Council Committee of the Whole

March 6, 2019 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The March 6, 2019 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, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand and Rita Paez. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Stephanie Henrick and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kirkland was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG BEVERLY’S PASTRY RECOGNITION President Weand and Manager Keller presented a Resolution to Kristen Sirbak and Katie Tornetta in recognition and appreciation of their awards at the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley competition. RESOLUTION NO. 2019 - 5 IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF BEVERLY’S PASTRY SHOP The Borough of Pottstown joins in celebrating Beverly’s Pastry Shop for its awards at the “Let them Eat Cake” baking competition on February 24, 2019. WHEREAS, Beverly’s Pastry Shop has been in operation for over 40 years, located at 322 East High Street in the Borough of Pottstown, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, Beverly’s Pastry Shop was reopened in February 2015 as a gourmet bakery under the ownership and leadership of Kristen Sirbak; and WHEREAS, Kristen and Associates competed in the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley in the “Let Them Eat Cake” competition; and WHEREAS, Kristen Sirbak, Katie Tornetta, Hellen Ortiz, Olivia Robinson, Mimi Ortiz and Savona Pezzillo entered an “Under the Sea” wedding cake; and WHEREAS, the six-level, jellyfish and octopus design cake presented by Beverly’s Pastry Shop was awarded the Audiences’ Choice Award, the Best Design Award, The Best Tasting Award and the Best of Show Award. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Pottstown, publicly acknowledges and graciously congratulates Beverly’s Pastry Shop on its awards of the “Under the Sea” wedding cake and encourages residents and neighbors in the Pottstown region to visit and enjoy the many award-winning sweet treats offered in the shop. March 6, 2019 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Kulp reported that Public Works is working with PECO on gas lines, along with wire installation with Verizon. She added that the bids for Memorial Park may be revised and rebid and new playground equipment is expected in March for the Spray Park. Councilor Kulp also noted that the Parks Department, along with the Foundation, is overseeing the Pet Fair this year and the Licensing & Inspections Department is doing well. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark advised that several items are listed on the agenda for discussion, including the liquor license for the restaurant coming into 152 East High Street. She added a seasonal beer garden will be located on High Street and acknowledged the efforts of the owners and investors of the Red Horse Motor Inn. Ms. Lee-Clark also presented her “I Pick Pottstown” button to President Weand. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal noted that there was no meeting. e. Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Oversight Committee – Mr. Keller advised that there will be a presentation by the consultants in the near future and is awaiting results of the surveys. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Reports – Rob Unruh, President of the Phillies Fire Company, provided a brief report with January statistics and upcoming fund-raising events. Kevin Yerger, Chief of Goodwill, was also present and provided statistics and upcoming events for Goodwill. He also reported that members attended a 6ABC smoke detector event, along with members of the Phillies and Empire. He noted that over 200 smoke detectors were provided in 2018. Chief Yerger also reviewed the upgrades to the Goodwill building funded by a PECO grant. b. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood reported that March is Irish American Heritage Month and the next meeting of the Commission is March 13th. c. Land Bank Report – Ms. Penrod advised that the Board is reviewing its Conflict of Interest Policy. She added that sources for properties was a topic of discussion. Ms. Penrod reported that she will be participating in a conference call with the Community of Development Manager for the National Community Stabilization Trust, a federal program and land donation program. She also noted that the Board will again be meeting with the School District’s finance committee. d. Library – Ms. Penrod provided an update on the upcoming events including the EcoFest scheduled for April 27th in memory of Bill Sharon. She added that the chair auction fund raiser will take place on May 4th and she also introduced Boy Scout Michael Hensey, present as part of his scouting initiatives. e. Olivet Boys & Girls Club – The report was included in the packet. March 6, 2019 f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay advised that she attended a town hall meeting regarding the opening of Edgewood School, which is an ongoing discussion. She also introduced Raymond Rose, School Board member. Mr. Rose noted that the next Edgewood meeting is March 15th. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reported on several events that she attended, along with visiting several shops and restaurants in the Borough. She also acknowledged Tracy Purdy for her comments regarding her positive remarks on Pottstown. The Mayor noted that she is working with a Wills for Heroes Program for Police Officers and Fire Fighters to have their estates in order. She also reviewed upcoming events and programs. MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Keller announced that Council and Staff are working on changes to make the processes more efficient and more user friendly to tax payers and developers, including property transfer requirements. He also noted that with the cooperation of PAID, he is developing a commercial development check list. Mr. Keller announced a ribbon cutting for the Colebrookdale Railroad station to be held March 16th in Memorial Park. Mr. Keller reported that all members of the PDIDA Board have resigned and noted that the Borough is working with vendors and merchants for various events to continue as scheduled. He advised that Mosaic Lands Trust will be taking over the FARM events in the downtown. HOUSING VISIONS – POLICE SUBSTATION LEASE AGREEMENT Mr. Keller outlined the proposed lease agreement with the Police Department and the Beech Street Factory Apartments to establish a police substation in the building. This would be at no cost to the Borough, other than IT necessities. RICKETTS CENTER ROOF BID AWARD Mr. Keller noted that the bids were opened and will have a recommendation for Council for Monday evening. REJECT JANUARY 28, 2019 BIDS – MEMORIAL PARK PHASE III Mr. Keller reviewed the bids for the Memorial Park Phase III improvement project. He noted that bids came in higher than expected and will be rescoping the project and requested the bids be rejected on Monday evening. POTTSTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE EXTENSION Solicitor Garner explained the long-term lease of Novak Field and the Parks and Recreation Director has requested an addendum to the existing lease with similar terms. March 6, 2019 CDBG PROGRAM – STORMWATER INLET PROJECT Mr. Keller explained the request to submit an application to the Community Development Block Grant program requesting $250,000 for stormwater inlet replacements. This would be for replacing inlets only and no new designs. PART LOCAL MATCH RESOLUTION – CAPITAL FUNDING Mr. Keller advised that this is the annual resolution for the PART capital funding requesting $256,440. He added that the Borough’s match is $574. DESTRUCTION RESOLUTION Mr. Keller review the resolution distributed and requested approval of the 2019 destruction of records. PA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES REOSLUTION Mr. Keller explained the draft resolution as required every two years. He noted that the plan has been reviewed and approved by Emergency Management. President Weand advised that these matters will be listed for consideration on Monday evening. CAR SHOW, RED HORSE MOTORING CLUB Mr. Keller explained the request of the Red Horse Motoring Club to hold the 2019 Car Shows on High Street. He noted that the request is to close High Street from Evans to Franklin and keep Hanover Street open. Mr. Keller agreed to question why no signatures have been obtained on the form. ROCK THE BLOCK, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, APRIL 13, 2019 Mr. Keller noted that Habitat for Humanity is requesting to close the 400 block of Chestnut Street and also for a waiver of fees. Councilor Paez commented that Council waives too many fees. SLY FOX – GOAT RACE, MAY 5, 2019 Mr. Keller noted that Sly Fox has requested the use of Borough Property for parking for the May 5th Goat Race event, which will also require a Hold Harmless Agreement. HARB Mr. Keller reviewed the request for certificates of appropriateness for the property located at 61 North Franklin Street to replace existing rear doors and pressure treated stairs. March 6, 2019 Mr. Keller also requested approval of the administratively approved properties as follows: a. 58 North Franklin Street – to change name on sign b. 38 King Street – to repair soffit c. 800 East High Street – to remove and replace existing Spanish tile Mr. Keller also explained the request of HARB to deny approval for the property located at 1124 High Street to remove a slate roof and replace with a shingle product. John Solar, owner of 1124 High Street was present and explained the cost of replacing the slate roof would be approximately $30,000. He noted that he has been a resident of town for 17 years and has recently been restoring the property, which now has water damage due to the faulty roof. Mr. Solar also advised that the neighboring property replaced its roof with a substitute material. President Weand advised that these issues will be listed for discussion on the regular agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Hannah Davis, 1004 Beech Street – expressed a concern regarding the operations and management of the Ricketts Center by the Olivet Boys & Girls Club and urged Council to be open to alternatives that more fully relate to matters at the Center. b. Jan Burgess, 543 Grant Street – also spoke regarding the negotiations of the OBGC and as a former employee at the Ricketts Center and as director of the Center. She also questioned the lack of community involvement. c. Bob Larkin, 456 North Hanover Street – spoke as a Real Estate investor for Pottstown for the last 25 years and a resident of the Borough for nine months. He noted that he attended the HARB meeting and was representing the Cluster, 61 North Franklin Street. He expressed that HARB’s decision was obsolete and slate in quite expensive. He also noted that he is an advocate of HARB and presently restoring 542 High Street. d. Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – announced the 2019 PowWow event scheduled for May 4, 5, & 6th in Memorial Park. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Paez announced the Taco event at the Christ Episcopal Church, March 9th. Councilor Lindsay praised the performance of Hair Spray at the Pottstown High School. She also met with officials of the Pine Forge Academy. Councilor Lebedynsky urged all to abide by rules of the bike lanes. Councilor Kulp also attended the play at the High School and urges all to attend school events. March 6, 2019 Councilor Kulp again congratulated Beverly’s on its awards. Mayor Henrick reminded all to visit the new bars and restaurants in the downtown. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:10 p.m. for a personnel matter. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Attested, Justin M. Keller Borough Manager