Memorial Day Service
Sunday, May 26 at 11:00am in the Park, next to the Municipal building. Seating under tents available.
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There is an open seat on Council. If interested in serving your Community, please submit a 'Letter of Interest' to the Borough office, located at 415 Dewart St, Riverside no later than June 28th. The candidate will be voted on at the Council Meeting held on Monday, July 1st at 7:00pm. If you submit a letter of interest, please plan to attend that meeting.
RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner. Council members present: Vice President Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner and Ken Gardner. Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr. Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Zoning Office Brian Anderson, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Council Member Delavan Whitenight Jr and Street Superintendent Dan Gable. Citizens present: John E. Hockenbrough, Keith and Jeni Evans, Christa Guenther, Drew Mumich and Robert Rickard. Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Pastor Keith Evans from the Assembly of GOD Church asked Council if there are Grants to renovate Historical buildings. Resident Christa Guenther stated she loves living in Riverside and complimented Council and employees for the job they do. Christa said the first meeting she attended was on April 1st and felt it was a fighting match, Council fought across the table, it was awful. She did ‘Thank’ Kerry and his Officers for their support regarding the dog attack situation, stating she walks about four (4) times per day and wants to feel safe. Resident Rob Rickard stated the paving near Sunny Lane has made it safer for children at the bus stop. Rob stated the traffic light (left turn signal) at the intersection of Rt 54 coming into Riverside does not cycle, he suggested to contact PennDot to have the left-turn light cycle longer. Old business: Beth made a Motion to accept the Minutes of the April 4th Meeting. John Domanski seconded. All in Favor. Zoning Officer Report: Brian Anderson read his report. Beth made a Motion to accept the Zoning Report, Barb seconded. All in Favor. Street Department Report: Barb made a Motion to approve the quote from Northeast Tree Service to remove six (6) trees, with John D. seconding the Motion. All in Favor. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Southside Fire Company Report: Barb stated the Carnival runs from May 21st through May 25th, 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The Pet & Toy Parade will be on Saturday, May 25th. The Cake Donation cards were mailed out. The Chief’s report was submitted for March. Beth made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report. John seconded. All in Favor. Police Report: Kerry presented his report. Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Peter seconding. All in Favor. Mayor’s Report: Nothing to report. Solicitor Michetti Report: The Riverside vs. Whitenight case is closed. Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitors report, with Beth seconding the Motion. All in Favor. Borough Life: Kipps Run Night and the Yard Sale were proposed for July. John Domanski made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report, Barb seconded. All in Favor. New Business: No new business. Motion to Approve: Barb made a Motion to approve the appointment of John Hockenbrough to the Planning commission, with Ken Gardner seconding the Motion. All in Favor. Subdivision of the former school property was received from Surveyor Wayne Hildebrand. Waiting for the appraisal on the 7.107 acres behind the school building. Beth mad a Motion to accept the subdivision as proposed from Wayne Hildebrand, granting Right-of-Way to the property owner. Barb seconded the Motion. John Domanski opposed, stating he wanted to sell the entire property. Barb made a Motion to have Council President Steve Wagner sign the survey, with Ken seconding. John Domanski opposed. Discussed, at length a generator, manholes, grant money for the East and West End sewer projects. Discussion regarding the Pennvest loan. John Domanski made a Motion to ‘not’ accept the loan. Ken seconded. All in Favor. Meeting Minutes. Barb made a motion to shorten the minute verbiage, with Beth seconding the Motion. All in Favor. Bridge Light – John made a Motion to accept the quote from Williamsport Electric Inc for the replacement of six (6) light poles on the bridge, but getting a more detailed estimate for the caulk removal. Beth seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Action Items: None. Executive Session: Barb made a Motion to move into Executive Session at 8:02pm. Beth seconded. All in Favor. Council reconvened back into Regular Session at 8:22pm. Beth made a Motion to hire Attorney Chris Slusser for representation regarding a Union. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Discussed notifying Larson Design Group about not getting generator from Merck. Discussion to apply for a loan for the entire sewer project. Steve and John will speak with Joe Phirman from Larson regarding a generator and the sewer project. Barb made a Motion to adjourn at 8:40pm. Peter seconded. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING May 20, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 05/06/2024 meeting. B. Update on 18 laterals with issues. C. Generator II. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE III. NEW BUSINESS IV. MOTION TO APPROVE V. ACTION ITEMS A. FaceBook B. Unpaid Sewer bills VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, June 3, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner. Council members present: Vice President Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner and Ken Gardner. Also present was Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Absent: Delavan Whitenight, Jr Citizens present: Residents Brian and Paula Anderson, Robert Rickard, Oliver and Maighread Kelly Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Resident, Paula Anderson, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson’s wife stated she read the 3/18/2024 Minutes. Paula questioned Council Members as to why Jackie Hart being considered as back-up for Zoning or any other position? Brian takes calls at home all day, evenings and on weekends. While on vacation, he takes calls. She stated Brian sets up appointments to accommodate times requested by customers. Paula said, “Zoning is not an emergency or same day service.” She asked why a back-up is needed. She asked Council if they have a back-up for every employee while they are on vacation. Brian was never made aware of the fact that a back-up was approved by all Council Members. Peter Fleming told Brian he does a good job and we know you cannot sit at home waiting for a zoning issue to come up. People sometimes think they want immediate action, so we, as Council Members, thought a back-up person was a good idea. Paula suggested the phone number on the kiosk outside the Borough Building be changed to Brian’s cell phone so people can call him no matter where he is at. Paula stated, “This is a back-door plan.” Council President, Steve Wagner told Paula that Council will sit down with her at another time to discuss the issue. Paula asked when. Steve stated he will get back to her with dates/times. Resident, Robert Rickard was in audience just to observe. Resident, Maighread Kelly asked if there was any update on the school property. Steve said we hope to sell the back seven (7) acres off. Maighread asked if some sort of renovation on the tennis court could be done, as there are cracks in it. Old business: John Domanski made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1 meeting, Beth Rake seconded the Motion. Approved by all. Borough Life: Nothing to report. New Business: A Fax machine will be set in place for the Street Department at the garage for the PA One Calls to be sent directly to the Street Department. A cell phone will be ordered for the Street Department to use versus using their own personal cell phones. Beth said she would be fine if the Street Department wants to continue to use their own cell phones, but would like the employees to consider a work cell phone. Barb made a Motion to order a fax machine and cell phone for the Street Department. Beth seconded. All in Favor. Information Request Form – Steve would like to implement a form for people to sign when they want to look at office records, meeting minutes, etc. Ken Gardner made a Motion to implement the request form, with Barb Kriner seconding the Motion. All in Favor. Motion to Approve: Beth made a Motion to get a cell phone for the Borough Office, so the Secretary does not have to use her personal cell phone for business. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Action Items: A Resolution for the Plan Revision for New Land Development-Pine Hurst Acres Events Venue was accepted, made by a Motion from Beth Rake. Peter Fleming seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Sealed Pave and Mill Bids were opened at approximately 7:30pm. Barb made a motion to accept the contract from ‘Dave Gutelius Excavating, Inc.’ pending review by Solicitor, Attorney Michetti and Street Department Superintendent, Dan Gable. Beth seconded the Motion. All in Favor. The Bids were as follows: HRI, Inc. - $18,684.40 Big Rock Paving, LLC - $25,850.00 Dave Gutelius Excavating, Inc. - $16,940.00 Robert C. Young, Inc. - $25,455.00 New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. - $28,025.00 Bridge Light - Ken Gardner received an estimate in the amount of $17,766.00 to replace the six (6) light poles on the bridge from Schaedler Yesco Distribution. Ken stated the two (2) poles by the Railroad tracks were not put up properly; as there were no spacers installed. Ken recommended to included installation of the spacers for those two (2) light poles in the estimate. Ken asked if we should keep the old light poles. John Domanski feels the light poles should be sold to a scrap yard. Traffic plans and traffic control through Penn Dot will be set up by Contractor. John Domanski made a Motion to purchase the bridge lights, with Beth seconding. All in Favor. At 7:48pm, Barb Kriner made a Motion to move into Executive Session for Personnel issues. Ken seconded. All in Favor. At 8:22pm, Council moved back into Regular Session. Barb spoke with Sara from Hailstone Economics regarding a free Grant and how it would benefit low income. The Grant writer wants a description of community related projects and a commitment from organizations. Council will hold off on this particular Grant until a future time. John Domanski made a Motion to permit Secretary, Lisa to work remotely on Wednesday’s on a trial basis for three (3) months, then will re-evaluate. Ken seconded. All in Favor. At 8:25pm, John made a Motion to adjourn. Peter seconded. All in Favor. Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING May 6, 2024 PLEDGE TO THE FLAG CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: Pastor, Keith Evans from the Assembly of GOD Church I. OLD BUSINESS A. Minutes of 04/15/2024 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 A. Riverside vs. Whitenight, ET Al - Discontinuance VIII. BORO LIFE COMMITTEE A. Upcoming Events IX. NEW BUSINESS X. MOTION TO APPROVE A. Planning Commission Appointment B. School Property Sub-division Contingencies C. Generator D. PennVest Loan E. Meeting Minutes XI. ACTION ITEMS A. Grant Writer XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, May 20, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M. Dumpster Day for Riverside Residents will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 7:00am until 1:00pm at the former School property located on Avenue A.
Effective Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the following office hours will be in place:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 8:00am to 3:00pm Wednesday's - the Secretary will be working remotely from home. RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 7:00pm. Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner. Council members present: Vice President Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr and Ken Gardner. Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr. Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Street Department Superintendent Dan Gable, Zoning Office Brian Anderson, Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz. Citizens present: Drew Mumich from the Press Enterprise, Residents: Stu Shrawder, Wanda Mandee, David Cook, Deanna Drabant, John Reamer, Christa Guenther and J.W. Snyder. Pledge of Allegiance Citizens to be Heard: Christa Guenther stated she and her dog were attacked by two (2) dogs. Kerry said the cases were turned over to the Dog Warden. The owner was cited last year. The Legal charges were cleared and taken to the Judge’s office. The Dog Warden will be in-touch with the victims. It is very difficult to take dogs away. Resident, Deanna Drabant questioned Council as to why they should have to worry about walking dogs on the streets that we pay taxes on. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti stated you cannot rush the system. He did suggest people call the Dog Warden with complaints; as it takes a lot of dog bites to do something. Wanda Mandell and Stu Shrawder, owners of 633 Sunbury Rd said the legal ramifications have been lifted on their property regarding the squatter, so they can now start to clean the property up and do renovations. Resident, J.W. Snyder asked Chief Kerry Parkes about his registration for his vehicle, he said he never received the registration in the mail and was then cited for not having his vehicle registered. Kerry told him to contact the Department of Transportation. John Domanski told Mr Snyder that, ‘He, the owner of the vehicle is responsible to make sure it is registered, not the Police Department.’ Old business: Barb Kriner made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 18 meeting, Beth Rake seconded the Motion. Approved by all. Per Attorney Michetti, Minutes of the Workshop held on 3/16 does not require minutes to be taken; therefore, no approval on the Minutes is required. Ken Gardner stated he does not feel anyone should be able to go through the filing cabinets when they feel like it. All filing cabinets are now locked. Secretary, Lisa will develop a sign-in/sign-out sheet for anyone wishing to look at documents. Zoning Officer Report: Brian Anderson read his report. John Domanski stated he contacted Jackie Hart (with approval of entire Council, see March 18th meeting minutes) to ask if she could do a presentation at the May meeting on her services as a back-up Zoning/Code Officer. Brian Anderson questioned why a back-up officer is needed. Brian said he does not need an assistant and feels offended. Brian stated he has gotten three (3) properties totally cleaned up in his time as Zoning/Code Officer. Brian recommended Council read over the Ordinances to understand them and see if any need updating. Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning Report, Beth seconded. All in Favor. Street Department Report: Dan Gable read over the report. He said the Street Department employees are visiting the properties on the list that letters were sent to regarding repairs needed from a smoke test. They are trying to help residents locate the area where the repairs are needed. Dan has been in contact with Cherokee/Merck regarding the 2-3 lines that comes from the Merck property. Merck stated the lines will be capped close to the Main. John D. would like to work with Dan on the abandoned lines. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Southside Fire Company Report: A report was not submitted. Police Report: Kerry presented his report. He commented on the dogs running loose; stating the Police would like to have people Volunteer to house stray dogs for a few days, as there is no-where to put dogs when they catch them running loose. Kerry mentioned the eCode 360 online is different than in the book copy for Junk Vehicles. Kerry stated all juveniles have been cited for the break-in at the school property. Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Beth seconding. All in Favor. Mayor’s Report: Nothing to report. Solicitor Michetti Report: Attorney Michetti presented a Recorded Deed of Easement regarding Dale and Kathleen Whitenight vs. Northumberland and Montour Joint Airport Authority, which dismisses the law suit. Attorney Michetti discussed the ‘Small Games of Chance’, stating Council could adopt a resolution after updating the ordinance on Amusement taxes. It would have to be enforced and fees would have to be set. Council will discuss at the May 6th meeting. Beth made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Barb seconded. All in Favor. Borough Life: Barb said the Egg Hunt at the Southside Fire Company was a success. Lots of candy was given out. John Domanski made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report, Peter seconded. All in Favor. New Business: Landlord/Tenant Reporting – Tax Collector, Ruth Peck informed the Borough Secretary that she does not know who is moving in/out of rental properties. Ruth wrote in an email to the Borough, “Requiring Landlords to report tenants, will not only give us a slight increase in Per Capita Tax Income, but it will also be beneficial to the Police Department to know who is moving into our area.” Danville Borough has an Ordinance requiring Landlords to report Tenant changes. The Solicitor stated such an Ordinance would have to Enforced by appointment with the Landlord and Tenant(s). Attorney Michetti will do research on this matter. Door buzz in - John LaMotte will continue to research. Motion to Approve: Grant for Covid-19 ARPA PA Multi-purpose Community Facilities Program – a grant application is not feasible at this time. Council will pursue a Grant in the future. Action Items: School Property - John Domanski feels it was a mistake to purchase the school property, located on Avenue A. Spent to date is $70,000.00 + and we have nothing accomplished. We have a $10 million estimate, can Riverside afford this. John D stated, we have the sewer project and Pine Swamp Hollow Road guide rails in process. He feels we should sell the whole property. The Borough owns the lot next to the garage on Avenue D. There is a company called Morton, they will build to your specifications and will lease until paid off. John said to keep in mind, once Merck closes, we will be losing money. John Domanski made a Motion to sell the entire former School property. Peter agrees with John in a number of ways, stating perhaps COVID made the original (cost to build) estimate of $5 million escalate. Peter stated, however, he would like Council to look into other options. John LaMotte stated, they are searching for Grants. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti recommended to have the property appraised. Advertise to Bid or Auction to Bid. Barb Kriner asked if we should sub-divide. The Solicitor said, No, the Borough cannot get into real estate. There were no Second Motions on John Domanski’s Motion. Barb made a Motion to get proposals from a surveyor to present to Council. Ken Gardner seconded the Motion. John D opposed. Barb said her husband welcomes Council to go through their building in Northumberland. John LaMotte mentioned to John Domanski, ‘You missed the Workshop that you wanted scheduled to discuss the new building project.” Peter said two thirds of the building can be demolished. $350,000.00 to do demolition, $115,000.00 per square foot to do renovations, per the Engineering Company. John D asked if the tank in the ground is in included in the demolition estimate. Council decided to table the discussion on digitizing the office records until an estimate is received. Bridge Lights – Ken Gardner contacted the manufacturer of the current lights on the bridge. The company did not recommend aluminum. Ken received a quote of $3,000.00 for the six poles, which he is going to confirm that quote. Mahoning Township paid $7,800.00 to install the 6 poles, plus $20,000.00 for the lights. Ken also contacted Lewisburg about their light poles. They inspect them annually and paint them every ten years. Borough Ordinance, Chapter 225-Sewers and Chapter 238-Solid Waste: Discussion was held regarding the Real Property, the Borough’s Right-of-Ways (R.O.W.) and Lateral maintenance. Solicitor Michetti stated anything in the Right-of-Ways is the Borough’s responsibility. Property owners are responsible from the home to the R.O.W. Dan Gable explained by drawing how R.O.W.’s are exceeding in property lines. John Domanski said the R.O.W. Ordinance states they must be free of trees, shrubbery and buildings. John D said the Ordinance states a property owner is responsible to the property line. Dan asked Council if the ordinance can be defined. Peter commented on the delinquent sewer accounts. He would like to see names and properties published in the newspaper. Council will discuss such action at the next meeting. Executive Session: At 9:45pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personnel issues. Beth seconded. All in Favor. At 10:20pm, Council went back into Regular Session. John Domanski made a Motion to hire Attorney Slusser for consultation. Ken Gardner seconded. Beth opposed. Council Adjourned at 10:22pm Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Fritz Secretary |
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