Council Committee of the Whole

April 3, 2019 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The April 3, 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, Rita Paez and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner, Mayor Stephanie Henrick 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 that Parks & Recreations is looking to rebid the Ricketts Roof project and is seeking grants to coverage the overage. She also provided an update on the playground at Spruce Street Park and the Pollock Park and Phase III at Memorial Park. Councilor Kulp advised that the Carousel is managing the MiniGolf. Licensing and Inspections rental and permitting processes are going well and Public Works is finalizing its paving list. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark reported that Manzano restaurant will be moving into the Connections on High building. She added that the Farmer’s market continues to expand but may not be keeping the name. Ms. Lee-Clark advised that there is interest in the former Pottstown Plating Works and is working with the Redevelopment Authority for remediation efforts. c. Transportation – Councilor Kulp advised that the meeting took place on this date and will provide minutes for next month’s meeting. d. Ad hoc Zoning – Councilor Procsal reported that the main discussion was of the Sustainability Plan and the committee is awaiting the report. e. Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Oversight Committee – Councilor Kirkland advised that the committee is waiting for the report from the consultants. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Reports – There was no report. b. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood advised that 2019 goals were April 3, 2019 approved by the commission as outlined in the Borough ordinance. April is Fair Housing Month. The next meeting is April 9th, 6:00 p.m. c. Land Bank Report – Mr. Keller noted that the Board adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy and is moving forward with several issues. d. Library – Mayor Henrick advised that the Charity Auction event is scheduled for May 4th 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Library. e. Olivet Boys & Girls Club – Director Nick Philippides provided a brief update of programs and upcoming events, including weekend hours and programs, beginning April 20th. There will also be sign language and soccer classes. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay reported that meetings regarding Edgewood School are listed on the School’s website. She also invited the Brian Hostetler, Principal, Pottstown Middle School, to provide his presentation at a Council meeting, regarding events at the Middle School. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reported that she attended the Red Horse Motoring Club and also visited the Avenue, Caribbean restaurant. She also announced the 5th anniversary of the Manatawny Still works and the first Whisky Wag pageant to include best dressed dog contests, scheduled for April 6th. The Mayor also announced several upcoming events including the Rock the Block on April 13th and the Climate March on April 27th. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller presented a recognition plaque from PIRMA to Borough Staff and the safety department for their diligent efforts in reducing risks and liabilities against the Borough. Mr. Keller also provided an outline of the upcoming parking changes in the downtown, which are expected to commence on May 1st. New wayfinding signs and large introductory signs will be placed as well. He noted that King Street parking will not yet go into effect. Mr. Keller reported that he met with members of the NAACP to discuss various topics. He also announced the ribbon cutting of the Colebrookdale Railroad with construction lasting until October. The EIP presentation has been moved to May 13th. Mr. Keller also reminded constituents to review the new payment hours and procedures. He noted that the lock box located outside of the Police Department is not a police function and any questions should be addressed to the Finance Department. PRESENTATION – CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER Beth Desch, Jennifer Brown and Karen Hudson of the Pottstown Children’s Discover Center were present to provide an outline of the proposed center to be established in Pottstown. Ms. Desch explained the vision of a children’s museum, which may be a cost of approximately $1,772,000, which includes a building, legal services and administration and office equipment. Tickets and memberships may be free or low cost for state-funded individuals. Funding has begun April 3, 2019 with a $10,000 grant from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness foundation. She also stated that the expectation is to open the non-profit organization in 2021. BOROUGH NEWSLETTER, MICHAEL LENHART Michael Lenhart, Director of Parks and Recreation explained that due to budget restrictions, the decision was made to no longer mail the Borough newsletter to residents. He provided a brief demonstration from the Borough’s website on how to sign up for email or text notification to view the Newsletter. PRESENTATION – 2019 STREET PAVING Vice President Kulp, Manager Keller and Public Works Director Doug Yerger provided an outline of the 2019 Paving Plan. Vice President Kulp addressed the three major funding sources through the Liquid Fuel funds, the Water and Sewer main replacements projects and the PECO projects. Mr. Yerger explained the rating system for streets and roadways to be paved. He also provided a street paving map for 2019. Mr. Keller provided information on the alleys, noting that alleys not adopted cannot use state Liquid Fuel funds for paving and advised that alternative, grant funding sources and pilot programs for alleys are available for paving techniques and are being investigated. PARKMOBILE Mr. Keller noted that in addition to his previous report, wallet instructions cards are forthcoming. HILL SCHOOL QUADRIVIUM PROJECT Solicitor Garner explained the project for an additional building at The Hill School Campus. The project has been reviewed and recommended by the Planning Commission and recommended the waivers and approval be listed on the agenda. NOISE ORDINANCE Solicitor Garner explained the proposal to change the timing of the noise ordinance to provide exemptions in the downtown, regarding concerns of residents in close proximity. President Weand requested Council’s comments in order to provide guidance to the Solicitor and will discuss further at the regular meeting. RICKETTS CENTER ROOF AND MECHANICAL UNIT REPLACEMENT Mr. Keller requested that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Spotts Brothers, as it would be too costly to rebid. He added that there is a $200,000 grant from the CDBG program and will seek grants for the overage or provide the difference from the General Fund. April 3, 2019 BARK FOR LIFE – BEER GARDEN, APRIL 27, 2019 RALLY – WEST STREET MAY 11, 2019 MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, MAY 27, 2019 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE, JULY 4, 2019 GO FOURTH FESTIVAL, BEER GARDEN, JULY 4, 2019 Mr. Keller reviewed the above requests for street closures and beer gardens for upcoming events and requested these be listed for approval on Monday’s agenda. DEPUTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR Mr. Keller explained the request to appoint a deputy Emergency Management Coordinator in the event of the absence of the Emergency Management Coordinator. EMC Mike Campeggio is recommending that Kevin Yerger be appointed to the position. BOARD VACANCIES Mr. Keller advised that there are two vacancies on the HARB board and requested that the interested parties be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. HARB Mr. Keller requested approval of the administratively approved property located at 1290 High Street for replacement of eight windows and a rear door. He also explained the recommendation of HARB to deny approval for the property located at 64 King Street to install a new awning. President Weand noted that these would be listed on the regular agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Darlene Bainbridge, 548 Farmington Avenue – commented on the recent news regarding the Middle School and the High School and is looking to the Police department and School District to address these issues. She commended those involved with the positive events and development in town. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lebedynsky provided information on the newly formed Efficient Methods Committee to review and address processes within the Borough. April 3, 2019 Councilor Kulp advised that she attended the groundbreaking of the Colebrookdale Pottstown station and reviewed other upcoming events. Councilor Procsal commented that it is the best practice to contact Police if a neighborhood problem exists. Councilor Lindsay advised that she did research on the bike lanes and noted that Ms. High will do a presentation and provide pamphlets regarding bike lane laws at the June meeting. She added that she volunteered at the Middle School with David Charles’ organization and will be participating in the walking school bus program. She attended the Ribbon Cutting at the Colebrookdale Railroad. Mayor Henrick advised all to take caution when crossing the streets, notably at intersections with no cross walks. She also addressed an idea with the Superintendent Rodriguez for Pottstown Bucks, a rewards program for students and will be seeking input from the merchants. President Weand noted that on April 23rd, 7:00 p.m. the County Commissioners will be holding a town meeting at the Montgomery County Community College, West Campus, and a demonstration of the new voting machines will be held at 6:00 p.m. on that dat.e ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Attested, Justin M. Keller Borough Manager