​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.