firefighters.  Council President John Domanski spoke about a letter we received from Montour County regarding donations for the Friendship Fire Company ladder fund; he wanted to let Jon know of the council’s previous vote to not support this issue as the borough has no tall building to warrant the use of the ladder truck.  Jon then said they are able to reach most buildings and can always contact other companies if needed plus Merck has a truck also.  Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes presented the police report for January.   His first item was the introduction of Earl Johnson who he is asking council to hire as a part time fill in officer for the department.  Eamon Shoff has taken the 32 hour/week spot and if hired, Earl would be the fill in officer.
 Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to hire Earl Johnson on the recommendation of Chief Parkes for the fill in officer position; seconded by Brian Whitenight and all voted in favor. 
Chief Parkes stated residents should lock their cars as there are break ins happening.  This is our last year with the taser contract and Chief is looking at other options; he is also looking at body cams at a cost of $49/month.  The police report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted in favor.
 
President Domanski relayed the Mayor’s input  for his report.  He is questioning putting names in the newspaper for delinquent sewer bills.  Solicitor Michetti said this is something that can be done; however in the past it was not very effective.  He spoke of alternatives such as judgements and municipal liens.  We currently can place a lien for any property that owes $500.00 in sewer payments.    Due to the COVID issue, it was suggested we hold off publishing names.  Secretary Debbie Bausch will compile a list of those owing over $500 for the next meeting.   Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight; all voted for.
 
Solicitor Michetti then addressed council with concerns about the borough’s purchase of the Riverside Elementary School.  On a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight, an updated appraisal will be done.  All voted in favor.  Peter Fleming was designated as the point of contact for this appraisal.   Solicitor Michetti then referenced the alley way map previously presented by Dan Gable.  He spoke on the issues of handling vacating alleyways and explained the steps necessary to take to leave the alleyway unopened or vacate back to land owners.  Brian Whitenight suggested a physical look and see be done for the alleyways that are not maintained before we would proceed.  Any changes would be subject to an easement clause.  President Domanski inquired about the property owners and it was clarified that all property owners would need to be in agreement; if any disagreed, the property cannot be vacated. The Solicitor also reminded council of the costs involved to do any vacating – survey, deed, etc.    Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner, seconded by Kevin Romansik and approved by all. 
 
Secretary Debbie Bausch updated council on the 2021 celebration committee events.  A written report was presented in the council packets.  Vice President Barb Kriner stated the fire company has a large turn table to use for a ring toss with the Catawissa Bottling Company; they also have the rings.  Vice President Barb Kriner asked about the food trucks – will there be a cost.  As of last discussion we were looking at $50.00 per event but that has not been finalized as yet.   
 
President John Domanski then suggested a finance committee be formed to handle the banking needs for the purchase of the school.  Peter Fleming has been in contact with the DCNR grant people who have suggested we request a 2022 grant since the ones for this year have pretty well been depleted. 
Committee will be Vice President Barb Kriner, Brian Whitenight, Kevin Romansik, Beth Rake and Debbie Bausch.
 
Brian Whitenight posed the final item for discussion which is an upcoming PGI course and fireworks shoot on March 20, 2021.  This will be a busy day.
 
At approximately 7:48 pm, Vice President Barb Kriner made a Motion to Adjourn.  Seconded by Beth Rake.   Council Meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch, Secretary