August 3, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, Barb Kriner, Ken Gardner, Rob Rickard, Mike Steimling Sr and Rebekah Lenig.
Also present was Attorney Antonio Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Dan Gable with the Street Department, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
 
Citizens present:
Linda Sterling, John Domanski, Chris Henrie, Shelley and Ronnie Snyder, Jim Krieger, Greg Landis and Jim Snyder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard: 

• Merck's Well Capping and Water Quality
  • Residents Shelley and Ronnie Snyder raised concerns about Merck capping two wells near Avenue C and Third, observing a fracking container and questioning the potential impact on water quality.
  • Workers reportedly stated the project was part of a groundwater reclamation system and would last a week.
  • Mike Steimling suggested that if the wells are test wells, they would be drained and filled with concrete, which should not affect other water sources.
  • It was noted that Merck is Riverside's largest water user, pulling water to contain potential contamination. Another homeowner was allegedly told by Merck not to shower with their water, increasing resident worry.
  • Steve Wagner said he will check into the well-draining.

PennDOT Road Crossing Closure

• Resident John Domanski expressed frustration with an upcoming road crossing closure managed by PennDOT and the railroad, stating it negatively impacts Riverside.
• The closure, moved from April to the week of August 3rd to avoid disrupting school bus routes, is necessary because breaking concrete at the crossing causes the gates to malfunction.

• Detour signs will direct tractor-trailers through Elysburg, with police enforcement planned.
• Citizens suggested alternatives like using flagmen or making the detour for passenger cars only. A rumor was mentioned about a potential tunnel and railroad shutdown next summer, which would divert significant traffic.

Service Electric Outages and Public Safety

• Widespread internet and phone service outages from Service Electric were reported, creating public safety risks as residents cannot make emergency calls.
• The council agreed to send a formal letter to the company which receives a franchise fee, regarding its failure to provide reliable service. An attempt to call a local contact named Jeff will be made first.

Projects, Grants, and Infrastructure
Pine Swamp Hollow Road Guardrail Project

• Resident J.W. Snyder voiced strong concerns over the lack of a guardrail on Pine Swamp Hollow Road, a 65-year-old issue, and threatened legal action if an accident occurs.
• A grant application for $224,175 was submitted to the DCNR, with the borough contributing a $67,253 match from its Liquid Fuels Fund. State Representative Stender and Senator Culver will provide letters of support.
• A meeting with Representative Lynda Culver to discuss the project was rescheduled to August 25th.
• Resident J.W. Snyder offered a $100 donation to start the project, which was appreciated but not formally accepted pending further discussion.
• Rob made a Motion to approve a $100 payment to apply for the Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for guardrails along Pine Swamp Hollow Road. Mike seconded. All in Favor.

Building Roof Replacement

• The borough building requires a new roof, ridge vent, and siding on the bell tower due to four leaks and a failing rubber roof with improper ventilation.
• The lowest bid of $22,975 from three contractors was below the public bidding threshold.
• Rob made a Motion to approve the roof replacement contract for $22,975, with funds to be withdrawn from the General Fund. Ken seconded. All in Favor.

Sewer System Issues and Grants

• A grant application is in progress to address ongoing sewer problems, justified by the departure of Merck and the end of its funding contributions.
• A major terracotta sewer line, described as a "mess" for over 23 years, requires a complete replacement at an estimated cost of $54,000.
• An attempt by USG to clean a major sewer line from Hillside Estates backed up into four houses. The line still needs to be cleared or replaced.
• Secretary Lisa Fritz stated a new sewer billing program will be implemented in September. Rob made a Motion was passed to institute a $15 fee for delinquent sewer notices, effective January 1, 2027, to cover administrative costs. Mike seconded the Motion. All in Favor.

Route 54 Signage and Truck Lane Guidance

• Resident John Domanski requested better signage to guide trucks into correct lanes on Route 54, the council has contacted PennDOT.
• An agreement was made where PennDOT will supply a stencil for road markings, and the borough will provide paint and maintain them. Follow-up calls will be made to PennDOT.

Issues with a Previous Contractor's Work

• Ongoing issues were reported with a past project by Pact One, including poor grass restoration, improper topsoil, paving defects, an incomplete ditch, and documented safety violations.
• The possibility of pursuing the contractor's performance bond, which has a two-year window, was discussed. The next step is to get a cost estimate for completing the work properly from the project engineer, Joe Pfirman.

Property, Zoning, and Code Enforcement
Zoning Officer Report and Blighted Properties

• The Zoning Officer reported 17 calls/meetings, removal of 14 illegal signs, and updates on several properties:
  • 511 Avenue C: Heir plans to sell.
  • 427 Avenue E: Porch teardown started.
• Discussion occurred on several other properties with code issues (557 Postal Street, Bird’s Florist, etc.).
• A distinction was made between "blighted" properties (broken windows, wildlife entry) and those with code issues. The council discussed the need for a clear plan of action, possibly involving joint drives to identify problem properties and engaging volunteer groups for cleanup assistance.
• Ken made a Motion to spend $45.00 for a PSAB Strategic Code Compliance webinar on blighted properties on August 11, 2026, requesting Code/Zoning Officer Brian Anderson attend. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
• A junk mobile home near the old Steinbacher's is a trailer with either a snow mobile or jet ski on it. Brain Anderson promised to look into its removal.

Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning Officer’s report. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Street Opening Permits Ordinance for UGI

• Resident John Domanaki raised a question about a potential past exemption granted to UGI for street opening fees. A motion to rescind it was withdrawn, and Mr. Anderson was directed to research the ordinance and past minutes and report back.

Well Documentation

• A suggestion was made to document all new or deepened wells when issuing building permits. It was affirmed that any new well drilling must be brought before the Council.

Appointments and Ordinances

• Zoning Hearing Board: A vacancy exists due to a member's passing. A letter of interest was received for the Planning Commission, but the applicant (John Domanski) will be asked to amend it for the Zoning Hearing Board. The position will be advertised publicly.
• Truck Ordinance: Mike made a Motion to advertise a new truck ordinance, which would regulate the parking of commercial trucks in residential areas, for a vote in September. Rob seconded. All in Favor.

Department Reports and Approvals
Minutes and Monthly Bills
Barb made a Motion to approve the July 6, 2026 meeting minutes. Mike seconded the Motion with corrections to migrate items from "Borough Life" to appropriate sections. All in Favor.
Rob made a Motion to approve the Monthly bills. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
Street Department Report

• July activities included tree trimming, mowing, weed control, and filling potholes.
• The department redefined a ditch line to successfully address drainage, cleaned glass from the highway, and will investigate an overgrown pipe causing water backup at C and Third Street.
• Level switches on grinder pumps were replaced with floats on July 17.

Salt Shed Project

• A quote of approximately $105,000 was received through SourceWell for a new salt shed.
• The project will be funded with Liquid Fuel money but will be deferred until next year, after an additional $80,000 is received in March.

Rob made a Motion to accept the Street Department Report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Southside Fire Company Report & Funding

• The fire company reported 17 events in May and 14 in June with no property loss.
• They requested last year's fire tax money (approx. $15,000) for a down payment on a new $44,000 cascade system to refill air bottles, as Merck will cease providing this service by September/October. The plan is to finance the purchase and use the tax money as the first payment, then seek a state grant for debt reduction. Rob made a Motion to approve the use of last year's fire tax funds for the cascade system. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor.

Mike made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
Police Department Report

• Staffing and Recruitment: No applications were received for a full-time position with an August 7 deadline. A new proctor is needed for the August 10 test. The department is exploring sponsoring candidates for the police academy and considering raising part-time pay to be more competitive.
• Equipment and Technology: A five-year, $52,571 quote was presented for dash cams, body cams, and LPR (Lens Lock + PlateSmart) for three cars. The proposal was informational with no purchase approved.
• Contract and Pay: Ken Gardner asked for clarification regarding the difference between time-based pay steps and rank promotions, which require a council vote. The Chief will draft a document explaining this. A memorandum of understanding will also be drafted to clarify the pay scale for new hires with prior experience to attract more qualified candidates.
• Immigration Funding: The department is reviewing paperwork for immigration enforcement funding, which could be $7,500–$15,000 per quarter, pending clarification.

National Night Out Event

• The event is scheduled for August 4 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Southside Fire Company, with $1,001 in donations received. Activities will include food, games, raffles, and participation from county officials and local organizations.

 
Mike made a Motion to accept the Police report, with Ken seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor's Report

• Mayor, Todd Oberdorf thanked various departments and volunteers for help with “Go Joe 29” event and suggested a stipend for three Danville Fire Department members.
• It was noted that fundraising efforts for community events need to improve.

Barb made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
Borough Life Committee
Borough Life Committee Financials

• The committee has approximately $420 in its checking account and an outstanding debt of $8,500 for fireworks.
• Upcoming fundraisers include bingos and a cash bash. The committee is pursuing nonprofit status.

Peter made a Motion to accept the BoroLife report. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Junior Council Person Program
Peter made a Motion to create a Junior Council Person program for a high school junior or senior to attend meetings and learn about local government with no cost to the borough. Ken seconded. All in Favor. Rob will be the point of contact.
Motion to Approve

• Picnic Tables: Ken made a Motion to spend $600 to purchase six used, good-condition Amish-made picnic tables for the park. Mike seconded. Rob abstained from voting, as the picnic tables are from his Church. The Motion passed.
• Vehicle Abutments: Barb made a Motion to purchase discounted concrete vehicle abutments from Zartman's for under $1,000 for a new parking area. Rob seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
• Electronic Recycling: A new recycling bin is arriving on August 5 and will be placed in the back of the property.
• Facebook Policy: Rob made a Motion to disable comments on the borough's official Facebook page, which is intended for information dissemination, not public debate. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
• PACE Scheduling Program: A discussion was held on the $1,600/year PACE scheduling program used only by the police. Attorney Antonio Michetti recommended that the yearly payment for PACE should be taken out of the Police Department Budget.

Zoning Hearing Transcript Delay

• The transcript from a recent zoning hearing is delayed due to the court reporter's high caseload. A request for the audio recording was discussed but is not typically done before the transcript is certified.

 
Next Arrangements

• A meeting with Representative Linda Culver is scheduled for August 25th to discuss the Pine Swamp Hollow Road guardrail.
• Follow up with PennDOT regarding Route 54 stencil and road paint implementation.
• Investigate and facilitate the removal of the junk mobile home near the old Steinbacher's location.
• Contact the new owner of the former Webb property to schedule a mandatory sewer inspection.
• Mr. Anderson is to research the street opening ordinance regarding UGI and report back before the next meeting.
• The street department will clean up a crushed glass issue on August 4, 2026.
• The street department will investigate the drainage issue at the corner of C and Third Street.
• The Chief of Police is to clarify immigration enforcement funding details and request permission by the next meeting.
• Secure a new proctor for the August 10 police test and continue recruitment for the full-time position through the August 7 deadline.
• The Chief of Police is to provide a written document explaining pay steps and rank promotions.
• Draft a memorandum of understanding regarding the police pay scale for experienced new hires.
• Continue the process of obtaining nonprofit status for the Borough Life Committee.
• Coordinate with the local high school to advertise the new Junior Council Person program.
• Advertise the vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board and ask John Demanski to modify his letter of interest.
• Add discussion of the contractor's poor grass restoration to next month's agenda.
• Contact Joe Pfirman to get a cost estimate for fixing the problematic contractor's work and review the performance bond.
• Contact Jeff at Service Electric regarding service outages; write a letter if the call is not effective.
• Conduct annual inspections of group homes and re-inspect 427 Avenue E.
• Plan drive-through assessments with the mayor and zoning officer to catalog properties needing action.

 
At 9:27pm, Mike made a Motion to enter Executive session to address personnel issues. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
At 9:50pm, Council convened back into regular session. No further discussion was held.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz, Secretary