Council Committee of the Whole

June 4, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The June 4, 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. AGENDA UPDATES President Toroney advised that voting on the JAG Grant Resolution and the Grass Cutting items will occur after public comments. He also noted that the Portnoff contract extension will be discussed and the Human Relations awards will be removed from this agenda. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp referred to the minutes distributed. b. Safety – Councilor Gery advised that the June 9th meeting is cancelled. c. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Weekley announced that the first edition of Momentum has been published, which is the electronic newsletter from the Community Partners to highlight positive events throughout the Borough. She added that all positive information is welcome. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland noted that summer programs have begun at the Center. e. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. PRESENTATION – STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Tom Weld, P. E., Cardno/BCM Engineers, provided a brief explanation of the Stormwater discharge from small municipalities with separate storm sewer systems, known as MS4. He outlined the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency for the municipalities with the separate systems. Mr. Weld noted that Pottstown’s permit is specific to the Manatawny Creek and the Schuylkill River. He added that part of the permit criteria is adopting a new Stormwater Management Ordinance and repeal the old one. Mr. Weld urged the importance of public education and outreach. June 4, 2014 Solicitor Garner added that the new ordinance is in draft form and would be ready for adoption at the July meeting. 7:15 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING – EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) Solicitor Garner explained the requirement of the Public Hearing for the grant in conjunction with Norristown. The funds available to Pottstown for 2014 are in the amount of $19, 232, with no match. Captain Thomas advised that the grant would be used for upgrades to computer equipment for vehicles, data recording for speed trailers, traffic vests and other quality of life initiatives. Ross Belovich, 707 North Hanover Street – commented that any assistance to the Police Department is welcomed. The Public Hearing closed at 7:28 p.m. and there is a 30-day period for public comment. 7:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING PART FARE INCREASE President Toroney opened a public hearing for the PART fare increase, as required by the Federal Transit Administration. Ms. Weekley advised that the last fare increase occurred in 2012 with the stipulations of an increase within two years. The base fare will increase from $1.70 to $1.90 and half-fare from $.85 to $.95. She added that the website and materials will be updated for the public’s convenience. John O’Donnell, 3 Chestnut Street – commented that he uses the handicap buses and questioned if the schedules will change. Ms. Weekley responded that schedules will not be changing at this time. The Public Hearing closed at 7:33 p.m. and action will be listed on Monday’s agenda. PRESENTATION – COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD POTTSTOWN STATION Nathaniel Guest, Esq., Executive Director, Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, was present to provide background and updates to the Colebrookdale Railroad project. He advised that the Trust is applying for a grant to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Multimodal Transportation Fund to obtain and install a Pottstown Station. Mr. Guest advised that the 1877 structure is currently located in Berks County. Roger Lehmann, Engineer for the project, was also present and explained the dimensions and handicap requirements for the station, adding that a soft opening is expected by October 1st. June 4, 2014 Mr. Guest requested Council’s support of the grant application, which would be a requirement for submission along with all associated permitting and regulation requirements of the Borough. He added that the deadline is June 20th. President Toroney noted this would be listed on Monday’s agenda. BASE SEWER FEES Solicitor Garner advised that there is a base fee stipulation in place by the Pottstown Borough Authority when service is shut off. He noted that nothing is outlined for base sewer charges and requested authorization to work with Staff is preparing an ordinance amendment to address this matter. President Toroney noted that the Solicitor and Staff should move forward with these amendments. OLIVET BOYS & GIRLS CLUB LEASE EXTENSION Solicitor Garner reminded Council that in November 2013, a six-month extension to the OBGC lease was approved. Due to time constraints, he is requesting an additional 60-day extension for the final draft to be approved. President Toroney advised this would be listed for approval. PLUM STREET LAND DEVELOPMENT Solicitor Garner explained the recommendation of the Planning Commission to finalize the Plum Street Land development, South Charlotte Street, to include minor landscaping changes, tree replacement and lighting issues. This will be listed for approval on Monday’s agenda. TRAFFIC PATTERNS – BARTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Manager Flanders reviewed the request of Barth Elementary School Principal Ryan Oxenford to review the traffic patterns in front of the School on West Walnut Street wherein he requested that a traffic study be conducted in that area. Mr. Flanders advised that the study was conducted and Chief Drumheller is in agreement with changing this pattern. Mr. Oxenford was present and explained the congestion before and after school with buses and cars on this two-way street. He requested that Council consider changing West Walnut Street to a one way street, between the intersections of Berks and Myrtle Streets for the safety of the students and convenience of residents and parents. Mr. Flanders advised that half the neighbors have been contacted by the Police Department and will have final results by Monday evening. June 4, 2014 President Toroney noted that this would be listed for discussion on Monday’s agenda. SIGNS/WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON BRIDGES Solicitor Garner requested authorization to draft an ordinance addressing the weight restrictions on bridges to coincide with the existing signs and regulations of PennDOT. This will be listed on the regular agenda. CAROUSEL OF FLAVOR Manager Flanders referred to the request of the Carousel at Pottstown to close a portion of High Street for its annual Carousel of Flavor event on September 14th, along with hosting a beer and wine garden. He added that this would be subject to approval of the Police and Fire Departments and the Liquor Control Board. PORTNOFF AGREEMENT Manager Flanders advised that it is the recommendation of the Finance Committee to extend the contract agreement for one year with Portnoff Law Offices for the collection of delinquent accounts. This will be listed on the agenda. RESOLUTION – JAG GRANT Mr. Flanders advised that a resolution is required in order to move forward with application for the Justice Assistance Grant. He added that the Municipality of Norristown will manage the funds and reimburse the Borough. Mr. Flanders also noted that due to time constraints, the Police Department has asked that this Resolution be considered this evening. GRASS CUTTING BID AWARD Mr. Yerger referred to the bid tabulation for various grass cutting sites and advised that after review Staff is recommending Green Advantage, Douglassville, PA. as the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder. He added that in order to expedite the grass cutting process, he is requesting that Council consider awarding the bid this evening. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Dianne Krumm, 275 North Hanover Street – expressed a concern regarding the recent crimes in the Borough. She commended the Carousel and the Railroad projects but noted that something needs to be done about the crime. June 4, 2014 JAG Grant - Motion by Councilor Gery, seconded by Councilor Miller, to adopt a Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of Norristown for the submission of a grant application for the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $19,232 to be used for equipment and programs to enhance Quality of Life issues and to initiate the thirty (30) day open comment period RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 10 RESOLUTION OF POTTSTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR 2014 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM APPLICATION WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance has approved the submission of a joint application from the Municipality of Norristown, Cheltenham Township, and Pottstown Borough for the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Funds contingent on a Memorandum of Understanding as Exhibit “A”. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Pottstown, as follows: 1. The Borough of Pottstown hereby honors the request of the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Application, designating the Municipality of Norristown as the applicant/fiscal agent for the allocation of the joint funds. The MOU is attached to the grant application as Exhibit “A”. RESOLVED, ENACTED and APPROVED by the Burgess and Town Council of the Pottstown Borough this 4th Day of June 2014. Motion carried: 7 ayes. Grass Cutting Bid – Motion by Councilor Kirkland, seconded by Councilor Gery to award the Grass Cutting Bid for various sites to Green Advantage, Douglassville, PA as per the bid tabulation of May 29, 2014 and subject to review and approval of the Solicitor. Motion carried: 7 ayes. COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Procsal stated that he agreed with Ms. Krumm, adding that the Police Department is doing its best and certain activity is under investigation that cannot be publically discussed. Councilor Miller announced that the next Ward 3 meeting will be combined with Ward 7, to be held in the Smith Family Plaza, June 7th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Mayor Thomas advised that she spoke with neighbors in the area of the recent shooting and urged peace in the streets. June 4, 2014 Councilor Gery commended the Memorial Day Services in Memorial Park and speaker, Corporal Tim Donnelly for his bravery and service. He also praised the High School graduates and the recent promenades on PCTV. Councilor Gery stated that poverty is not the cause of crimes, adding that poor people do not commit crimes, criminals commit crimes. He urged citizens to not tolerate crime and call police whenever suspicious activity is occurring. Mayor Thomas added that poverty and joblessness does lead to theft. Councilor Kirkland also noted the Joint Ward meeting scheduled for Saturday. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Toroney recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:35 p.m. for two items of litigation, one personnel and one item of collective bargaining, with no action to follow this evening. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager