July 7, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Attorney Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Kerry Parkes Chief of Police, Dan Gable of the Street Department, Zoning Officer Brian Anderson and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Peter Fleming
 
Citizens present:
Drew Mumich, Chuck Hoffa, Jaime Lyons and Carolyn Bausch
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard:  
Jaime Lyons with Community Options Group Homes addressed Council regarding the group home on Avenue A & Avenue F, stating they are good neighbors and she welcomed Council to go visit the homes. She said they occasionally will have gatherings like any other household with vehicles parking along the street. She stated she must comply with State guidelines and is unware of any violations at the homes. Solicitor Attorney Michetti told her to give her contact information to the Police. Attorney Michetti told Zoning/Code Office, Brian Anderson he should visit these properties, along with another group home on Avenue F & Third St, to make sure they are in compliance with the Borough’s Ordinances. Brian should then report back to Council.
 
Old business:
John made a Motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2025. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
School property was appraised. Two proposals from Auctioneers were received out of three requested. John made a Motion to hire David Weaver to auction off the school property. Ken Gardner seconded the Motion. Barb Kriner opposed. Barb made a Motion to put Tract 2, with 60’ piece out to bid, as sealed private bidding. John seconded the Motion. All in Favor. John made a Motion for the Secretary to execute documents for the sale of the seven (7) acres of the school property. Mike seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Job descriptions and Personnel reviews – Barb has made some adjustments to the review procedure. Mike Steimling is working on the Street Department review information and will have it ready for review of Council after union negotiations are done. They have a meeting with Union Representatives the week of July 14th. Steve stated job descriptions will be worked on.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Brian Anderson read over his report. Brian said a commercial property, located at 293 D & H Avenue has holes in the roof and is considered ‘Blighted’. Brian plans to contact the owner. Brian stated a shed on the graveyard property was torn down after the previous Council meeting on 6/2, trees were also cut down. Todd Oberdorf said neighbors got together and mowed the grass. Todd suggested contacting the PA Cemetery Association, whom can provide owner information. Brian did go to Catawissa to speak with an owner on record at the Courthouse, but got no answer.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning report. John seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan read over his report. He stated the West End Sewer project is just about complete, they are currently doing backyard restoration. Dan said there was a sewer backup in a residents’ basement due to an electrical issue. Pact One (sewer construction company) called an electrician and had Serv Pro clean the basement. Steve stated he put a message on Facebook and the Borough’s website warning residents to NOT have their storm water drain into the sewer, they need to re-route lines if they are draining into the sewer. Dan suggested Smoke testing, as there are still high levels at the Janice Drive pump station. Todd suggested the Code/Zoning Officer could be present during the smoke testing. Ken made a Motion to get quotes for smoke testing, Mike seconded. All in Favor. The generator that powers the municipal building needs repaired or replaced. Delavan suggested a whole house generator.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
None submitted.
 
Police Report:
Kerry read over his report.
A partial listing of outstanding Bench Warrants were published in the newspaper. The Police have received some payments due to the publishing. Kerry stated they have received some donations for ‘National Night Out’, which will be held on August 5th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Southside Fire Company grounds. Kerry is hoping more donations come in. Barb made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Mike seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd Oberdorf said he met with Kerry Parkes regarding the demonstrations on the King rally taking place. Todd ordered a sign to hang on the park pavilion for the “Go Joe” appearance on Tuesday, July 22nd at 6:00am.
Todd stated the dedication for the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) will be held on September 6th, during the Iron Heritage festival in Danville. Barb made a Motion to permit the Mayor to order a sign for Gearhart Park.  John seconded. All in Favor. Todd mentioned he would like to work on adding more information to the ‘Welcome Packets’ for people moving into Riverside. Todd would like to have ‘Hometown Heroes Banners’ hung on light poles. Barb asked if the Veteran on the banner would have to or had to reside in Riverside. Todd said he didn’t think the Borough should limit it to Riverside residents only.  Barb made a Motion to advertise for Hometown Heroes Banners to be purchased by anyone who would like a flag hung. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Michetti reviewed a Bankruptcy notice received regarding a Solar Company who did business in the Borough; he stated no action needs to be taken by the Borough.
 
Borough Life:
Barb mentioned the Community Yard Sale will be held on July 11th & 12th. People can set up at the Southside Fire Company or their homes. Ken suggested that Borough Life information be available in the office. John made a Motion to accept the Borough Life report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
New Business:
Police chief Contract – to be discussed in Executive Session.
 
Motion to Approve:
John made a Motion to appoint Carolyn Bausch to the Zoning Hearing Board. Barb seconded the Motion. All in Favor.
 
Ownership of Alley way(s) – Charles & Tracey Hoffa submitted a letter proposing an alley way between their property and another property become a private driveway, stating they will take full responsibility of maintenance of the alleyway. Solicitor, Attorney Michetti stated since the alley way is not a dead-end, he does not recommend Council vacate the alley, so all residents can access it. Alley by Zampetti’s was also discussed
 
Action Items:
Steve has the Street Department employees painting the pavilion. Steve mentioned the Boy Scouts will be in attendance for Go Joe on 7/22. Barb will check with the Southside Fire Company regarding a donation to Go Joe.
 
At 8:22pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session for personal matters. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 9:20pm.
 
John made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25pm.  Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Respectfully Submitted;
Lisa Fritz, Secretary