Council Committee of the Whole

July 8, 2020 6:30 P.M. Conditional Use Hearing – 17 North Hanover Street, Christopher Burgos Solicitor Garner opened a Conditional Use Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on the application of Christopher Burgos. Solicitor Garner entered several items into evidence as Council Exhibits. He noted that the property is owned by Darlene Craig and located in the Traditional Town Neighborhood. Mr. Burgos testified that he wishes to operate a father and son locksmith business on the first floor of the property located at 17 North Hanover Street, with no changes to exterior of the building. He added that the hours of operation will be 8:a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. There were no public comments and Solicitor Garner closed the hearing at 6:50 p.m., noting that Council has 45 days to render a decision. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The July 8, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Weand. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Lisa Vanni, Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand and Michael Paules. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kirkland was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – There was no meeting. b. Economic Development (PAID) – Ms. Lee-Clark reported that the Red Horse Car Show will be requiring mask for the upcoming shows. She reported on new vendors at the High Street Terminal. She added that nine business have received grants from PAID through the Pottstown Health & Wellness Foundation in amounts ranging from $2,100 to $2,500 each. New grant applications will be accepted from July 6th through July 13th. Ms. Lee-Clark also noted that Payroll Protection Applications are again being accepted c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – There was no meeting. e. Efficient Methods Committee - There was no meeting. July 8, 2020 PRESENTATION – PROCLAMATION TO TONY RIVERA Mayor Henrick read and presented a proclamation to Tony Rivera for his efforts and initiative in organizing a peaceful protest in the Borough on June 7, 2020. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand provided the monthly statistics from the Fire Department and reported that 33 members participated in the peaceful march on June 7th. He also noted that the Department is continuing training events and will continue to respond to fireworks complaints. Chief Hand noted that the Fire Chiefs’ association will be reaching out to legislators to repeal the fireworks law. Solicitor Garner advised that in 2017, the State made fireworks legal and outlined the requirements of the law. He added that the noise ordinance may be an option for enforcement. Mr. Keller agreed to coordinate with the Solicitor and Chief Hand to prepare a letter to the local legislators and to provide to Council for review. b. Human Relations Commission – There was no report. c. Ricketts Community Center – The report was no report. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick advised that she will be attending the July 19th, 9:00 a.m. Spanish Mass at Saint Aloysius Church to provide information regarding the 2020 Census. She requested that an Officer attend the Mass as well. Mayor Henrick also provided an update on the Community Arts projects. She also commended the Police Department for setting examples for Departments around the County. The Mayor reported that she met with Rich Newell, CEO of Pottstown Hospital regarding recent layoffs, which was a business decision of the Hospital. MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Keller provided an update on the Certified Local Government grants and advised that he will follow through on behalf of the Borough. He also noted that the PowWow and the Bark for Life events have been cancelled. He provide an outline on the Parks opening and regulations. The Borough Hall remains closed to the public, but appointments may be made if necessary. Mr. Keller acknowledged the comments from last month regarding the street lines on Beech Street, which has been resolved and the blighted properties on Grant Street. He also explained the determination to reduce costs and limit hours in the Finance Department and in person payment plan, which saved $40,000 per year. POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS Chief Markovich explained his request to allow promotions in the Police Department due to the recent retirement of Sergeant Brian Rathgeb. He requested a promotion to Sergeant, a promotion to Corporal and the hiring of one patrolman. July 8, 2020 President Weand noted this will be listed on the agenda. REGIONAL RECREATION COMMITTEE ORDINANCE & NTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Mr. Keller explained the request to establish an independent public entity. He added that when ratified he will ask to consider the appointment of a designee, namely Michael Lenhart and possibly a member of Council. Solicitor Garner advised that this would require the advertisement of an ordinance for approval for the execution of the implementation agreement. ALL CITY MANAGEMENT Mr. Keller advised that the there will be a 0% increase to the agreement for the 2020-2021 school year. TELLISVISION ADDENDUM Mr. Keller outlined the two-year proposed addendum to the PCTV agreement with Tellisvision which will also allow for four hours per month air time to PAID and the TriCounty Chamber. PROCHAMPS AGREEMENT Mr. Keller also reviewed the addendum to the third-party vacant property and registration entity. He noted several insurance items are under negotiation and will be resolved prior to Monday evening. These agreements and addendums will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. MULTI-MODEL TRANSPORTATION RESOLUTION Grants Assistant Kourtney High explained the LED street light conversion project. She noted the grant submission is due by July 31st. She added that the project through DCED multi-model transportation funds would improve safer lighting for the downtown and will be requesting $700,000 grant, with a 30% local match, which can be recovered in 16 months. In addition, the Borough would be eligible for a $96,000 rebate from PECO. At the end of 20 years, there would be a savings of $2.4 million. BLIGHT REMEDIATION PROGRAM RESOLUTION Mr. Keller explained the CFA remediation program to address demolition of blighted properties and blight issues. He noted there are ten properties on the blighted list and requested to submit an application for the maximum $300,000 grant with no match required, although he is suggesting a $60,000 match, which is allocated each year for demolition. He is working with the Land Bank for a solution on these properties. President Weand advised that the resolutions will be listed for approval on the regular agenda. July 8, 2020 PART PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SAFETY PLAN Ms. High explained the requirement by the Federal Transit Agency to prepare a safety emergency plan. The Borough’s safety plan and the PART policy were provided to Council and should be adopted by July 31st. BLUE ELEPHANT REQUEST Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Blue Elephant restaurant to hold an outside boxed-dinner event to include alcohol in Smith Family Plaza. He added that the Smith Family Plaza is funded through Federal Transportation money. Mr. Keller also advised that the Park would allow access to anyone else passing through the Park. After several questions from Council, Ms. High commented that people cannot be restricted from the Park. She added that it is a Transit Park and subject to different rules and regulations. Mr. Lenhart also noted that the Blue Elephant has submitted the request and noted that fees have been paid according to the request. This fee goes to PART for this Park and not to the Parks and Recreation Department. Solicitor Garner commented that the request to use the Park should be addressed to Council, in addition to the request to serve alcohol. He added that if granted to the Blue Elephant, it should be granted to any other entity upon request. Mr. Keller agreed to seek additional information prior to Monday’s meeting. TRILOGY BMX LEASE AMENDMENT Mr. Keller referred to the amendment for the Trilogy Park lease to allow the use of remote-control cars. FUNKY SANTA 5K Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Parks and Recreation Department to hold its annual Funky Santa 5K on December 6th, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. resulting in the closing of College Drive and to waive the road closure fee. These events will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. HB2583 Mr. Keller referred to HB2583 which would essentially allow Authority members to be elected officials, rather than being appointed by Council. He requested Council’s consideration in authorizing a letter of opposition to the Bill. The process over many years has worked well for the Borough and the Authority. July 8, 2020 STERLING ADVISORS/TD AMERITRADE Mr. Keller advised that the bank is requesting authorization for new bank signatures and provide the minutes on Borough letterhead. The former signors are Mark Flanders, Stephen Toroney and Janice Lee and should be replaced by Justin Keller, Dan Weand and Ann Maletsky. These items will be listed on the regular agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Lindsay announced that the Pottstown Community Action is seeking block captains to oversee cleaning of each block. She is the block captain for her neighborhood. She also reported that the status of the 2020 Census is 62.6% for the 19464 area and 43.7% for the Borough. She will also be seeking permission to use the outside of Borough Hall on August 8th for residents to register for the Census. Mayor Henrick announced that Saroj Chettri, Manager of Habitat for Humanity and PCA, will be leaving the organization as of this week. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.