​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Delavan Whitenight, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Attorney Antonio Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Dan Gable with the Street Department, Kerry Parkes Chief of Police, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Barb Kriner
 
Citizens present:
Cody Alexander, Brenna Gable, Drew Mumich & JW Snyder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Cody Alexander with Five Star Equipment gave updated information to Council on a backhoe purchase; he got a lower price and was able to include a parts package for the purchase of a John Deere 310P backhoe. Cody stated delivery would be in approximately 3 weeks for a 310P, as one is in stock. Other models would have to be ordered. Cody stated the 310P is a good machine. Ken Gardner asked if it was such a good machine, why is it still in inventory for so long. Cody stated because newer models are being ordered. Mike Steimling stated, the Borough needs an automatic transmission, a manual transmission is not good for what we have to do. Ken asked if the Street Department could do storm sewer repairs with the new backhoe. Dan Gable said the Street Department does not do storm sewer repairs, due to compaction.
 
Old business:
John made a Motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of April 21st. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read over his report. Brian stated there have been some issues: a house on Sunbury Road needs the sewer replaced; a property located on 9th Street runs a little business out of his house. Solicitor Attorney Michetti will work with Brian on an ordinance for half-way housing in the Borough. Ken asked if there is a sign advertising the business, Brian said there is not a sign up. Brian also mentioned there is a property on S&H Avenue being sold and the sewer inspection failed. He stated the lateral needs replaced and is the home owners’ responsibility. Peter made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report. The Street Department had several trees down that they had to clear off roadways during the month of April. Dan stated the West End Sewer project is going very well. There was a power outage in Riverside, including the Borough Municipal Building, the Street Department used a generator to power the office. Kerry suggested Council look into a gas powered generator for the Borough building; as it is crucial to keep the office running because it is a command post for disasters.
Peter made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
A report for the month of March was submitted. John made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
 
 
 
Police Report:
Kerry read over his report. Kerry warned that scams are increasing; do not send money or gift card information over the phone to anyone you personally do not know. Kerry stated LPR (License Plate Recognition) keeps the roads safe for all. The Warrant list was published, giving people with warrants until June to take care of them.
Kerry introduced John Barley, an Intern whom has completed his internship with Riverside Borough Police Department. John ‘Thanked’ Council Members for permitting him to do the internship and John also ‘Thanked’ Kerry for training him.
Ken asked Kerry if they are doing more frequent patrolling. Kerry said, yes. Ken asked the status of the Regional Police presentation. Kerry stated he felt the idea has died. It was tried in other areas and did not work out.
Peter made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd stated he met with Kerry regarding the LPR (License Plate Recognition).
Met with Joan Topper member of D.A.R., regarding the sign placement. They are planning a dedication ceremony in September. Todd is contacting the cemetery owners regarding Veterans markers. Todd stated he would like to re-name the park, ‘Gearhart Park’. Steve made a Motion to approve re-naming the park and get a new sign. John seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Todd said he attended the Easter Egg Hunt in April at the Southside Fire Company. Todd signed letters seeking floral donations for the Memorial Day Service in the Park on Sunday, May 25th at 1:00pm. National Medical Emergency Week is 5/18 through 5/24. There will be a Pet-n-Toy Parade on May 21st at the Southside Fireman’s carnival. He hopes a lot of people come out for the carnival.
John made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Antonio Michetti opened the 2025 multiple street paving bids. John made a Motion to accept the lowest bid from New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, subject to Solicitor review. Mike seconded. Ken opposed.
 
Borough Life:
None submitted.
 
New Business:
John made a Motion to accept the proposal from Northeast Tree Service for tree and stump removal on Gearhart, Avenue G and Avenue H. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
John made a Motion to accept the proposal from Pact One, LLC to replace metal piping on Oak and Maple Streets. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
Delavan made a Motion to accept Adams Sewer and Drain, LLC proposal for $4,250.00 to replace the sewer line at the Borough Office. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Discussion was held regarding the backhoe purchase. Ken looked on MuniciBid site at backhoes, he said they were in poor condition. Peter made a Motion to trade the current backhoe and opt to make payment in full for a new 310P backhoe. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items: None
 
At 8:52pm, Mike made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personal matters. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 9:16pm.
John made a Motion to deny John LaMotte to work dumpster day due to insurance liability. Delavan seconded. All in Favor. Steve will contact Todd Leiby and ask him to work dumpster day.
 
Peter made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20pm.  John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted;
Lisa Fritz, Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
May 19, 2025
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG                               
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD:  
I.        OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 5/5/2025 meeting
          B. Appraisal on the front 7 acres of the former school property
II.       NEW BUSINESS
            A. Pest Control for Municipal Building
III.      MOTION TO APPROVE
            A. Monies for: Backhoe, Storm Sewer and Roads
IV.       ACTION ITEMS
V.        EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, June 2, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M.

Reminder to Riverside Residents:
The Voting Polls will be located at St. Peter's Church, 240 Sunbury Rd in Riverside.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner, Mike Steimling Sr. and Todd Oberdorf
Also present was Dan Gable with the Street Department and Secretary Lisa Fritz
 
Absent:
John Domanski and Delavan Whitenight, Jr
 
Citizens present:
Rob Rickard, Randy Strouse, Cody Alexander, Drew Mumich and Attorney Edward Greco
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Attorney Edward Greco introduced himself to Council Members. He is running for Northumberland County Judge. He stated he currently serves as the Northumberland Chief Public Defender. He shared some issues on blight properties, stating property owners should be held accountable. He walked around Riverside Borough and feels it is a beautiful community.
Attorney Greco also stated crime on drugs is more violent than it has ever been.
Peter Fleming asked Attorney Greco what prompted him to run for Judge. He said he feels it is the highest position and he feels he has a calm demeanor to address issues. Barb Kriner asked Attorney Greco how quickly he could get the back log cleaned up. He stated, he would hope to move cases along in a timely manner.
 
Resident, Randy Strouse questioned Council regarding a group home on his street. He stated he called Zoning Officer, Brian Anderson last year to ask him about the residents moving in. Randy said Brian has not gotten back to him to answer his questions. Randy said the residents living there play loud music, throw cigarette butts out into the street. He said sometimes there are approximately 20 cars parked at this property and the staff play loud music in the cars all hours of the night. Council told Randy they would have the Zoning Officer check on the property.
 
Old business:
Ken Gardner made a Motion to approve the 4/7/2025 meeting minutes. Mike Steimling seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Sale of front 7 acres school property – Peter and John contacted Appraisers, but have not heard back on getting an appraisal on the property. Council would like two different appraisals; one with the building and one without the building on the property. Council also would like an appraisal off the access road. Resident, Rob Richard said he was confused as to why another appraisal is needed. Steve stated the Borough legally has to have the property appraised in order to sell.
Barb said we need to take a step back and re-group. She said the same sale could happen and then there is no tax base income. We have lost property off the tax rolls because of Merck. Barb said she wonders why a Merck Representative is not sitting at this table informing Council of their intentions. Ken reminded Council, at the last meeting, John made a motion to sell the front 7 acres, it was seconded and passed by all.
 
Budget review – Ken said yearly costs for health insurance is $118,000.00, with 4 employees on the program; which is just shy of $30,000.00 per employee. He feels Council should take a serious look at the health insurance and what the employee’s share is. We need to balance the budget. Danville School district is reacting to not having Merck as a tax payer and have eliminated 22 positions, mainly administration. Resident, Randy Strouse asked Council what they are doing to eliminate positions if the Danville School district is. Ken stated we need to look at our staffing. Barb stated several drug manufacturers have look into possibly purchasing Merck, but backed out. Peter feels the Merck property has a lot going for it with the railroad going to it. Barb has contacted Governor’s offices.  
 
New Business:
Backhoe purchase – Cody Alexander from Five Star Equipment gave Council information on two backhoes and some options for purchase. Council will review and discuss at the next meeting. Dan Gable stated the 1991 backhoe they are using is very antiquated and is in deplorable condition, they cannot get parts for it. A trade-in value would be around $7,000.00. Liquid Fuels money could be used to purchase a new backhoe through Co-Stars or Sourcewell.
 
Motion to Approve:
Barb made a Motion to take money out of the Platinum money market for digitizing office records. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
None.
 
At 8:01pm, Mike made a Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel issues. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council moved back into the public session at 8:31pm.
No further business was discussed.
Mike made a Motion to adjourn at 8:32pm. Ken seconded. All in Favor.                                                 
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz, Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
May 5, 2025
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 4/21/2025 Meeting
II.       ZONING OFFICER REPORT
III.      STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT         
IV.       SOUTHSIDE FIRE COMPANY REPORT
V.        POLICE REPORT
VI.       MAYOR’S REPORT
           A. EMS Week Proclamation
VII.     SOLICITOR MICHETTI REPORT
            A. 2025 Paving Bids
VIII.   BORO LIFE COMMITTEE
IX.       NEW BUSINESS
            A. Tree Removal
          B. Storm Sewer Pipe Replacements
          C. Borough Sewer Lateral
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
            A. Backhoe Purchase
XI.     ACTION ITEMS 
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, May 19, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M.

Northumberland County Residents:
​There is a meeting regarding re-assessment on Wed, April 30th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at the Shikellamy  High School

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Dan Gable with the Street Department, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Delavan Whitenight Jr, Police Chief Kerry Parkes
 
Citizens present:
Drew Mumich, Rob Rickard & JW Snyder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Citizens present to observe.
 
Old business:
John made a Motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of March 3rd. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Attorney Michetti stated the vacant land at the former school property was sold to ‘Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC’. John made a Motion to adopt a Resolution to authorize the sale and signatures on the settlement statement and necessary documents. Peter seconded. All in Favor. The land sold for $350,000.00. Closing will take place on April 9, 2025. Barb said, it was disappointing with Merck purchasing the land, because the intent to sell was to generate tax revenue, not a one-time income.
Ken questioned the status of selling the front seven acres of the former school property. Ken said a Motion he made at the January 20th meeting to sell the front seven acres carried. Steve mentioned the school building is a liability sitting there. Ken would like to sell the whole seven acres, John and Steve agreed. Steve asked Council members if we should sell ‘As Is’ or demolish the building first. Peter and John will contact Appraisers for proposals on having front seven acres appraised. John made a Motion to sell the whole seven acres at a public auction. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Dan questioned the Right-of-Way, stating there is a driveway in the middle of Tract 3. Attorney Michetti stated the property owner(s) would be granted an Easement for that section of land. John made a Motion to obtain appraisals for the sale of the remaining former school property, as on the Hildebrand survey. Barb seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Update on West End Sewer Replacement Project – there was a pre-construction meeting held on 2/27/2025, with Larson Design Group and Pact One representatives. Construction started the first week of April and shall be completed by 10/1/2025. All Easements have been signed by properties owners and notarized for filing. Steve ‘Thanked’ Dan and Lisa for the work they did in regards to getting sewer easements signed and notarized.
Dan stated he talks daily with Arnold from Pact One regarding the progress of the West End Sewer Replacement project. Arnold with Pact One and Adams Sewer & Drain Cleaning have located all the septic tanks. Logan Hile with the conservation district will be inspecting the soils.
 
Ken Gardner suggested taking $250,000.00 out of the Grant and put it into a CD. Mike said they should consider a high yield money market, one in which we would have access to when needed. This discussion was tabled until a future meeting.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read over his report. Brian stated there is a gentleman selling things out of his house, which is not permitted in the Borough. Ken questioned how that affects yard sales. Brian stated, you can have one yard sale per month in the Borough. John made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
​ 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report. Dan stated the backhoe radiator is leaking. He has contacted a gentleman to speak with Council member regarding a purchase of a backhoe. Dan said a John Deere backhoe is approximately $159,000.00; through Co-Stars it would be approximately $118,000.00. Dan stated up to 40% of Liquid Fuels money can be used to purchase a backhoe. The current backhoe could be placed on Municibid to sell.
Dan presented a list of roads in the Borough that need paved. Barb stated perhaps Hailstone Economics Grant Writers could help with a grant for a new backhoe. John said a drain pipe on Sunbury road, near the gun shop is rough, making the road bumpy. Dan will look at it.
Barb made a Motion to put the whole list out to bid, with John seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
None submitted.
 
Police Report:
Mayor, Todd Oberdorf read over the Police Report. In Kerry’s report, he stated Spring is coming and asked people to clean up their properties, remove any junk vehicles.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Ken seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd read over his report for the month of March. He met with the Police department for preliminary contract negotiations. Met the Intern working with the Police.
Todd stated he received the ‘WARN’ notice from Merck, regarding the closing. Rode with Dan Gable from the Street department to review problem areas on roadways for paving. Todd also met with the BoroLife committee.
Todd stated he would like to recognize Southside Firefighter, George Wolf Jr for his 62 years of service and congratulated him on the State award that was recently presented to George.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti stated he will be doing a Bring-down search on the highest delinquent sewer accounts and will then advise Council.
Attorney Michetti suggested to Council that they consider updating the zoning ordinances. He said Solar is a topic. Barb asked if municipalities get a discount on power if solar is installed. Attorney Michetti said, no. Some areas get $3,500.00 per acre to lease land out for solar.
Ken asked Attorney Michetti if he checked on the information from a collection agency regarding our delinquent sewer accounts. Attorney Michetti stated the collection agency cannot do anything more than we are doing now. John suggested to stay the course to see how payments come in and if the delinquent amount goes up, then we can re-visit the collection company.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Barb said they met with the Mayor on 3/27. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at the Southside Fire Company on April 19th at 10:00am.
Community yard sale will be on July 11th and 12th. Sign up forms can be picked up in the Borough office.
The Parade of Lights will be moved to a Sunday this year.
They are planning a 250 Anniversary celebration to be held on June 13, 2026.
John made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
Peter mentioned he will be meeting, with the ‘DAR’, (Daughters of the American Revolution) at 10:00am on April 17th  to discuss the Gearhart sign installation.
 
Motion to Approve:
Digitizing office records – Lisa will get an update proposal for a future meeting.
Memorial Day Service will be hold in the Borough Park on Sunday, May 25th at 1:00pm.
Barb made a Motion to sign “The Proclamation for America 250 PA”. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
None.
 
At 9:15pm, Mike made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personal matters. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 10:11pm.
 
Mike made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:12pm.  John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Fritz
Secretary
 
 
 
 
 

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
April 21, 2025
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG                               
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 4/7/2025 meeting.
          B. Update on Sale of school front 7 acres
          C. Budget Review
II.       NEW BUSINESS
             A. Representative to speak – Backhoe purchase 
III.      MOTION TO APPROVE
             A. Digitizing
IV.       ACTION ITEMS
V.        EXECUTIVE SESSION
          
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, May 5, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M.