April 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes

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