Council Committee of the Whole

October 7, 2015 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The October 7, 2015 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice President Gery in the Council Meeting Room, Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 East High Street, Pottstown, PA. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Carol Kulp, Sheryl Miller, Dan Weand, Travis Gery and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Manager Mark Flanders, Assistant Manager Erica Batdorf, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Sharon Valentine -Thomas and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. President Toroney was absent. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Pastor Karen Sease, Pastor Grace Lutheran Church, Pottstown, PA. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Miller referred to the report was distributed. She advised that in spring 2016, water will be provided to the Bark Park and is seeking community partners. Councilor Miller also encouraged non-profits to partner with Manatawny Green. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Batdorf reported that the Borough is interested in applying for the Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee and DCNR mini-grant program. She added that no resolution or motion is required and will be applying for $25,000 for renovations and equipment to Pollock Park. Ms. Batdorf added that there is a 10% match. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp reported that discussion took place on the expansion at the Airport along with the construction update. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – There was no report. e. Pottstown School Board – Mr. Williams was present and advised that the walking school bus project will begin next week at the Rupert Elementary School. He added that PSAA scores have been redesigned by the Department of Education and will be addressed by the District. Mr. Williams also urged Council to express its objection to the tax exempt status request of the Cluster of Religious Communities for the property located at 61 North Franklin Street. Solicitor Garner advised that the intent of the Cluster’s use of the building is vague at this time. Vice President Gery noted that this matter would be listed for further discussion on the regular agenda. October 7, 2015 f. Ad hoc Zoning, Animal & Bicentennial Committees – Councilor Miller distributed draft language regarding an amendment to the criteria for Conditional use applications. Councilor Miller also referred to the proposed Animal Ordinance amendment. She noted that the barking time limits were a matter of discussion. She added that most of the items in the amendment are included in Title 18 of the Animal Cruelty section of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Councilor Kulp commended all involved in the Bicentennial events. She added that the items in the time capsule are being scanned and itemized by Mr. Lenhart. She added that the committee will be finalizing the display in the near future. FIRE DEPARTMENT CITIZEN SERVICE AWARDS Fire Chief Lengel reminded all of this being Fire Prevention Week, highlighting the preventative measures to eliminate house fire. He also noted that open burning is not permitted in the Borough. Chief Lengel also took the opportunity to honor Borough resident, Jeffrey Gerber, for his heroic actions on July 27, 2015 while working at the Turkey Hill on North Charlotte Street. Mr. Gerber witnessed a vehicle striking the gas pump at the store and immediately activated the emergency shut off to the pumps. Mr. Gerber prevented a serious incident from developing further. Chief Lengel presented a Citizen Service Award to Mr. Gerber. ANIMAL ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Solicitor Garner reviewed the proposed Animal Ordinance amendment and advised it is ready for advertisement. FIRE COMMITTEE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Mr. Flanders reviewed a proposed amendment to the Fire Ordinance as recommended by Chief Lengel. He referred to Section 268, regarding the Fire Committee. Chief Lengel is suggesting the change be made to have one vote for each company, not each member present having a vote, and with the Chief breaking a tie vote. Chief Lengel commented that this amendment would be similar to Council’s voting process as each Councilor has one vote representing its own ward. Councilor Miller questioned the voting process if two companies become one. Solicitor Garner commented that when and if that occurs, the ordinance would have to be addressed. RENAMING CROSS STREET Mr. Flanders provided a synopsis of the effects of renaming Cross Street in honor of Newstell Marable, Sr. He provided comments and concerns of the neighboring properties and advised of the notification requirements to the County offices, the Post Office and EMS centers. October 7, 2015 Mr. Flanders requested additional time to contact the remainder of the residents and to schedule a meeting with the Marable’s family and Bishop Debnam. BAGSTERS DISCUSSION Mr. Flanders advised that there is a fee for placing a bagster on the street but no regulations exist for placing bagsters on private properties. Solicitor Garner commented that several municipalities have been addressing bagsters on private property, such as the length of time and location of the bagster. Vice President Gery recommending forwarding this to the Safety Committee for review and comments. Councilor Miller noted that it may be difficult to regulate the location requirement for a bagster on properties. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the application for a HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for the property located at 61 North Franklin Street to replace broken windows and downspouts. Mr. Flanders also referred to the Administratively Approved application for the property at 800 East High Street to replace a stone retaining wall with stone on Madison Street and Apple Alley. These matters will be listed on the regular agenda. BUDGET Mr. Flanders noted that Finance has provided preliminary budget numbers. He advised that Draft #2 will be provided to Council on Tuesday evening. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Sheila Dugan, Main Street Manager, 17 North Hanover Street – provided an outline of upcoming events, including the Halloween Extravaganza, MiniGolf and fall festivities. She noted that the carriage rides will not occur during the holidays due to an illness of the horses. Ms. Dugan also provided a new pamphlet for the downtown, which will be distributed throughout town and on turnpike rest stops. She added that the Pottstown FARM project is progressing and urged all to view the Momentum newsletter. Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – advised that a few school boards intend to conduct a statewide effort to go to Harrisburg near the end of October to urge the legislators to pass a budget. He also noted that the date for items to be placed in the new time capsule has been extending to coincide with PDIDA holiday events. October 7, 2015 COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Weand questioned the monthly reports that were to be received from the fire companies as agreed upon. Mr. Flanders noted that he has not received a report as of this date. Council Miller advised that she attended the successful Pet Fair and Brew Fest and thanked all those involved for volunteering. Mayor Thomas commended PDIDA for its restaurant guide and upcoming events. She also praised the School District’s walking school bus initiative and also the Library staff for delivering greeting cards to the Police Department. Mr. Flanders reminded all of the October 12th Police Athletic League food fest. Vice President Gery commended the Police Department for its efforts during the recent drug arrests in town and the tremendous working relationship with other departments and the District Attorney’s office. He also thanked Boy Scouts, Troop 129 for its participation for the Memorial Park clean up following the Brew Fest. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned 8:00 p.m. Attested, Mark D. Flanders Borough Manager