Council Committee of the Whole

September 6, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The September 6, 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, 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. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp noted that the report will be in Monday’s packets. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Mr. Keller reviewed the updated grant report. He noted that several new grants being considered are the DCED Keystone Grant, the Pennsylvania Housing & Affordability Grant, in coordination of Hobarts Run, PAID and PDIDA, which would require a five-year plan. Mr. Keller reported that the Laurel Street mitigation program is being finalized. He advised that Industrial Highway and Washington Street will be closed for approximately half a day on September 8th for completion. Mr. Keller also provided updates on the King Street Bridge, the replacement of Riverfront Park Bridge and upcoming September events. Vice President Miller questioned why Habitat for Humanity and Genesis Housing are not in consideration of the Pennsylvania Housing & Affordability Grant. Mr. Keller commented that they are eligible for the same funding, adding that depending on the parameters of the program, the grant would be Borough-wide, which is still to be determined. PRESENTATION – MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICE COMMENDATIONS Michelle Monzo, Forensic Diversion Intervention Education Specialist and John Fulford, System Development Specialist/Crisis Intervention, were present on behalf of CEO Willie Myers and explained the incident that occurred on January 6, 2017 in Limerick Township. Ms. Monzo commended the professionalism and expertise of the SWAT team and read and presented commendations to the following officers in diverting the crisis: September 6, 2017 Corporal Steven Morrissey, Officer Jeffrey Portock, Detective Mark Wickersham, Detective Heather Long, Corporal James O’Neil, Detective Brooke Fisher, Officer Jacob Ritter, Sergeant Mark Boyce, Officer Christopher Zahorchak and Chief F. Richard Drumheller. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that there is a meeting in September. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Kirkland referred to the minutes distributed, noting that the after-school program beings September 11th. e. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. f. Library – Arthur Green provided an update on the landscaping of the building for the water abatement of the Library. He advised that if completed in total the cost would be $235,000. The work will be divided into phases. Mr. Green also reminded all of Congressman Costello’s visits at the Library, scheduled for the first and third Thursday of the month, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. He agreed to provide program statistics to the Board as requested by Councilor Arms. g. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal reported that a walking inventory of the downtown was held last month and the committee continues to work on zoning for the downtown. h. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller reminded all of the September 16th Pet Fair in Memorial Park. She added that the Animal House project will be in attendance. i. Safety – Chief Drumheller reported that the camera project is approaching the one-year mark. He also advised that several cameras located on High Street will have to be relocated to accommodate the new lighting arms and is working with Public Works to finalize. In addition, two new cameras will be added to the system. Chief Drumheller advised that October 28th is national Take Back Drug Initiative Day and the Department will be working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. He also reported that in November, the Department will be hosting a “no-shave month” for a donation of $25 by participating officers in order to fund Christmas gifts for children. The Chief also urged all to drive safety as school has opened. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas commended all that participated in the community vigil regarding the violence in Charlottesville, which was coordinated by Jonathan Corson, President of the NAACP and CEO of the YWCA, Stacey Woodland. The Mayor also praised the SWAT team and the Borough’s police force. Mayor Thomas again announced the September 16th Night of Healing at the Ricketts Center and also a back to church Sunday scheduled for September 17th. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders announced the passing of former Councilor and Mayor Edmund Skarbek, who served at the Sixth Ward Councilor from 1973 to 1981, Council President from 1981-1985 and Mayor from 1985 to 1989. September 6, 2017 Mr. Flanders also provided an update on the Land Bank process, noting that he met with County officials and advised that they are supportive of the concept and are willing to assist. He added that there will be a meeting with the steering committee the ordiance should be ready for the December Council meeting. Mr. Flanders also announced the submission of the Edward Burne Justice Memorial Grant. Chief Drumheller advised that this grant is in the amount of $17,000 to be used for computers in police vehicles and quality of life enhancements with no local match. Manager Flanders requested Council’s consideration of a public hearing for Monday evening as required for the grant. Mr. Flanders reviewed the 2018 operating budget. He advised that the delta in the General Fund is $1.5 million. He attributed the loss to the continuing decrease in property assessments, the increased cost of business and services and the contractual personnel costs and obligations, particularly related to health care. Mr. Flanders advised that the proposed assessed valuation of the Borough is approximately $780 million. He added that Council will have the difficult task of reducing costs and services or raising taxes. Councilor Arms commented that this should not be a surprise, as it was stated in the Finance Director’s budget book, that if taxes were not raised, future budgets would be a disaster. PRESENTATION – VETERANS’ COMMUNITY DAY – SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 Cathy Paretti provided a presentation for the Community Day and the Veterans’ Island Project. She advised that the event will spearhead the Veterans’ Island project under the guidance of the Parks and Recreation Department. She provided an outline of the potential projects being undertaken and announced the entertainment, the sponsors and activities listed for the September 23rd event. Ms. Paretti also announced that honorees this year will be recently deceased Sandy Laghi, a former Pottstown Police Officer, Lawrence Betz, William Hurter and Joseph Howard. BASF – 860 CROSS STREET Robert DePiero, VanRock Properties, was present to provide an outline and update on transition of the property located at 860 Cross Street to the Borough to enhance Parks & Recreation projects. He noted that the main goal is to finalize the exact use of the property and can then finalize the documentation. Manager Flanders commented that Michael Lenhart, Director of Parks and Recreation, has been working with BASF in the remediation of the property and will provide more specific information in order for the Solicitor to prepare the agreement. Councilor Arms requested that the Environmental Advisory Council review and provide comments on this matter. September 6, 2017 BOROUGH AUDIT Bill Brezlawski, Maillie, LLC, was present to explain the Borough’s 2016 Audit and highlighted the report distributed. He noted that the Borough received an unqualified or clean opinion, which is the best opinion that can be received. Mr. Brezlawski also noted that the Borough previously adopted the Police Pension Plan provisions and this year for the Non-Uniform Pension Plans. Mr. Brezlawski reviewed the Management discussion and analysis. He noted that $900,000 of the General Fund deficit of $1.3 million, is attributed to assets that were budgeted and held by the General Fund for the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) for retirees. This was recommended by Maillie several years ago and completed in 2016. He also advised that under the Transportation/PART audit, there were no compliance or control issues in 2016. Mr. Brezlawski also reviewed the two letters summarizing the audit, indicating there were no management issues and eight out of the nine journal entries were related to establishing the Non-Union Pension Plan under the new guidance. He also noted that a recommendation to management is to adopt a formal Conflict of Interest policy for Council and employees as is also included the State Ethics Form. NORTH END FIRE COMPANY – RADIO OBLIGATION David Saylor, North End Fire Company, referred to the letter from Chief Ondik requesting consideration of a new plan to repay the radios and to submit a promissory note, with a start date of January 18, 2018. Mr. Flanders advised that the promissory note is still outstanding in the amount of $55,600. He noted that the North End Fire Company has been unable to meet the terms of the note but recognizes its obligation for the radios. Mr. Flanders advised that Staff is recommending approval of North End’s proposal. President Weand reiterated Council’s request to have each company provide a written or verbal report to Council each month. Chief Lessar agreed to contact each department regarding this request. RESOLUTIONS 2018 MMO Ms. Lee explained the annual requirement to inform Council of the Borough’s obligation for the pension funds, as calculated by the Actuary. These items will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. September 6, 2017 FÉTE EN BLANC – ALCOHOL IN SMITH FAMILY PLAZA Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director of PAID, requested Council’s authorization to permit alcohol in the Smith Family Plaza for the Fete en Blanc, on behalf of PAID, PDIDA and Hobart’s Run. She added there will be wine for sampling and sales, along with Sly Fox beer. Motion by Councilor Procsal, seconded by Councilor Kulp to approve the use of alcohol in Smith Family Plaza for the Fete en Blanc festival scheduled for September 8, 2017. President Weand opened a public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Hearing no comments, the hearing closed at 8:11 p.m. Motion carried: 7 ayes. EVENTS – STREET CLOSURES Mr. Flanders reviewed the following requests and recommended Council’s authorization and approval be listed on Monday’s agenda: Halloween Parade – October 24, 2017 Toss Your Turkey 5K – November 23, 2017 Funky Santa 5K – December 3, 3027 Independence Day Parade – July 4, 2018 Councilor Paez, along with Mayor Thomas, requested that the Independence Day request be postponed to invite other organizations a chance to participate. Solicitor Garner suggested that it be listed and voted upon at the regular meeting. BOARD VACANCIES Mr. Flanders reviewed the alternate position vacancy on the Codes Board of Appeals and the vacancy on the Human Relations Commission. Ms. Levengood noted that a recommendation will be forthcoming from the Commission after the September 12th meeting. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. COUNCILORS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Paez reminded all of the September 23rd Latino Festival in the Riverfront Park. Vice President Miller commented on the budget and requested no cuts be made to emergency services. A primary function of the municipality is safety protection of citizens. She also made a comparison to New Hanover Township, which paid for its own fire truck, to the September 6, 2017 Pottstown statistics, noting unemployment rates, poverty levels, owner occupied and senior citizen population. Vice President Miller also recommended exorbitant salaries and duplication of functions and recommended an outside independent analysis of employment and wages in the Borough. She also provided information on the Animal House project, being located at 1055 South Hanover Street, which can be reached at 484-558-0467 or animalhouseproject.org. Councilor Kulp outlined the upcoming events throughout the Borough. Councilor Procsal commended all involved in the vigil. Mayor Thomas announced the Night of Healing and the Community Communion event. President Weand congratulated the Pottstown Police force on its commendations this evening. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager