AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
April 1, 2024
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 03/18/2024 meeting.
            B. Minutes of 3/16/2024 Workshop.
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. Whitenight – Recorded Easement
VIII.   BORO LIFE COMMITTEE          
IX.       NEW BUSINESS
            A. Landlord Tenant changes
          B. Door buzz-in feature         
X.        MOTION TO APPROVE
           A. Apply for Grant, COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program
           B. Grant for Digitizing Office Records (Northumberland County Grant Writer)
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
          A. School Property
          B. Bridge Lights
          C. Borough Ordinance, Chapter 225-Sewers and Chapter 238-Solid Waste
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, April 15, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M.

​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President Steve Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Vice President Beth Rake, Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner and Ken Gardner.
 
Also present were Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Street Superintendent Dan Gable, Mayor John LaMotte, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent from Meeting:
Council Member Delavan Whitenight, Jr
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:
Robert Rickard and JW Snyder were present, just to observe. Press Enterprise Reporter Drew Mumich introduced himself to Council. He stated he was going to be covering Danville and Riverside areas, replacing Geri Gibbons.
 
Old Business:
Minutes of 02/19/2024 were read.
Barb stated she noticed there was no motion to approve or a second motion on Ken Gardner’s rescinded motion regarding the sewer penalty in the 2/19 minutes. Solicitor Michetti stated a Motion was not needed.
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 2/19/24 Minutes, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
John D stated the Grant money received can be used on the East and/or West End Sewer projects, or all on one of the sewer projects. A Generator could possibly cost $125,000.00.
John LaMotte stated the EMA/Zoning office was cleaned out with the help of the Street Department putting boxes of documents back into the storage area.
John D said he feels we should tax the ‘Skills Machines’. Solicitor Michetti spoke to the Association of Municipalities, games of skills fall into the legal crack whether they should be labeled as gambling or not gambling machines. It is a Political issue. The Borough does have an Amusement Ordinance. Attorney Michetti stated there is one price per game versus one rate for all amusement machines. Barb feels amusement devices generate money and Council should look at the Ordinance to see if it should be amended. Attorney Michetti will look at the Ordinance.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read over his report. John D asked about the Furfari property, stating it is a mess and the Borough invested $30,000.000 to clean up trees and shrubbery along Sunbury Rd to make things look nice. Brian stated there is a squatter in the property. Kerry Parkes said Mr. Furfari was given ten (10) days to clean the property out, with the current owner present. Kerry and Brian spoke with the D. A., whom said no action can be taken until after the ten days is up. John D asked what does a squatter have to do with cleaning up the property. Solicitor Michetti said Mr Furfari is a hold-over in the property; Council can proceed to cite the owner if they choose to do so. Attorney Michetti recommended to have Zoning Officer, Brian talk to the owner to find out when Mr Furfari will be out. And report to Council at the next meeting. Ken Gardner asked Brian “are your duties to react to properties that aren’t kept up?” Ken said he has seen properties where coal ash has been dumped in alleys, a commode in front of a house, lumber laying for months and deteriorating properties. Ken said to Brian, “my question is, is it your job to react?” Brian said he does react. Brian stated ashes in an alley ways is not a safety hazard. Ken said he searched on the web and found that ashes have heavy metals in them. Beth questioned what do people do with their ashes that have coal furnaces? Dan said people used to drop ashes off at the building and they would use them on roadways in the winter in prior years, but have stopped due to the MS4 guidelines.
Barb asked Brian if he and Dan got the four (4) properties fixed from sewer inspections that he mentioned at a previous meeting? Dan said, “I think there is some confusion here, I had my own list of properties that needed repairs, separate from Brian’s list. All repairs have been completed.
Brian read Ordinance 2 of 2026, section for Real Property. Real Property is from pin to pin. It is the owners’ responsibility to fix the sewer line on their property and the Borough’s responsibility for lines in the Right-of-Ways. The Borough cannot fix lines on private property. Solicitor Michetti stated, the lateral to the Main is the responsibility of the home owner. John Domanski suggested to have Attorney Michetti do some research on the Sewer Ordinance.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable read his report. Dan presented a Project Estimate Sheet with several Street/Road work that needs done. Dan stated roads should be tarred and chipped every five (5) years. John Domanski asked if any of the road work will affect the guiderail project. Dan stated it would not affect the guiderail work at all.  Barb made a Motion to put the list out to bid for paving. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor. Dan spoke with Fought’s Disposal, Dumpster Day has been set for June 8th at the former school property on Avenue A. Dan received two (2) quotes for sewer lateral repair on Avenue D. Beth made a Motion to accept the quote from Adams Sewer and Drain LLC, Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
Barb questioned if there could be drainage from spouting going into the sewer. Dan has not performed a dye test. Brian Anderson stated the only way he can enter a property to test if the property is being sold, then an I&I inspection (Inflow and Infiltration) is done.
Barb made a motion to accept the Street Department report, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
Report were submitted for the month of January.
John D made a Motion to accept the reports, with Beth seconding. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry Parkes presented his report. Kerry stated the D.A. is now actively pursuing the Western Express company’s cooperation on incidents in the Borough. The D.A. will seek charges to file against the company when incidents occur.
John D suggested to put a reminder on Facebook for residents to put their trash in bags and in containers with a lid. Kerry said he saw cardboard boxes not in bags and felt the owners should not be fined. Peter said he does not feel cardboard is trash, it should be recycled. John D stated, it should be at the discretion of the Police. Attorney Michetti stated it is best to issue warnings first.
Barb motioned to accept the Police report, Peter seconded. All in favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
John LaMotte and Dan Gable went to Kulpmont to look at their recycling center. John L said there are recycling Grants, such as 80/20 and 90/10 conditions. The recycling program is free to residents. If there is enough interest, a program could be sought.
John L stated he called a locksmith to re-key the municipal office outer door. He will also have the locksmith look into locks for the filing cabinets. John D made Motion to gets new keys for the office, with Beth seconding the Motion. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. John Domanski seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Prepared the new Sewer Penalty Resolution. Attorney Michetti sent letters to residents that owe past due sewer payments. Brian Anderson will check on a property that is not on the sewer account.  
John D made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
Easter Event at the Southside Fire Co. will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 10:00am. Candy will be passed out at the Egg Hunt. John D made a Motion to accept the Boro Life report. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
None
 
Motion to Approve:
Peter feels it would be beneficial to have the Secretary Lisa attend the Webinar on Code Enforcement. Barb made a Motion to permit Lisa to sign up for the webinar. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
 
Action Items:
Ken Gardner commented on the bridge lights, stating the poles are rusting six (6) to seven (7) feet up the pole. He feels these poles are a liability. Barb said Council could vote to replace the lights and use money from the Platinum CD. John Domanski asked if Mahoning Township received any kind of warranty with the new poles they replaced on the bridge. Dan will check.
 
Executive Session:
At 9:05pm, Solicitor Attorney Michetti asked for an Executive Session on Personnel and Litigation issues. Beth made a Motion to move into Executive Session. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
At 10:15pm, Beth made a Motion to go back into Regular Session, with Barb seconding. All in Favor.
 
Attorney Michetti asked for a Motion to have Lisa Fritz redact a report prepared removing John Domanski’s name. Barb made a Motion to have Lisa Fritz remove John Domanski’s name from her report. Beth seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council adjourned at 10:17 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 18, 2024
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
 
I.      OLD BUSINESS
         A. Minutes of 03/06/2024 meeting.                 
II.     BORO LIFE COMMITTEE                 
III.   NEW BUSINESS       
IV.    MOTION TO APPROVE
         A. Estimate from Berks Lock & Key for Filing Cabinet Keys
         B. Metal Filing Cabinet for office
 V.     ACTION ITEMS
         A. Bridge Lights
         B. Borough Ordinance, Chapter 238 Solid Waste and Lateral/Main Interface
 
VI.    EXECUTIVE SESSION     
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, April 1, 2024 @ 7:

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 11:00am
 
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
I.   ACTION ITEMS
     A. Former School Property          
 
ADJOURNMENT

​Message from Riverside Police Department:
We have one report of a resident receiving a call from "Chief Swank of Danville Police". The number is spoofed and appears to be the Danville Police phone number. The caller even called back a second time and used the proper name that was listed for the phone account. This was not the Danville Police calling. Chief Swank (actual person) has been made aware that this happened. Please do not give out any personal information. If you get a call similar to this, hang up on them and call the Danville Police yourself or call the Riverside Police. If it is the real Chief Swank, they will put him on the phone or we will get you a number to call him back.

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by Vice President, Beth Rake.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner and Ken Gardner.
Also present was Mayor John LaMotte and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Steve Wagner and Delavan Whitenight Jr
 
Citizen (s) present:
Resident Paris Tennenhouse
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Paris Tennenhouse was in the audience to observe.
 
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of January 19, 2024.
Ken Gardner made a motion to approve the minutes, Barb Kriner seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
Ken questioned Bidding out on major purchases. $15,000.00 was offered for the Police vehicle being traded in. Barb stated used vehicles are traded in. If not traded in, then they are placed on MuniciBid. John Domanski stated three (3) sealed bids for major purchases should be in place. Peter said Sunbury Motors is a Co-Star Dealer and they are close for vehicle servicing.
 
Ken made a Motion to rescind the 15% penalty on sewer accounts, which was voted on at the January 15th meeting. The $25.00 penalty will be placed on accounts not paid on a quarterly basis, starting at the end of March 2024. The increase shall be advertised in the Press Enterprise.
 
There were no updates on the Terms and Conditions of the two (2) Grants applied for at this time.
 
Borough Life:
Nothing to report.
 
New Business:
Tax Collector, Ruth Peck spoke to Council regarding the delinquent Per Capita collection. Northumberland County has changed to Keystone for collection of their delinquent Per Capita payments. Currently Riverside Borough uses Statewide Tax Recovery for collection. Ruth advised Council to consider using Keystone, so it would not be as confusing to residents when they receive the delinquent notice, as the original tax bill has both County and Borough Per Capita amounts printed on one bill. Barb made a Motion to have Ruth contact Keystone for a proposal of details on their services for delinquent Per Capita tax collection. John Domanski seconded. All in Favor.
 
Motion to Approve:
Dumpster Day will be presented by Dan Gable at a future meeting, after he sets a date with Fought’s Disposable Service.
 
Check signing - Barb Kriner requested to have John LaMotte’s name removed from signing checks. John LaMotte stated there are two (2) emails from different people regarding who can sign checks, both have different answers. One email directly from PSAB on 2/12 states any Elected or Appointed Officials are authorized to sign checks. John LaMotte asked why Barb is questioning the signing now, as it has never been questioned before, Barb stated it is PSAB’s guidelines that a Mayor cannot sign checks, according to an email she received from a person that does research on PSAB guidelines.
John Domanski made a Motion to approve five (5) signors, namely; Stephen Wagner, Elizabeth Rake, Peter Fleming, John LaMotte and Lisa Fritz. Peter seconded the Motion. Barb opposed the Motion.
 
Action Items:
Ken mentioned the light poles on the bridge, stating Mahoning Township replaced the poles on their side, having spacers placed under the poles so condensation can run out. Ken feels we should have the remaining poles on this side of the bridge replaced. A quote was received in 2023 for approximately $36,000.00. Beth stated the pole replacement will have to be worked into the Budget for next year (2025). John Domanski stated we will need to advertise for Bids to replace the light poles. Ken mentioned the arms on top can put back onto new poles. Barb made a Motion to have Dan Gable ask for the specs that Mahoning Township got, Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Ken mentioned at the last meeting, Attorney Michetti said a property was going up for Sheriff’s Sale, he wondered what property it was and is there delinquent sewer. Secretary, Lisa stated Attorney Michetti sent her an email requesting any sewer amount(s) due. Attorney Michetti filed a lien on the property for past due sewer monies owed to the Borough.
 
Spring Cleaning – Boxes containing the Borough Office documents in the EMA office will be put back into storage.
Barb will remove the boxes with candy bags from BoroLife events from the EMA office.
 
East Lateral repairs by property owners – Peter explained a diagram Dan Gable drew regarding sewer inspections. When a property in the Borough is placed for Sale, a sewer inspection must be done. The property owner is responsible for any issues from the home to the Borough’s Right-of-Way. If any issues are found in the Borough’s Right-of-Way to the Main, the Borough will have those repairs/clean-out done. Zoning Office, Brian Anderson does document in his report(s) if there is an issue in the Borough main line(s). Dan asked Brian to get a listing of the deficiencies to him. Barb stated at a recent meeting, Brian brought up the 4 to 5 properties that need fixed from the Right-of-Way to the Main. She said Dan was given permission at that particular meeting to contact Adams and get the repair work done. John D agreed and said Dan was standing next to Brian A when John D instructed Dan to make arrangements with Adams to have the repairs done. Dan stated at a later meeting, Adams had the list of properties and the work would be done by mid-December.  When Barb asked Dan at the February meeting if the repairs were completed on those 4-5 properties, he stated that it wasn’t his responsibility, it was Brian Andersons’ responsibility. Dan then he came back around and acted like he didn’t know anything about it. Barb said, “This is just wrong!” Ken asked whose responsibility is it to make sure the work gets done. Peter said Dan is and he has documentation at his office. Peter said there are too many Indians on the War Path. Barb asked what he meant by ‘too many Indians on a war path’. Barb stated “No one is on a war path, nothing with Indians at all.” Peter explained that Adams could not get to the work immediately due to their schedules. Peter said he feels there is a better line of communication between Brian Anderson and the Street Department now. John D stated that Brian only brought it up once about properties that needed fixed and Dan was instructed to get them fixed.
 
Ken made a spreadsheet with problem areas that are the property owners’ responsibility. Ken suggested the Borough send letters to these property owners to get the repairs completed. Barb said the Borough should be able to do a letter to owners that have deficiencies. Adams Sewer & Drain Cleaning did repair several issues in the Borough and they will be going back in the Spring to re-seed grass and cut pipes off.
 
Ken made a Motion to have the Street Department Steam Cleaner repaired. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
John Domanski would like to discuss getting an answer to Aaron Wright (Victory of Life Church) regarding the purchase of the former school property. Council will have a Workshop on Saturday, March 16 at 11:00am to discuss options regarding the former school property.
Ken asked if the Borough is spending money on the new building project. John Domanski said the Grant Writer is currently working on a Grant for construction of a new building. Larson Design Group and Midd-Penn have been paid for Engineering services. Ken questioned if the Borough is in a position at this point to build a new facility. Beth stated she feels the new building project is going to be squashed.
 
No Executive Session was held.
At 8:10pm, Barb made a Motion to adjourn and John D seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary

​Good morning Riverside Residents;
Spring is in the air and birds of all species will be making their presence.
Just a friendly reminder to place your trash in bags, then in containers with lids on.
Also, please do not put food, or food scraps out for animals; as it may attract the vultures to come a few miles from Mahoning Township!

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF RIVERSIDE COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 4, 2024
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
CALL TO ORDER
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD: 
I.        OLD BUSINESS
              A. Minutes of 02/19/2024 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
XI.     ACTION ITEMS
          A. Bridge Light Repair
XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING IS Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 7:00 P.M.