Council Committee of the Whole

October 4, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The October 4, 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 reported on programs with Parks and Recreation, along with the Riverfront Park Pavilion project update. She also advised that the convenience store at High and Charlotte Streets closed and property transfers have increased. Councilor Kulp noted that several new stores and restaurants will be opening including an Aldi’s at the former Weis supermarket location. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Mr. Keller advised that there are no grant updates at this time. He added that there will be a closer on King Street from October 20th through October 23rd for the Norfolk Southern replacements. Mr. Keller also announced that a new portal for job applications has been launched through the Borough’s website. He added that the Schuylkill River Trail paving is completed and sidewalk replacement is ongoing through the Walk/Bike project. Mr. Keller advised that the Colebrookdale Preservation Trust has initiated a partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department for the station at Memorial Park. This could serve as a landmark in the Park, namely Memorial Park Steel River Station. Vice President Miller questioned if assistance would be provided for employment applications if one has no computer access. Mr. Keller confirmed that applicants would be provided assistance and directed to the free Library computer stations. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that there was no meeting. d. Ricketts Community Center/OBGC – Councilor Kirkland noted that the report was provided in the packets. e. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. October 4, 2017 f. Library – Deb Penrod was present in Mr. Green’s absence and provided a brief update on construction projects regarding drainage pipes at the Library. She also announced the creation of “Clara’s Garden” in front of the Library in honor of Clara Hoss’s 57 years at the Library. g. Ad hoc Zoning – There was no meeting. h. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller commented on the successful Pet Fair. i. Safety – Chief Drumheller confirmed that safety measures are in place for the October 7th Citadel Palooza and Hunter Hayes event in Memorial Park. He also noted that today’s Coffee with Cops event was well attended and security is in place for the upcoming Halloween Parade. Michael Lenhart, Director of Parks & Recreation, provided additional comments on the October 7th EMS production event, the Citadel Palooza with Hunter Hayes, noting that this will be a ticketed event scheduled from 1:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with additional artists and 1,800 expected attendees. Mr. Lenhart also reported on the successful Veterans Day event on September 23rd, with expectations of lighting for the World War II Memorial. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas reported that she attended the recent Ricketts Center event, which included several local churches. She also attended the Pet Fair, the Latino Festival, the Carousel and the Veterans Day event. The Mayor announced the annual PAL Food Festival scheduled for October 9th and also proclaimed October 31st, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. as Trick or Treat night in the Borough. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders announced that for the second year in a row, the Finance Department and Finance Director, Janice Lee, received the GFOA budget presentation award. He also announced that the Hough Associates performance grant application is in the amount of $48,381 for 2016, as a result of the Borough’s recycling of 3,378 tons of material. Manager Flanders also reported that the National Park Service has recognized the Borough as one of 45 communities in Pennsylvania with the designation as CLG, Certified Local Government, with a stated commitment to historic preservation. He also announced that the next Joint School Board and Council meeting is scheduled for November 30th, 7:00 p.m. at the Library. Mr. Flanders reminded all of the Columbus Day holiday, October 9th and the Hall will be closed. ZONING – VALENTI MID-ATLANTIC, 234 SHOEMAKER ROAD Solicitor Garner explained the zoning appeal request submitted by the owners of the Wendy’s town center. He noted that there are no new improvements being proposed but only a request to subdivide the lots. Solicitor Garner also advised that the zoning relief involves the lack of street frontage, open space requirements and Stormwater drainage. Councilor Arms requested that a letter of support be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board with conditions to install fencing and to address sidewalks in the area. October 4, 2017 ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS, MURALS Solicitor Garner referred to the public hearing held last month and recommended this be listed for the regular meeting. Mr. Keller added that a maintenance agreement has been prepared between the property owner, artist and the Borough, but not incorporated into the ordinance, as there may be several different options. LIGHT THE NIGHT CARNIVAL, OCTOBER 31, 2017 Mr. Flanders explained the request of the Victory Christian Life Center, to hold its fourth annual Light the Night Carnival, resulting in the closing of a portion of Washington Street. HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY – OCTOBER 31, 2017 Mr. Flanders also referred to the application of Janet Freedline, to hold a Halloween block party, resulting in the closing of a portion of Franklin Street. Councilor Arms requested that the applications be properly completed including the submission of residential petitions. President Weand advised that these would be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. BOARD VACANCIES Manager Flanders reviewed the open board positions, noting that a letter of resignation has been received from Ian Lawrence from the Human Relations Commission. He clarified the requirements for serving on the Human Relations Commission and requested that these be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. BOROUGH MANAGER VACANCY DISCUSSION President Weand confirmed the retirement of Manager Flanders and noted that it is Council’s task to fill the Manager’s position. He added that an outside search would be expensive and timely. President Weand added that he will be providing an email to Council with options for the replacement position and will be discussed at a later time. Vice President Miller commented that there is a need to employ a third party, professional company to conduct an objective critical analysis of the Borough organization, structure, operations, employment and salaries. She further suggested that this analysis should be done, prior to entertaining a search for a new Borough Manager. HARB Mr. Flanders reviewed the recommendations from HARB as follows: a. 1200 High Street – to replace existing signage b. 429 King Street – to install wood stockade fence October 4, 2017 Mr. Flanders also requested approval of the Administratively Approved applications for the following properties: a. 80 North Charlotte Street – to replace damaged and leaking roof b. 262 King Street – to replace damaged and leaking roof c. 1236 East High Street – to replace damaged and leaking roof d. 29 North Hanover Street – to replace wood windows e. 1120 East High Street – to replace damaged and leaking over hang/cornice materials f. 425 King Street – to replace damaged and leaking roof President Weand noted that these will be listed for approval on Tuesday’s agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Deb Penrod, 215 Amanda Smith Drive – spoke regarding the proposed mural ordiance, noting that she is in favor of the accountability and responsibility by individuals who initiate any such public activity, project or event. b. Sheila Dugan, 71 North Hanover Street – provided an outline of the upcoming October events, including the Haunts on High, the Arts Walk and the MiniGolf festivities. c. Lisa Muller, 12 East 5th Street –spoke in support of the new mural ordinance. She also recommended the option of a third party to bear the responsibility of maintaining the mural. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Arms commented that the property in question for the proposed welcome sign or mural has been a disgrace for years and the Borough has done nothing about it. Councilor Procsal commended the Veterans Day and Carousel events. He added that he will be speaking to Rupert School’s third grade class on October 13th. Councilor Kulp advised that she attended the successful Pet Fair, the Latino Festival and the Veterans Day events. She added that she would like to see additional marketing and advertising for events. Vice President Miller also attended the events throughout town. She commented on the budget’s $1.3 million shortfall, mostly attributed to engineering and legal fees. She noted that raising taxes should not be considered, but a need for the analysis of declining assessments and employment positions. Councilor Miller urged Council to not cut any emergency services. Vice President Miller advised that President Weand has asked her to resign from the Finance Committee. She added that as a home owner, Pottstown graduate and supporter of all entities of the town, she will be voting on the budget and will not resign from the Committee. Mayor Thomas announced that PAID launched a branding campaign, namely, “I Pick Pottstown.” She also recommended that the existing Assistant Borough Manager be promoted as October 4, 2017 an Interim Manager with the absence of an Assistant Borough Manager due to budgeting constraints. President Weant also noted that he attended the numerous events. He explained his thoughts on requesting Vice President Miller’s resignation from the Finance Committee as she will not be here for any ramifications in 2018. Vice President Miller commented that President Weand may not be here as well if he loses the election and suggested that President Weand resign from the Finance Committee immediately if he loses the election. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 7:55 p.m. for one time of personnel. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager