Council Committee of the Whole

December 6, 2017 CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – Patricia Pasley-Glover, 211 North York Street Solicitor Charles Garner opened a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on the Conditional Use Request of Patricia A. Pasley-Glover to utilize a portion of 211 North York Street as a resale variety shop, which is permitted by conditional use in the Traditional Town Neighborhood. The Solicitor entered several items into evidence. Ms. Pasley-Glover testified that her intent is to open a resale variety shop in Pottstown. She is a nurse by occupation and would like to give back to the community. The shop would be located on the first floor with no more than two employees. She added that she may be open 10 hours per day, Monday through Saturday and there would be no changes to the building. Ms. Pasley-Glover added that she will have an alarm and camera system to deter loitering around the building. Theresa Wausnock, 22 East 2nd Street – wanted to confirm that this is a legitimate business and not a nuisance store in the neighborhood. Sullivan Angelucci, West Chester, PA – testified as the owner of the building, noting that this is a favorable use and business and would be a benefit to the neighborhood. Solicitor Garner advised that Council has 45 days to render a decision and the hearing closed at 6:50 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The December 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 Mayor Thomas provided the invocation. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG PRESENTATION – FIREMAN OF THE YEAR Chief Lessar announced that the Fireman of the Year for 2017 is Michael Sedlock. Mr. Sedlock has been with the Pottstown Fire Department since 1969 and has been selected by his peers to receive the award. December 6, 2017 RETIREE EDWARD E. HOFFMAN RESOLUTION NO. 2017-18 RECOGNIZING EDWARD E. HOFFMAN FOR 12 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE BOROUGH OF POTTSTOWN WHEREAS, Edward E. Hoffman has served the Borough of Pottstown as a dedicated employee since 2005; and WHEREAS, during his career with the Borough he served the community twice by working within the Police Department as a sworn uniformed Police Officer and as a Civilian Processor; and WHEREAS, Ed’s presence in the Police Department and in Borough Hall will be truly missed by the people that have worked with him. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Mayor and Town Council that Edward E. Hoffman is officially recognized for the outstanding service he has provided the Borough of Pottstown through 12 years of employment; and further that he is extended best wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement. Adopted at Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 East High Street, this 6th day of December 1017. President Weand and Mayor Thomas presented a Resolution and clock to Ed Hoffman upon his retirement, in the presence of his family and fellow-workers. CITIZENS’ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATION Kourtney High, Coordinator of the Citizens’ Leadership Academy, presented graduation certificates to the fourth class of the Academy. Present to accept their awards were as follows: Tamara Charles, Amy Durante, Cynthia Durante, Chris Golden, Nathan Hall, Michael Paules, Michele Stasik and Kate Takach. Rob Grepps, Deborah Lee, Velva Zarley and Lisa Vanni were absent. The class presented Ms. High with flowers in appreciation of her conducting the class. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp reported that the Public Works Department continues with televising lines throughout the Borough. She also reported that the paving contractor has not completed the contract and will be addressed by Staff. She added that the Pedestrian Bridge is 50% complete and a $100,000 grant has been awarded for the Memorial Park playground upgrades and a $1,890 donation was made for the Veterans’ Island project. b. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Mr. Keller announced that a $200,000 grant from DCED was received for the playground at Memorial Park to include ADA enhancements. He added that another DCNR grant for Phase 2 of Memorial Park has been awarded for the playground in the amount of $70,000, resulting in a total of $335,000 in grants for that facility. Mr. Keller also clarified that the construction of the Riverfront Bridge being done by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area began this week and should be completed within two weeks. He also noted that the Safe Routes to School project will begin in January or February 2018. Mr. December 6, 2017 Keller also announced that the Bike League of America has awarded the Borough an honorable mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director of PAID, provided an update on Economic Development. She noted that the Community Business Leaders have begun a campaign “I pick Pottstown.” She advised that in a month’s time, there were 15,487 views to the “I Pick Pottstown” site. Ms. Lee-Clark also announced a new business has signed a lease to move into the Pottstown Industrial Complex in January 2018, but has not agreed to made public as yet. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that she will have a report in January. d. OBGC/Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland noted that the report was in the packets and had nothing to add. e. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. f. Library – There was no report. g. Ad hoc Zoning – There was no report. h. Ad hoc Animal – Vice President Miller reported the Pottstown Paws will be doing Santa photos on December 9th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the New York Plaza. i. Safety – Chief Drumheller reported that two cameras have been purchased with a recent grant and are in the process of being installed. The Chief also announced that with the successful “No Shave November” event, the Department will be able to conduct a “Shop with a Cop” on December 16th for 35 children. Vice President Miller requested that the light at King and Manatawny be corrected as it has caused numerous accidents. Chief Drumheller advised that he is working with Doug Yerger to resolve in the near future. j. Emergency Serviced Report – Miles Feather, Vice President, Phillies Fire Company, provided the monthly report, noting that five fire fighters continue in the Instructor I training certification class, with graduation in January. He also reported that the Juniors and Explorers are working with the senior members. Mr. Feather also highlighted holiday events and fundraisers. Charlie Pierce, President Phillies Fire Company, also commented that the company strives to seek volunteers, noting that volunteer fire companies are closing each week due to lack of money and lack of volunteers. Keven Yerger, Goodwill Fire Company, was also represent to provide the October and November report for Goodwill. He also highlighted the training events and fundraising events, including incident safety officer class at the Academy. Mr. Yerger also outlined the training held at various locations throughout the Borough, including smoke detector training and replacement. December 6, 2017 He also announced a partnership with Lansdale EMS, wherein two used inflatable rescue boats were obtained. Mr. Yerger also commented on the cost of operating the Fire Company and the allocation from the Borough of $196,000 per year. He noted that in 2016, Goodwill used $14,000 of fundraising money to supplement the Borough’s account. He also added that the staff members earn $11.50 per hour, with no changed in at least the last 7 years. Dave Ondik, Chief, North End Fire Company, reported that training for bus rescue took place, along with Instructor I courses. He also announced the retirement of Career Firefighter Michael Sedlock after serving the Borough for 49 years. He also reiterated Chief Yerger’s comments regarding budgeting and the cost of fire protection for the Borough of Pottstown. Chief Lessar praised the Pottstown Fire Department for its expertise and dedication. He provided a report on the recent dwelling fire where 30 volunteers responded. Chief Lessar added that the Phillies do have the most volunteers and his goal is to have an ISO rating of 3. Vice President Miller referred to the November Boro Buzz wherein it highlighted the four fire companies and she offered her apologies for a memo that the departments received regarding a threat in reduction of monthly funds when the companies provide their financial reports as required by their service agreements. She added that only one Councilor had knowledge of the memo and others did not. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Thomas reviewed her personal experiences from her time on the School Board and also on Council. She also commended the prayer initiative and having an invocation at the public meetings. Mayor Thomas noted that she presided over approximately 100 weddings during her two terms in office, as stabilization of families is a priority in any setting. She also advised that she has been provided a bench from a local carpenter, stating Live, Love and Laugh and will be featured during a December 31st, 10:00 a.m. event. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Flanders corrected Vice President Miller’s statement that the memorandum was a threat. The memorandum that was sent was to the Fire Chiefs was to introduce a concept to Council regarding the former request for monthly updates and to withhold monthly funding as an incentive to provide the reports to Council, not taking funding away. Manager Flanders explained that he has been in touch with several of the Chiefs and will not be making a recommendation at this time and will allow his replacement, Justin Keller, to address and resolve. Manager Flanders reminded all that the next Joint School Board meeting will be on January 22nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Pottstown High School Cafeteria. He added that tomorrow, December 7th, is Pearl Harbor Day and the flags will fly at half-staff. Mr. Keller provided an update on the Pollock Park and the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, wherein the test indicated that heavy metals and PCB’s are in the soil at the site. He December 6, 2017 commended Staff for closing the Park promptly and it will remain closed until the results are validated and will be seeking a grant to address the remediation of the site. PRESENTATION – UTILITIES DEPARTMENT Brent Wagner, Utilities Director, provided a brief summary of the value of the Authority as associated with the Borough’s budget. He noted that there is no increase in water and sewer rates for 2018. The operating budget for the Water Treatment Plant is $1.5 million and the Wastewater Treatment Plant is $3.7 million. He noted that the Authority brings in approximately $15.5 million per year and after expenses are paid, an excess of $3 million is provided to Borough departments including the Borough Manager and Assistance Manager’s salaries. Mr. Wagner advised that the Authority will be debt free in 2022-2023, due to capital improvements throughout town. Mr. Wagner also advised that electric rates are bid out through 2021 for the entire Borough and the Authority will enjoy a savings of $650,000. He also explained the operations of the maintenance division between the Water and Wastewater Treatment plants and the expectations of the new dryer, along with the waste hauling program. He summarized that the Authority’s vision is to have a 5-10-year capital plan and to stabilize and provide the profits into the Capital Improvement Plan for the Borough. Vice President Miller questioned the policy of providing funding to the Police and Fire Departments through the capital fund profits. Solicitor Garner agreed to look into this policy and the City of Reading’s model. PRESENTATION – JAMAR KELLY, DCED Mr. Kelly provided the guidelines for the Early Intervention Program offered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The grant is offered to provide guidance to municipalities interested in improving their financial position and for the development and implementation of multi-year financial management plans. The maximum funding amount is $200,000 for the grant, with a 50% matching requirement. Mr. Kelly added that he is currently evaluating the possibility of scaling down the percentage amount based on the fiscal health of the Borough. Mr. Kelly also reviewed the 2009 Phase I EIP recommendations. He highlighted the major components of the plan being: Financial Condition Assessment; Financial Trend Forecasting Analysis; an Emergency Plan; Management Audit of all departments within the Borough; Multi-year plan adoption, including public input and multi-year plan implementation. Mr. Kelly advised that the emergency plan would include addressing action to be taken within a 6-12-month time frame to avoid a fiscal emergency; possibly opening the 2018 budget; possible operational and/or personnel reduction. Mr. Kelly also estimated the cost of the plan to be $75,000-$80,000 with a 20% match. Andrew Sheaf was also present and advised that he is local government policy manager for DCED and explained the assistance provided for implementation with grants available, along with financial software. President Weand noted that this would be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. December 6, 2017 PRESENTATION – COLEBROOKDALE PROPOSED LAND SWAP Ken Pick, Redevelopment Authority of Berks County and Nathaniel Guest, Colebrookdale Railroad, were present to explain a proposed land swap for a parcel in Memorial Park. Mr. Guest provided a site plan and elevation plan for the proposed station and the design of the building in Memorial Park. Mr. Pick outlined the parcel consisting of 6,059 square feet and explained that an equal amount of land would be offered in the agreement in order to establish an adequate foot print for the building. Mr. Keller also explained that the TriCounty trail plan calls for the Manatawny Trail to go along the alignment of the railroad and Manatawny Creek from the Schuylkill River Trail towards the north and points beyond. He added that the intersection of Route 100 and Shoemaker Road is proposed to be more conducive to pedestrians with a possible trail underneath Route 100. Solicitor Garner reviewed and outlined the swap for a piece of land with equal value transferred to the Borough from the Berks County Redevelopment Authority and also the request for a waiver of the land development process in order to proceed in a timely manner and proceed with an in-house land development. He noted that a subdivision plan would also be required as the proposed parcel does not actually exist. President Weand advised that this would be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. ZONING - 306 NORTH CHARLOTTE STREET – CARY BALLOU & SHIRLEY BORDERS Solicitor Garner explained the request of the applicant to establish a group home at the property located at 306 North Charlotte Street, which is permitted in this district by special exception. The Solicitor recommended that the discussion continue in executive session. BETHEL COMMUNITY CHURCH, 575 NORTH KEIM STREET – TAX ABATEMENT Solicitor Garner explained the request of the Bethel Community Church, 575 North Keim Street for an abatement of real estate taxes from the Borough for the period of May 2016 to the end of the year 2017, in an amount of approximately $16,000. There has been a question as to the timely filing of a tax exemption request when the property changed owners. Solicitor Garner added that this amount was not included in the budget. YWCA PARKING AGREEMENT Manager Flanders referred to the letter of request from the YWCA to renew its parking agreement under new terms. Mr. Flanders recommended that the existing agreement be continued on a month-to-month basis until the Parking Committee has submitted its recommendations to Council, possibly by February. December 6, 2017 CHEMICAL BIDS President Weand referred to the bid tabulation of November 29, 2017 and noted these will be listed on the regular agenda for approval. YEAR END ITEMS 2018 Budget – President Weand reviewed the progress of the Borough within the last few years, noting that the Borough has gone from a no-bond rating to a AA rating and several years with a 0% tax increase. Mr. Weand also reviewed the loss of revenue due to the sale of the Hospital and the increase in tax assessment appeals. Councilor Arms commented on the absence of having a budget presentation to Council. Vice President Miller recommended that more people are needed on the street, not in the offices. Her recommendations are to increase the allotment to the Fire Departments, eliminate the position of the Assistant Borough Manager and the position of Assistant Public Works Director; eliminate one Human Resources position and have the Borough Manager be the Director of Human Resources; eliminate one administrative position in each of Public Works, Licensing and Inspections and Finance; reduce the position of the Grants Administrator to a part-time position and be paid in full by PART; elimination of contributions to PAID and the Human Relations Commission. Solicitor Garner commented that under the Borough Manager’s Ordinance, he controls the workplace and the personnel therein, except for the positions of the Borough Manager and the Assistant Borough Manager. Manager Flanders reiterated his request for direction of what services need to be reduced or eliminated. President Weand advised that the dollar amount of contributions will be forthcoming and further discussions will be continuing for Monday evening. Vice President Miller suggested that the tax increase be no more that 8%. 2018 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE BOARD VACANCIES HARB Mr. Flanders also requested approval of the Administratively Approved applications for the following properties: a. 111 King Street – to replace existing windows and cap wood frames b. 131 King Street – to replace damaged fence President Weand advised that these items will be listed for approval and additional discussion on the regular agenda. December 6, 2017 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Sheila Dugan, 17 North Hanover Street – reviewed the upcoming weekend and holiday events and thanked all for their contributions and service. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Paez advised that the Latino Mural will be dedicated on December 9th, 10:00 a.m. at the former Borough Garage, Beech Street. Councilors Kirkland, Kulp, Procsal and Arms thanked Mayor Thomas, Manager Flanders and Vice President Miller for their dedication and service. Vice President Miller confirmed that there was no misinterpretation in the memorandum to the Fire Companies. She also urged Council to be diligent and that at no time should one Councilor initiate a directive without the rest of Council being aware. She also thanked those involved in getting Pottstown Paws implemented. Mayor Thomas commented that she will be continuing in other areas of service. She added that she has addressed bullying, domestic violence and commended the Police Department for dealing with the opioid crisis. She also thanked Vice President Miller and Mr. Flanders for his service as Police Chief and Borough Manager. President Weand also extended well wishes to the outgoing members. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 9:55 p.m. for one item of potential litigation and one item of personnel. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Attested, Mark Flanders Borough Manager