Council Committee of the Whole

March 5, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The March 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, 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. Councilor Kulp was absent. INVOCATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Miller advised that a slide show was presented by the Better Landlord program. She added that Mr. Yerger discussed the water main breaks and the liquid fuel budget. Ms. Miller advised that the Riverfront Bridge project is still being reviewed and the MiniGolf opening is scheduled for June. b. Safety – Councilor Gery advised that the Committee will meet on March 10th, 6:00 p.m. c. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Weekley reported that applications are being reviewed for the downtown business grants program. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland referred to the report distributed today. e. Pottstown School Board – Ron Williams reported on the successful joint meeting of February 25th. He added that a fund raising campaign will be underway to reinstate the lights at the School’s fields. Mr. Williams also provided an update on the 175th Anniversary events. PROCLAMATION – PAY IT FORWARD DAY Mayor Thomas presented a proclamation to the Main Street Manager, Sheila Dugan, for the April 24th, Pay it Forward Day in the Borough, which is a concept to promote community spirit. GENESIS HOUSING/HOUSING VISIONS Judy Memberg, Genesis Housing, made a presentation on the Beech Street Factory project. The project is in conjunction with Housing Visions, Syracuse, New York, to renovate the former Fecera’s furniture warehouse into apartments and an art center, with ArtFusition 19464 as March 5, 2014 the lead tenant. Heather Schroeder, Project Manager, spoke on behalf of Housing Visions and outlined the cost for rent for the one, two or three bedroom, a total of 43 apartments. She advised that the project would benefit from $750,000 contributed by Montgomery County with an agreement to utilize six apartments for challenged individuals. She advised that the Borough’s support to move forward would be needed for the application to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Ms. Schroeder stressed the importance of a 30-year commitment and the on-site maintenance and property management. Councilor Procsal advised that he has a minor relationship with the building in question. Solicitor Garner noted that his matter has been reviewed and was determined that no conflict exists. He also noted that a draft letter indicating that this presentation was made is factual and recommended the Manager sign and provide to the applicants. Mr. Garner also advised that a Conditional Use Hearing will be scheduled for April 9th, 6:30 p.m. 3-DAY CLASSIC CAR SHOW Mark Rubright, Rubright Racing, Limerick PA, was present to explain a request with the Pottstown Classics Car Show to conduct a three-day event September 5, 6 & &, 2014. He informed Council that any proceeds from the event would earmarked for the 2015 fireworks. President Toroney questioned the use of the fields at Memorial Park in light of the recent reconstruction of the fields. Mr. Rubright noted that the cars would only be parked in the fields and should not do any damage. President Toroney advised that this would be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. PRESENTATION – POW WOW EVENT WITH RON WILLIAMS Ron Williams and Patricia Harbach, known as Clan Mother Star, presented a request to Council to conduct a Pow Wow event on May 2, 3 and 4th at the South Franklin Street and Industrial Highway site of the Lenape Native Americans memorial. Mr. Williams explained the events for the weekend, including a rededication of the memorial, and also requested use of Memorial Park for ceremonies and flea market. President Toroney noted that approval would be listed for Monday evening. KEYSTONE EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC PLAN (KEEP) GRANT APPLICATION/ LETTER OF SUPPORT March 5, 2014 Ms. Weekley explained the request for a letter of support from the Keystone Boulevard Oversight Committee. She advised that the committee is drafting a scope for the grant application for the Gaming and Local Share and Health program administered by the Commonwealth Finance Authority. She added that the Valley Forge Casino has partnered as an assistant for the grant submission, which runs from April 1st to June 30th. Ms. Weekley advised that PAID would be the applicant. President Toroney advised that this matter would be listed on the agenda. POTTSTOWN REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARY – LETTER OF INTENT Ms. Weekley also explained that Staff is working with the Library for an application to the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Grant Program for enhancements to the Library and also requested a letter of support from Council on this endeavor. Sue Davis, Director of the Library, added that the heating and air conditioning system, flooring and lighting are priorities. LAWN MAINTENANCE BID President Toroney reviewed the bid tabulations for the bids and will be listed for award on Monday evening. RESOLUTION – PA STATEWIDE HISTORIC PRESERVATION Solicitor Garner noted that both the Planning Commission and the Historical Architectural Review board have both recommended approval of a resolution in support of the Statewide Historic Preservation initiative. He added that it should be included that the Borough will put forth its best efforts to comply with the recommendations. TIBURON 5K RACE – MAY 17, 2014 KASEY ROSE FOUNDATION 5K – JUNE 21, 2014 Manager Flanders reviewed the request of the Tiburon annual 5K Race scheduled for May 17, 2014 at the Circle of Progress. He also explained the request of the Kacey Rose Foundation for a 5K run on June 21, 2014. President Toroney advised that these requested would be listed on Monday’s agenda. COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Gery commended the groups requesting events and interest in Pottstown and urged all to attend the upcoming events. Councilor Weand also praised the event organizers. March 5, 2014 Councilor Miller announced the Third Ward meeting scheduled for March 25th at the Lincoln Elementary School, 6:30 p.m. Mayor Thomas reviewed the criteria for the Human Relations Commission essay contest with this year’s topic is Unity. The deadline is March 31st. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT David Jackson, 441 King Street – spoke in support of the Housing visions and Genesis Housing venture. He provided a letter of support from the Community Lands Trust for the affordable apartment development, with a $12 million investment. Cindy Conard, 1140 Wilson Street – also commented that the Arts and Culture impact would be a wonderful enhancement for this community. She provided statistics from a Pennsylvania impact study for nonprofit arts industry. Erika Hornburg-Cooper, 248 North Charlotte Street – urged Council to consider approval of the redevelopment of the former Fecera’s building, for the continued development of the arts. Dianne Krumm, 275 North Hanover Street – spoke of her enthusiasm for the plans for redevelopment of arts and culture, along with the restaurants and upcoming events. Jen McGlinn, 1005 Spruce Street – commented that as a board member of ArtFusion 19464 and urged support of the Housing visions project and commended the entity for their efforts and investment in Pottstown. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager