Council Committee of the Whole

February 5, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The February 5, 2014 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Toroney in the Council Meeting Room, Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 East High Street, Pottstown, PA. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Carol Kulp, Sheryl Miller, Stephen Toroney, Dan Weand, Travis Gery and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Mayor Sharon Valentine-Thomas, Manager Mark Flanders, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. INVOCATION Mayor Thomas provided the invocation, using excerpts from the House of Representatives session of February 4, 2014. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – There was no meeting. b. Safety – Chairman Gery advised that the meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular Council meetings, beginning March 10th. c. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Weekley advised that the Home Ownership Initiative program is still open with funding available. She added that the Downtown Business Incentive grant is also in progress. d. Ricketts Community Center – There was no report. e. Pottstown School Board – Ron Williams provided information on the upcoming events for the 175th Anniversary of the Pottstown School District. May 3rd is the kickoff date, with a parade and open house. Mr. Williams also provided information of the Robotics program at the School bringing students to the ongoing realm of technology. Proclamation – Bobby Rydell Organ Donor Awareness Day – March 29, 2014 Mayor Thomas read and presented a Proclamation to Tom Coyle and Lou Ballezzi in honor of Bobby Rydell’s upcoming concert and benefit for Organ Donor Awareness. The concert is scheduled for March 29th at the Pottstown Senior High School. Mayor Thomas also commented on the Gift of Life and TriCounty Hospice programs and asked that any interested parties contact her office. February 5, 2014 Mission First Housing – Proposed Veteran’s Housing Facility President Toroney advised that this presentation was moved to the March meeting. New Public Works Facility – Master Concept Plan Martin Kimmel and Tyler Mittnacht of Kimmel Bogrette Architects provided a brief outline of the Master Concept Plan, the conclusion of Phase I for the new Borough Garage to be located at 10 Rice Street. Mr. Kimmel advised that the steel and block buildings for storage, maintenance and personnel facilities will surround a 9,000 square feet of open air work space. He also reviewed the property for parking of staff and visitors, security issues and noted that the facility will be neighborhood friendly. Mr. Kimmel also noted that the roof would be able to support solar panels if feasible for the future. Permit Issues/Amend Existing Ordinances Solicitor Garner reviewed the permit process under the Uniform Construction Code. He advised that the requirements for permits have been incorporated into one ordinance to clarify and confirm the regulations. He requested authorization to advertise the proposed ordinance. President Toroney noted that this would be listed on Monday’s agenda. Eileen Schlegel Memorial Manager Flanders advised that AEM Architects and Wilkinson Associates have offered to construct and bear the expense for a memorial at the Mini-Golf site in honor of Eileen Schlegel, former Parks and Recreation Director. Miniature Golf Course – Sign Request Solicitor Garner referred to the proposal for the sign at the new Mini-Golf, which in part will be electronic. He recommended that Council waive the conditional use requirements and approve the sign without paying fees and the need for a formal hearing for a sign on Borough property. 2014 NOSTALGIA NIGHTS Manager Flanders referred to the request of the Pottstown Classics Car Club to conduct its 2014 Nostalgia Nights and car shows, resulting in the closing of High Street. BARK FOR LIFE Mr. Flanders also noted that the Relay for Life event is requesting a waiver of fees for its April 12th event at Riverfront Park. February 5, 2014 PPOA Fishing Derby Mr. Flanders advised that the Pottstown Police Officers’ Association is seeking a waiver of park fees for its annual fishing derby. President Toroney advised that these events and requests would be listed for consideration at the regular meeting. Demolition – 265 King Street Solicitor Garner reviewed the previous request for the demolition of the property at 265 King Street. He advised that several continuances were received from the applicant but no demolition permit has been received. Solicitor Garner recommended that the request be denied in order to close this matter. President Toroney advised that this would be listed for Monday’s meeting. Planning Commission Appointment President Toroney advised that two individuals have expressed interest in the Planning Commission and will be addressed Monday evening. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the applications for HARB certificates for the following properties: a. 301 King Street – installation of steel cellar door b. 978 High Street – replace existing roof and roof deck c. 990 High Street – installation handicap ramp HARB (Administratively Approved) Manager Flanders also reviewed the recommendation for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property located at 455 King Street to repair and replace 2nd floor porch post and beam. These HARB matters will be listed on the regular agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Councilor Procsal noted that he received a complaint regarding parking during the limited availability due to the relentless snow and lack of snow removal and will be working on a resolution. Councilor Miller commented on the agendas viewed by the public, noting the topics are vague. She recommended allowing constituents to sign in after the item has been discussed in February 5, 2014 order to speak at the end of the meeting. Councilor Miller also advised that her first Ward meeting will occur in March. Solicitor Garner noted that there would not be a violation of the Sunshine Law if other Councilors attended as long as no pre-arranged meetings were set to discuss agency business. Mayor Thomas reviewed the upcoming events. She added that she attended the orientation of the seven new officers. President Toroney thanked Staff for their diligent efforts during this harsh winter and the residents of the Borough for their patience. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – also thanked the volunteers and elected officials for their collaboration for the betterment of the town. b. Jack Johnson, 457 Walnut Street – expressed a concern for receiving a parking violation, 25 feet from the corner, wherein there was no other place to park. He recommended that the ordinance be amended to allow parking 10 feet from the corner, especially on one-way streets. President Toroney advised that this matter will be addressed at the Safety Committee. c. Ross Belovich, 717 North Hanover Street – also commented on his appreciation of the Borough’s public service workers. He also recommended putting the Borough meetings on You Tube. Gus Tellis, PCTV, agreed to address this request. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager