Council Committee of the Whole

March 8, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING 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. ADD-ON’S President Weand announced that a consultant selection for the Safe Routes to School will be considered on the agenda, along with appointments to the Planning Commission. He also provided job statistics for employment in the Borough as follows: 2015 - 10,440 employees and in 2016 - 11,716. PRESENTATION – SHAILA ADLURA, CUISINE INDIA, 232 KING STREET Shaila Adlura, owner of the new Cuisine India Restaurant, commended the Borough for its cooperation and assistance in the opening of her new facility. She noted that she serves on several area boards and feels at home in Pottstown. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp advised that bridges were a topic of discussion, along with the Airport’s 12-year plan. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Justin Keller provided an update on the status of the grants. He also advised that an application will be submitted with the CDBG for repairs to the Ricketts Center Roof. Mr. Keller noted that the King Street pedestrian crossing grant has been submitted. He also announced that donations to the camera system project may be submitted through the Borough’s website and provided information on the PART bus drivers’ appreciation day. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp noted there was no meeting. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Kirkland referred to the report distributed and advised that there will be a Big Brothers/Big Sisters luncheon on March 14th. e. Pottstown School Board – Ron Williams was present and provided a brief update of March 8, 2017 events and the Superintendent search and advised that Staff is moving forward with the nature of legislative events in Harrisburg. f. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal advised that he is reviewing the sign ordinance with Mr. Keller. g. Ad hoc Animal – Councilor Miller reported that New Hanover, North Coventry Townships and Collegeville Borough have signed up for the Kennel. h. Safety – Chief Drumheller reported that no speeding issues were found on Beechwood Avenue as reported by a resident last month. He added that he continues to meet with the School District on several issues and also discussed the School Resource Officer program. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas reported on her seminar in Southfield, Michigan with Mayor Kenson Siver regarding common interests and shared Police Department coins and faith based initiatives. Mayor Thomas wished all a Happy Women’s Day, acknowledging wage disparities in various systems. Mayor Thomas also advised that she attended Acceleration PA regarding turbo semesters and obtaining MBA’s, along with a performance at the Pottstown High School, Little Shop of Horrors. The Mayor also provided a disclaimer regarding the petition of raising money for the recently deceased young man on Route 100. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders advised that since the merger of the District Courts at the adjacent train station building, owner Chris Aita expressed his appreciation to Council for its assistance in moving the project forward. Mr. Flanders also announced a vendor appreciation night scheduled for May 11th at the Carousel to acknowledge new investors in the Borough. Mr. Flanders also announced the quality of life improvement program between the Police Department and the Licensing & Inspections Department. Chief Drumheller added that the effort is to make personal contact with residents and will systematically cover the six zones, from April through September. PROCLAMATION – PA SAFE DIGGING MONTH Mayor Thomas presented a proclamation to be forwarded to PECO acknowledging April 2017 as "Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month." PRESENTATION – MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACILITY Jon Cohn, COO of Agri-Kind/Keystone Medical Cannabis LLC, was present and explained the request for Council’s support to establish a grow and processing facility for a medical marijuana at the property located at 740 Queen Street. Mr. Cohn provided a brief background on the Company and the Staff with a history in Chester County and explained the March 8, 2017 merger of Agri-Kind and Keystone and the decision to make application for a facility in the Borough of Pottstown. He also highlighted the State’s permit application process. Mr. Cohn advised that if approved, the plant would hire 20-30 employees with salaries ranging from $25,000 to 110,000 and property values would increase with the establishment of the Queen Street facility. Scott Zukin, Zukin Real Estate, also provided the background of his family business and the benefits of the proposed facility for a community based business. He added that the Company would be willing to assist with the anti-crime street camera project. After a brief discussion among Council, President Weand noted that the request for a letter of support will be listed on Monday’s agenda. RESOLUTION – EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2017 Mr. Flanders explained the requirement to update and approve the Emergency Management Plan every two years. ORDINANCE TO APPROVE RESTATED POLICE PENSION PLAN Solicitor Garner noted that in 2015 there was a revision to the Police Pension Plan Document and the auditors have suggested that the plan be adopted through an ordinance, not just by a motion. The ordinance has been advertised and ready for adoption. These matters will be listed for action on Monday’s agenda. POLICY – DELINQUENT UTILITY ACCOUNTS Vice President Miller referred to the policies distributed to Council and noted that the current notices being sent out are not in line with the adopted policies. She added that the Authority is working on correcting this matter. Councilor Miller also addressed the 10%, one-day late fee, which she feels is extremely high and would like a significant reduction in the late fee. After a brief discussion among Council, President Weand directed Staff to provide clarification and address the 10% late fee. SALE OF BOROUGH EQUIPMENT (OPENING MARCH 10) Mr. Flanders referred to the list of equipment to be sold and advised that the bid is due to open on March 10th and will have recommendations for Monday’s meeting. Solicitor Garner noted that the March 10th date is when the bids will be opened publicly. He added that the Borough has the right to refuse or reject the bids and bid at another time and it is the market that sets the value. March 8, 2017 ALL AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY – JUNE 17, 2017 CHALLENGE KIDS SOAP BOX DERBY – JUNE 24, 2017 SCHUYLKILL RIVER SOJOURN – JUNE 7, 2017 Manager Flanders referred to the request of the AMBUCS for the closure of streets for its events and the Sojourn’s request for the use of the Riverfront Park. These requests will be listed on the regular agenda. PCTV CONTRACT Mr. Flanders explained the request of Gus Tellis, Tellisvision, that he is in the process of negotiating agreement with a large advertiser and is requesting his agreement with the Borough be extended. PROPOSAL TO LEVY SECTION 8 LANDLORDS FOR DELINQUENT TAXES Mr. Flanders explained the proposed HB 614, associated with Protecting Schools from Tax Delinquent Act of 2017, giving the boroughs and school districts additional leverage in collecting delinquent taxes and requested that a letter of support be approved. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the recommendations from HARB as follows: a. 118 King Street – Deny – window on first floor already replaced b. 58, 60, 62 & 64 King Street – for roof replacements c. 232 King Street – replace windows (Administrative Approved) Vice President Miller requested information on HARB, regarding what materials are allowed to replace in kind as per the original design and materials of the building. Manager Flanders commented that the materials will be different but the appearance will be similar. ADD-ONS President Weand advised that two vacancies exist on the Planning Commission and he will be asking to be reappointed. President Weand also noted that a consultant selection recommendation for the Safe Routes to School project will be listed on the agenda. Mr. Keller noted that he is working with PennDOT for a crossing solution at Shoemaker Road and Route 100. March 8, 2017 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Darlene Bainbridge, 548 Farmington Avenue – spoke on behalf of the Grapevine Text notification project for upcoming events throughout the Borough. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Paez advised that an Immigration Forum is scheduled for March 22nd at the CCLU location. Councilor Arms commented that it may be time for Council to eliminate the ward system. Councilor Kulp expressed a concern regarding the recent tragedy on Route 100 and the dangerous intersection and questioned how it can be resolved. Vice President Miller reminded members of the Human Relations Commission that meetings are to be held at Borough Hall. She added that she understands that there are cooperative relationships with the CCLU and the NAACP but they need to remain separate and distinct organizations. Vice President Miller requested that Councilor Paez provide a copy of the Human Relations Commission by-laws. Vice President Miller announced the Pottstown Branch of the NAACP will hold an inaugural luncheon scheduled for April 1st at Sunnybrook. President Weand commended the new Cuisine India restaurant for investing in Pottstown. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:55 p.m. for three items of personnel. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager