Council Committee of the Whole

February 4, 2015 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The February 4, 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, Carol Kulp, 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. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Mayor Thomas. INDEPENDENCE DAY HOMECOMING QUEEN COMMITTEE Marcia Levengood introduced the homecoming queens Samantha Garritano, Owen J. Roberts, Wendy Ni, Pottsgrove High School and Eliana Arroyo-Dech, Pottstown High School. The queens presented proclamations in honor of the Borough’s Bicentennial Celebration, to Manager Flanders, President Toroney, and Mayor Thomas, each graduates of the three High Schools, respectively. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp noted that the minutes were provided. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Weekley advised that three proposals were received for the Licensing & Inspections Department. She added that the winter issue of Momentum has been published. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that the next meeting is March 18th. d. Ricketts Community Center – There was no report. e. Pottstown School Board – Mr. Williams reported on the presentation at the recent joint meeting of Council and the School Board and encouraged all to contact legislators regarding equitable funding for education. f. Ad hoc Zoning, Animal & Bicentennial Committee – Councilor Miller advised that the committee has agreed on certain recommendations and will be providing details in the near future. She added that a meeting is scheduled with the Chief Humane Officer of Berks County. Councilor Miller also reported that the parking changes have been finalized and will be presented to Council next month. February 4, 2015 Councilor Kulp reported that many events are being planned for the Bicentennial Celebrations and the next meeting is February 17th. PRESENTATION – HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL, 1128 SOUTH STREET Attorney Zanetta Ford was present to represent Higher Ground International to provide information on the request of Pastor Steven Martin to convert the existing convent and rectory buildings of 1128 South Street to a multi-family residential boarding house. Attorney Ford explained the request is to change the definition of a boarding home and change dimension requirements for two rooms in the rectory and nine rooms in the convent. Pastor Miller also provided information on the history and events of Higher Ground International. He advised that the intention is to offer housing specifically to veterans and possibly church members. Mayor Thomas presented a letter from Ed Clark, President of the Joint Veterans’ Council, in opposition of the proposal of Higher Ground International. Solicitor Garner commented that the entire property is presently tax exempt because of its prior use as a church. He added that any change in tax status would come from the Montgomery County Board of Assessments. After discussion among Council, it was the consensus to list this matter for possible action at the regular meeting. FIRE SERVICE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Solicitor Garner requested authorization to review and draft amendments to the fire service ordinances in preparation for the upcoming fire company consolidation. CIVIL SERVICE RULES AMENDMENTS Manager Flanders explained the proposed changes to the Civil Service rules as recommended by the Commission addressing changes to the testing process. AMENDMENT FEE RESOLUTION – HOUSING ANIMALS Solicitor Garner reviewed the proposed fee changes to housing animals at the kennel. Councilor Miller commented that the Committee proposed to increase the fee for after hour’s pick-up as the Police and Animal Control Officer are utilized at that time. RESOLUTION – FAIR EDUCATION FUNDING President Toroney advised that as a result of the recent Joint School Board and Council meeting, there was a request to contact legislators for fair education funding through the state and referred to the draft resolution. February 4, 2015 RESOLUTION – DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS Solicitor Garner reviewed the annual resolution to be in compliance with the 2008 Destruction Records Manual for various records from the departments of the Borough. President Toroney noted that these matters will be listed on the regular agenda. AIRPORT MINIMUM STANDARDS President Toroney noted that this would be deferred until the March meeting. LENAPE – NATIVE AMERICAN MEMORIAL Ms. Weekley explained the concept of a project and application for a grant for permanent maintenance of the Lenape Native American memorial located on Franklin Street and requested authorization to proceed. This will be listed for Monday’s agenda. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – 2015 Ms. Weekley also explained the submission of the 2015 Community Development Block Grant funding to consider the replacement of the Rickets Center Roof at a cost of $200,000. Mr. Flanders added that as part of the amended agreement with the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, the Borough is required to repair the roof by 2016. PDIDA APPOINTMENT Ms. Dugan advised that this is actually a correction from last month. That individual’s appointment had not yet expired and requested that Burke Meyers be reappointed. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT Manager Flanders referred to the request of Barry Beasley to be appointed to the Planning Commission. He noted that Andrew Kefer chose not to be reappointed. These appointments will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. LETTER TO POTTSTOWN BOROUGH AUTHORITY President Toroney requested that a letter of gratitude be listed for authorization to the Pottstown Borough Authority for it contribution to the new Public Works Facility. February 4, 2015 ZONING Solicitor Garner referred to the application of Sonoco Paperboard Group, seeking a variance to repair the building at 10 Quinter Street with something other than brick. Councilor Kulp suggested that it be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board for determination. SLY FOX ROAD RUNNING RACE – MAY 30, 2015 STOP THE DRUGS/STOP THE VIOLENCE CRUSADE – WAIVER OF FEES CLASSICS CAR CLUB – 2015- SHOW SCHEDULE CAROUSEL OF FLAVOR – ROAD CLOSURE & BEER GARDEN Mr. Flanders reviewed the various requests for upcoming events, resulting in the closure of streets and approvals for beer gardens. These events will also coordinate with the Bicentennial celebrations. These will be listed for approval on Monday evening. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the application for a HARB Certificates of Appropriateness for the following properties: a. 935 High Street – for construction of patio cover b. 163 North Charlotte Street – to enlarge garage doors, replace trusses and roof c. 1033 East High Street – for placement of business sign He also explained the request to ratify the action of the Building Permit Officer for the property located at 990 East High Street for replacement of sign. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Doug Breidenbach, 1800 East High Street – spoke as the Attorney representing the Phillies Fire Company. Attorney Breidenbach reiterated the concerns of the Phillies asking why it is now that the consolidation takes place. He also highlighted the accomplishments and achievements of the Company and its volunteers. Mr. Breidenbach also noted that specific answers have yet to be received and urged Council to reconsider the consolidation matter. b. Deb Penrod, 215 Amanda Smith Drive – reminded all of the Montgomery County Housing and Community Development services meeting scheduled for February 24 and March 10 at the Montgomery County Community College, to discuss the County’s five-year plan on the Housing and Urban Development funds. c. Mary-Beth Bacalloa, 1201 Cherry Street – commented on the Higher Ground International proposal, noting that this project is in close proximity to the Rupert Elementary School and requested additional information and a copy of the presentation made this evening. February 4, 2015 COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Miller reminded all of the fifth annual Pet Fair scheduled for September 19th and the Pet Adoption day scheduled for May 16th. She also provided statistics on the cost of 2014 pet industry expenditures for the United States. Councilor Kirkland reminded all of the recent passing of Newstell Marable. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Toroney recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:30 p.m. for one item of potential litigation. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager