Council Committee of the Whole

January 7, 2015 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The January 7, 2015 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, Assistant Manager Erica Weekley, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kulp was absent. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Reverend Rebecca Brenner, Pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Miller referred to the report distributed and noted that the Pollock Park is now down. She added that Justin Keller, the area Circuit Rider, will be addressing this park. Councilor Miller also noted that two security cameras will be installed in Memorial Park. b. Safety – Councilor Gery advised that the next meeting is January 12th. c. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Weekley advised that the Keystone Economic Development Plan is progressing. d. Transportation – Ms. Weekley also reported on the Airport audit and noted that the PART request for proposals will be going out in the near future. e. Ricketts Community Center – There was no report. f. Pottstown School Board – Ron Williams reminded that the campaign for funding of the stadium lights is in progress and a Joint Meeting is set for January 29th at Rupert Elementary. g. Ad hoc Zoning, Animal & Bicentennial Committee – Councilor Miller reported that the committee is recommending certain fee changes to the Animal Ordinance to be $30 for the fee from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and if after 5:00 p.m., an additional fee of $40 to cover costs of the Animal Control Officer and the Police Department. Councilor Miller expressed a concern regarding the South Street boarding house proposal as parking issues are currently being reviewed by the ad hoc Zoning Committee. January 7, 2015 President Toroney advised that the next Bicentennial meeting is set for January 13th, 4:00 p.m. and the public is invited. PRESENTATION – BETTER LANDLORD PROGRAM Mark Kubricky, Director of Development for Better Landlords of Utah, outlined the results of the study performed for the Borough to establish costs for police, fire, public works and code enforcement for properties in the Borough. He advised that it costs $135 per unit to provide services to rental units, 46.9 % higher than the $92.30 it costs for owner-occupies dwellings. Mr. Kubricky informed Council of its options with the acquired data from the study. He noted that one option would be to do nothing with the information. He also advised that other options are to charge for these additional costs to rentals so as not to burden property owners and to implement a better landlord program wherein landlords agree to their properties meeting a higher standard. He reviewed the voluntary landlord program to educate landlords. Mr. Kubricky advised that the education helps implement higher standards and allows landlords to establish higher rental fees. He advised that the company’s fees are based on the training charges to the landlords and no charge to the Borough. After a brief discussion among Council members and Mr. Kubricky, President Toroney advised that Staff and the Infrastructure Committee will make a recommendation to Council in order to proceed with implementation of the program. ZONING – 1128 SOUTH STREET, HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL Councilor Gery advised that all residents that have contacted him are against this request and the variance if granted would not be beneficial to the neighborhood. President Toroney advised that this would be listed on the regular agenda. PRESENTATION – HOUSING VISIONS, 341 BEECH STREET Judy Memberg, Executive Director of Genesis Housing and Heather Schroeder, Development Project Manager for Housing Visions were present to request Council’s consideration in providing a letter of support for the Beech Street Factory project to be located in the former Fecera’s building, 341 Beech Street. Ms. Memberg noted that last year’s application for tax credits was denied and noted that this project will be resubmitted this year. Ms. Schroeder provided a letter from Obie Mild, the Market Analyst for the Beech Street Factory project, outlining statistics regarding the local demographics to support incentives for projects such as the Beech Street Factory project. Ms. Schroeder added that the previous parking concerns have been addressed and construction would take approximately one year. Ms. Schroeder provided a video of success stories of Housing Visions agency and a spread sheet indicating the estimated real estate taxes. She also explained the $1.2 million contribution January 7, 2015 from the County with an understanding of allowing six units for disabled or health impaired individuals, funding through the Housing Trust fund, the Redevelopment Authority, repayment of grant money and Health Department savings. Ms. Memberg urged Council’s support in this project and noted that if it is not approved this time, they will not try again. President Toroney advised that a letter of support will be listed for the regular meeting. RENTAL ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Mr. Flanders explained the reorganization of the Licensing & Inspections Department and advised that the Department has proposed changes to create a more fair and efficient process to inspect rental properties. Keith Place, Director Licensing & Inspections reviewed the proposal to inspect rental units on an annual inspection. He added that there are approximately 5,200 rental units with 2,500 already licensed. Mr. Place noted he expects two additional inspectors in the near future. Councilor Miller questioned if it may be more cost effective and efficient to outsource the entire rental program to an engineering firm. Mr. Place advised that the process would be revenue neutral with four inspectors dedicated to rental properties. President Toroney, along with Councilor Gery, expressed a concern if the annual inspection can be accomplished at this time. It was the consensus of Council to table this matter until the February meeting. PARKS & RECREATION/BICENTENNIAL BIERGARTEN REQUEST Mr. Flanders explained the request of the Parks & Recreation Department for its upcoming June 13th, August 15th and July 18th events. PET ADOPTION EVENT Councilor Miller reviewed the request of the Pet Fair Committee to conduct a Pet Adoption event on May 16th. These will be listed for approval on the regular agenda. CAROUSEL LEASE AGREEMENT Solicitor Garner advised that the Carousel is requesting a one-year lease agreement in order to become operational. YWCA LOADING ZONE REQUEST January 7, 2015 Mr. Flanders noted that the YWCA, 315 King Street is requesting a ten-minute loading zone to accommodate its Day Care customers. President Toroney noted that these items would be listed for discussion on the regular agenda. AMENDMENT FEE SCHEDULE Solicitor Garner reviewed the minor changes to the fee schedule to include the reduction in the annual trash fee and the 1% credit card usage fees. A resolution will be listed for Monday evening. HIGHWAY MATERIAL BID AWARDS Mr. Yerger reviewed the bid tabulations presented and requested awards be listed for the regular meeting. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the application for a HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for the property located at 267 King Street for removal and replacement of existing deck and roof replacement. He also explained the request to ratify the action of the Building Permit Officer for the following properties: a. 631 East High – replacement of business sign b. 415 King Street – replacement of metal roof BOARD VACANCIES President Toroney reviewed the list of expired terms and vacant positions along with a letter for the Pottstown Borough Authority with a recommendation to reappoint Mr. Benner to the Authority Board. These will be listed on Monday’s agenda. CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY LIST Chief Drumheller requested authorization to proceed with establishing a new eligibility list, due to a recent resignation. This list will remain for two years. This will be listed on the agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Eric Scatchard, 645 Chestnut Street – expressed objections to the new rental January 7, 2015 regulations for annual inspections. He also objected to the new room size requirements, which would result in his inability to rent several units. b. John Koury, Jr., 41 East High Street – commended Mr. Place on his efforts to address the unlicensed rental units in the Borough. He noted that he supported the recommendations but suggested that the uninspected units be addressed initially and possibly inspections every three years in order for Staff to become current in the inspection process. Mr. Koury advised that he does not approve of an annual inspection. c. Joe Wolf, 116 South Roland Street – also expressed a concern regarding the landlords not being held accountable for their tenants. He advised that in less than one year, the neighboring rental unit has accumulated over 100 pages of police reports. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Procsal commented that the Housing Visions project is the best project he has seen in the last five years for this property. Councilor Miller reminded residents to keep dogs on a leash and pick up after their animals, notably at Lincoln Elementary School, Memorial Park and Riverfront Parks. Mayor Thomas announced the upcoming musical Grease to be presented at Pottstown High School. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Toroney recessed the meeting to executive session at 9:50 p.m. for three items of personnel. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager