October 20, 2014 minutes

The Riverside Borough Council met on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Municipal Building, 301 Dewart Street, Riverside, PA.  In the absence of the President John Novak, the meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Vice President Peter T Fleming.  Present this evening were council members Caressa Compton, John Domanski, Barb Kriner and John LaMotte.  Mayor Joseph Oberdorf and Secretary Deborah Bausch were in attendance.   Council person Lori Steele was absent. 

Audience consisted of one member, Carolyn Bausch.  She inquired as to the response to the sewer ad that was in the paper for delinquent accounts.  There has not been any residents in to pay off their accounts; one account was paid but it was before the notice was in the newspaper. 

Minutes of the October 6, 2014 meeting were reviewed.  John Domanski stated he didn’t agree with the minutes regarding the Southside Fire Company payment.  He is requesting a budget to show the distribution of the funds given to the fire company by the borough. Barb Kriner provided an invoice for the insurance which exceeds the amount we provide to the fire company.  This invoice covers property and liability insurances.  Discussion followed about the social/professional areas of coverage.   It was suggested the budget be increased to cover the cost of the insurance coverage; this will be addressed in the budget discussions.  Minutes were approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by Caressa Compton.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Financial Reports for September were reviewed.  Copies of financial reports that can be obtained from our computer were also given to council members.  Options were discussed as to what can be done to get different formats for reports.  Secretary will check with the software company to get advanced information for streamlined reports for next year.  Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All voted in favor.

Code Enforcement Report submitted by Jackie Hart was read by Vice President Fleming.  Council is requesting the property at 101 Elysburg Road owned by Randy Bloc be held to their promise to remove in the fall.   Property at 302 Gearhart Street needs to continue with the next step; excuses of owner Shirley O’Neil will not be accepted.  Don Cook has a warrant issued by Northumberland County for his property at 196 D & H Avenue.  Question was raised as to the property at 1112 Avenue F (Joanne Yost property) - it appears work has been done and maybe the property can be taken off the blighted listing.  The same scenario exists for property at 305 Third St(Alaina Hartman); property has been cleaned up but not sure of any other infractions that need addressed.  Council decided against hiring a testing company regarding the property at 1009 Avenue F; bank will be notified to have their maintenance company take care of property until it is disposed of in some fashion.  Caressa Compton also mentioned a property in the 300 block of Avenue F that should be looked into.  There are questions regarding two properties that are still titled in names of persons that are now deceased.  Solicitor Michetti has been contacted as to how to proceed with those properties.  Report was approved on a Motion by John Domanski and seconded by John LaMotte.  Motion approved on a vote by all present.

Secretary Bausch then provided information regarding an automatic check withdrawl option for those residents wanting to use this method for their sewer payments.  Cost is approximately $200 for set up and training.  Will be checking to see if there are any other fees incurred such as annual maintenance fee or if this is covered in our contract with Diversified Technology.  It was voted to proceed with getting this in place by a Motion made by John Domanski and seconded by Barb Kriner.  All approved Motion.

A note was provided regarding shampooing the office carpets.  Price listed was $250.00 which council felt was a little too high.  Will contact area businesses and get some comparison prices.  This was approved on a Motion by Barb Kriner and seconded by John Domanski.  All voted in favor.

A letter was then presented from the AM VETS Chapter 184 who are requesting to use the borough office for a monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month at 7 pm.  There are approximately 10 members at this time.  Approval was given on a Motion by John LaMotte and seconded by Barb Kriner as long as the meeting did not interfere with any other borough meetings that evening.  All approved the Motion; motion passed.

Budget meetings were set up for 6 pm on Monday, October 27 as well as Monday, November 3rd.

On a Motion by John LaMotte and Seconded by Barb Kriner, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:
Deborah Bausch
Secretary