Council Committee of the Whole

August 3, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The August 3, 2016 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Weand in the Council Meeting Room, Pottstown Borough Hall, and 100 East High Street, Pottstown, PA. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Carol Kulp, Sheryl Miller, Dennis Arms, Dan Weand, Rita Paez and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Manager Mark Flanders, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Sharon Valentine -Thomas and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Procsal was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp reported that the Closed Loop project was discussed and noted that the plumping is done at the Carousel building. She also reported that 603 Lincoln is in the process of being demolished with a new fence to be installed. Councilor Kulp also noted that Manatawny Green has a 30% increase in sales and the ash trees issue is being addressed at Riverfront Park. The Department is also seeking grant money for the abutment of the Riverfront Bridge and a new grinder pump was installed at the Spray Park. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Manager Flanders welcomed Tompkins- Vist Bank to its location at 258 East Street. He added that the adjusted budget will be provided for consideration and approval at Monday’s meeting. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that there was no meeting. . d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Paez noted that she requested a report from the Center for next month’s meeting. e. Pottstown School Board – Kurt Heidel reported that the search for a new superintendent will resume with a probable start date of October 2016. He also provided a staffing update and noted that the Family Advisory Committee will be working with Staff and the School Board. Mr. Heidel thanked President Weand and Vice President Miller for their efforts with the Junior Fire Fighters and also the Ad hoc LERTA committee for allowing the LERTA Resolution to be adopted. f. Ad hoc Zoning – President Weand reported that a zoning firm provided a presentation and the proposal for rewriting the zoning ordinance is being reviewed as the committee moves forward as need. g. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller noted that the next meeting is August 11th. August 3, 2016 h. Safety – Chief Drumheller cautioned all that the curfew sweeps for minors will be taking place. He added that seven saves have resulted in the use of Naloxone. The Chief announced that K-9 Naloxone kits are in, which were assembled and donated by the Department’s Veterinarian. Chief Flanders announced that during a meeting at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, a Civilian Citizen Award was presented to Nurse Daniel Tobin for assisting Officer Portock during a mental health issue resulting in an attack on the Officer. Mayor Thomas suggested a series of parent interventions with the household regarding curfew violators may be in order and a matter for discussion with social organizations. Chief Drumheller noted that ongoing preparations and warnings have been made regarding the curfew restrictions. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas commended the public forum recently conducted by School Board member, Emanuel Wilkerson. She also thanked all that participated with last evening’s National Night Out. Mayor Thomas also reported that she attended the Mayors’ Annual Conference and discussed HB2111 regarding the State’s budget. She requested support for Equity First, explaining the underfunding of schools in the State including Pottstown and Reading. The total amount of underfunded districts is $937 million. The Mayor urged all to visit the website equityfirst.org. Mayor Thomas also advised that there was a discussion on opiates and the increased number of deaths, due to overdoses. Mayor Thomas also advised that she attended the community launch for the Pottstown Trauma and Caring Community regarding adverse childhood experiences. She also provided statistics on Part I and Part II crimes, being theft, harassment, drug violations and public drunkenness, in that order. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders introduced new Assistant Borough Manager Justin Keller. He noted that Justin is the former Regional Planning Committee’s Circuit Rider and is a Borough resident with a successful history of grant writing, and zoning and planning experience. Mr. Flanders advised that the final change orders have closed for the new Public Works Facility building. The bad soil issues have been eliminated through the engineers and he will have overall and final costs by next month. He also reminded all of the 2nd Citizens Leadership Academy to begin on September 1st. PRESENTATION – DAN AARON, DANA CORPORATION Mr. Aaron, Plant Manager, provided a brief overview of the operations of Dana Corporation, South Keim Street, and confirmed that the facility is operating well with no intentions of moving or closing. He invited all to visit the $100 million operation. August 3, 2016 PRESENTATION – SAFETY CAMERAS, ADA BRIANNA RINGWOOD Assistant District Attorney Brianna Ringwood and Captain of the newly formed Community Prosecution Unit in Pottstown, presented the District Attorney’s initiative to provide security cameras in specific areas or “hot spots” in the Borough. She also introduced members of the team, ADA Richard Bradbury and ADA Heather Hines, Detective Lieutenant Marc Azeff and Director of Communications Kate Delano. Attorney Ringwood explained the process of the live monitoring 24/7 camera system, noting that it should include up to 36 cameras. She also announced the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office will be providing the initial 10 cameras for the pilot program, with a request for the Borough to budget dollars for the additional cameras in order to assist in the initiative of combatting and preventing criminal activity in the Borough. President Weand noted that this will be listed for approval on Monday evening. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Councilor Paez referred to the changes provided to Council and requested this matter be listed for approval on Monday evening. Solicitor Garner requested clarification on several changes and recommendations from difference Council members, such as the number of members, terms and the removal of members. After a brief discussion, Councilor Paez recommended having seven members and to be appointed by Borough Council. Vice President Miller suggested having commissioners from local areas, such as the adjacent townships, with the majority from the Borough. Councilor Arms recommended not using the word “investigation” and replace with “inquiry or intake.” Solicitor Garner agreed to rewrite the draft ordinance. BID AWARDS – MANHOLES VEHICLE SALES Mr. Yerger reviewed the bids received on July 28th for the Manhole frames and lids rehabilitation projects, with a recommendation of TLC as the responsive low bidder. Mr. Yerger also advised that the bids for the vehicles will be opened on August 8th and will have recommendations for the regular meeting. These will be listed for Monday’s agenda. August 3, 2016 804 FARMINGTON AVENUE – WAIVER OF LAND DEVELOPMENT Solicitor Garner explained the request of Recon-Properties for a waiver of a formal land development process in order to provide a 210 sq. ft. office facility on the property. He noted that the Planning Commission has recommended waiving the process and complying with the DEP recommendations and Engineer’s comments and to proceed with a building permit. President Weand noted that this would be listed on the agenda. ZONING – 332 NORTH CHARLOTTE STREET – EFFICIENT AUTO CENTER Solicitor Garner reviewed the request for a zoning variance to add one additional use to the car repair center, being the sale of one vehicle at a time. President Weand suggested having the applicant appear at the regular meeting for any questions that may arise. RESIGNATION/APPOINTMENT TO BLIGHTED PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE President Weand referred to the resignation of Councilor Arms from the Blighted Property Review Committee and recommended the appointment of Deb Penrod, as she is a member of the Planning Commission. APPOINTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL President Weand noted that the current member will be requesting a reappointment and noted that these will be listed for Monday’s agenda. HARB President Weand also reviewed the request to ratify action of the Building Permit Officer for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property located at 1016 East High Street. Manager Flanders noted that he will confirm the type of fence prior to Monday’s meeting. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Kulp commended all for their efforts with the National Night Out events. Vice President Miller thanked Evan Brandt for his recent article regarding social media and Facebook highlighting the pros and cons and advised that she also has a social media page but not available on it 24/7. She also commended Emanuel Wilkerson on the Pottstown Talks meeting and for the upcoming September meeting. August 3, 2016 Vice President Miller also discussed allowing murals outside of a conditional use application, which will be addressed in the Ad hoc Zoning Committee. She also welcomed Justin Keller as the new Assistant Borough Manager. Councilor Miller read a prepared statement on behalf of Councilor Procsal regarding the District Attorney’s surveillance camera system and commended the District Attorney’s office for this initiative. Mayor Thomas provided information on stolen guns and a fingerprint system that she received at the recent Mayors’ conference. She also commended the District Attorney’s office on the security camera system. The Mayor also urged tenants or residents in apartment complexes to contract her at 610-970-6587 for any quality of life issues they may have. President Weand thanked Mr. Aaron for providing information on Dana Corporation and requested a tour of the plant. He also expressed his appreciation to the District Attorney’s office for their efforts in combatting crime in the Borough. President Weand also noted that Mr. Wilkerson’s next meeting is September 19th and the topic is economics and Borough improvements. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned 8:25 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders, Borough Manager