Riverside Borough

 
 August 3 – Riverside Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm  
 
August 10 - Pine Street Lutheran Church, Danville Ice Cream Festival,     9 am-2 pm        Ice Cream: Vanilla, Chocolate,Strawberry, Teaberry and Peanut Butter
   Soup:  Ham & Bean, Chicken Corn   
Curbside Service and Walk Ups Welcome
Call to Order:570 279-4766 Sue Baylor or 570 275-2110          
 
August 14 – 3rd Qtr Sewer Bill payments due in the office by 3 PM to avoid late fee
 
August 27 – Danville Schools Open – First Student Day
 
Above Events are all subject to change!
 
Rebecca Steckley, Tax Collector, will have office hours in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm
 
CONCERT IN THE PARK – August 4 @ 7:00 pm
 Memorial Park, Bloom Road, Danville
Sweeney Blues Revue
Uptown Music Collective CL & Blues Company

Sealed proposals will be received by:
Riverside Borough of Northumberland County, PA, at
PO Box 307, 415 Dewart St, Riverside, PA 17868 until 7:00 PM, on
August 03, 2020, to be opened on
August 03, 2020, at 7:30 PM
Riverside Borough Municipal Building
For the following Contract:
Paving Contract
Furnish and place approximately 151 Ton Asphalt Wearing Course; 339 Ton Asphalt Binder Course; 23 Ton Asphalt Binder Course, Base Repair; 61 Ton 2A Subbase, Shoulder Back-up; 4 Set Grade Adjustment of Existing Manhole and perform 1,407 SY Milling Asphalt Pavement Surface.
Performance bond and payment bond in the amount of 100% of the contract, as well as proof of worker’s compensation insurance will be required from the lowest responsible bidder.
Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the contract is required of all bidders.
All work and material must meet current Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications Form 408 and its Supplements. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Municipality. The Municipality reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
Riverside Borough
By: Deborah Bausch
Secretary
570.275.1751

As approved at the July 6, Meeting, minutes of 6/1/2020 follow:

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, June 1, 2020 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  Present in the building this evening were President John Domanski, Vice President Barb Kriner, Council members Peter Fleming and Brian Whitenight.  Solicitor Joseph Michetti and Secretary Deborah Bausch were also present.  Participating via teleconferencing were Council Members Beth Rake and Kevin Romansik.  Absent this evening were Carolyn Bausch and Mayor John LaMotte.
Meeting was called to order at 7 pm by President Domanski.  There were no citizens present nor on the teleconference line.
 
Minutes of May 4, 2020 were on the table.  Approved by Motion of Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.
Budget Report for April 2020 was presented next and approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming.   All approved.
 
Next old business item on the agenda was the opening of the Park/Playground.  President John Domanski felt it was time to open the park; Vice President Barb Kriner and Brian Whitenight agreed.  Vice President Barb Kriner stated she had recently been to Bloom town park and all was open.  Beth Rake stated the beaches in her area were open with no caution signs posted.  Brian Whitenight made the Motion to Open the Park; seconded by Barb Kriner and all voted in favor.  Yellow caution tape was immediately removed.  President John Domanski then spoke about the moving of the tennis courts; previous meeting with Merck had to be cancelled.  Peter Fleming stated we need the room at our present park to expand.  Vice President Barb Kriner stated she would speak to the Southside Fire Company to see what they have for space availability.  President John Domanski then read a message from Bill Lavage who will be ending his term on the MARC board on 12/31/2020.  He was thanked for his time and participation on the board and we will check with Bob Stoudt about a replacement for him
Secretary Deborah Bausch stated we are still working on grants for playground renovation but will need to come up with drawings and costs for some of them.
 
The Zoning report was submitted by Brian Anderson.  President John Domanski then stated as part of the Zoning Report, he and Vice President Barb Kriner took a drive around the borough looking at blighted and unsightly properties.  Hillside Estates has property that looks like a campground; Brewery Hollow Road has an issue; and a major eyesore is along Sunbury Road – property needs weeds cut back and fence repaired.  The former Nooning House property has had a porch added but a permit had been obtained for it.  Kipps Run Road and Sunbury Road intersection has a home that needs tending to; Council member Brian Whitenight said someone has been in the home.  There is also a second property further down Kipps Run Road with debris that needs removed.   Vice President Barb Kriner will get in touch with Brian Anderson and see the best way to approach these properties.  President John Domanski was concerned about downed trees on properties that don’t get cleaned up; however, Chief Kerry Parkes cautioned about being on a slippery slope with handling them as there are many out along the bank beyond the Delavan Whitenight property for Penn Dot.  Property on Sunbury Road was discussed again and Solicitor Joe Michetti said even in bankruptcy, citations can be filed against the property owner.  The Zoning Report was approved on a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted for.
 
Street Department report was prepared by Dan Gable.  President John Domanski stated we had budgeted $212,000.00 for paving.  HRI was the low bidder at $166,000.00 and their final bill came in at $151,000.00.  We would have approximately $60,000.00 left over.
 President asked how council wished to proceed.  Carry over until next year or possibly do some other repairs?  Vice President Barb Kriner stated we had allotted the money and felt it should be spent and more repairs done.  Peter Fleming stated there are several areas that could use fixed:  mainly, a dip in the roadway/swale at Avenue G and 9th Street.   Cars bottom out when crossing the roadway.  President John Domanski stated that where we repaired manholes on Avenue G with cold patch, they are sinking a bit and could use a better surfacing.  The section of Avenue E from Sunbury Road to 9th Street is also a roadway to consider.  Secretary Deborah Bausch will be in touch with Penn Dot Representative, Barry Garverick to take a look at our options and then we will go out to bid if needed.  President John Domanski stated Dan was very pleased with the work and cooperation of HRI in the paving this time.
Fall Dumpster Day was approved for Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 7 am until Noon!
Street Department Report was approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted for.
 
Southside Fire Company Report was submitted by Nicholas Fowler, Fire Chief and reviewed by Vice President Barb Kriner.  She stated there is no carnival this year since we are still in the yellow phase for reopening. They are looking at a possible Band Fest or other activity later this summer.  Report was accepted on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
 
Chief Kerry Parkes was present and gave his Police Report for May.   He began with a Thank You to Merck and Company for a grant to purchase a laptop and projector for Officer Harvey to teach his class on taser recertification.  Thursday, June 4, there will be a webinar presentation on automatic license plate readers and Chief Parkes invited anyone who wanted to see it to come to his office.
His final presentation was an update from a previous meeting regarding the salary of the officers. He presented a form of computations of local area offices for comparison.  It was distributed for consideration at a later meeting.  Current contract could be changed.  Report was approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted for.
 
The Mayor was not present this evening.
Solicitor Joseph Michetti said he had nothing to report but was glad to be back in person at the meeting.
 
For New Business, Peter Fleming stated he has had calls regarding the speed on Avenue D; felt the speed limit was too high for the area.  Kids are playing in the area and some places you can’t see over the crest of the road.  President John Domanski agreed and felt the streets should all be looked at.  We will check with Barry Garverick as the best way to proceed.
 
Under our Motion to Approve we began with a correction to the Waiver of Real Estate Tax Penalty previously passed.  The correct date should be September 30, 2020 for waiver of late penalty fee.  We had listed it as December 31, 2020.  Penalty is waived if paid before September 30, 2020 by Motion of Brian Whitenight and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All voted in favor.
Second item was discussion of the fireworks being held on Friday, June 5, as a salute to the DHS Class of 2020.  Brian Whitenight explained the change in venue and what the process would be.  He had approval from Craig Lawler to use airport area which will allow for better social distancing.  Officer Brad Harvey works with Brian and will be present.  They will be shot from the runway area.  Passes will be issued to those to get on the grounds. Donations are being made to a bank account to offset the cost for the fireworks.  It will be a fast and furious show. Brian stated Deanna Force has been a tremendous help in this endeavor.  Show approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted for.
Next item is to Rescind our Resolution 20-03-25 – Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the Borough of Riverside.  Motion to Rescind made by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Brian Whitenight.  All voted in favor.
Final Motion item was to pay the HRI paving bill of $151,075.91.  Secretary Deborah Bausch stated we had allotted $75,000.00 from Liquid Fuels for this paving; remainder will come from General Fund.
Motion to pay was made by Vice President Barb Kriner and seconded by Peter Fleming who highlighted a conversation with Dan and how pleased he was with the work done by HRI.  Motion approved by all.
 
Final item of the evening was put before council by Brian Whitenight.  In March he was to hold some PGI Certification Classes for his fireworks business.  They were cancelled due to COVID 19.  He will now be holding this approved class on June 13th with about 18 people in attendance.  This is not open to the public.  Office Brad Harvey is taking the course.  Each student will be required to shoot two shells off to show their knowledge/skills.  This will be during afternoon hours.
 
At approximately 7:52 pm, a Motion was made by Vice President Barb Kriner to adjourn the meeting.
 
Meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary

3rd Quarter Sewer bills will be mailed next week.  For those wishing to have automatic withdrawl payment for their account, be sure to return your completed form prior to Thursday, July 2nd to catch the billing cycle. Extra forms are available in the office.  Council voted to waive the late fee for 2nd quarter due to COVID 19 so please read your billing card carefully to see amount owed.  If you paid the late fee, you will see a credit on the payment.
​Questions, please contact the office  570 275-1751
Sewer Bills have been mailed.  Those with automatic withdrawl will see amount processed on August 13.  Forms are avaiilable in the office to sign up for this option to pay your bill.

 July 3 - Borough Offices Closed
   for Independence Day Holiday
  
July 4 - Independence Day  - 
 
 July 6  - Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 pm
 Meeting will be held in the
Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street
 
July 17-19  Danville Heritage Events
See website for the list of events:  WWW.DanvilleHeritage.Com
 

Concerts in the Park - Tuesdays at 7:00 pm - Memorial Park, Danville
7/7 – Bob Richardson
7/14 – Strawberry Ridge
7/21 – Becky Blue Band
7/28 – Such & Such-Suzanne Walzer & Chrissy Shipe
 
Tax collector, Rebecca Steckley, will have office hours in the Municipal Building on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, beginning July 7th.   
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There are two jackets int he office that had been left in the park earlier this season.  One is a zipper style and the other is a hoodie.  They can be claimed in the office

REAL ESTATE TAX PAYMENT - Face Value has been extended until September 30, 2020 for payment for Northumberland and Local Real Estate taxes. Your tax bill states due by June 30, 2020; however, Council has extended that date to September 30, 2020 to waive the late fee. Penalty phase will begin October 1, 2020.
Questions? Contact the tax collector, Rebecca Steckley, 570 764-1393

Also, 2nd Quarter Borough Sewer Bills have had the late fee waived for the 2nd quarter.  If you submitted a payment with the late fee, you will see a credit on your 3rd quarter billing.  Questions should be addressed to the Borough Office, 570 275-1751

 ​Here are a few items that I would like to share with you.

1. The results below indicate that about 61% of Northumberland County municipalities are responding above the  national rate, however nearly 40% of households remain uncounted.  As business resumes and activities begin to increase in the coming weeks, please consider ways to remind residents how an accurate count benefits everyone locally.

 
US   60.6

PA   63.7

Northumberland County   60.6

Cities/Boroughs/Twps

Rockefeller   77.8

Upper Augusta   77.4

Lower Augusta   75.1

Washington   73.9

Lewis   73

Ralpho   72.2

Point   72.1

Shamokin Twp   71.2

Delaware   70.6

Lower Mahanoy   70.2

West Cameron   68.6

Jordan   68.5

East Cameron   67.5

Northumberland   67.4

Watsontown   66.8

Turbot   64.9

Upper Mahanoy   64.7

Kulpmont   64.3

Little Mahanoy   63.8

Snydertown   63.7

Milton   62.9

West Chillisquaque   62.6

Rush   59.7

Turbotville    58.4

Sunbury  58.1

Zerbe   58.1

Coal   58

East Chillisquaque   57.3

Mount Carmel Twp   56.4

***  Riverside   52.1 ***

Mount Carmel Boro   51.1

Jackson   49.3

Shamokin City   43.8

Herndon   36.5

McEwensville   16.7

Marion Heights   14.0

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, May 4, 2020 in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  The meeting was called to order by President John Domanski.  Present in the building were President John Domanski, Vice President Barb Kriner, Council Member Brian Whitenight and Mayor John LaMotte, as well as Secretary Deborah Bausch.  Joining by telecommunications were Council Members Carolyn Bausch, Beth Rake,  Peter Fleming, Kevin Romansik and Solicitor Joseph Michetti.   The only other phone in participant was Chief Kerry Parkes; no other citizens participated.
 
Minutes of April 20, 2020 were reviewed and approved on a Motion by Peter Fleming; seconded by Carolyn Bausch.  All voted in favor.
 
Budget Report for March 2020 was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Next reviewed were the reports of the Zoning Officer, Street Department, Southside Fire Company and Riverside Police.  All reports were approved on a Motion by Vice President Barb Kriner; seconded by Brian Whitenight with all being in favor.
 
Mayor John LaMotte then spoke to council regarding the scheduled Memorial Day Service.  He has suggested that we postpone our service since we will be so fresh off the COVID 19 stay home order.  Montour County will not be having their parade or service.  There was much discussion on how to proceed.  President John Domanski suggested contacting Danville and doing a joint service; perhaps at the stadium that has lots of room to handle safe distance guidelines.  John LaMotte stressed the importance of the safety of our residents.  Beth Rake stated soft openings are resulting in many deaths to date.  Carolyn Bausch agreed that people are fragile but we should not cancel. One date suggested was July 4, 2020 as was Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2020.   Carolyn Bausch stated there is possibly a 2nd wave to hit in the fall so November may not be a good choice.  Peter Fleming stated we are in unchartered territory with an increase in death rates.   Vice President Barb Kriner asked Beth Rake about the portion of people counted and Beth Rake responded that the count is of everybody.  President John Domanski then asked council if everyone was in agreement to postpone the Memorial Day Service and it was noted all responded yes.  Mayor John LaMotte stated he would contact John Novak, head of Veteran’s Affairs, Montour County to see what plans can be made.  Mayor’s Report was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Solicitor Joseph Michetti then stated the Borough needed to appoint a Pandemic Response Officer who is usually the EMA Officer.  His basic duty is to be the chain of command between the borough and PEMA.   Carolyn Bausch inquired if the officer should be our mayor?   We have already put M. Todd Oberdorf, our EMA officer, in the position when we did our Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the Borough of Riverside, Resolution 20-03-25.  Solicitor Michetti then stated it would be necessary to add the title.  In response to Carolyn Bausch’s inquiry regarding getting reports presented to council, Solicitor Michetti replied that right now Riverside has no activity to report.
Another question addressed this evening was after the soft opening on May 8, would council return to office meetings.  Vice President Barb Kriner felt we could return to regular meetings.  Carolyn Bausch, Beth Rake and Kevin Romansik felt they would not be comfortable coming into the office since they work in the public sector.   Solicitor Michetti stated the borough could do a hybrid meeting with some here and some phoning in as is the current meeting scenario. 
President John Domanski said we would continue to hold meetings as is currently done.  Solicitor’s report was approved on a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Peter Fleming.  All were in favor.
Council revisited the EMA office duty.  Kevin Romansik made a Motion to add the title of Pandemic Response Office to M Todd Oberdorf.  Motion seconded by Beth Rake.  All voted for.
 
Under new business, President John Domanski spoke of the Real Estate Tax collections.  Northumberland County is proposing to keep the discount period of 4/30/2020 but forego penalties on tax bills with them due by December 31, 2020.  Vice President Barb Kriner felt it was a good idea with so many people not able to work; Brian Whitenight agreed with that.  On a Motion by Beth Rake and Seconded by Peter Fleming, Riverside Borough will forego any tax penalty on collections with taxes due by December 31, 2020.
 
Conversation then went to the playground being opened.  Carolyn Bausch felt it was too dangerous to do that.  Vice President Barb Kriner stated signs could be placed and it would be up to the parents to decide if they wanted to use the playground with their children.  She emphasized it is our park and not some other area we are looking at.  Guidance from the State has not been consistent.  Per MARC announcements, the Danville Skate Park will be opening with some limitations in place.  Peter Fleming felt we should err on the side of safety.  Solicitor Michetti suggested checking with other areas as to what they were doing.  On a Motion by Carolyn Bausch and seconded by Brian Whitenight, opening the park was tabled until the May 18, 2020 meeting.  All voted for.  While on this topic, opening the office was discussed.  The office door will be open to the public who will need to wear a face mask to come in to conduct business.  One person per visit is how the visitors will be limited in coming into the office.
 
Brian Whitenight then addressed council with an upcoming event which is not open to the public.  He will be having a vendor video tape the fireworks that he sells.  This will be done at the farm market on May 9th and will be only himself and the video tape recorder operator.  Carolyn Bausch stated all should wear a mask; Beth felt no problem with doing the recording.  Solicitor Michetti stated since it is after the May 8th opening, it would be okay.  Business can now have 25 people and again Carolyn Bausch stressed the masks and social distancing.  Peter Fleming stated staying 6’ apart would not be a problem for Brian’s video programming.
 
Final agenda item was the MARC Agreement of Cooperation.  This Agreement is being reviewed to add Mahoning Township to the membership of MARC.  Carolyn Bausch stated that more support would be more advantageous for all.  Brian Whitenight questioned our involvement since it is Montour County and Riverside is Northumberland County; it was explained we are very much a part of MARC and already have a signed Agreement with them.  On a Motion by Brian Whitenight and seconded by Vice President Barb Kriner, Agreement to sign the MARC Cooperation to add Mahoning Township was approved.  All voted in favor. 
 
At approximately 7:44 pm, Carolyn Bausch made a Motion to adjourn; seconded by Peter Fleming.
Council Meeting Adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary
 
 

Due to COVID 19, the Riverside Borough Council meeting for Monday, JUNE 1, 2020 will be held via telecommunications.
 
To join the meeting at 7 pm
 
Call  1-978-990-5000
Access Code:  707422
 
Please mute your phone to eliminate any background noise for the meeting.
Those joining the meeting are asked to be considerate of the others when addressing council with a question or concern.  Some phones may experience a gap in transmission.
 
If you get a busy signal when dialing in, please try again.
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