March 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President, Stephen Wagner.
 
Council members present: 
Peter Fleming (via phone), John Domanski, Barb Kriner, Delavan Whitenight Jr, Ken Gardner and Mike Steimling Sr.
Also present was Solicitor Joseph Michetti, Police Chief Kerry Parkes, Street Department Road Master, Dan Gable and Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Zoning Officer, Brian Anderson
 
Citizens present:
Todd Oberdorf, Rob Rickard, David Decoteau, Maddie Parkes and Drew Mumich.
 
Pledge of Allegiance
Citizens to be Heard:  
Citizens were in audience to observe.
 
Old business:
Steve stated he would like to appoint a new Mayor, so he could set in on this meeting. Steve read a letter of Interest in the position from Todd Oberdorf. Barb made a Motion to adopt the Resolution to appoint a Mayor, with Ken seconding. All in Favor. John made a Motion to appoint Todd Oberdorf, Barb seconded. All in Favor.
John Domanski made a Motion to approve the 2/17/2025 meeting minutes. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
The seven (7) acres behind the former school property was sold via Auction on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 4:00pm. The land sold for $350,000.00. A $15,000.00 down payment was made and will be held as a Reserve in the Borough’s account. There were 11 bidders.
 
Zoning Officer Report:
Steve read over Brian Anderson’s report. John made a Motion to accept the report, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor.
Ken mentioned an online course titled, “Zoning Officer & Zoning Hearing Board”. Ken suggested anyone could attend on April 24th.
 
Street Department Report:
Dan Gable presented the Street Department report. Dan asked Council if Dumpster Day could be set for Saturday, May 31st. Ken Gardner asked why the Borough does not bid out for Dumpster day. Delavan said it is difficult to get companies to do to the number of containers we use. Dan said that Fought’s handles it well and they are very organized. Dan said three Street Department employees work dumpster day, doing about 18 containers. John made a Motion to set Dumpster Day for 5/31/2025, with Delavan seconding. All in Favor. The old Generator is now on MuniciBid, which is currently at $2,000.00.
Dan mentioned it is the time year to get quotes for paving, there are some Street’s that are in need of repair. He will have Penndot’s representative come look at the Streets to get quotes. John said Avenue D is in rough shape from about 5th Street down to 3rd Street. The backhoe is in bad shape, John said they are still looking at Grants for a backhoe. Barb made a Motion to accept the Street Department report. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Southside Fire Company Report:
January’s report was submitted. Ken asked what the Lift Assist was. Barb stated when the fire company has to assist ambulance personnel with lifting people. Delavan made a Motion to accept the Southside Fire Company report. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
 
Police Report:
Kerry presented his report for January. He said large trucks still continue to be a problem in the Borough, damaging signs and properties. A truck took out a sign on Avenue G. Kerry said he received an email from a young man whom would like to do an intership with the Police Department. Ken asked if the person would be riding with Officers. Kerry said yes, as they have a ‘Ride-a-long’ program. Kerry said he will check with the Borough’s Insurance company.
Ken Gardner suggested for Kerry, Todd Oberdorf and himself to attend an online course for “Police Supervision & Oversight”, March 6th and 14th for $150.00.  Ken made a Motion to register for the course. Peter seconded. All in Favor. John made a Motion to accept the Police Report, with Barb seconding. All in Favor.
 
Mayor’s Report:
Todd Oberdorf said he appreciated Council members having confidence to appoint him as Mayor.
 
Solicitor Michetti Report:
Attorney Joseph Michetti stated he discussed with Brian Anderson the fact there is no occupancy permit required for Community Option, Inc to house people in a home in the Borough. A letter was sent to Community Option, Inc stating such.
Attorney Michetti stated there are 16 liens he will be filing on owners of properties whom are delinquent in sewer payments. These liens are public record. If there are other liens filed on the property, the sewer lien will stand behind those liens. Ken Gardner stated he initially was in favor of publishing names, but is now not in favor of doing so. Peter Fleming agreed. Barb asked if a collection agency could attach wages, Attorney Michetti said no. Steve spoke with a collection agency whom would add 25% onto the total due for their fee, with no cost of collection to the Borough. Steve would like Attorney Michetti to speak with the collection agency regarding their procedures. Attorney Michetti mentioned that some time ago, the Tax Collector, Ruth Peck said the borough does not know tenants that move in/out; therefore, a lot of people are not paying the Per Capita tax. Attorney Michetti suggested that Ruth and Lisa get together and make a list of rental properties. Then Lisa can mail letters to the owners requesting they inform the Borough of tenants.
Barb made a Motion to accept the Solicitor’s report. Ken seconded. All in Favor.
 
Borough Life:
None submitted.
 
New Business:
Ken recommended an alternative newspaper be used to inform the public of Riverside Borough’s advertisements. John suggested advertisements be placed in two papers. Mike said the subjected should be tabled until a future meeting.
 
Motion to Approve:
Ken stated, since we have a very tight budget which will be worst next year, I move that all purchases over $500 except when not practical or in cases of emergency receive Council approval before purchasing and all purchases over $3000 receive Council approval except in case of emergency and have competitive bids except when not practical. In making this motion, I do not want to hamper our employees but I want everyone to think is this purchase necessary. Barb stated that we can work with department heads to ensure that big expenditures be made before the end of November. That way the bill comes before the end of the fiscal year. And that big expenses for the next fiscal year not be made until after the end of March or April to allow time for tax revenue to start coming in.
John asked if there have been abuses. Barb stated, we have a budget and it was passed. Attorney Michetti stated you don’t need bids unless over $14,000.00. Mike suggested to start looking at the budget in July.
 
Action Items:
Steve made a Motion to appoint negotiating teams for the Police and Street Departments Contracts this year. Ken seconded. Barb opposed; as she feels a Labor Attorney should be hired for the Street Department Union negotiations. The remaining Council members were in Favor.
 
At 8:11pm, Barb made a Motion to go into Executive Session for matters pertaining to ligation and personal matters. Delavan seconded. All in Favor.
 
Council went back into Public Session at 8:46pm.
 
Steve stated he forgot to name the negotiating teams:
Police Department will be Barb, John and Todd.
Street Department will be Peter, Mike, Ken and Delavan.
Ken asked if anyone could attend the negotiating meetings. Attorney Michetti stated, “No”.
 
John made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:50pm. Barb seconded. All in Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Fritz
Secretary