Council Committee of the Whole

January 6, 2021 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. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The January 6, 2021 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 the Pennsylvania State Department Budget awarded $2.5 million, towards Pottstown projects. $1 million was provided for the Pottstown Sustainability Plant on Keystone Boulevard and $500,000 for the Life Sciences Center and another $1million to the Mercury Hotel project. She added that “I pick banners are being placed on Hanover Street. She also reported that PAID is having an Economic Development seminar on January 21st, with several presentations scheduled. Ms. Lee-Clark thanked all for support of the local businesses and allowance of the tents for outdoor dining. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Council Procsal advised that a meeting will take place in January. e. Efficient Methods – There was no meeting. January 6, 2021 BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand provided the statistics for December, with a total of 1,104 fire calls for the year and emergency calls for 2020 totaled 8,029. He thanked all involved with the successful food campaign and advised that most EMS members have received the first COVID vaccine. 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. Councilor Lindsay thanked Michael Lenhart and members of Hobart’s run for their efforts at the Center. She also commended Director Jocelyn Charles for overseeing operations at the Center. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay reported that the District is attempting to reopen February 1st. The Board also congratulated President Amy Francis and Mayor Henrick for awards for Outstanding Women Leaders. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick questioned where the Chestnut Street Park pavers have gone. Director Michael Lenhart noted that they are accounted for and being addressed for replacement. Mayor Henrick reported that over $2,500 in food was donated to the Cluster and thanked President Weand, J.J. Rattigan’s and the Fire Departments for their assistance. She also reported on the PAID initiative, highlighting Borough businesses. Mayor Henrick also announced the PCA house decorating contest winners were 146 Sunset Drive, 154 Hillside Drive, 1011 Rambler Avenue, 1115 Queen Street, 570 Kenneth Street and 988 South Hills Boulevard. Mayor Henrick announced upcoming events including the warm clothing drive and the January 18th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day virtual event at the Kingdom Life Church. She also read a letter from Jim Frymoyer for his appreciation and community assistance during his absence during the Children’s Foundation holiday events. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller announced that the annual Bonfire and Polar Bear swim were cancelled for January 1st with hopes of rescheduling to February. He also thanked Council for support of the tents for the downtown restaurants. Mr. Keller advised that the COVID vaccine Phase 1A and 1B are being implemented through the County, with hopes of initially addressing water and sewer plant essential operators. January 6, 2021 Mr. Keller reported that Staff is working on a draft agreement with West Pottsgrove Township for fire service. He added that a new format Borough newsletter is expected by mid-January. The 400 block is being addressed by PAID, including a trash notice letter that the big bellies are not to be used for residential or business trash. Mr. Keller also announced the new Human Resources portal, iSolve, was launched, with Staff and Council receiving notifications of the self-serve portal. HILL SCHOOL NEW DORMITORY Solicitor Garner advised that Hill School representatives presented a full outline of the proposed dormitory at the recent Planning Commission. He noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan and of granting the numerous waivers. Mr. Garner is awaiting the final fee amount for a fee in lieu of open space. President Weand noted that the motions will be listed on the agenda. UPPER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP- PAYMENT EXTENSION Mr. Keller explained the request of Upper Pottsgrove Township to extend the deadline for the payment of $248,820 to March 31, 2021, in order to allow the new developer additional time to review the Kummerer project. He added that the Authority approved the extension at its December meeting. ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER CONTRACT ADDENDUM Solicitor Garner explained the Police Department’s request for an addendum to the Animal Control Officer’s contract. The last agreement was made in 2005 and an amendment to the compensation amount is in order. These items will be listed on the regular agenda. BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS President Weand reviewed the open positions and appointments to be addressed at the regular meeting. The positions have been listed on the website as well. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Paules requested that an amendment be made to the meeting Rules of Order to allow an increase from three minutes to five minutes for speakers at Council meetings, nwhen there are five or less speakers. January 6, 2021 Councilor Lindsay congratulated Chell Hallman and Daniel Price on their new positions. She also noted that positions on the School Board and the Women in NAACP are available. President Weand thank all involved with the Santa Challenge and the successful food drive to the Cluster. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 7:50 p.m. for an item of personnel. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.