Council Committee of the Whole

November 4, 2020 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. Conditional Use Hearing – John Pizza, Jr., 351 West High Street Solicitor Garner opened a Conditional Use Hearing on the application of John Pizza, Jr., requesting to establish an automobile repair station at 351 West High Street and entered several items into evidence. Mr. Pizza testified that the shop would be essentially a metal fabricating facility. He explained the proposed upgrades to the building, including paint and possibly a storage shed in the future and an upgraded fence. He also testified that the hours of operations would be 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The hearing closed at 6:55 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The November 4, 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, 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 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – The report was included in the packet. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark reported that two new businesses have opened in the downtown. She noted that an art adult toy store opened at 200 East High Street and a hair salon in the 400 block of High Street. Ms. Lee-Clark advised that several businesses are re- opening in the High Street Terminal. She noted that the TREC committee continues to assist the businesses effected by the COVID crisis. Ms. Lee Clark added that the Harbor Freight has opened in the West Pottstown Plaza. November 4, 2020 c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – A proposed outline was provided in the packets. e. Efficient Methods – There was no meeting. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand reported that there were 101 fire calls in October and 333 emergency service calls. b. Human Relations Commission – The report was in the packet. c. Land Bank – There was no report. d. Library – There was no report d. Ricketts Community Center – The report was distributed in the packets. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay will provide the report at the regular Council meeting. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick outlined the recent events in which she participated including the Cluster’s fundraiser and the Rotary Fair Funding presentation. She added that Hobart’s Run is expanding and announced that November 15-22 is Homeless Awareness month. Mayor Henrick also requested that the Safety Committee meetings resume with Chief Markovich and Chief Hand. In addition, PCA, Mosaic, Habitat and Genesis are conducting a holiday decorating contest. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller announced the upcoming semi-retirement of Attorney Kurt Holloway. He will continue as Solicitor for the Zoning Hearing Board. He announced the $200,000 PHARE Grant for the Land Bank, which will be administered by Genesis, and will assist the low to moderate income individuals in obtaining housing along with the ability to acquire up to four properties over a period of two years. Manager Keller provided an update on the road projects awarded last month and the PECO project on King Street. He explained that he is working with PECO to reduce or replace the number of trees scheduled to be removed. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION – YEARS OF SERVICE Manager Keller announced the Borough Employees being acknowledged for significant years of service to the Borough as follows: 5 Years of Service – Alex Oestreich, Alexander Gonzalez, Ian Samuelson and Kyle Muth; 10 Years of Service – Nancy Lawrence; 15 Years of Service – Anthony Rhoads, Timothy Landis; 20 Years of Service – Lisa Brant, Virginia Takach and Luis Colon; 25 Years of Service – Karen November 4, 2020 Owens and Lori Skulski; 30 Years of Service – Charles Vocu, John Horvat, Catherine Henry, Rodney McMichael and James Hennessey; 45 Years of Service – Allen Britton. President Weand, on behalf of Council, commended these employees for their dedication. 2021 BUDGET Mr. Keller reviewed the General Fund accounts. He noted that since October, the deficit has been reduced by $71,350, bringing the total deficit to $404,803. Mr. Keller added that to close the deficit, he is proposing to take $142,000 from reserves and implement the tax increase at 3.5%. He also explained the milage increase in the Parks and Recreation Fund from 1.058 to 1.153 to cover future capital improvements to the parks and equipment. Mr. Keller requested Council’s consideration in authorizing the advertisement of the budget and the tax ordinance. Councilor Paules questioned a wage increase to employees in conjunction with a tax increase to residents. Mr. Keller noted that most increases are contractual and he is proposing a management increase to bring management wages in perspective with AFSCME employees. President Weand advised that this would be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. POTTSTOWN AREA REGIONAL RECREATION COMMITTEE Mr. Keller explained the request of the PARRC to appoint an individual as the Borough’s representative, along with an Alternate. Mr. Keller’s recommendation is the Parks & Recreation Director, Michael Lenhart, and a member of Council as the representative. Councilor Procsal commented that he would volunteer as the Alternate representative. PENNDOT – AGREEMENT SR 422 Mr. Keller referred to the agreement with PennDOT to install closed circuit TV cameras in the area of High and Hanover Streets. POTTSTOWN CLOSED LOOP PROJECT Mr. Keller explained the request of Traffic Planning and Design for an extension of the Pottstown Signals Project from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021. RESOLUTION – EXTENSION OUTDOOR DINING Mr. Keller requested Council’s consideration in extending the outdoor dining regulations in the downtown area. The extension is requested for an additional six months. He added that Beverly’s Pastry, along with other merchants, is conducting a fund-raising event to assist in the cost of outdoor heaters. November 4, 2020 RESOLUTION – TEMPORARY EXTENSION RENTAL INSPECTIONS Solicitor Garner explained the request of Staff to extend the time period for rental inspections due to difficulties during the COVID crisis, amending the cycle from a two-year inspection period to a three-year period. President Weand noted that these matters will be listed on the regular agenda. ZONING – MOYER, 804 FARMINGTON AVENUE Solicitor Garner explained the request of Michael Moyer/Recon Properties for a variance request for a building exceeding the existing expansion regulations. President Weand advised that this can be listed for possible action. SLY FOX CABANNA/BOCCE Solicitor Garner explained the minor land development project for a Cabana and Bocce Court facility at Sly Fox, 331 Circle of Progress. He noted that the conditions and waivers have been recommended by the Planning Commission. There was a speed bumps matter that is under review as it is located in the Borough’s right of way. UPPER POTTSROVE TOWNSHIP CAPACITY Mr. Keller explained the request of Upper Pottsgrove for an extension of the payment due date from November 13, 2020 to December 18, 2020 in order to allow the contractor addition time. He added that the Authority has already approved the request. President Weand advised that these items will be listed for Monday’s agenda. BOARD VACANCY President Weand noted that one vacancy exists on the Human Relations Commission for a 4-year term and a request to be reappointed was received by Jonathan Corson. HARB Mr. Keller explained the request for approval of Certificates of appropriateness as follows: a. 64 North Hanover Street – for the installation of two signs b. 128-130 North Charlotte Street – to replace existing metal roof He also noted the requests already approved by the building permit officer as follows: a. 162 North Charlotte Street – to replace existing metal roof b. 245 Walnut Street – to replace wood frame windows with vinyl November 4, 2020 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Tom Winterbottom, 262 King Street – questioned if his building is inspected for fire safety and in preparation for emergencies. Mr. Keller advised that Chief Hand would contact him. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Paules questioned the ordinance and regulations regarding parking near corners. Solicitor Garner commented that any regulations are adopted by ordinance and could be reviewed by areas. Councilor Paules also requested assistance in getting vests and radios for the Fire Police and asked for support of Jim Smale as constable for another term. Chief Markovich noted that the Fire Police are not in the Police Department’s budget. Chief Hand noted that he is working with the department to get the radios back from the Fire Police in order to get them on the new system. Councilor Lindsay advised that she attended a Halloween event at the Ricketts Center. She also thanked all the Fourth Ward residents who came out to vote, adding that the Fourth Ward is seeking a voting location. Councilor Vanni commended Sheila Dugan for her efforts with the FARM. She also noted that the street light is out at the Invictus Church, 79 North Hanover Street. The Councilors thanks all their constituents for coming out to vote. Mayor Henrick advised that she swore in a new fire police, John Kohler, Jr. She also questioned the time needed to change an ordinance and if a co-op could be an alternate resolution. Solicitor Garner noted that requests can be made through Council and addressed a timely manner. The Mayor also announced that Councilor Lindsay is now on the Community Health and Dental Board. President Weand proposed that Election Day be a national holiday. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.