Council Committee of the Whole

December 5, 2018 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The December 5, 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 Joe Kirkland. Also present were Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Lindsay was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG PRESENTATION – CITIZENS’ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATION Kourtney High, Grants Administrator and Coordinator of the Citizen’s Leadership Academy presented Graduation Certificates to the follow members of the 2018 class: Charlotte Charles, Howard Charles, Tamara Charles, Natalie Corliss, Thomas Corliss, Taylor Johnson, Aaron Kemmerer, Clark Fitzpatrick, Michael Corliss and Joseph Stasik. Jessica Wilhelmy was absent. PRESENTATION – SELLIFYIT, TASSIO HEINRICH, THE HILL SCHOOL Tassio Heinrich, 11th grade student at The Hill School, provided an outline and presentation on his initiative of eCommerce websites in order to sell items through computer technology. He also explained how his marketing skills can create a local impact on smaller “mom & pop” stores. His project, SellifyIT, an online marketplace initiated from a community service program under the direction of Twila Fisher, Manager of Community and Economic Development at The Hill School, which included six students from The Hill School and six from Pottstown High School. He also explained his measurers to connect with the Pottstown Community’s vendors and merchants. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Vice President Kulp reported there was no meeting. b. Economic Development – Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director of PAID, announced the opening of Donut NV and the Samana Holistic Center located at Hanover Square, South Hanover and Industrial Highway. She also outlined upcoming additions to the PAID website in order to better market the Borough and available properties, along with maps for the Qualified Opportunity Zone. Ms. Lee-Clark explained the benefits of the QOZ area and provided highlights of the PAIDwebsite. December 5, 2018 c. Transportation – Vice President Kulp advised that a meeting took place this evening and will provide the report next month. d. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal noted there was no meeting. e. Ad hoc Animal – Councilor Kirkland advised that there was no report. f. Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Oversite Committee – Mr. Keller advised that the Consultants are on tract and have completed the initial analysis of the Borough’s finances and management. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Reports – Chief Yerger provided statistics for the month of November. He also reviewed upcoming events, including Santa’s arrival by fire truck on December 22nd. Chief Yerger also commented that Empire is typically involved in events as well. b. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood advised that a vacancy exists on the Commission. She added that the recent presentation to the board was cancelled due to an illness and will be rescheduled in the new year. c. Land Bank Report – Mr. Keller advised that the Policies and Procedures were reviewed at the last meeting and will be brought to Council for approval when finalized. The draft will be posted on the website, asking for comments no later than January 14, 2019, as well as being sent to the School District and original stake holders. d. Library – There was no report. e. Olivet Boys & Girls Club – Councilor Kirkland noted that a report was in the packet. f. Pottstown School District – There was no report. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick expressed concerns regarding the recent violence throughout the Borough and commended the Police Department and District Attorney’s office for their efforts in solving these crimes. The Mayor added that she attended a Pottstown Community Action meeting and received input and guidance and was informed that the Committee will be starting a mentoring program for the youth in the Pottstown community. She urged all to get involved in the community as well. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller reported that Staff is partnering with the National Lands Trust for Ms4 reduction requirements, to possibly address alleys and drainage issues. He advised that the original grant submission was determined to not be eligible but Staff will continue to pursue options. December 5, 2018 Mr. Keller reported that interviews are underway for the 2019 Authority Engineer to be determined at the Authority’s December meeting. He added that the sludge dryer project is on schedule. Mr. Keller also advised that the Fire Chief/Fire Marshall position is combining two jobs into one and interviews are also underway. He added that the 11th Annual Polar Bear Swim and Bonfire is scheduled for January 1, 2019. POLICE SUBSTATION Mr. Keller explained the proposal from the Police Department to enter into an agreement with the Beech Street Factory Apartments to establish a sub-station in the building located at 341 Beech Street. The agreement will include only the charge of setting up internet and will be rent free. MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION CONTRACTS Mr. Keller reviewed the three-year contract with the Montgomery County Planning Commission for assistance with Act 247 and planning and zoning issues, in an amount not to exceed $43,659. He also referred to a short-term contract for consulting services for the Keim Street Overlay Plan in the amount of $41,713. Mr. Keller recommended approval of the contracts. ZONING Solicitor Garner explained the request for zoning relief from Tracy Purdy for the property located at 1016 East High Street to establish a bed and breakfast facility. He added that Council can recommend approval, oppose the plan or take no action and forward to the Zoning Hearing Board. SLY FOX ROAD RACE Mr. Keller reviewed the request of Sly Fox for several street closures for a 5K Race scheduled for May 18, 2019. HARB Mr. Keller requested approval of HARB Certificates for the following properties as recommended by HARB: a. 1016 East High Street – to re-deck the front porch b. 327 King Street – to install new light fixtures Mr. Keller also requested approval of HARB Certificates for the administratively approved applications as follows: a. 256 Walnut Street – to replace leaking roof materials b. 434 King Street – to replace damaged and leaking roof materials President Weand advised that these items would be listed for the regular agenda. December 5, 2018 YEAR END ITEMS a. Adopt 2019 Budget and Tax Rate for 2019 – Mr. Keller commented on several items that impacted the budget including the $1 million increase in the Minimum Municipal Obligations, the reduced assessments and payments to commercial properties wherein assessments were lowered. He also noted that originally, the 2019 budget was over a 12% increase. It now stands at a 9.6% increase and a 12.675 millage. Mr. Keller also confirmed that total spending is down by $4 million from last year and explained the reductions in each department. b. 2019 Fee Schedule – Mr. Keller reviewed the changes in fees for 2019. c. 2019 Council Meeting Schedule – President Weand noted that the meetings will remain as usual, with two council meetings on Tuesday’s and acknowledged that this may conflict with Councilor Kirkland’s work schedule. These items will be listed on the regular agenda. BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the existing board vacancies and the upcoming 2019 open positions and urged any interested parties to submit a letter of interest to the Borough Manager. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Santa (AKA Jon Daywalt) – wished all a Merry Christmas and distributed candy canes to all. b. Chris Gray, 1385 Queen Street – reported that no drainage exists in the area of his property and there is a 3” deep puddle that will turn to ice when the temperatures drop. He added that the standing water will cause mosquitoes and mold if not corrected. Mr. Keller advised that Staff is aware of the issue and taking measures to correct the problem. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Procsal reiterated the Mayor’s concerns regarding gun violence in the Borough and noted he is available for any hearings if needed. Councilor Lebedynsky remembered William Butler, a Montgomery County and Borough constable, who passed away this week. President Weand also noted the passing of President George H. W. Bush and expressed condolences on behalf of Council and Staff. December 5, 2018 EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:15 p.m. for one item of personnel. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Attested, Justin M. Keller Borough Manager