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.

​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
 
 
 
 
 

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
November 4, 2024
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 10/21/2024 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
            A. Discussion on Auctioneer for sale of former school property
          B. Local Share Account Statewide Program-Guardrail Grant
           C. $250,000.00 Grant received for the West End Sanitary Replacement Project
 
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
            A. 2025 Tentative Budget
          B. Council Meeting Dates
          C. Act 600 Police Pension Plan
         
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
          A. MARC Member Appointment
                 
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, November 18, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M.

Northumberland County Department of Public Safety
  · 
Effective at Noon Saturday November 2nd a Countywide Burn Ban will be in-effect until Noon December 2nd. Please Do Not Burn!!!! We have been experiencing a large number of brush fires in the area in the past few weeks. If you see someone burning during this time report it to local authorities. ​

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by Vice President, Peter Fleming.
 
Council members present: 
John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr, and Ken Gardner.
Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti Jr. Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Street Superintendent Dan Gable, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz
 
Absent:
Steve Wagner, Mayor John LaMotte and Mike Steimling Sr
 
Citizens present:
Todd Oberdorf, Jim Snyder and Drew Mumich
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
 
Old business:
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 9/16/2024 Meeting Minutes. Ken Gardner seconded. All in Favor.
John spoke with Justin Skavery (Northumberland County Grant Writer) regarding the status on a Grant for guide rails on Pine Swamp Hollow Road. Justin will follow-up.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson presented his report.
John asked Brian Anderson if the Crone (Venue) property was all in the Borough of Riverside and said the driveway needs to be addressed. According to G.I.S. online, all of the property is in the Borough of Riverside. Brian revised the Sewer Inspection Fee Schedule. John would like Brian to clarify why a failed inspection is a higher fee than an inspection that passes.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning Report, Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented his report.
Dan stated there are nine (9) properties that have a lift station.  Solicitor, Attorney Michetti is in contact with the Engineering firm and will draw up the Easements for those property owners.
Dan said interviews were conducted for the part-time, as needed Street Department position. John made a Motion to hire Todd Leiby for the position, with Barb seconding. All in Favor.
Barb asked Dan if the Street Department employees had confined space training. Dan said they did not have the training. Barb made a Motion for Dan to look into confined space training for all Street Department employees. Delavan seconded. All in Favor. Attorney Michetti recommended the Street get certification for flow meter, screen cleaning and other maintenance for the pump stations. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
Report for the month of August was submitted. John made a Motion to accept the Southside report. Ken seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry presented his report.  Kerry said a Grant project was awarded for NIBRS (National Incident Based Reporting System), allowing a new computer system for the Police Department.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report. Delavan seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Report not submitted.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti mentioned the changes in language suggested for the Sewer Ordinance. Attorney Michetti said he worked with the Engineer for the proper language. He stated Council approved the Ordinance at a previous meeting. Ken asked if the definition of ‘Service Line’ would include the lift pumps. Attorney Michetti said it did include the lift pumps. The Borough will have to notify property owners via a letter that they are responsible to replace the pump when necessary. Ken made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s language in the Sewer Ordinance, as advertised and to notify property owners they will be responsible to get new pumps after the first one. Barb seconded. John Domanski opposed. Attorney Michetti stated the ‘Waite’ matter has been settled.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Barb said Trick-or-Treat Night will be on Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 6:00 o’clock pm until 9:00 o’clock pm in the Park by the Borough Office on Dewart Street.
 
New Business:
None
 
Motion to Approve:
Barb made a Motion to purchase a new tennis court net and accept a $100.00 donation from a person whom uses the court. John seconded. All in Favor. John mentioned that Serv Pro cleaning company recommended sealing the walls in the basement of the Office building to stop the water from leaking in. Barb made a Motion for Dan to get estimates from three (3) companies to waterproof the basement walls. John seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion for Secretary Lisa to purchase a new swag for on the railing to the office entrance and a new Kiosk board with lettering. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
Auctioneers – Lisa will contact three (3) Auctioneers for proposal to sell the seven (7) acres of land behind the former school property.
 
Action Items:
None.

Executive Session:
Session not held.
​
At 8:46pm, John made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Respectfully Submitted: 
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
October 21, 2024
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.    OLD BUSINESS
            A. Minutes of 10/07/2024 meeting.
          B. Sewer Inspection Fee Schedule Update
II.  BORO LIFE COMMITTEE        
III. NEW BUSINESS
IV.  MOTION TO APPROVE
      A. Sewer Project Bids
      B. Auctioneer for sale of Seven Acres land behind former School Building
      C. Tax Collector Certification and Duplicate Fees
V.   ACTION ITEMS
VI.  EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, November 4, 2024 @ 7:00