Council Committee of the Whole

March 7, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The March 7, 2018 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, Donald Lebedynsky, Dan Weand, Rita Paez and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Interim Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Stephanie Henrick and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Arms was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp reported that the Licensing & Inspections Department has implemented a strategy to have landlords stay current on taxes. She also provided an update on the lighting project and reviewed the process of the road work associated with sewer work. Councilor Kulp reported on the status of the Phase 3 of Memorial Park Playground Upgrade Project, the Disney Grant Project and the Pollock Park remediation project, along with the stabilization of the river banks. b. Transportation – There was no meeting. c. OBGC/Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland reviewed the written report submitted. d. Pottstown School Board – There was no report. e. Library – There was no report. f. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal advised that there was no meeting. g. Ad hoc Animal – Councilor Kirkland reported that there has been a concern regarding bulls being abandoned at the kennel. He added that maintenance and upkeep continues at the facility. Councilor Kirkland also reported that a Humane Lobby Day is scheduled for April 16th in Harrisburg. h. Safety – Chief Drumheller noted that the Civil Service Commission report was included in the packets. March 7, 2018 i. Emergency Services Reports – Miles Feather provided an update on the training and upcoming events scheduled in the next few months, including the April 28th Beef and Beer and the June 2nd 5K event. Chief Lessar reported on the power outage over the weekend, resulting in evacuation of the apartments at 262 King Street and thanked members of the YMCA for providing shelter. He also reported that a proclamation was presented to Fire Department Retiree Michael Sedlock by Mayor Henrick. He also advised that calls for the year have increased by 34%. j. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood advised that there was no quorum for the last meeting and therefore no minutes. She added that the next meeting is March 13th and will discuss and provide a recommendation to Council for the vacant position on the Commission. k. Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Oversite Committee – Councilor Kirkland advised that the next meeting is March 19th,4:00 p.m. He also advised that certain ideas could not be implemented due to the timing but will be considered at upcoming meetings. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reported that she met with the local 743 IBW to discuss the apprenticeship program, the GoFourth Committee, the area One DNC meeting and attended the Pension meetings. Mayor Henrick also met with certain investors and the retirement dinner for Michael Sedlock, along with the American Association of Women’s meeting and met with the Mayor of Phoenixville. She also was interviewed by a Girl Scout troupe for their inside government badge. The Mayor also reported that the Rotary will be holding its pancake breakfast at Brookside Country club on March 10th. MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Keller also thanked the Police and Fire Departments for handling the recent power outages. He advised that he is working with PECO, which may result in replacing the underground wiring on High Street and may take six months. A temporary remedy will be aerial wiring on High Street in order to address safety issues. Mr. Keller also reported that the Blighted Property Review Committee will meet every other month and Zoning has been moved to the fourth Wednesday of the month. He also reported that the playground in Memorial Park is underway and a Brownsfield grant is being pursued for the Pollock Park, along with the Montco 2040 grant for the Walk/Bike program and a grant for the Fine-Screening project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Keller provided information on the damage and potential cost to the sanitary system on the use of “flushable wipes” resulting in a $500,000 project to repair the issues. POTTSTOWN COMMUNITY ACTION Charlotte Charles and Tamara Charles were present to represent the Pottstown Community Action Group, established with the assistance of Habitat for Humanity. Charlotte Charles read the mission statement of the Committee and provided hand-outs to Council. March 7, 2018 Tamara Charles outlined the purpose and goals of the Committee and announced an April 21st clean up event for the area of Beech, Chestnut, Walnut, Evans and Franklin Streets and requested the closure of the 400 block of Chestnut Street for the event. PRESENTATION – HANCOCK BUILDING ASSOCIATES, 625 North Charlotte Street Attorney Ken Picardi was present to provide an update of the sign for the zoning relief requested by applicant, Dr. Michael Agabegi. Attorney Picardi noted that the sign would be approximately 3’ x 6’ and would provide information for the three dentists and the free events provided by them and to the public and dental care to underprivileged and challenged children at no cost. Mr. Picardi requested Council’s consideration in either taking no action prior to the March 28th Zoning hearing or possibly sending a letter of support. President Weand advised that these requests will be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. THE HILL SCHOOL DINING ROOM Solicitor Garner reviewed the revised Hill School Dining Room plan and advised that it has been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and explained the conditions and the requested waivers. 505 LINCOLN AVENUE Solicitor Garner also reviewed the revised Land Development Plan for 505 Lincoln Avenue, ABP Associates. The plan now consists of one single townhouse divided into six units on Lincoln Avenue, with frontage on Washington Street. He added that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the revised units, which have increased depth and width. Solicitor Garner added that there will be a contribution of $350 for 10 street trees as there is little space to plant trees. These plans will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. RESOLUTION – DOT GRANTS Mr. Keller explained the requirement of PennDOT in order to change signers on grant applications. RESOLUTION – DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS 2018 Mr. Keller also referred to the draft resolution as required for the destruction of records, along with the exhibit from the various departments. President Weand noted that the resolutions will be listed on the agenda. March 7, 2018 MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ALL AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY NOSTALGIA NIGHTS/CAR SHOWS Mr. Keller reviewed the requests for street closures for the upcoming events throughout the Borough and requested they be listed for approval. POTTSTOWN RUMBLE BEER TENT – JUNE 22-24, 2018 Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Pottstown Rumble to hold a beer tent for the three- day event from 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. This will be listed on Monday’s agenda. BOARD APPOINTMENTS Mr. Keller reviewed the open positions along with the five open positions on Land Bank Board and requested that any interested parties contact him. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Paez requested that the speed limit be 25 mph on the entire length of Keim Street. Councilor Kulp commended those involved with the recent musical The Little Mermaid, presented by students at Pottstown High School. She also reported on a program, What’s So Cool About Manufacturing held in the Sands Casino, Bethlehem and requested this be investigated for the Pottstown area. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 7:55 p.m. for two items of personnel. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Attested, Justin M. Keller Interim Borough Manager