Council Committee of the Whole

July 5, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The July 5, 2017 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:18 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 (arrived at 7:15pm), Sheryl Miller, Dennis Arms and Dan Weand. Also present were Assistant Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Sharon Valentine -Thomas and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Manager Flanders and Councilors Kulp, Paez and Kirkland were absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG PRESENTATION – Swearing In – Officer Timothy Coffland Mayor Thomas, along with Chief Drumheller and Captain Thomas, swore in newly appointed Officer Timothy Coffland in the presence of his wife and fellow officers. Chief Drumheller commented that Officer Coffland scored first in his training class. PRESENTATION – GoFourth Festival, July 3rd & 4th Mr. Tellis of PCTV provided a brief video of the Independence Day parade and the festivities throughout the Borough on July 3rd & 4th. President Weand commended Bill and Sue Krause as this year’s Grand Marshalls of the Parade. President Weand also noted that an advertised Conditional Use Hearing, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this evening, has been withdrawn by the applicant. PRESENTATION – MS4 Application to Conservation District, Tom Weld Tom Weld, BCM Engineers, provided the Pollutant Reduction Plan Total Maximum Daily Load Plan and NPDES General Permit application regarding the Stormwater requirement of the Federal Clean Water Act for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Program. Mr. Weld explained that the new General permit period is from August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2018. He also outlined the streams that will be addressed in the study, namely the unnamed tributaries to the Manatawny Creek, which are known as Goose Run, Airy Street Chamber and Fourth Street Water Quality Chamber. Mr. Weld advised that the estimated cost for the project is $162,000 for Construction and Engineering, with consideration of a potential grant of $140,000. Pottstown Borough’s current permit expires on July 31, 2018 and the Borough is required to apply for a July 5, 2017 renewal of the existing permit. Mr. Weld added that this permit renewal must be submitted prior to the existing permit expiry and the PA DEP has set a date of September 16, 2017. Mr. Weld provided the draft summary to be posted on the website and to be available for public comment until August 6, 2017. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – There was no report. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Mr. Keller provided an update on the Walk/Bike Construction project, noting that the bid protest with no appeal and all phases will be moving forward with all phases of the Walk/Bike project. He added that a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for July 13th. Mr. Keller also provided updates on the Laurel Street Flooding mitigation plan to be coordinated with the Schuylkill River Trail. He commended all involved with the Pottstown Rumble and the GoFourth Festivities. Mr. Keller reported that the Bureau of Aviation awarded the engineering grant for repaving of the T-Hangar Taxiway and East Apron project in the amount of $158,000. c. Transportation – There was no report. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – The minutes were provided in the packets. e. Pottstown School Board – Mr. Williams noted that there is minimal activity during the summer months. f. Library – Mr. Green thanked all for purchasing the duck race tickets. He also provided information on new summer programs. Mr. Green reported on the Schuylkill Highland grant in the amount of $7,500 with a local match of $7,500 for a total of $15,000 for landscaping and water runoff issues. g. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal reported that the majority of the meeting consisted of discussing the zoning amendment for murals, which is listed on the agenda. h. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller advised that Governor Wolf signed HB 1238, which offers greater protection for animals and increases penalties for the abuse of animals and also updates and clarifies the statute. i. Safety – Chief Drumheller advised that the July 4th activities were unremarkable for the Police Department. He also reported on the second meeting of the Parking Committee, noting that there will be a recommendation for Council to consider. Presently the Committee is working on signage for the parking lots. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas advised that the Independence Day festivities were peaceful and uneventful. She noted she received one complaint regarding a business in the 400 block of High Street and the timing of the parade and will be following-up with the complainant. The Mayor July 5, 2017 recommended that Staff takes an overall look at the cleanliness and presentation of the Borough during events. Mayor Thomas also suggested the extension of the PDIDA District to include the West Pottsgrove border on High Street to the Hospital and have all considered as the downtown. MANAGER’S REPORT Assistant Manager Keller reported that the Borough Authority’s Water and Sewer Main Replacement project is ahead of schedule with final paving in the fall. He added that the Closed Loop projects are progressing smoothly, with the installation of black signal poles and fiber optic cables. Mr. Keller noted that the guiderails on Industrial Highway are awaiting approval to cross the Norfolk Southern easement before beginning final paving. He also reviewed the upcoming vacancies listed on the agenda. WYNCOTE FOUNDATION GRANT Chief Drumheller requested approval for submission of the Wyncote Grant in the amount of $60,000 to be used for cameras, smart boards for detectives and a new server to enhance the changing technology. CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – WALK/BIKE PROJECT Mr. Keller explained the proposal of Traffic Planning & Design to attend pre-bid meeting and assist in any concerns of the construction related issues during the Walk/Bike Project. The cost is not to exceed $30,000. BID AWARDS Mr. Yerger reviewed the bid tabulations for street painting, paving, manholes and televising projects, which were opened on this date, July 5th. He added that recommendations will be provided prior to Monday’s meeting. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT –MURALS Solicitor Garner reviewed the proposed amendment to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance related to murals. He added that the Ad Hoc Zoning Committee has recommended the changes to the ordinance as per the outline and requested that he be authorized to prepare and advertise a public hearing and the ordinance. After a brief discussion among Council, it was determined to list on the regular agenda. CCLU MURAL REQUEST Ms. Alesia Snyder was present and explained the request of the CCLU to mount a mural on either the Carousel building or the former Borough Garage site, both owned by the Borough. July 5, 2017 Solicitor Garner confirmed that the proposed ordinance requires some type of maintenance agreement. President Weand advised that this would be listed for discussion on Monday’s agenda. BOARD VACANCIES Mr. Keller reviewed the board vacancies, advising that a request from John Armato was received to be reappointed to the Civil Service Commission. These will be listed for discussion on Monday’s agenda. HARB Mr. Keller reviewed the recommendations from HARB as follows: a. 61 North Franklin Street – to erect a wooden shed b. 61 North Franklin Street – for columns and porch rails c. 61 North Franklin Street – for new dormers d. 18 South Charlotte Street – for new business sign e. 20 North Charlotte Street – to replace picture window f. 60 North Hanover Street – to install shed Mr. Keller also requested approval of the Administratively Approved applications for the following properties: a. 261 Chestnut Street – to replace and repair stockade fence b. 715 High Street – to replace porch boards COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Jay Templin, 1252 North Evans Street – provided statistics in opposition of the proposed open burning ordinance regulations. He advised that he has done research and found the danger to inhaling noxious smoke and fumes. b. Michele Chayson, 1252 North Evans Street – reiterated Mr. Templin’s concerns adding that surrounding townships and boroughs keep their no fire burning ordinance in place to secure the safety of constituents. She added that wood smoke is chemically active in the body 40 times longer than tobacco smoke. c. Lisa Muller, 12 East 5th Street – spoke on the successful Montgomery County Studio Tour and Arts Festival/Arts Walk and provided the statistics on the event. She commended all involved with the event. Ms. Muller also urged support of the mural ordinance. d. Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – thanked all involved with the Independence Day festivities and the GoFourth event. He also apologized for the inappropriate music and language that occurred in the Park during the laser show preparations. Mr. Williams noted the importance of having Independence Day festivities in the Borough of Pottstown. July 5, 2017 COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Arms commented that the parade and the weekend free and low cost festivities were great and very successful. He also congratulated Angelique Olvera as being crowned, Queen of the July 4th festival. Vice President Miller expressed a concern regarding the trash and debris in the 400 block of High Street. She noted that this should be inspected each week, not just during an event. Vice President Miller also thanked Mr. Tellis for filming the festival and noted that the July edition of the Borough Buzz is also available. Mayor Thomas recommended that the Independence Day Limited and the GoFourth Festival Committee join endeavors and support and share utilities for future events. Vice President Miller confirmed that Independence Day limited is not the GoFourth Committee. President Weand also thanked all for the successful weekend events and again praised Mr. & Mrs. Krause for all they do for the community. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on motion by President Weand. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager