Council Committee of the Whole

November 9, 2016 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The November 9, 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 Ryan Procsal, Carol Kulp, Sheryl Miller, Dennis Arms, Dan Weand, and Rita Paez. Also present were Manager Mark Flanders, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Sharon Valentine -Thomas and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kirkland was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. LERTA AWARD President Weand presented the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 Economic Impact Award that was awarded to Pottstown Borough Council for its efforts in establishing a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance District in the Borough. A similar plaque was presented to the School District. President Weand commended the ad hoc committee consisting of Vice President Sheryl Miller, Councilor Dennis Arms and School Board members Polly Weand and Ron Williams. CITIZENS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Ms. Kourtney High, Grants Assistant and Director of the second Citizens Leadership Academy presented certificates to the following graduates: Darlene Bainbridge, Todd Bainbridge, Ross Belovich, Laura Groth, Brooke Kissinger, Alexandra Knight, Diane Krumm, Carol Kulp, Ian Lawrence, Lisa Muller, Paul Pawlaczyk, Tabatha Smith, Debra Swahl. James Swahl was absent. Ms. High added that the next Leadership Academy will be conducted in spring 2017. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp provided an outline of the October 20th Infrastructure meeting, reporting that the landlord project is on course, the Parks and Recreation continues with ongoing maintenance of the parks, including addressing the dead ash trees. Councilor Kulp reported that the new Regional Recreational Director, Michael Lane, has taken the position as of October 26th. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – there was no report. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that the report would be provided for the regular agenda. November 9, 2016 d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Paez noted that it has been difficult getting reports. e. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. f. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal advised that there was no meeting. g. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller advised that the committee is making a recommendation to issue an RFP for an Animal Control Officer, which has not been done in eleven years. She also reported that Towamincin Township opted out of the kennel use. h. Safety – Chief Drumheller urged Councilors to report any speeding issued in their wards in order to generate a traffic study. He also reported that the Coffee with Cops and the Picnic with Police at the Chestnut Street Park were successful events. Chief Drumheller advised that since the use of Narcan by the Police officers, fifteen lives have been saved. He added that the camera project is underway and should be completed by mid-December. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas provided statistics for September, noting that low incidents were reported in the fifth and seventh wards. The Mayor advised that she attended a November 7th meeting hosted by Montgomery County regarding the use and distribution of Narcan kits, held at Borough Hall. Mayor Thomas reiterated her concerns regarding underfunded school districts and the Equity First initiative. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders advised that he will be meeting with the School District seeking their interest in the Land Banking initiative. He added that the Borough Authority has voted to participate and waive the appropriate fees under the Land Banking process. He will provide additional comments at the December meeting. Mr. Flanders also reported that the Employee Years of Service recognition will be presented at the November 14th meeting and reminded all that November 11th is Veterans Day and Borough Hall will be closed. PRESENTATION, REFINANCING BOROUGH BONDS Jamie Schlesinger, Director Public Financial Management, was present to explain the process of refinancing the only outstanding financing, which is a bank loan of 2012. He again explained the use of a Parameter Ordinance and reported to Council that the bond rating for the Borough has been achieved as a AA credit rating by Standard and Poor’s, which is just the rating for the Borough itself. Mr. Schlesinger noted that the use of a Parameter Ordinance allows PFM the flexibility to sell the bonds when the timing is most advantageous. Mr. Schlesinger explained the auction process of selling the bonds, which may occur on or around December 8th. He added that the debt will mature in approximately 15 years and noted that November 9, 2016 the principal amount of the ordinance will be $4.2 million, which will provide a savings of approximately $160,000. Mr. Schlesinger anticipated sale of the bonds on December 8, 2016. Solicitor Garner noted that the vote on the ordinance would require a roll-call vote. PRESENTATION – DAWN GULICK, 2016/2017 BIKE RACE Dawn Gulick was present to request authorization to proceed with plans for the 2017 Criterium Bike Race in the downtown. She provided statistics on the success of the 2016 event and provided a photograph booklet for review. Ms. Gulick advised that in 2017 a website will be established for the benefit of Borough residents and will also be working with the Valley Forge Sports and Tourism organization to promote the race. She also noted that the Criterium will be bonding with the half-marathon event for the same weekend, July 15 and July 16, 2017. Ms. Gulick also noted that the event is adding a corporate challenge to include a Borough Council and a Police Department team. Manager Flanders noted that the half-marathon event does not require any street closures. President Weand noted that this would be listed for approval on the regular agenda. PRESENTATION – WENDY EGOLF, SALVATION ARMY Wendy Egolf, Salvation Army, provided a presentation regarding the background and agendas of the Pottstown Works project to address the number of children living in economic disadvantaged circumstances in the Borough. She noted that the program was initiated by Dan Phillips, a single father of five children. Ms. Egolf provided information on the job market initiation and training for qualified individuals. She invited all to attend the next meeting to be held on December 7th at Connections on High and requested Council’s support on this initiative. PRESENTATION – THE HILL SCHOOL QUADRIVIUM Don Silverson, was present to provide an overview of the proposed land development plan for The Hill School, known as the Quadrivium. He advised that the three-story building will be used for sciences, including chemistry, engineering and biology. Mr. Silverson noted that the plan was presented to the Planning Commission earlier this year and will be requesting a few waivers from the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and requirements of open space. The building will be approximately 40,000 square feet of construction and a cost of $21 million. Mr. Silverson added that he has been in correspondence with the Manager and has come to an agreement of $7,500 for a fee in lieu of open space. Mr. Flanders confirmed this agreement and noted that the project would require approximately $300,000 in permit fees. Robin Rhoads, The Hill School, Construction Project Manager and Paul Schmoll, Civil Engineering Consultant were also present on behalf of The Hill School. November 9, 2016 PRESENTATION – BUDGET 2017 Janice Lee presented an overview of the 2017 budget. She noted that from the 8,500 parcels in the Borough, there are 326 tax exempt properties, that if taxed, would be an equivalent of $1.3 million. Ms. Lee also noted that the assessment for 2017 is the lowest since 1999. The budget as presented has a deficit of $269,225. Ms. Lee also advised that the increase in healthcare costs is at 7%. Manager Flanders provided information on certain positions and equipment originally requested in the budget, including a reduction of four police cars to two. The $250,000 payment for 2017 to the OPEB account will be postponed as well. Ms. Lee advised that in order to balance the budget, money would be taken from reserves, which is not an option for 2017. She also noted that the tax millage could be moved to the different funds. Ms. Lee suggested a 3.49% increase in real estate taxes, which would result in an increase of $29.68 on a home assessed at $85,000 or a $34.92 increase on a $100,000 assessed property. Solicitor Garner advised that the Borough Code allows for a cap of 30 mils. He also noted that special millages are allowed for certain rates typically up to.5 mils and preferred the term “shifting” not be used, but should be established or allocated. He also provided the notice requirements for the budget and tax ordinance. RESOLUTION – PECO GREEN – RIVERFRONT PARK Mr. Keller explained that the PECO Green grant would be used to construct a new pavilion at the Riverfront Park, adjacent to the parking area with the assistance and cash donation from the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The plan is to complete construction by the next summer season with the possibility of generating rental fees. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Mr. Place explained the proposed amendments of the Property Maintenance Code to address the plumbing code and concerns regarding licensed master plumbers and master electricians in order to reciprocate with other governing bodies. Other minor language and definition changes have been incorporated as well. Councilor Arms requested to view the original ordinance and additional time to review the proposed changes. President Weand noted that this would be provided in a timely manner. BID AWARDS - CHEMICALS Mr. Flanders advised that the bids were opened on this date and recommendations will be provided prior to Monday’s meeting. November 9, 2016 BID AWARDS – HIGHWAY MATERIALS Mr. Flanders reviewed the bid tabulations for the Highway Materials and maintenance and requested awards be listed for the regular agenda. VACANT POSITIONS President Weand referred to the applicants requesting to be appointed to the Construction Code Board of Appeals. He also noted that a letter of interest was received for a Human Relations Commission position and advised these would be considered on the regular agenda COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Jim Frymoyer, 100 Hillside Drive – reiterated his request for support for the annual Christmas party for underprivileged children to be held December 17th at the North End Fire Company. b. Deb Penrod, 215 Amanda Smith Drive – invited all to attend the Library Ribbon Cutting scheduled for December 1st and an open house on December 3rd. COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Arms commended all involved with the Narcan training and recommended it to all. Councilor Procsal thanked all that voted on November 8th and noted it was the largest turn- out since the Kennedy election. Vice President Miller requested that non-profits and organizations that are fund raising in the Borough provide more accountability. She also thanked Mayor Thomas for overseeing the services at her mother’s funeral. Vice President Miller announced that the next Borough Buzz will be filmed in the downtown and released at the end of the month. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 9:05 p.m. for one item of collective bargaining with no action expected. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager