Council Committee of the Whole

September 3, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The September 3, 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 President Toroney requested a moment of silence for recently deceased staff and Borough officials: Robert McKinney, former Borough Manager, Dennis Wausnock, former Councilor and School Board member, Elmer Panoc, former Councilor and Authority member and Harold Moyer, former Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. The invocation was provided by Mayor Thomas. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Ms. Weekley reported that the Chestnut Street project is scheduled to proceed September 8th for retrofitting of cobra lights and sidewalk repairs and replacement. b. Safety – Councilor Gery advised that the next meeting is September 8th, 6:00 p.m. c. Economic Development & Business Liaison – There was no report. d. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that Airport Community Day is set for September 27 , and the next meeting is scheduled for September 17th. th Ms. Weekley added that due to the runway rehabilitation, there will be no airplane rides as in previous years. e. Ricketts Community Center – There was no report. f. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. g. Ad hoc Zoning, Animal & Bicentennial Committee – Councilor Miller noted that at the Zoning meeting, discussions included criteria for zoning variances, educating the public and definitions. She also reported that the Animal Committee will meet every two weeks. Councilor Kulp reported on the Bicentennial Committee, noting that a tentative date in September 3, 2014 September 2015 was discussed for a community day. Ms. Kulp advised that a motto was chosen for the celebrations, “Proud of our Past and Confident of our Future.” h. Finance – Councilor Weand reported that the committee met this afternoon and the items reviewed were the General Obligation Note, listed on the agenda and recommended that the proceeds from the sale of the Falls of French Creek, be granted to the Pottstown Historical Society. VALLEY FORGE TOURISM AND CONVENTION BOARD PRESENTATION Bill Fitzgerald and John Golden of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention provided information on the rebranding and promotion of tourism throughout Montgomery County. He referred to the new motto “Make it Montco.” Mr. Fitzgerald announced that the Schuylkill River was awarded the “River of the Year.” He also commended Pottstown on the BMX, Pottstown Rumble, Steel River Playhouse and the proposed Colebrookdale Railroad. STEEL RIVER PLAYHOUSE Kurt Holloway, Esq., was present to announce the 2014-2015 schedule of events and productions for the Steel River Playhouse. He invited all to an open house scheduled for September 20th. He also introduced Leena Devlin, Managing Director and Board member Jim Kane. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION PRESENTATION Rita Paez, Chairperson of the Human Relations Commission and Board members Reginald Brooks, Nancy Altman, Al Dunn and Ken Harrison were present to introduce them to Council and provide a brief description of their backgrounds and duties as part of the Human Relations Commission. RESOLUTION - DUI GRANT 2015 RESOLUTION – 2015 MMO – POLICE PENSION PLAN RESOLUTION – 2015 MMO – NON-UNIFORM PENSION PLAN Manager Flanders explained the annual resolutions required to submit an application for the Highway Safety Grant, this year in the amount of $49,614. He also explained the state law requirement to address the Minimum Municipal Obligations for the Police and Non-Uniform Pension plans in September of the year prior to the obligation year. President Toroney advised that the resolutions will be listed on Monday’s agenda. GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTE September 3, 2014 Solicitor Garner explained the borrowing note approved in 2012 for the Public Works Facility. He added that since the money has not been drawn upon, he is recommended a change in the date to reamoritize from 2014 to 2015 to allow for additional time to drawn on the loan. This will be listed on the regular agenda. AIRPORT FBO INTERIM LEASE Ms. Weekley advised that Fare Share/Fly Elite, LLC is the new Fixed Based Operator as of September 1st. She requested Council’s consideration for a short term agreement to allow the FBO to become established during the runway rehabilitation at the Airport. President Toroney advised that this would be listed for consideration on the agenda. BID AWARDS – BOROUGH VEHICLES/STREET OVERLAY Mr. Yerger reviewed the list of Borough vehicles for sale, which will net approximately $21,000. He also explained the map and paving projects. The bid awards will be listed for Monday evening. PDIDA EXTENSION Solicitor Garner advised that the life of the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority expires at the end of 2014. He added that in previous years, it has been extended by ordinance for four-year increments. If Council takes no action PDIDA would cease to exist. Mr. Garner added that the assessments fund PDIDA and in order to raise assessments, a 75-80% vote of the owners or merchants would need to be approved. Ms. Dugan requested Council’s favorable consideration. President Toroney advised that this would be listed for approval on the regular agenda. ZONING – 130 King Street – iCreate Café Solicitor Garner advised that a zoning variance for the property at 130 King Street has been submitted by Ashraf Khalil to allow for the use of a cafe/restaurant. He added that approximately three years ago, this property was approved for a computer training center by Conditional Use. Councilor Kulp recommended this matter be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the applications for HARB certificates for the following properties: a. 1132 High Street –to install windows and decking b. 959 High Street – for garage roof and replacement of gutters September 3, 2014 The HARB matters will be listed on the agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Diane Krumm, 275 North Hanover Street – urged Council to support the request of Mr. Khalil for approval of a café/restaurant. She added that the atmosphere and food are excellent and the Borough needs a quality restaurant. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Gery commended all for honoring Labor Day and the observance of Patriot’s Day, and read President Bush’s first proclamation of September 11th. Councilor Kulp noted that meetings continue for the Bicentennial celebrations. Councilor Procsal thanked all that attended the recent Ward meeting. Councilor Miller noted that the Pet Fair is scheduled for September 20th, a Ward meeting scheduled for September 30th and a town-wide clean up scheduled for October 11th. She also invited the Borough’s landlord group to address any questions members may have. Mayor Thomas congratulated Pottstown graduate and Gospel artist, Candace Benson, who recently appeared on Sunday’s Best and was first runner-up. She urged churches to participate through the faith based initiative. The Mayor also advised information for the September 13th Father’s Matter event, along with Pre-K and Early Education sessions. She also provided information regarding documentation of wedding ceremonies and contributions for next year’s fireworks. Mayor Thomas also commended the street-sweeping process. President Toroney recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:30 p.m. for one item of personnel, one of collective bargaining and one judicial deliberation. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager September 3, 2014