RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner. Council members present: Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr Also present were Attorney Antonio Michetti, Police Kerry Parkes, Dan Gable and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Mayor John LaMotte and Zoning Officer Brian Anderson. Citizens present: Todd Oberdorf, Frank Maciejewski, Drew Mumich, Allie Wertz and Girl Scout Troop 33. Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Resident Frank Maciejewski questioned if the Garbage Ordinance is being enforced, as he is noticing bags not in cans particularly on Monday mornings. Kerry Parkes said the Police have issued citations. Girl Scout Troop 33 was in attendance. They are working on a Merit Badge and would like to do some maintenance on the Memorial Garden in the Borough Park. Old business: John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 11/18 meeting minutes. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Zoning Officer Report: Steve read over the report. Barb made a Motion to accept the report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor. Street Department Report: Dan said leaf collection was very dusty this year, due to lack of rain. They collected more loads of leaves this year than previous years. If residents still have leaves, they must be bagged and at curbside. The Street Department will collect the bags. The bucket truck will go out for repairs after the Christmas lights are up. When the generator is hooked up, there will be two pumper trucks lined up. A Code Inspector and PPL will be on site for the generator hook up. Dan stated there was a problem with the sewer line in Hillside Estate. The line was televised to ensure there was not a collapse. Ken Gardner asked if we check to see if people are paid up to date when they have a sewer issue. Dan said the blockage was in the main line and not any fault of the home owner. Ken asked Dan if training for employees on the generator has been scheduled. Dan said it has not been, it will be after the generator is set up. Barb suggested contacting Justin Skavery to apply for a Grant for a new backhoe. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor. Southside Fire Company Report: None submitted. Police Report: Kerry said the new department computer has been installed and it is much faster than then previous one. Kerry would like to see $12,000.00 put into the Budget for the purchase of a new vehicle. John made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor. Mayor’s Report: None submitted. Solicitor Michetti Report: Will discuss in Executive Session. Borough Life: Barb said the ‘Parade of Lights’ will be held on Saturday, December 14th. There will be treats in the Park. The Christmas tree is set up in the Park. Anyone wishing to put an ornament on it, may do so. The ornaments are saved each year and put back on the tree. Delavan made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report. Barb seconded. All in Favor. New Business: None Motion to Approve: 2025 Budget will be approved at the 12/16 meeting. There is a $95,000.00 deficit. Ken said the Budget is based on low income from Merck. Merck makes up 39% of the taxable Real Estate income. The Earned Income might also decrease. Merck is demolishing buildings and decontaminating the grounds. Production will stop in 2025. Steve asked, do we raise taxes. Ken suggested ‘no’ tax increase. Peter suggested a 1 Mill tax increase. Barb and Delavan were not in favor of a tax increase. John Domanski made a Motion to increase Real Estate taxes by 1 Mill, effective January 1, 2025; with a committee to find out where we can cut the Budget. Peter seconded the Motion. All in favor. Discussion was held on the Tax Collector’s commission. John made a Motion to set the Tax Collector’s commission at 2.5%. Ken said we need to keep the job attractive. John amended his Motion to set the Tax Collector’s rate at 3%. Mike seconded. All in Favor. Barb made a Motion to accept a proposal from Whistle Stop Fence Company for fencing around the generator at the pump station. Delavan seconded the Motion. All in Favor. John made a Motion to re-appoint Sewage Enforcement Officer, Robert Fugate Jr. Peter seconded. All in Favor. Ken asked where we are at with an Auctioneer. Weaver is going to send a proposal and also Dustin Snyder will be sending a proposal. Attorney Antonio Michetti stated, Auctioneer’s sell ‘As IS’ and will state so in their contract. Action Items: None At 8:12pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session. John seconded. All in Favor. Council went back into Public Session at 8:45pm. Peter made a Motion to hire a Labor Attorney. Mike seconded. All in Favor. Ken made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47pm. Mike seconded. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Fritz Secretary
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"Hello and Merry Christmas Riverside Borough Residents"
"Year End is coming quickly and we have several Real Estate, Danville Area School District and Per Capita Taxes outstanding. I know, life is hectic and bills sometimes get put on the backburner because they are sent out earlier in the year, so please do not hesitate to call or text me at 570-850-5870 to make arrangements to pay taxes by December 31st. Any unpaid Real Estate and School District Tax will be sent to Northumberland County to collect after the 31st of December. Riverside Borough has contracted with "Keystone" to collect all Unpaid Per Capita. Additional Fees will be added to these unpaid bills. FYI, Per Capita Tax is NOT escrowed so please contact me if you are unsure if they are paid." "You can also email me at [email protected] if you need a copy of your tax bill emailed." "Best Wishes, to all, for the New Year!" Ruth Peck AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING December 16, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 12/02/2024 meeting. II. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE III. NEW BUSINESS A. Pennvest and adoption of ordinance for DCED approval on borrowing. IV. MOTION TO APPROVE A. 2025 Budget A1. Pay Increases B. Re-appointment of Kyle Postupack to MARC (Montour Area Recreation Commission) C. School Auction V. ACTION ITEMS VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, January 6, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. Harbor of Hope Counseling and Resurgent Life announce the following Christmas events in conjunction with Danville Assembly of God Church in Riverside, PA (734 Sixth Street, Riverside PA 17868)
*SOLO DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE OF SCROOGE: Friday, December 13 @ 7:00 pm: Walter Smith presents "The Gospel According to Scrooge" - $10 at the door (12 and under are free) - doors open at 6:30 pm *FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Sunday, December 15 @ 10:30 am: Christmas Concert with David DeMarco - DONATIONS WILL BE COLLECTED *FREE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WALKTHROUGH: December 15 & 22 @ 7:00 pm: Stages of the Nativity Christmas Light Walk Through Display - Hot Chocolate and Christmas cookies available in the auditorium - DONATIONS WILL BE COLLECTED *FREE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: December 24: Christmas Eve Gatherings: 10:30 am (bagels, donuts, muffins, fruit, coffee, tea, water) and 7:30 pm (coffee, tea, water, cookies, pies, and Birthday Cake for Jesus). Call the office with questions: 570-764-6444 *option 1 Keith and Jeni Evans RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner. Council members present: Peter Fleming, John Domanski and Barb Kriner. Also present was Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner, Mike Steimling Sr and Mayor John LaMotte Citizens present: Todd Oberdorf, Drew Mumich and Jaime Lyons Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Jaime Lyons, Director of Community Options stated a concern regarding a Certificate of Occupancy for homes they have own in the Borough. She spoke with Brian Anderson whom told her she did not need a C.O.O., she asked for a letter stating so on Borough Letterhead. Council decided to discuss at the 12/2 Council meeting, so the Solicitor can advise. Old business: John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 11/4 meeting minutes. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Discussion was held regarding the 2025 Budget. Merck/Cherokee is demolishing buildings, which will affect the tax base. Lisa will contact the Northumberland County Assessment Office to get the 2025 tax figures. John made a Motion to sign the agreement with Pact One, LLC for the West End Sewer Replacement. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Peter made a Motion to approve and sign the Comcast Franchise Agreement to install service in the Riverside Area. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Borough Life: Nothing reported. New Business: Motion to Approve: Steve recommended the Borough have an inspection service to oversee the West End Sewer Project. Larson Design Group submitted a proposal. John made a Motion to accept LDG Inspection Fees with written reports each month. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Action Items: Steve recommended to have a fence installed around the new generator. Per the Borough’s building inspector, Matt, a six (6) foot fence with razor wire does not require a permit. John suggested chain-link fencing with vinyl coating. John will contact fencing companies for pricing. Barb Kriner submitted a letter from a co-worker she works with at Danville Borough regarding sewer isssues’ he had for two (2) weekends. Dan Gable contacted Roto-Rooter to do a visual inspection on Wednesday, November 20th. It was reported that blockages are occurring due to someone flushing wipes. An Executive Session was not held. Barb made a Motion to adjourn at 7:45pm. John seconded. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz, Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING December 2, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 11/18/2024 Meeting II. ZONING OFFICER REPORT III. STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT IV. SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT V. POLICE REPORT VI. MAYOR’S REPORT VII. SOLICITOR MICHETTI REPORT VIII. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE IX. NEW BUSINESS X. MOTION TO APPROVE A. 2025 Budget B. Real Estate Property Tax Increase C. Tax Collector Commission D. Pump Station Fencing E. Re-Appoint of Sewage Enforcement Officer XI. ACTION ITEMS XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, December 18, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. The burning ban is still in effect for Northumberland County until Monday, December 2 at 12 o'clock noon.
RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner. Council members present: Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner and Michel Steimling, Sr. Also present was Attorney Anthony Michetti, Police Chief Kerry Parkes and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Delavan Whitenight Jr, Mayor John LaMotte, Dan Gable, Brian Anderson Citizens present: Robert Rickard, Todd Oberdorf and Drew Mumich. Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Old business: Resident, Rob Rickard asked if the past Police history could be removed from the Borough’s web page. Zoning Officer Report: Steve Wagner read over Brian’s report. John made a Motion to accept the Zoning Report, Barb seconded. All in Favor. Street Department Report: Peter Fleming read over the Street Department report. The Street Department is very busy with leaf season. Everything seems to be moving along with the generator installation. Ken Gardner asked if the gas line was installed. It will be installed by the end of November. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. John seconded. All in Favor. Southside Fire Company Report: Barb read over the report. John made a Motion to accept the Southside report. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Police Report: Kerry presented his report. He suggested a letter be mailed residents along Scenic Drive regarding parking. Trash Haulers are having a difficult time. Kerry also said when the Street Department needs to plow, the vehicles in the Street could be a problem. Kerry stated the LPR (License Plate Reader) contract ends next year in 2025. He plans to look into Grant money for new Readers. Kerry said Trick-or-Treat night was successful, with little to no mischief reported. Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Mayor’s Report: Report not submitted. Solicitor Michetti Report: Attorney Anthony Michetti suggested meeting with Council to discuss Easements for the nine (9) property owners regarding the West End Sewer project. Attorney Michetti stated Brian Anderson contacted his office regarding a letter that was requested from a Group Home Director stating an occupancy permit was not required for two (2) persons to be placed into the home. Attorney Michetti said it is not necessary for the Borough to devise a letter. Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Ken seconded. All in Favor. Borough Life: Barb reported that Halloween in the Park was very, with a good turn-out of people attending. There were games, hotdogs, hot chocolate and candy. Barb said the attendance is growing each year. John made a Motion to accept the Boro Life report. Mike seconded. All in Favor. New Business: Council held a discussion regarding selling the seven (7) acres behind the former school. They decided to continue to look at other Auctioneers. Attorney Michetti stated a ‘Reserve Price’ can be kept silent. John Domanski suggested Council table the Auctioneer discussion until the December Council meeting. John made a Motion to sign the Local Share Account Statewide program for Guiderail Grant Resolution, so Justin Skavery (Northumberland County Grant Writer) can apply for the Grant. Barb seconded the Motion. All in Favor. The Borough received a $250,000.00 Grant for the West End Sewer project. Hailstone Economics applied for this grant on the Borough’s behalf. Steve Wagner stated a few people met with Danville Borough regarding the ‘Corrective Action Plan’ they are requiring for the sewer replacement project. Joseph Pfirman with Larson Design Group will send the plan to Danville Borough. John suggested the Borough talk with Merck/Cherokee to see if they want to take over the roads where the soccer field is and shut them down. John made a Motion for the Borough to send a letter to Merck regarding taking possession of the Streets, Barb seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Attorney Anthony Michetti stated vacating roadways must be advertised. Steve said he will contact Merck. Motion to Approve: Ken Gardner commented on the 2025 Budget. He said the big issue is taxes. There is a $95,000.00 deficit in the General Account and a $1,100.00 in the Sewer Account. We are still working on pay increases. Drew Mumich from the Press Enterprise questioned Council on the process of budget figures. Mike Steimling Sr stated they looked at prior years’ figures and took into consideration the closing of Merck/Cherokee. Three (3) Council Members compared notes via emails, no meetings were held regarding the budget this year. Attoney Michetti stated there was ”No Sunshine Law violation”. Barb made a Motion to approve the tentative budget and advertise it. Ken seconded. All in Favor. 2025 Meeting Date; Council discussed to have one meeting per month. Barb stated she would like to continue with two meeting’s per month. John said he feels one meeting per month is adequate. Ken stated due to sewer projects, he feels two meeting should remain in place. Ken made a Motion to keep two meeting dates for all months except June, July and August. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Barb made a Motion to pass Resolution #1104, Act 600 Police Pension Plan. John seconded. All in Favor. Action Items: Jeff Emanuel told Council he would like to be appointed to the MARC (Montour Area Recreational Commission). He has lived in Riverside for 13 years and has volunteered on several non-profit boards. John made a Motion to appoint Jeff, with Barb seconding the Motion. All in Favor. Executive Session: At 8:16pm, Barb made a Motion to move into Executive Session for personnel issues. Peter seconded. All in Favor. At 8:39pm, John made a Motion to move back into Regular Session. Ken seconded. All in Favor. Drew Mumich from the Press Enterprise asked the following questions: Will there be an increase for taxes and the sewer? Council stated there will be no increases for property taxes or the sewer rates in 2025. Drew asked Council if they will be losing money with Merck closing. Council members stated they did not know. Mike made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:46pm. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING November 18, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 11/04/2024 meeting. B. 2025 Budget II. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE III. NEW BUSINESS A. Keystone Collections Group Agreement and Resolution B. Pact One Agreement for the West End Sewer Replacement Project C. Comcast Franchise Agreement IV. MOTION TO APPROVE A. West End Inspection Services with LDG V. ACTION ITEMS A. Pump Station Fence VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, December 2, 2024 @ 7:00 P RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by Pro-Tem, John Domanski. Council members present: Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling, Sr. Also present was Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Steve Wagner, Peter Fleming, Delavan Whitenight, Jr and Mayor John LaMotte Citizens present: Todd Oberdorf, Oliver and Maighread Kelly Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Resident, Oliver Kelly ‘Thanked’ the Borough for patching the tennis court. He asked if there are any plans to resurface the court. Barb Kriner said they will look into getting quotes and discuss it next year. Resident, Maighread Kelly asked Council if the sale of the former school property was the whole parcel. Barb stated they were only selling the seven (7) acres behind the school building. Old business: Ken Gardner made a Motion to approve the 10/7/2024 Meeting Minutes. Barb Kriner seconded. All in Favor. Sewer Inspection Fee Schedule Update – John Domanski spoke with Brian Anderson regarding the fees. Brian explained that the fees were set by Council back with the help of Jackie Hart when she worked for Danville Borough. John stated the Grant for guardrails along Pine Swamp Hollow Road has been postponed until November. Barb asked if a new kiosk was ordered. John suggested to just order new white lettering, stating the kiosk is not in too bad of shape. Borough Life: Barb said Council members will be providing treats in the Park at the Municipal building on Halloween night, 10/31 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. They will have hotdogs, hot chocolate, warm cider and candy. New Business: None to discuss. Motion to Approve: Barb made a Motion to Award the Sewer Project Bid from Pact One, LLC from Ringoes NJ in the amount of $1,166,050.00. Mike seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Ken made a Motion to accept Hess’s Auctioneering proposal for the sale of the seven acres behind the former school building provided if the bids do not make the reserve amount, Hess’s will not charge any other fees than the advertising. Mike seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Barb made a Motion to accept for fees the Tax Collector has set for tax certifications and duplicate bill fees. Ken seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Action Items: None. Executive Session: 7:24pm, Ken made a Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues. Barb seconded. All in Favor. 7:27pm, Barb made a Motion to go back into regular session, Mike seconded. All in Favor. Ken stated the preliminary budget has a deficit of $175,000.00. 2024 budget had deficit of $56,000.00. Ken stated the Borough has an unusual situation with Merck/Cherokee closing and demolishing some buildings; therefore, it is a guess at what income will be lost from Merck/Cherokee. Currently, they have approximately 176 employees. The Borough will also lose some Earned Income Tax and Local Service Taxes as a result of Merck/Cherokee closing. John stated Merck/Cherokee operations are to cease by March 2025. Mike said they plan to close by April 2025. Medical Insurance, Liability and Workman’s Comp is estimated to increase by 5% in 2025. The budget is going to be very tight for 2025. John made a Motion to adjourn at 8:05pm. Mike seconded. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz, Secretary |
Police Department
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