Council Committee of the Whole

May 3, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The May 3, 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 Minister Karen Leiberman, Bethel Community Church provided the invocation. PRESENTATION – LIFESAVING AWARD SERGEANT MICHAEL PONTO Chief Drumheller and Mayor Thomas presented Sergeant Michael Ponto with a lifesaving award for an incident that occurred in 2016 at East High and York Streets. PRESENTATION – POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2016 – OFFICER JEFFREY PORTOCK Chief Drumheller, Bishop Everett Debnam and Mayor Thomas presented K-9 Officer Jeffrey Portock and partner, Taz, with the 2016 Police Officer of the Year Award in the presence of his family and fellow officers. Mayor Thomas outlined several outstanding arrests credited to Officer Portock and his partner that occurred in 2016. PRESENTATION EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2016, LUIS COLON Manager Flanders presented Wastewater Treatment Operator, Luis Colon, with the first annual Exemplary Employee Service Award. Mr. Colon, along with six additional employees, was nominated through his peers and accepted the award in the presence of his family and co-workers. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp reported that the Parks & Recreation Department is continuing its effort for the Pollock Park. She added that the Mini Golf has opened, along with the new bike share facility. Councilor Kulp also noted that paving and the Moser Road bridge projects are underway. Councilor Arms commented on the condition of Wilson Street and requested that it be repaired correctly the first time. Manager Flanders explained the process of repairing the streets after sewer and water work is completed. May 3, 2017 b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Mr. Keller provided updates on the Schuylkill River Trail, the opening of Beech Street Loft apartments and the numerous May events. Michael Lenhart, Director of Parks & Recreation, was present and outlined the summer events, all of which are posted on the Parks & Recreation website page. c. Transportation –Councilor Kulp referred to the minutes distributed. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Kirkland noted that the Center will be hosting a summer camp. The cost is $35 or on an income-based determination. e. Pottstown School Board – Kurt Heidel reported on the various volunteer events. He added the District is offering $10,000 forgivable loans to teachers living in the Borough. He noted that graduation is scheduled for June 8th and the 2017-2018 calendar has been approved. Mr. Heidel also announced the appointment of Stephen Rodriguez as the Superintendent of the District. The next meeting of the Board is May 22nd. f. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal advised that the mural ordinance was a topic of discussion, along with downtown business zoning. g. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller reminded all of the regulations for animals in homes and urged residents to consider the spay and neuter alternatives for pets. h. Safety – Chief Drumheller noted that flashing signs have been posted on Industrial Highway and speed on Manatawny Street will be reduced for the safety of the children using the Spray Park. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas commented on the parking request of the Center for Allied Psychiatry & Psychology Services, noting that constituents waiting at the present location of 404 High Street, may be waiting at the bus stop or coming from the former First Methodist Church. She added that she also reviewed the spaces at the Shop and Park lot and urged Council to not endure a discriminatory aspect. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders confirmed that the request for a parking agreement for the Shop and Park Lot has been withdrawn by the requester. Mr. Flanders introduced the new Fire Chief, Michael Lessar, Jr. and provided the Chief’s background. Chief Lessar was present and commented that he looks forward to serving the community. Manager Flanders also advised that the next Joint School Board meeting is scheduled for June 20th, 7:00 p.m. with the location to be determined. He also reviewed the 2017 paving schedule being outlined with the Borough Authority’s sewer replacement projects, which should total 6-8 miles of roadways. Mr. Flanders also reviewed the outstanding and upcoming vacancies May 3, 2017 of the various boards and noted that May 15th is Police Officers’ Memorial Day and flags will fly at half-staff. PRESENTATION – ROCKWELL DEVELOPMENT GROUP, 300 CHERRY STREET Gregory Lingo, owner of Rockwell Development Group was present and provided the proposal to develop the former shirt factory building, 300 Cherry Street. The proposal included a $2 million acquisition for the development of the property into 28 condominiums and 2 single family detached town homes. Mr. Lingo also advised that he is in the process of having the building registered in the National Historic Registry. Mr. Lingo acknowledged that the zoning requirements for the two town homes and the condominiums on the first floor would require a conditional use hearing. Solicitor Garner confirmed that the conditional use requirements are not variance requests, but permitted uses under the ordinance. He added that no approvals are being sought at this time, only Council’s consensus of the project for the Developer to move forward. President Weand advised that the Developer should move forward in meeting with Staff for the redevelopment of the former shirt factory building. GO FOURTH EVENT Mr. Flanders explained the request of the Go Fourth Committee to conduct a beer garden during its July 3rd and July 4th events in Memorial Park. BID AWARD – STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT Mr. Keller reviewed the bids received for the storm drainage problem of South Washington Street and Industrial Highway, funded by the Community Development Block Grant program. He added that six bids were received with the low bidder being Doli Construction at $217,000 and requested that the award be listed on the agenda. These items will be listed on Monday’s agenda. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-MURALS Mr. Keller explained the Zoning Ordinance amendments as recommended by the Ad hoc Zoning Committee in an effort for artists to paint murals in the Borough, which would remove the requirement to go through the conditional use process. He also explained the proposed requirements regarding size and maintenance of the murals in order to protect the Borough and the property owner. PLUMBING CODE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Manager Flanders referred to the recommendations of the Borough Authority to make certain changes to its Standard Specifications regulations to allow for certain plumbing material to be facilitate work in the Borough. May 3, 2017 These amendments will be listed for discussion for the regular meeting. PLANNING – 383 CIRCLE OF PROGRESS Solicitor Garner reviewed the land development request of Daniel Helwig for property and parking additions to the property located at 383 Circle of Progress in order to establish a woodworking shop. The plan has been recommended by the Planning Commission. Mr. Helwig was present and explained the use of the building. This will be listed on Monday’s agenda. ABOLITION OF WARDS Solicitor Garner referred to his memorandum in response to Council’s inquiry regarding the concept of abolition the ward system and voting of councilors at large. He noted that a voting referendum would not be applicable to the Borough of Pottstown under Pennsylvania Law. He also advised that to increase the number of council members, the number of wards would have to decrease. Solicitor Garner added that the law is clear that the Mayor’s position in voting is limited to breaking tie votes and no additional powers could be given to the Mayor regarding voting powers. Councilor Procsal commented that a change in the system may be frustrating to the voters. Councilor Kulp added that she likes the system as it presently exists. Vice President Miller stated the she would be open to adding two at-large councilors. Councilor Arms suggested all at-large councilors and is open to two at-large members. Councilors Paez and Kirkland indicated negativity to any changes. Mayor Thomas preferred five wards and two at large. President Weand recommended tabling this at the present time. Councilor Arms questioned why Council directed the Solicitor to proceed with the investigation when it could have been stopped a few months ago and not expend the cost. RESOLUTION – DCED – CFA GRANT MEMORIAL PARK Mr. Keller explained the companion grant for Phase II of the renovations and playground equipment to the Splash Park in Memorial Park. This will be listed for approval on the agenda. May 3, 2017 BOARD VACANCIES Manager Flanders reviewed the open board positions on the Construction Code Board of Appeals and the Human Relations Commission and requested these be considered at the regular meeting. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the recommendations from HARB as follows: a. 80 North Charlotte Street – to install new roof b. 125 North Hanover Street – to fix gutters and replace wood sofits and cornices c. 238-240 High Street – to install stockade fence PHILADELPHIA STEAM FIRE COMPANY – REQUEST FOR SUPPORT/TRAINING President Weand advised that this has been withdrawn at the request of the applicant. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Marie Haigh, 35 West 8th Street – expressed concerns regarding the proposed regulations on the mural ordinance, including the $200 proposed fee and the requirement to sign an agreement. b. Sheila Dugan, 71 North Hanover Street – reviewed the upcoming events in the downtown, including the June 1st opening of the Farmers Market in the 200 block of High Street. c. Deb Penrod, 215 Amanda Smith Drive – commented on the proposed development of the 300 Cherry Street building, commending Mr. Lingo for his interest in Pottstown. Ms. Penrod requested that the issue of parking at the Hanover Square Development be a matter of consideration for the existing residents. d. Audra Ross, Pottstown Arts – requested that the Artists not be included in any agreement regarding the painting of murals and recommended that the agreement be between the property owner and the Borough only. e. Bronwyn DeMaso, 418 Highland Road – also spoke as a member of the Pottstown Arts Group and commented that the group is trying to make Pottstown more aesthetically appealing. f. Jim Derr, 343 Rosedale Drive – spoke in opposition of the abolition of the ward system, noting that each councilor knows his or her own ward. g. Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – reported that a trolley has been scheduled for the May 6th and May 7th weekend events. May 3, 2017 COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Arms recommended that the full agenda be posted on the website for the public’s reference and knowledge to keep the public informed in a timely manner. Vice President Miller agreed, noting that the general information and topics be available to the public. Solicitor Garner stated that any litigation, personnel or attorney/client privilege information should not be included unless the privilege is waived by Council. Vice President Miller reported on the successful Rock the Block event on April 15th. She also commented that people are driving too fast on Borough streets and requested that drivers slow down. Councilor Kulp commented that she has supported a clean-up of the property at King and Manatawny Streets for several years and questioned why the property owner has not yet done so. Mayor Thomas announced the June 25th, Pine Forge Academy Health-Fair in Smith Family Plaza, in conjunction with her office. She also requested that the parking agreement for the Park and Shop lot be returned to the agenda. President Weand introduced Peggy Lee-Clark, the new Executive Director of the Pottstown Area Industrial Development. He added that with all the events scheduled for the weekend, there should be no reason to leave town. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager