Riverside Borough

Residents are reminded sewer bill payments are due in the office by 3 pm on Friday, November 15, 2019 to avoid the late fee being assessed.  Forms are available in the office for those wanting to have an automatic payment withdraw from a Checking or Savings Account.  Balances owed over $500 make the property subject to a municipal lien. Contact the office with any questions you may have.   570 275-1751

The Lost and Found pile in the office is growing!  2 child sized jackets were found in the park this morning.  I still have an older child sized jacket unclaimed.  You can pick up these items in the office! Am sure some little child is going to want their warm sweater very soon!

The Riverside Borough Council met on October 7, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Carolyn Bausch.  The following Council members were present:  Barb Kriner, Beth Rake, John Domanski and newly appointed Brian Whitenight.  Also present were Mayor John LaMotte, Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Absent this evening were Vice President Peter Fleming and Council Member Kevin Romansik.
Vice President Peter Fleming joined the meeting at approximately 7:15 pm.

In the audience this evening were Justin Skavery, Brenna Gable and children, Seth and Alaina Gable, Nick Fowler, Charles Erlston, Todd Oberdorf and news reporters Karen Blackledge and Geri Gibbons.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Brian Whitenight was administered the Oath of Office by Mayor John LaMotte.  Brian was welcomed to the table as the new council member filling the position vacated by Michael Leibel. 

Addressing Council first was Justin Skavery from Northumberland County Planning & Economic Development. He is the grants manager for the County and searches and seeks grants for projects.   He spoke on how he can assist the borough with grant funding for projects we may need completed.  Barb Kriner asked how the process works; we give him ideas of what we want done and then estimates are done. She said our list could be long for Borough needs.  Funding depends on the project.  Justin then cited samples of grants he has helped with. Carolyn Bausch questioned the charges for his service.  His services are free to the borough.

Charles Erlston then took the floor with his concerns about speeding in the west end of the borough.  The speeding on Sunbury Road is unbelievable and has to be stopped; something is going to happen. Trucks are speeding at 50-60 mph on the roadway.   It is like a race track from 7 – 9 am and 3-5 pm.  Carolyn Bausch asked if the digital speed sign could be put up in that area to make drivers aware of their speed. Chief Parkes explained they have been patrolling that area and will continue to do so.

Todd Oberdorf stated he was here to follow up on work on pothole repairs, such as the one at the top of  Avenue D. Dan Gable questioned where at the top of Avenue D.  Todd gave further clarification and pot hole was actually on Avenue D & 5th Street. Todd also stated the school bus jolts students when crossing Avenue H at 10th St.  Plans need to be made to repair our roads. Dan explained cold patch will not hold for some repairs. His second item of concern was the dip in the road on Avenue G.  PennDot did a crappy job with the road paving and he will be contacting them.  Dan Gable stated he was told the road would be tar and chipped in 2 year time.  Beth Rake stated we have a certain amount of money budgeted for our roads and some roads need more love than others.  Discussion continued in length about road repairs and solutions.

Minutes of September 3, 2019 were approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.

Budget Report for August 2019 was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.

Brian Anderson presented the Zoning Report for September.  Pipe was installed by homeowner on Mainzer Hill for a driveway which should help with runoff problems in that area.  
The home is part of Rush Township.  John Domanski inquired about a house at the end of the airport that is not on the sewer system.  He asked why they were not required to hook onto our system.  Carolyn Bausch asked if they might have been “grandfathered” in.  John stated they just overhauled their whole septic system.  Brian Anderson stated they were just replacing pipes; he will check with our Sewage Enforcement Officer, Jim Sanders, and get a report for council. Brian Whitenight asked if the homeowner was allowed to replace and repair and if so, would we need to pursue this issue?  Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.

Dan Gable presented the Street Department Report.  The remaining work to be done on Mainzer Hill was to be completed by Sep 15th and was in fact, not done.  He wanted to make council aware of that situation. The ditch work has been completed in the borough.  Dan spoke with 2 contractors regarding guide rails; however, it would require an engineer to make a proposal for the roads of Pine Swamp, Boyce and Mainzer.  This would be quite costly.  Barb Kriner stated she had asked Dan awhile back to make a list of other roads in the borough and get prices to follow up or whatever.   Peter Fleming said Pine Swamp used to have guide rails about 75 years ago. The cost of installing would be highly prohibited.  Barb Kriner questioned his terminology of “highly prohibited” and Peter responded that the cost could not be justified.  Engineering costs would be several thousand dollars.  John Domanski then stated maybe Justin Skavery could assist with that project if needed.   Dan then asked about purchasing a flail mower that would attach to the tractor.  It would save the borough from hiring the job out and street department could do the cutting.  Cost that he has found so far was about $5400.00; Peter Fleming responded that we would recoup the money in 5 -6 years. John Domanski inquired about the additional work load for the department?  Dan felt it would not be a problem.  Beth Rake stated she felt it would be a good investment if we had the money.   Barb Kriner then made a Motion to grant the Street Department the ability to purchase a flail mower not to exceed $6,000.00 in price; Seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted in favor.  Conversation then turned to grass cutting of blighted properties.  If the borough employees mow the property, there should be a flat rate for the cost.  Chief Parkes stated there should be an outside contractor hired and the homeowner/property manager billed the cost and a lien put on the property to recoup the cost.    Solicitor Michetti explained what is involved with the lien filing and the fee charged would need to be reasonable and substantiated.  Chief Parkes questioned as to who the police would arrest?  Solicitor Michetti is going to research the ordinance and get back to Council.    Another issue Dan Gable presented was residents putting pipes in the ditch lines.  Discussion ensued as to size of pipes and responsibility.  The need for permits was brought up; President Carolyn Bausch said the permit would help in controlling the proper pipes are used.  Solicitor Michetti stated to do an ordinance would require parameters such as size, type, how it connects to neighbors; he continue with an engineer would need to do an analysis.  A suggestion was made to put in the deed to make future homeowners aware of the pipe and responsibility for its upkeep.  Dan asked the Council to consider a part time employee for the street department when doing budgeting for 2020.  A part time could help with leaf collection, snow plowing and also relief at vacation times.    John Domanski asked about the dates for Leaf Collection.  Dan said we start mid -October but they have been out already and picked up about a half truck load.  His final offering of the evening was quotes for a truck in 2020.  Council had previously stated the trucks should be rotated like the police cruisers do.  The one 2005 truck should be swapped out; the other 2005 is spare for leaf season.  Dan explained the quotes and difference was one company left out an important package.  He also had quotes for the plow package for the truck.    Street Department Report was approved on a Motion by Beth Rake and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.

Nick Fowler read the Southside Fire Company Report.  He stated there was no property damage in the month of September.  He thanked council for purchasing the radios for the fire company. 
 There is a Fire Prevention open house at the Fire Company on Thursday evening from 6 – 8 pm.   He stated representatives had contacted Rush Township and Mayberry Township to ask for a fire tax to be implemented in those communities to assist with fire company response costs.  Rush township stated they would not implement a fire tax.  Conversation began on billing insurance companies for fire call costs.  Barb Kriner stated there was a law enacted and voted on to allow fire companies to do that; Nick responded they are looking at doing the billing.  Peter Fleming asked the cost of responding to which Nick said it depends on the truck put into service and a per person cost. Barb Kriner asked where the formula could be found to compute the costs.  Most insurance policies have a clause to cover costs. Barb Kriner stated residents of Rush and Mayberry Townships need to be aware that their elected officials are not helping with fire company costs; Southside Fire Company holds the fire card for the area thereby responding to Rush Township and Mayberry Township.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner, seconded by John Domanski and all voted in favor.

Chief Kerry Parkes then addressed council.  He presented his report for review and said the department had gotten a refund of $23.00 from Service Electric but unknown why.  Officer Eamon Shoff did a bicycle safety presentation for the Scouts of Troop 33 and was well received.  The speeding on the west end was put on the table with John Domanski asking about overtime to do the speed checks. 
 President Bausch stated we should put the digit speed sign up to make drivers alert to how fast they are driving.   Barb Kriner inquired if the machine gave the number of vehicles and speed they are traveling.
John Domanski said we should do anything we can to patrol that area for speeders.  Chief Parkes said there has been more traffic on the back road recently due to road construction in nearby communities. He stated they have run speed in that area and will continue to do so.  Peter Fleming asked about the weed ordinance in regards to a property along Sunbury Road that is deplorable.  Chief Parkes will get in touch with Brian Anderson about it being considered part of the blighted property issue.  Police report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.

The Mayor had no report which was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.

Solicitor Joseph Michetti shared a proposed ordinance regarding grass clippings.   Copies were provided to council members to read and comprehend.  Ordinance was based on an organic waste ordinance which we narrowed to be grass clippings.  He stressed the difficulty in enforcing this ordinance. A Code Enforcement Officer would need to be hired to enforce this ordinance.  John Domanski felt that people don’t care about the grass on roadway and an ordinance would make them more aware and decrease the clippings going on roadways.  Ordinance would need reviewed and must be advertised for 30 days prior to enactment.  Solicitor report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.   All voted in favor.

There was no new business this evening. 

Resolution 19-10-07 – Fill Vacancy in Council Membership was presented to Council and signed.  This was the official document appointing Brian Whitenight to fill the seat of Michael Leibel.  Brian Whitenight was appointed on September 7, 2019.

Resolution 19-10-08 – Borough of Riverside Police Pension Plan was shared with Council and signed for the year 2020.  Plan was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.

Halloween Trick or Treat will be held in the Borough on Thursday, October 31st from 6 – 9 pm.  Residents are reminded to put a light on to accept visitors.

At approximately 8:15 pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn to an Executive Session; seconded by Peter Fleming.  Regular Session adjourned.

At 8:45 pm, Council resumed Regular session.  John Domanski made a Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Regular Session of Council adjourned and meeting was closed.

Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

       November 1 – All Saints Day
      November 2 – Trick or Treat Night – 6 – 9 pm
    November 3 –Daylight Savings Time Ends-Set                            your clock- FALL BACK 1 Hour
  November 4– Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 pm
  November 5– Election Day - VOTE 
    November 11 – Veterans Day
   November 15 – Sewer Bills due in office by 3 PM
 November 18 – Regular Council Meeting 7:00 pm
  Nov 27 - Leaf Collection End
​November 27 – December 2 – Thanksgiving/Fall School Break 
  November 28– Thanksgiving Day   Borough Offices Closed
                                                    
TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR NOVEMBER - By Appointment only!
Phone 570 764-1393 to meet with Rebecca Steckley

Trick or Treat in the Borough is SATURDAY, Nov 2nd, 6 - 9 pm!
Residents wishing to have visitors should leave a light on!   
Please note date change due to Rainy forecast on Halloween!

KIPPS RUN ROAD RESIDENTS be alert to a possible road closure while Penn Dot works on the bridge at Sunbury Road and Kipps Run Road. They may start on Monday but not confirmed as yet! ​

The Riverside Borough Council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2019 is CANCELLED.
Next meeting will be Monday, November 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

                                                                RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.   The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Carolyn M. Bausch.  Present this evening in addition to the President were Vice President Peter T. Fleming, Council Members Barb Kriner, John Domanski and Kevin Romansik.  Antonio Michetti sat in as Solicitor for the meeting.  Secretary Deborah Bausch attended also. Beth Rake participated in the meeting via telephone due to working out of state.  Absent this evening were Council Member Michael Leibel and Mayor John LaMotte.
 
In the audience this evening were Todd Oberdorf, Alex Oberdorf, Nick Fowler and Brian Whitenight as well as Danville News Reporter, Karen Blackledge.
 
Todd Oberdorf took the floor first to address Council regarding the water run off at his property.  He has met with Penn Dot officials as well as Dan Gable from the street department and council member John Domanski regarding installing a new pipeline along his property.  He has been told it was the homeowner’s responsibility; however, he disagrees.  Pipes were put in 40/50 years ago and he is sure homeowners did not do it.   He measured the length today and it would take 63’ pipe to fix the issue at an approximate cost of $500.00.  John Domanski suggested blocking off the inlet pipe and installing an air bag and baffle to help with water run off; water is bubbling out of the ground which would seem to indicate a blocked pipe.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding precedents that would be set.  It is more than just the cost of pipe, it would be manpower and materials to consider as well.  Todd agreed to try the pipe alternative as suggested by John Domanski and inquired as to who would monitor it and was told the borough would monitor it.  Carolyn Bausch was concerned about the precedent being set and felt Penn Dot should have some skin in this.  Todd stated someone from council should be talking with Penn Dot. It should be noted discussions have been held previously with Penn Dot personnel.  Peter Fleming said we have experienced Penn Dot’s lack of responsibility.  Peter Fleming will talk with Dan to see if he has had any more conversations with Penn Dot on this problem.
Todd then began discussing an old topic of grass clippings in the roadways.  Kevin Romansik stated conversation we had previously was what measured amount is considered dangerous. Todd stated the borough does not have leaf blowers to use to blow off clippings.   Peter Fleming stated our borough mower has a rear discharge but the bush hog cutter would leave debris in the roadway.  Attorney Michetti said an ordinance could be passed for organic material in the roadway but it could be challenged in court; he also explained the presumption of whose grass was in the roadway can be hard to ultimately legally enforce.   Beth Rake stated she had talked with people in the borough that rode bikes and motorcycles and none had an issue with the grass on the road. Enforcement was further discussed; John Domanski stated it would have to be observed to be cited. Barb Kriner also stated homeowner could say it was not their grass and would need proved as to whose grass it was.
Carolyn Bausch said she does not like grass clippings on the road either but enforcement could be hard.  John Domanski felt if we had an ordinance on the books it might deter residents from continuing to do that.   
Barb Kriner asked Chief Parkes about the door hangers he had spoken of in a previous meeting. Chief explained if a neighbor reported someone for grass in road, and the citation would go to hearing, that person would need to appear to testify. 
 John Domanski was making a motion to draft an organic matter ordinance; however, Attorney Michetti said a motion was not needed at this time.  He would draft up a recommended ordinance for our October meeting. Peter Fleming would be all for an ordinance; he went on to talk about our recent paving which we found the road to be wider but due to grass overgrowing on the blacktop we had to have more paving done.  Solicitor Michetti asked if an ordinance would be just for grass clippings?  Barb Kriner questioned about sticks being part of the organic matter?  Beth Rake stated she would be opposed to any ordinance regarding grass clippings; too hard to enforce and it will be a slippery slope to open a new can or worms.  Todd Oberdorf questioned the snow ordinance doesn’t address any amount and therefore grass would not need any amount listed either.  Chief Parkes stated he had spoken with a local judge in Millville about the issue and was informed if it was an entire property being blown onto the road, that would be a problem; however one path would not be a problem.  Bike riders should pay attention when riding to stay safe. Solicitor Michetti will prepare a broad ordinance for council to review and then would need advertised if they decide to go forward.  Barb Kriner agreed with Carolyn Bausch with being against adding any organic matter except grass.  Kevin Romansik said enforcement would be an issue; it would be more of a courtesy. 
One last issue from Todd Oberdorf was street repairs.  He presented council with a list of roads and intersections that needed repair.  Paving has been completed for this year.  Roads to be paved are chosen by our Street Department as well as our expert Penn Dot representative who canvas the borough for the roads needing the most repair.
 
After reviewing, Minutes of August 5, 2019 were approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Budget Reports for the months of June and July were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.
 
Due to the absence of the Zoning Officer Brian Anderson, his report was read by Carolyn Bausch.  Carolyn Bausch stated she and Brian Anderson had ridden the borough streets checking out visibility issues at intersections.  Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Kevin Romansik.  All voted for.
 
Dan Gable, Street Superintendent, was also absent this evening and Carolyn Bausch presented his report.  Ditches have been cleaned and the paving has been completed.  One item of discussion was new Christmas decorations.  Several vendors had provided quotes for 22 wreaths for the lamp posts.  Wintergreen Corporation had the best prices; John Domanski brought up it had sales tax on invoice.  Secretary Bausch has a tax exempt certificate that was filed with them to remove that cost.  Peter Fleming made a Motion to Approve purchase of 22 wreaths (48” size) from Wintergreen Corporation.  Motion seconded by John Domanski.
 Peter Fleming then spoke of pipes in driveways being the responsibility of the homeowners to maintain.  Street Report was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
 
Nick Fowler then addressed council with the Southside Fire Company Report for July 2019.  He stated the fire company was meeting with Rush Township asking for a half mill (1/2) fire tax to be incorporated; they are also meeting with Mayberry Township in this request.  Nick Fowler spoke about the issue with radios; the Kenwoods are good radios but Montour County is requiring the higher priced Motorola radios.  Kenwood would be allowed on the StarNet network; however Montour County will not allow their use. John Domanski asked about the cost to update the Kenwood radios.   The Kenwood radios could have been updated for a cost of about $2000.00 compared to the huge cost to replace with Motorola models. Chief Parkes added that we are being mandated by Montour County to switch to Motorola or go back to Northumberland County for dispatch.  John Domanski said the consultant from Motorola was getting a commission and should not be allowed to be the consultant and sell the product also.  Barb Kriner then stated there was one positive point to the Motorola radios in that the system will be a better system.  She further explained it will be set up with the State Police and towers are being upgraded.  Capital Communications has the state contract.  Nick said their 7 radios that had not been working properly are now working.  Barb Kriner stated radios have been from Danville to Columbia County but with Capital doing the contract improvements are coming.  Radio cost for the fire company has been dropped to approximately $20,000.00. 
 Carolyn Bausch said we were being dictated too and Peter Fleming felt the state should investigate since there is public safety involved.   Barb Kriner felt things will be more uniform.  Chief Parkes said the police radios would be about $40,000.00 and he would like to see the borough cover the cost of both police and fire company radios.  There was a meeting today with Penn Strategies who we hope to hire to help find grants which may offset some radio costs as well as other issues in the borough.  Peter Fleming made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company Report as well as cover the cost of radios for both departments.   Motion was seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes presented the Police Department for July 2019.  He stated National Night Out was a success but he would like to see more Riverside residents attend.  Nick Fowler suggested we hold it here one year.  Barb Kriner stated that Sarah Fowler does a great job with doing flyers and getting the word out for events such as their Fire Prevention program.   Barb Kriner made a Motion to Accept the Police Report as well as paying for radios and seeking funding for them; Motion seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in for.
 
There was no Mayor’s Report this evening.
Solicitor Michetti also had no report.
 
Under New Business this evening was Cyber Liability Insurance for the borough.  Our insurance representative sent two quotes for data breach protection.
 After some discussion, Barb Kriner made a Motion to Accept the quote from Hiscox Pro at a cost of $1378.00.  Motion was seconded by Peter Fleming and all voted for. 
Another topic involved our borough insurance for the upcoming year.  Peter Fleming stated we should check with other companies every 3 – 5 years to keep competitive rates.  Our carrier, Weiss Schantz has been good to work with and handle our issues.
  They do periodic checks with vendors to be sure we are getting the most for our money.  Two other companies had requested to give us quotes but after discussion, it was felt to stay with Weiss Schantz this upcoming year and future years to get competitive bid packages. 
 
Next Agenda Item was the presentation of the Letter of Resignation submitted by Council Member Michael Leibel .  His letter dated August 19, 2019 stated he was resigning due to health issues and he will be moving from the Borough in the near future.    Carolyn Bausch mentioned we have 30 days in which to fill the vacant seat.  Letter of Resignation was accepted on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.  Carolyn Bausch stated that we have a nominee on the ballot in November.  Beth Rake stated she felt Brian Whitenight should be appointed to the seat since he is on the November ballot.  Barb Kriner said that would be her suggestion also.    Brian Whitenight was in the audience and stated he would be agreeable to accepting the seat.  On a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner, Brian Whitenight will be the interim council member replacing Michael Leibel.  The term would end on December 31, 2019.  Brian Whitenight will be sworn into office at the next meeting, September 16, 2019.
 
Last agenda item of the evening was the paying of the Sudol paving project.  There was much talk about the costs and payment from which accounts.  We had budgeted money for this project and the bid had come in at $78,989.00.  Invoice total was $91,927.00 which was about 16% over the bid price.  Money was to come from Liquid Fuels and General Fund for this project.  John Domanski questioned some of the figures for the budget and difference in the total and invoice.  Barb Kriner made a Motion to pay the invoice cost of $65,000.00  from  Liquid Fuels and the balance of $26,927.00 from the General Fund.  Motion seconded by Kevin Romansik.  Voting in favor were Carolyn Bausch, Barb Kriner, Peter Fleming and Kevin Romansik.   John Domanski voted no.  Motion passed on majority of yes votes.
 
At approximately, 8:22 pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to adjourn the Regular Council session to an Executive Session.  John Domanski seconded the motion.  Council adjourned.
 
9:06 pm the Council had resumed meeting from the Executive Session.   Barb Kriner then made a Motion to raise the salary of Secretary Bausch from $19.28 to $22.50 per hour effective immediately.  Motion was seconded by John Domanski and all voted in favor.
 
Council Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:07 pm on a Motion by John Domanski.
 
Council adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

For those who have picked up the form to have the sewer automatically withdrawn from a bank account, please return them this week!!  Those wishing to use this option, please pick up a form in the office to complete.  

   October 7 - Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm      
Oct 3 – 6 Covered Bridge Festival, Knoebels Grove, Elysburg      
        
  October 12 – Columbus Day  

October 21- Borough Council Meeting                                                    
October 21 - Leaf Collection begins in the Borough(pending Council approval)

   October 24 – Danville Halloween Parade at 7:00 pm   (rain date:  Oct 28 @ 3 pm)
 
 October 25 – No School -  Danville School District
 
  October 31 –HALLOWEEN
 Trick or Treat observed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Saturday, November 2nd.  Changed due to weather forecast for Thursday evening.
Homeowners should leave a light  on if you want Trick or Treaters to visit!
 
     TAX COLLECTOR HOURS FOR OCTOBER
                     By Appointment only!    
Phone: 570 764-1393 to meet with Rebecca Steckley