Council Committee of the Whole

February 8, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING 6:30 P.M. - CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – Nicholas Vernachio, 1467 East High Street, (Dairy Queen) Solicitor Garner opened a Conditional Use Hearing and entered several items as Council Exhibits. Nicholas Vernachio and Donald Mace were sworn in to testify as the applicants. Mr. Vernachio testified that he is seeking permission to change the existing sign to an electronic sign with no change in the size. He also requested that the timing be changed to 15 seconds from the minimum of 30 seconds and also to allow the sign to begin messaging 30 minutes prior to opening and 30 minutes after closing. Mr. Vernachio offered to post any notices for the Borough as well. There were no public comments and the hearing closed at 6:45 P.M. The February 8, 2017 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, Rita Paez and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Manager Mark Flanders, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Sharon Valentine -Thomas and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand announced that an executive session was held prior to the meeting for an item of collective bargaining. PRESENTATION - POTTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS President Weand advised that he would like to begin the meetings with positive ventures throughout the Borough and introduced members of the Pottstown Senior High School. Andrew Bachman, Engineering Technology Instructor, introduced members of the senior class participating in the Program as Jireh Byas, Julian Rulli, Lucas Wingard and Dereck Paskings and each made a brief statement concerning their opportunities and goals. There was also a brief introduction to the group’s hovercraft. February 8, 2017 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp reported on the project of the Riverfront Park Bridge embankment and the grant submitted for the project. She also noted that the Moser Road and Evans Street bridges are in need of repair and may be done through Liquid Fuel funds. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Mr. Flanders noted he would review in his report. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that there was no meeting. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Kirkland referred to the report distributed. e. Pottstown School Board – Mr. Heidel was present and provided an outline of upcoming events and also noted that 75% of the class of 2017 have received college acceptances. Mr. Heidel added that the Save the Lights campaign now stands at $216,000. f. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal advised that there was no meeting in January but will meet in February. g. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller advised that there was no meeting. h. Safety – Chief Drumheller reported on the camera project, noting that a concern may be the full trees interfering with the cameras. He also advised that arrests were made regarding a major straw gun purchasing operation with the assistance of the District Attorney’s office and surrounding Police Departments. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas reported that within the last year, there has been a 14% reduction in crimes. She commented that this should be an appeal through the faith based community for a trend of praying for this community. Mayor Thomas also acknowledged the accomplishments of a deceased member of the community, Winston Kelly, with a Trailblazer and Life Long Resident Award. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders announced a street/road program being initiated through the Licensing & Inspections Department in an effort to keep the town clean. Mr. Flanders also reported that on- line payments are being accepted for permits saving the applicant trips to Borough Hall. Mr. Flanders also advised that he continues to work with the County regarding its concerns with LERTA program. He also reminded all of the next Joint School Board meeting scheduled for February 21st at the Administration Building and the Hall will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day, February 20th. February 8, 2017 PRESENTATION – WELCOME SIGNS & BANNERS Marie Haigh, President of Pottstown Arts, Audra Ross and Patty Kline and son Max were present to introduce a project to beautify Pottstown and install welcome signs at the King Street gateway. Ms. Haigh explained that the project is to hang banners and paint the concrete barriers at the America’s Best Inn with permission already granted by owner Nick Padhiar. President Weand advised that this would be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. PORTNOFF AGREEMENT Solicitor Garner referred to the draft agreement to allow Portnoff to collect Borough delinquent accounts. ORDINANCE – LEGAL SERVICES COLLECTION DELINQUENT TAXES Solicitor Garner also explained the need to adopt an ordinance to assess legal fees against delinquent tax payers and also for credit card payments. Due to advertising requirements, this will be ready for adoption at the Joint School Board meeting. RESOLUTION – POLICE PENSION PLAN Solicitor Garner explained the request of the auditors to address Act 44, referring to consultants and the RFQ process for Police and Non-Uniform Pension Plan financial advisors to eliminate any conflict of interest in that role. RESOLUTION – DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS Solicitor Garner noted that this is an annual action taken to comply with the Destruction Manual of 2008 and referred to the exhibit of items to be destroyed. RESOLUTION – KING STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING Mr. Keller explained Staff’s request to apply to Montgomery County to install a pedestrian crossing at King Street near Memorial Park to accommodate the pedestrian traffic in the TRec District. The construction funding is approximately $80,000 and will include two ADA ramps, painting and a protected concrete median and will be coordinated with the King Street Bridge replacement project. The ordinances and resolutions will be listed for action on Monday’s agenda. ROYER PROPERTY – BURDAN DRIVE/LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT Joe Voytilla, Burdan Drive, was present to explain his request to obtain a portion of property owned by Galen Royer. The size of the parcel is approximately .69 acres and would increase the Voytilla property to 1.326 acres. February 8, 2017 Solicitor Garner added that it is simply a lot line adjustment and has been recommended by the Planning Commission. This will be listed on the regular agenda. FIRE COMPANY & EMS VOLUNTEERS – TAX DISCOUNTS Mr. Flanders referred to House Bill 1683 offering tax discounts for Fire Fighters and Emergency Management volunteers. He requested authorization for Staff to proceed with investigating these incentives. Solicitor Garner added that Council has no authority over the school taxes, only the Borough’s. POTTSTOWN RUMBLE BEER TENT Mr. Flanders referred to the request of the Pottstown Rumble to hold its annual beer tent during the June 23rd, June 24th and June 25th event. Goodwill will be sponsoring the event liquor license on the Rumble’s behalf. NOSTALGIA NIGHTS/CAR SHOWS 2017 Mr. Flanders requested approval of the 2017 Pottstown Classics Car Shows as outlined. These events will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. BOARD APPOINTMENTS Mr. Flanders reviewed the requests for appointments to the Human Relations Commission and the Planning Commission. He referred to letters of interest and requested they be considered on Monday evening. Councilor Paez advised that the Commission will have a recommendation for Monday evening. HARB – Deny 118 King Street Mr. Flanders advised that HARB is recommending to deny the application of Joel Benson, 118 King Street for installing a non-compliant window. Vice President Miller questioned if HARB allows replacement materials for aesthetic reasons. Mr. Flanders agreed to provide an answer to Council. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. February 8, 2017 COUNCILORS’ GOALS 2017 Councilor Kirkland commented that he would like to see more development around Pottstown and recommended contact with chain stores, which he could also accomplish himself. Manager Flanders noted that this is a task being done by PAID. Councilor Paez would like to see more diversity. Councilor Arms noted that his 2016 goal was not specific and his goal for 2017 is to increase Library funding by $10,000. Councilor Procsal commented that he is recommending an increase in home ownership and quality aesthetics and commended the Adopt the Road program. Councilor Kulp requested better communication throughout the Borough. Vice President Miller commented that her 2016 goal was to increase homeownership Borough-wide but as of this date there are eight less owner occupied dwellings than in 2015. Councilor Miller noted that she will continue that goal with upcoming programs such as Land Banking and the Firefighters’ incentives. President Weand reiterated his request to increase jobs by 100 new family-sustaining jobs. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand confirmed that an executive session was held prior to the regular meeting for a collective bargaining matter. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Vice President Miller announced that the Fire Fighters sessions will be aired on PCTV. She added that Genesis Housing will be offering free classes in March for prospective homeowners. She also requested that Council authorize the Borough Authority to review its policy regarding Authority billing. She noted that the Authority Chairman has agreed to review the wording of the policy. Vice President Miller also advised that there is a proposal for a new dryer and renovations for the Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of approximately $3.4 million and suggested that the Council President assign a Council member to the serve on the Authority’s capital projects committee. Councilor Arms advised that he has recently received several complaints regarding illegal dumping and requested these matters get reported when viewed. He also expressed a concern regarding the $28,000 in penalties forgiven to a landlord and requested that agents and property managers be required to acquire a yearly license from the Borough and establish qualifications. February 8, 2017 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager