June 1, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes

​RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming, Barb Kriner, Mike Steimling Sr., Rob Rickard and Rebekah Lenig.
Also present was Solicitor Attorney Joseph Michetti, Mayor Todd Oberdorf, Chief of Police Kerry Parkes, Dan Gable with the Street Department and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent: Ken Gardner
 
Citizens present:
Eric Walls, John Domanski, Tariq Rahman, Elliot Young, Simon Young, Amanda Young, James Krieger, Greg Landis and Jim W Snyder.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizens to be Heard: 
Elliot Young, a high school student and scout, presented his project proposal to restore and enhance the tennis court at the Park in Riverside.

• He requested the board's approval and support for planning and building the new projects.
• Council expressed strong support for the project, stating it is much needed and that they will discuss details later.

 
Greg Landis, a consultant for Merck, stated that Merck will oppose the proposed rezoning of the former elementary school property at 506 Avenue A.

• The opposition is due to the risk that substantial well water withdrawal from the proposed development could create a cone of depression, drawing contaminated groundwater from the Merck Cherokee site into the new well.
• Merck has managed groundwater contamination on its site since the 1980s under a permit, which was renewed in 2022 for ten years.
• Merck will attend the zoning hearing on June 2, 2026, to request party status and provide testimony, warning of potential litigation if the development proceeds.

 
 
Old Business:
Barb made a Motion to accept the meeting minutes of the 5/4/2026 Council meeting. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
Barb made a Motion to approve all of May’s monthly bills. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
 
Zoning Officer's Report:
It was a very busy month with significant permit revenue. A correction was made: the variance hearing for the elementary school property is on June 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
The property at 511 Avenue C is being monitored for ownership following the owner's passing; the roof and chimney need repair.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Zoning Officer’s report. Mike seconded. All in Favor.
 
Street Department Report

• Pothole filling is about halfway complete and will continue.
• Ongoing work includes back road restoration, mowing, and playground maintenance. A pipe was replaced on Factory Street, and all scheduled trees were taken down.
• The department's summer hours are now 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM. .
• Steve Wagner thanked the Street Department for helping with a fence, landscaping, and setting up new public bulletin boards.

Rob made a Motion to accept the Street Department report, with Peter seconding. All in Favor.
 
Police Department Report:.

• Carnival week was held without issue.
• Staffing: Officer Wes is on solo patrol, and Officer Graden is nearly fully operational. The 287(g) training program sign-ups are complete pending clearances.
• Hiring Proposal: A proposal was made to sponsor non-certified candidates through the police academy at a cost of ~$9,000 for tuition/gear plus a weekly salary. Act 89 of 2013 may reimburse a portion of these costs. A five-year service commitment contract, similar to Shamokin's, was suggested. The council will discuss this internally before authorizing the solicitor to draft contracts.
• Barb asked about the purchase year of the last police vehicle. Kerry stated it was purchased in 2024.

Barb made a Motion to accept the Police report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd swore in part-time Police Officer, Graden Thomas. He participated in the Riverside Memorial Day Service. He also participated in the Danville Memorial Day Service.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Mayor’s report, with Rob seconding. All in Favor.
Solicitor’s Report:

• Ordinance Adoption Timeline: Notifications for a new ordinance were sent to the Riverside Zoning Board and Northumberland County Subdivision/Zoning Board around May 7 with no response. The plan is to advertise for a public hearing and adoption at the July 6 council meeting.
• Truck Parking Ordinance: An amendment is being drafted to cover commercial vehicles over 16 feet on borough right-of-way in residential areas, with exceptions for deliveries.
  • Fines: A graduated penalty was agreed upon: a warning for the first offense, followed by escalating fines of $50, $100, and $150.
  • Enforcement: Citations will be enforceable by police. The focus is on commercial vehicles, not RVs.

Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
Boro Life Committee:
250th Celebration update - Barb stated expenses are $40,196.00, far exceeding donations of $23,210.00, which are monetary and product donations combined. The committee is still seeking donations before the June 13 event at the Danville Airport. Rob asked what happens if no more donations come in. Barb felt they could reach their goal of $50,000.00 by June 13th. They have 50/50’s planned and a donation bucket for at the June 13th event.
Mike made a Motion to accept the Boro Life report. Peter seconded. All in Favor.
 
 
 
New Business:

• Borough Lot and Grounds: Full paving is postponed due to cost. Interim measures will include removing an old fence, laying stone for diagonal parking, and adding a grass area. Pricing will be obtained for a pavement patch over a pipe installation.
• Office Building Roof: Multiple leaks were identified, and ceiling damage was noted. The roof has shingles, and repairs are considered urgent. Estimates are being prepared by two contractors (Schaefer and Boyer Roofing).
• Pine Swamp Guardrail/Road Work: A DCED grant application is being pursued with a new county contact, Linda Sterling, to fund road and railing work. The outlook is positive.

 
Project and Financial Updates

• Airport Solar Project: Plans have not yet been received but are expected in the fall.
• Office Electrical Safety: Peter made a Motion to accept the estimate of $1,180 from Cero to remediate unsafe conditions, including live wires in the basement, cloth wiring, and unusable receptacles in the Municipal Office building. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
• Liquid Fuels Funds: The council will consider using the ~$150,000 liquid fuels balance for a new salt shed. A paving priority list and a salt shed estimate will be compiled to assess priorities.
• Fire Tax Funds: The council will consult with an accountant about moving funds to a separate, interest-bearing account.
• Electronic Recycling Bin: An electronics recycling bin from Mammoth Electronics is expected in 1-2 weeks and will be placed under camera surveillance at the building.
• Sewer Contracts:
  • East End: A matching payment of $182,000 from sewer funds is due by June 23, 2026, to match a grant payment already made to the contractor.
  • West End: Progress is expected; a follow-up with Joe Pfirman is planned.

Barb made a Motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:55pm to discuss potential litigation and sheriff sale actions. Rob seconded. All in Favor.
 
 
 
 
Next Arrangements

• Follow up on the ownership and necessary repairs for the property at 511 Avenue C.
• Continue monitoring the property with tall grass near the airport.
• Council to provide the solicitor with the decided-upon fine schedule for the truck parking ordinance.
• Compile paving priority list (Danny) and obtain a salt shed estimate.
• Continue pursuing the DCED grant for Pine Swamp road/railing.

 
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz, Secretary