MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16, 2020

As approved at the Dec 7th meeting, minutes of 11/16/2020 follow:
The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside.  Meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Council President John Domanski.  In attendance this evening were Vice President Barb Kriner, Council Members Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, Kevin Romansik, Brian Whitenight and Delavan Whitenight Jr.  Secretary Deborah Bausch was present; absent this evening was Mayor John LaMotte. There were no citizens present.
Minutes of November 2, 2020 were approved on a Motion by Beth Rake, seconded by Delavan Whitenight Jr and approved by all.
Budget Report for September was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted for.
Discussion on Employee Health Coverage was put on the table for discussion.  An account change was recommended and it was noted there is a $250.00 deductible in the new plan.  This would be paid out of the $1500.00 employees are given for co pays, prescriptions, etc.  This will have to be discussed with the Police to be sure it is compatible with their contract.  Beth Rake made a Motion to tentatively approve the GFA PPO plan pending police contract compliance; seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner and all voted in favor. 
Vice President Barb Kriner then began the discussion of voter fraud.  Philadelphia and Pittsburgh seem to be ruling the election results and small communities are not getting counted.  Fraudulent ballots were known to be submitted; Municipalities need to get together to get fair voting in place.  Beth Rake thought there was someone looking into voter fraud but they had not substantiated proof of voter fraud.   President John Domanski stated the rural counties aren’t counting when it comes to electoral votes and that needs changed.  Peter Fleming stated we definitely need some uniform voting rules set so everybody knows what is happening.  Vice President Barb Kriner stated she had spoken with our election representatives and the rolls are not being cleaned up in some areas; deceased people and those that have moved are not being removed from the voter rolls.  Kevin Romansik said it needs to be a grassroots movement and remove emotions from the equation.  After a lengthy discussion, President John Domanski stated we need to draft a letter to our Representative to hold a town meeting, perhaps in Feb 2021, to discuss the voting issues. 
Next agenda item was the General Code contract for updates for 2021.    Approval was given via Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Our Winter Service s Agreement has been received.  This is normally placed in the Street Dept CD; however it was decided to leave it in the Liquid Fuels account to add to our paving fund there.
A letter from Anthony Township was put before the Council.  This item was tabled until our December 7th meeting.
Another topic of discussion was the Borough Insurance Policy.  Quotes were received from McGowan Insurance and our current carrier, Weiss Schantz.  After comparing quotes, it was put before council.  On a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Kevin Romansik, insurance carrier will be Weiss Schantz for 2021.  All voted in favor.
Information was received from Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates for our payroll next year.  The costs to bring it back in the office included upgrade to Quickbooks as well as the software program purchased.  WDEA’s price was lowered; however council felt it best to bring payroll back in house.  On a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight, payroll will be done in house beginning in 2021.
Another topic for discussion was put on the table by President John Domanski and it dealt with speed limits on the borough streets.  The objective is to get people to slow down when driving in the borough.  Kevin Romansik suggested a blanket 25 MPH posting of the borough streets.  This would require an amendment to our ordinance which is something that could be done and then makes the speed limit an enforceable ordinance.  Peter Fleming stated residents are concerned and we need to do something.    Kevin Romansik stated that if signs are not up, street speed limit goes back to an old limit.   President John Domanski stated we will speak with the solicitor and proceed from there.  We live in a nice quiet community with lots of people out walking and we need to maintain that.  Delavan Whitenight said he will check with Penn Dot on some of our concerns especially the Targeted Enforcement Area signs.  Brian Whitenight suggested purchasing another flashing speed limit sign and post at the west end where there is major speeding going on.   On the same issue, the English Garden does not want to put a Left Turn only sign on their property. 
Another item was the Riverside School building which we have heard may be up for sale.  This property was discussed by the board; we have not heard anything from the school district but would potentially be interested in this property.   Peter Fleming will get additional information.
Brian Whitenight spoke of the tree situation in the borough.  We have a lot of dead trees around the borough.  It was noted the budget for next year was increased to take more trees down.  The risk is growing for accidents if trees fall on cars.
Kevin Romansik added he had received a call from a resident regarding the storm water basin responsibility of property owners.  President John Domanski stated the main concern is the in/out pipe outlets.  It was suggested the homeowner contact Dan Gable at the Street Department who may have some information that would assist the home owner.
At approximately 8:38 pm, Beth Rake made a Motion to Adjourn; seconded by Peter Fleming.
Meeting Adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary