October 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes

RIVERSIDE BOROUGH COUNCIL
 
The Riverside Borough Council met in the Municipal Building, 415 Dewart Street, Riverside on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:00pm.  Meeting was called to order by President Barb Kriner.
 
Council members present: 
John Domanski, Peter Fleming, Brian Whitenight, April Shuman and Beth Rake.
Also present was Secretary Lisa Fritz.
 
Absent:
Mayor John LaMotte and Delavan Whitenight Jr
 
Citizen (s) present:
Clark Shuman, Frank Maciejewski and Stu Shrawder
 
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Citizen Stu Shrawder asked Council if the Borough would be interested in pursuing an extension for 8th Street, as it would open up access to the property he recently purchased and possibly further development. John Domanski asked Mr. Shrawder put the request in writing to Council, they will then forward to the Solicitor for further advice. Peter Fleming stated usually the Developer puts roadways/streets in.
 
Old business:
Approval of the minutes of October 2, 2023.
Brian made a motion to approve the minutes, John Domanski seconded the Motion.  Approved by all.
Follow-up from the Town Hall Meeting held on October 10; April felt it was very successful. Citizens had good questions and concerns. April said some residents would like to see more of those types of meetings. Barb stated it was a wonderful wealth of information for the residents.
 
Southside Report:
Barb presented the August report. Beth made a motion to accept the report. Brian seconded. All in favor.
 
Borough Life:
Beth stated the Boy Scouts will be doing Trunk or Treat on Saturday October 28th, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm. Trick-or-Treat Night in the Borough is also on 10/28. Brian Whitenight will be doing fireworks shortly after 9:00pm. Council will be hosting Hotdogs, Warm Cider, Hot Chocolate, Popcorn and Candy in the Park by the Borough Municipal Building.
Peter made a motion to accept the Borough Life report, with Barb seconding. All in favor.
 
New Business:
A generator proposal was submitted by Larson Design Group. Brian Whitenight asked if another proposal could be sought. John Domanski stated that Larson Design Group is the engineering company doing the East and West End projects and feels they should be the company to do the generator. John made a motion to accept LDG’s proposal, with Peter seconding. Brian Whitenight opposed the generator proposal. The remaining Council Members were in favor of the proposal.
 
Motion to Approve:
West End Sewer project Resolution was submitted by Larson Design Group. Beth made a motion to accept and sign the Resolution. John seconded. All in favor.
John mentioned there are several properties with septic tanks under porches, decks or garages, even some with bad pumps. Residents will be responsible for the removal or filling of those tanks. The Borough will pay for the first pumps that are not in working order, then the residents will be responsible thereafter. John made a motion to have the Solicitor review the Sewer Ordinance and to see if any changes/additions are necessary. Peter seconded. All in favor.
 
Barb Kriner, as Council President was made by motion of John, Brian seconded. All in favor. The Vice President was made Nomination of April Shuman to appoint Brian Whitenight. John seconded. Beth Rake will remain as Pro tempore (Pro tem). These appointments are active until the Re-Organization Meeting on January 2, 2024.
 
Action Items:
John Domanski stated the company Pennvest has low interest rate loans for Municipalities to pursue improvements. John said Grant monies could be used to pay off the loans.
 
Brian mentioned possibly meeting with Merck Representatives to discuss utilizing Merck’s treatment facility as a sewer treatment plant for Riverside. John Domanski will contact Merck to set up a meeting.
 
Budget Meeting Dates were set for the following dates: 10/18 and 10/25 to start preparing the 2024 budget.
 
Resident David Decoteau submitted a letter questioning why he has received a sewer bill when there has not been running water or any bathrooms at a property he owns for the past three (3) years. Council members asked Zoning Officer, Brian Anderson to visit the property.
 
No Executed Session was held.
 
John Domanski made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian seconded the motion. All in favor. Council adjourned at 7:55 o’clock pm.
 
Respectfully Submitted:
Lisa Fritz
Secretary