11/6/2023 Council Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Brian Whitenight, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, April Shuman and Beth Rake.
Also present were Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent from Meeting:
Mayor John LaMotte, Delavan Whitenight and Street Superintendent Dan Gable
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Guests in the Audience were Northumberland County Commissioners Joe Klebon and Sam Schiccatano.
They said they were happy to attend the meeting. The Commissioners stated Grants have been given to the Borough, with a one million dollar Grant being the largest amount they have given a municipality. There is also one Grant in process. Justin Skavery, the Northumberland County Planning Coordinator is currently working on Grants for the Police Department, guiderails and drainage improvements at the Airport in Riverside. John Domanski asked if Merck has been in contact with the County regarding the closure. They stated Merck has only been in contact with the Assessment Office regarding adjustments to their assessments.
John Thanked the Commissioners for coming to the meeting. Barb wished them luck in the Election on November 7th.
Resident, Mary Paladin presented a letter to Council regarding the recent fireworks. She stated the fireworks have been escalated to a high level of disturbance for residents, Veterans coping with battle experience, pets and wildlife. Due to the time of year of the fireworks being set off, sparks were flying into leaf covered yards. Mary stated her windows were shaking and lamps were vibrating. In her letter, she made some recommendations that she would like Council to consider and review the Code. Brian Whitenight stated the decibels are low and within the Code and Laws. Barb said Council will review the Code.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 10/16/2023 were read.
Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Minutes, John Domanski seconded the Motion. All in favor.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read his report.  Barb asked Brian how many permits are out there. Brian stated four (4) permits are currently out there. Brian Whitenight asked how he knows the work has been completed by the permit deadline. Brian Anderson stated he actually goes to the property and does a visual inspection.
Brian Whitenight made a motion to approve the Zoning Report, John Domanski seconded. All in favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Council read over the report, as Dan was not able to attend the meeting. The Street Department is continuing to collect leaves through Wednesday, November 22. Peter made a motion to accept the Street Department report, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
Southside Fire Company Report:
September’s Chief’s report was submitted. They were busy in Rush Township with MVA’s, trees down and an automatic alarm. John Domanski made a motion to accept the report. Brian Whitenight seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes presented his report, he stated Brad Harvey has been re-certified as a Taser Instructor. The fireworks were held without incident. Kerry said Trick-or-Treat Night was a huge success this year; but he does recommend it be held the same night as Danville and Mahoning Township in the future.
Beth motioned to accept the Police report, Brian seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
A report was not submitted. John Domanski said John LaMotte is not a good participant as the Mayor of Riverside. Attorney Joseph Michetti (Solicitor) reminded Council there was talk at a previous meeting, where he (Attorney Michetti) suggested Council Members speak with the Mayor regarding their concerns. Barb said he hasn’t finished anything; he quit the Boro Life Committee and also stepped down as a Council Member. Peter feels the Mayor is an A-Political position. Barb stated, “Our vision for Council is that everyone has a voice and/or opinion. Everyone should be able to participate.” Barb said she feels as if John LaMotte stepped away from Council and Boro Life because he wanted to control everything.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti did not have anything to report.
 
Borough Life:
Beth stated Halloween was very busy this year. Brian said they gave out 120 hotdogs, among other treats and beverages. Barb mentioned that Trick-or-Treat was moved to a Saturday versus a school night, at the request of several residents.
April stated they will need to meet to discuss the Parade of Lights Parade, which will be held on December 9th.
Barb made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, Brian seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
John Domanski made a motion to proceed with the Statewide LSA Resolution, which will enable the process of a Grant for the West End Sewer Replacement. Peter seconded the motion. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Document scanning: Beth said it would be a good idea to have all of the office documents scanned. Peter feels the Borough is behind the times with the current storage system. All agreed to get quotes for the process of scanning the documents.
 
Action Items:
Planning & Zoning: Barb would like to have a Council Member attend the meetings to keep Council informed. The question was raised if a Council Member can also sit on the Planning & Zoning Committee. Solicitor, Attorney Joseph Michetti stated a person cannot sit on two boards. John Domanski said he would like to be the liaison between Council and the Planning/Zoning committee.
Barb mentioned the Sewer Contract with Danville Borough. Barb will touch base with Brindy in Danville to ask if Riverside could use the generator blue prints from Danville.
 
Executive Session:
At 7:51pm, John made a motion to move into Executive Session. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
At 8:10pm, Brian made a motion to go back into regular session, with John seconding. All in Favor.
 
John made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Peter seconded the motion.
Council adjourned at 8:11 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary