Council Committee of the Whole

August 5, 2020 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The August 5, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Weand. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Lisa Vanni, Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand, Michael Paules and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach.. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT Borough Manager Keller explained the format for this evening’s meeting ,advising that the meeting is a GoTo Meeting and available on-line. Public comments are being accepted through email and chat prior to 7:00 p.m. and will be announced to all. Comments are limited to 300 words to be in compliance with Council’s three-minute rule and participants shall be identified accordingly. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – The minutes were provided in the packets. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark announced the second round of grants associated with the COVID crisis. She advised that PAID received a $50,000 grant from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, which in turn was provided to the business community. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – There was no meeting. e. Efficient Methods Committee - Councilor Lebedynsky noted that a report will be provided in the packets. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand noted that the monthly report is forthcoming due to the recent flooding event and the recent North Coventry fire. He added that the Department is participating in the hydrant events. Chief Hand advised that the Phillies Fire Company responded to the North Coventry fire and made the first rescues during the fire. August 5, 2020 b. Human Relations Commission – There was no report. c. Land Bank – There was no meeting. d. Library – There was no report. d. Ricketts Community Center – The report was distributed in the packets. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay announced that the school year will hold virtual classes for the first semester. The students will follow a schedule to receive chrome books and supplies. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick advised that she attended the Pottstown Community Training, which included 10 workshops. She also noted that she attended the 49th annual Mayor’s conference. She thanked all who participated in the successful bike race. Mayor Henrick commended the downtown businesses for complying with the Governor’s and the CDC requirements; however, she received calls and emails that masks were not worn and social distancing was not adhered to at the recent car show. She advised the business owners that they could be fined or shut down by the Health Department. She reviewed the Governor’s requirements as outlined on the Governor’s website and under the Green phase. Mayor Henrick also noted that several people were charged during the car show and should contact her in order to remedy the situation or have their money returned. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller provided an update on the recent storm damage. Most of the damage occurred at Memorial Park, including the dog park. He also noted that the School District has advised that there will be no need for the School Resource Officer or for Crossing Guards at least for the first semester and will not be receiving bills for same. Mr. Keller also advised that the PECO underground cabling work continues along High Street from Warren to Manatawny Streets. The King Street Bridge project will begin in September and will continue approximately two years. He added that the King Street pedestrian project and the Colebrookdale Railroad projects continue and made possible through Montco2040 program. VIST ATM Paula Barron, VIST bank, presented rendering of the proposed ATM machine and requested consideration in installing the ATM on the Borough’s municipal lot at High and Charlotte Streets. This would be for withdraws only and will be a three-sided shatter proof wall. Ms. Barron advised that a service would supply money in the ATM, once per week and would not be done by bank employees. She added that that the ATM would be a walk up and ADA compliant. The Bank will be working with a local electrician for installation. There was insufficient space to install an ATM in the bank itself. Solicitor Garner recommended that if approved by Council, a lease agreement be drafted. August 5, 2020 KEIM STREET GATEWAY Brian Olszak, Montgomery County Planning Commission, was present to provide an update on the Keim Street Gateway project. He noted that the proposed uses are office, mixed use, industrial and residential. Mr. Olszak outlined the proposed streetscaping and open space areas, along with building restrictions. He advised that the two phases would take a 5-year plan and a 20-year plan. Mr. Olszak reviewed the text of the proposed ordinance and amendments to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and to the Heavy Manufacturing District. Solicitor Garner recommended adoption of a resolution to approve the Gateway Plan and to authorize his office to advertise a public hearing for the zoning ordinance amendments. ORDINANCE – POTTSTOWN BOROUGH AUTHORITY/POTTSTOWN BOROUGH GUARANTY Mr. Keller explained the request of the Authority to guarantee a financing loan in the amount of $1.3 million for capital projects, which are being mandated by DEP. This would be a short-term, 5-year loan and with the Borough’s guarantee, the interest rate is 1%. Solicitor Garner advised that the Authority has never defaulted on a loan and has been done approximately ten times in the past twenty years and recommended adopting the ordinance. MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Finance Director Ann Maletsky referred to the mid-year budget adjustments provided to Council. She explained that the adjustments are within the same funds with no changes to the fund totals. The adjustments have been approved and reviewed by the Finance Committee. She also explained the three items that were reallocated within the budget, which were missed in the budget process. BERKHEIMER LIAISON RESOLUTION Mr. Keller advised that Berkheimer is requesting a liaison or individual be appointed to coordinate with Berkheimer on any tax or financial issues and recommended using the Finance Director position. EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT Mr. Keller reviewed the annual request for application to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), this year in the amount of $15,482 to be used for cameras in police vehicles. President Weand advised that the resolutions will be listed for Monday evening. BID AWARDS MUNICIPAL VEHICLES Mr. Keller advised that the total bid amount for the Bourgh items will net $59,390 for eight police vehicles, 4 buses and several maintenance vehicles. He recommended Council’s authorization to proceed this evening. August 5, 2020 It was the consensus of Council to authorize Staff to proceed so as not to lose any sales on these items and list for ratification on Monday’s agenda. 2020 PAVING OUTLINE Mr. Keller referred to the outline for the 2020 paving, along with the paving map to be completed with liquid fuel dollars. He noted that the corner of Franklin and Prospect Streets will be added to the bids for correcting a swale. He added that he will be making a presentation in the near future when the Authority main work schedules are in place, wherein the Authority assumes the paving for those projects. ZONING – 992 North Washington Street President Weand noted that this is in his ward and requested that no action be taken by Council and forward to the Zoning Hearing Board for resolution. TRILOGY PARK – ADDENDUM LEASE AGREEMENT Solicitor Garner recommended authorization to approve an addendum to the existing Trilogy Park lease to allow the use of remote-control cars. He added that Director Michael Lenhart is in agreement with the addendum. BOARD VACANCIES Mr. Keller noted the Anthony Campbell is interested in being reappointed to the vacancy on the Construction Code Board of Appeals and Jim Derr has expressed interest in being reappointed to the Environmental Advisory Council. He is awaiting word from Ross Belovich or any other interested candidate. FIRST RESPONDERS EVENT Mr. Keller explained the request of the Frag Out Clothing store to hold an event on September 12th, to honor first responders. The event would result in the closing of High Street between Hanover and Charlotte Streets, from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Thomas Winterbottom, 262 King Street – thanked Manager Keller for having the music lowered at the recent car show. Mayor Henrick noted that she will respond to Mr. Winterbottom regarding a previous request regarding the number of COVID cases. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay provided dates and times for students to pick up the chrome books and school supplies. She also commended the participants and organizers of the Bike Race. She noted that the Census project is ongoing and the Borough stands at 44.8% and the 19464 area is at 63.7%. August 5, 2020 Councilor Paules questioned who is in charge of the trees along High Street, which are quite overgrown. Mr. Keller noted that by Ordinance, the responsibility lies with the property owner. Any specific concerns may be addressed to Administration. Councilor Procsal commended all involved with the recent flood event. Councilor Vanni praised the bike race organizers. She expressed disappointment that participants of the car show were not wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Mayor Henrick reiterated her concerns regarding the conduct of members of the car show and participants and requested Council’s consideration in rescinding its approval of the September car show. She noted that she is not questioning the First Responders’ event, as first responders can be trusted and be respectful of the social distancing and wearing of masks. Solicitor Garner noted that a possible motion could be listed for Council action Monday’s agenda. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.