December 1, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 7:00pm.  The meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Jr, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Kerry Parkes Chief of Police, Dan Gable-Street Department and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Delavan Whitenight, Jr and Zoning Officer Brian Anderson.
 
Citizens present:
Brenna Gable, Frank Maciejewski, Rob Rickard, Drew Mumich, Mary Heath & Laurie Fitzpatrick
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Resident, Mary Heath asked Council if they have any information on the Solar panels being installed at the airport. Steve Wagner stated the Borough has not been contacted regarding the solar panel installation. Peter Fleming said he was very disappointed that the Borough has not been contacted. Attorney Antonio Michetti stated they will need to go through the Planning and Zoning process. Steve told Mary Heath that the Borough will look into getting some information on the solar panels. Barb stated the airport is supposed to be doing something with the drainage. John stated PennDot is doing the drainage work at the airport.
 
Old business:
John made a Motion to accept the meeting Minutes of 11/3/2025. Peter seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept the 11/17/2025 Budget meeting minutes. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
John made a Motion to give the Southside Fire co the 4-wheeler. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
Resident Mary Heath questioned if there would be any liability on the Borough if something happens while the fire company is using the 4-wheeler. Attorney Antonio Michetti stated the fire company is responsible for any issues with the 4-wheeler, no liability on the Borough.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Council read over the Zoning report. Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan stated leave season has ended. Any leaves to be collected now must be bagged and put at curbside for collection. They collected a total of 44 loads of leaves this season.
Dan stated they were called out for a sewer blockage on Avenue G. Dan stated people are flushing wipes. He said even though they say you can flush them, they still clog the main under the roadway.
Peter made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. John seconded. All in Favor.
Southside Fire Company Report: None submitted.
 
Police Report:
Kerry read over his report. Kerry reported there were two Western Express trucks within 20 minutes of each that caused damage to signs on Gearhart and Factory Streets. A claim was submitted to the Borough’s insurance carrier. There has been approximately 20 trucks that have caused sign or property damage to date this year.
Ken asked Kerry when the next vehicle would be purchased. Kerry stated in two years, they will start the process next year for a vehicle. Peter asked if an extended warranty is offered on vehicles. Kerry said probably if requested. Mike asked Kerry if he could break down the mileage for each vehicle on his reports. Kerry agreed to do so.
Peter made a Motion to accept the Police Report. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd met with the BoroLife committee regarding the 250 celebration to be held on June 13, 2026, at the Danville Airport. The Columbia/Montour Committee will offer free advertising for the event.
Barb made a Motion to accept the report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Ken asked Attorney Antonio Michetti the status of an ordinance on large trucks. He will check into it. Ken also mentioned delinquent sewer accounts, stating there are some that owe thousands of dollars. Attorney Michetti stated there are liens on these properties and they would be paid in the order by date, that the lien was filed. Barb mentioned that reminder letters where discussed at the previous Council meeting. A letter can be drafted and Attorney Michetti would review it.
 
Borough Life:
Barb read over events held by the BoroLife committee to date for this year. She said the committee purchased four games for the Halloween in the Park this year and have stored them for years to come. Pastor Keith Evans and his wife, Jeni set up a table at the Halloween event in the Park and plan to be involved each year. The Parade of Lights will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The BoroLife committee is hoping to raise $40,000.00 during 2026.
John Domanski would like to have a ceremony to take out the corner stone at the former school building to retrieve the time capsule. The stone would then be replaced back into its original position, per the new owners request.
Peter made a Motion to accept the BoroLife report, with Mike seconding. All in Favor.
 
New Business: None.
 
Motion to Approve:
2026 Budget – Ken made a Motion approve the budget with the transfer of funds as stated. Peter seconded. Barb opposed due to the none hiring of a fourth Police Officer. Steve, John, Ken and Mike agreed with Ken’s Motion. The Motion carried. Ken stated the budget can be amended in January if need be. Barb stated health care might not go up the 15% to 20% projected, but might only go up 10%, which would adjust the deficit in the General account. Mike said we have the ability to make cuts, so we do not have to use the reserve funds. Mike said he would like to get to a point where we can hire more staff.
Ken commented on donations – stating we should have the Solicitor look over the donations for approval. Ken mentioned the Human Society, a donation can be made as long as we have a contract with the business we are donating to.
John made a Motion to appoint Jordan Klimas as the Emergency Management Director for Riverside Borough. Barb seconded the Motion. Allin Favor.
 
Action Items: Delinquent Sewer Letters will be sent out in 2026.
 
At 8:00pm, Steve made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personal matters. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Barb made a Motion to go back into Public Session at 8:30pm. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Mike made a Motion to approve the 4% raise for the Street Department employees, retroactive to January 1, 2025. John seconded. All in Favor.
John made a Motion to give Secretary, Lisa a 4% raise for 2026. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to start the hiring process for a part-time Police Officer. Barb’s Motion died due to lack of a seconded.
John made a Motion to cancel the December 15th meeting. Barb seconded. Opposed were Peter, Ken and Mike. The 12/15 meeting will be held.
Brenna Gable in the audience asked if the Street Department Union contract was voted on. Attorney Antonio Michetti stated, no action on the Street Department Union contract was taken. It will be discussed at the December 15th meeting.
Mike made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35pm.  Peter seconded. All in Favor.
  
Respectfully Submitted;
Lisa Fritz, Secretary