Council Committee of the Whole

February 3, 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. CONDITIONAL USE HEARING, JANELLE MOCKAITIS, 345 KING STREET Solicitor Hovey opened the Conditional Use hearing at 6:30 p.m. and presented several Council exhibits into evidence. Ms. Mockaitis was sworn in and testified that she is requesting to move her pet grooming business from 16 North Evans Street to 345 King Street to obtain additional space/ She added that the hours of operation would be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00-4:00 p.m. She also testified that a traffic study was done by the Landlord of the property and expected very little traffic as it is a drop off and pick-up business. Ms. Mockaitis also advised that she is the only employee of the establishment. Councilor Lindsay commented that she has used this business for her dogs for approximately three years and commended the business. Ms. Lee-Clark noted that it is a welcomed business on an off-street location, which enhances the neighborhood. There was no public comment and Solicitor Hovey closed the hearing at 6:50 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The February 3, 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, and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS February 3, 2021 a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky noted there was no meeting. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark reported on the well-attended and successful seminar, the State of Economic Development of Pottstown. Ms. Lee-Clark referred to the picture document of the outline of the meeting, including discussion on private development, Pottstown’s infrastructure and skilled workforce and youth development. She stressed the importance of collecting and distributing correct data, marketing and social media. Ms. Lee-Clark added that PAID is working on a Pottstown gift-card program. In addition, the County has announced grants for the restaurant community, the first recipients being the High Street Pig, Manatawny Still Works and the Blue Elephant. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Council Procsal advised that discussions included farm animals and murals, with murals listed on this agenda. e. Efficient Methods – Mr. Keller provided an update on the Human Resources management software. Additional initiatives will be presented to Council in the near future. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand provided the statistics for the month of January, with 94 fire calls and 329 emergency incidents. He added that smoke alarms are available at all fire stations. b. Human Relations Commission – The report was in the packet. c. Land Bank – There was no report. d. Library – Board President Frances Hylton provided an update on programs and initiatives of the Library. Ms. Hylton referred to the website, noting that all books are sanitized prior to reissuing and outlined the children’s programs. She thanked Council for its support of the Library and commended the staff and volunteers during the Pandemic. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Lindsay reported that the Center is grateful for the new gym lighting. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay also reported that the School District will remain virtual for the third quarter. She added that all adults must have photo identification prior to entering any buildings. Councilor Lindsay noted that the District is offering academic support, food distribution and on-line registrations. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reviewed the events which she attended in the last month, including the State of Economic Development seminar, wherein a discussion took place on the implementation of front- February 3, 2021 in angle parking. She also attended the PA School Fair Funding webinar. She advised that there are many candidates in upcoming elections and the Cop Cards program in underway. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller agreed to provide a link on the website for the Cop Cards program. He added that the Pension funds increased by approximately 17% in 2020. In addition, applications are being accepted on line for the Finance Director position with a salary range of $95,000 to $104,000 including a 5% Borough contribution to a defined 401A contribution plan. Mr. Keller announced that he has appointed Marley Boone as the Interim Finance Director. Mr. Keller also announced the technology upgrades to the Council meeting rooms as part of the Comcast renewal agreement. He also reviewed the applications available under the Land Bank page of the website. Mr. Keller announced that the Polar Bear Plunge has been cancelled for February 13th, due to COVID restrictions still in place and the updated trash pick-up, due to the recent snow storm, is listed on the website. AMENDMENTS TO MEETING RULES OF COUNCIL Solicitor Hovey reviewed the current Meeting Rules of Council and the proposed changes. He explained that any changes would require a majority vote of Council and due to the 28-day review period, this matter should be listed for the March agenda. ADDENDUM TO ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER’S CONTRACT Mr. Keller referred to the current contract for the Animal Control Officer, which is dated 2005. He noted that the changes in the proposed agreement include an increase in compensation to $25 per call, enforcement to the animal ordinance and a change of the entity to an LLC. M & M LUBE MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT Attorney Hovey reviewed the minor land development proposed for the existing property at 804 Farmington Avenue to add a 980 square foot edition. The plan and the requested waivers have been recommended by the Planning Commission. TRAFFIC SIGNS, WATER PIPES, ETC. BID AWARDS Mr. Keller advised that these bids will not be opened until February 4th and will have recommendations for Monday’s agenda. President Weand noted that these items will be listed for action on the regular agenda. MONTCO 2040 GRANT RESOLUTION DCNR M2P2 GRANT RESOLUTION February 3, 2021 Mr. Keller referred to the draft resolutions requesting authorization to submit grants for the restoration of the Memorial Park Bridge destroyed in Hurricane Isaias. The grants will be matched by a future DCED grant and with fund from the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation. President Weand advised that these matters will be listed for approval on Monday evening. MURAL DISTANCE REGULATION AMENDMENT Mr. Keller also explained the recommendation for distance requirements for murals in the same area. He added that the 600 feet radius may be too large. POLICY FOR WAIVER OF FEES Mr. Keller referred to a previous policy of Council to not waive any fees as this was not substantially favorable financially. He requested authorization to work with the Solicitor to draft a policy to waive inter-departmental fees and address at the March meeting. These items will be listed for further discussion on Monday’s agenda. PARKS AND RECREATION RACE – APRIL 18, 2021 RED HORSE CAR SHOWS 2021 READING GRAVITY RACES – WILSON STREET POTTSTOWN BIKE RACE – JUNE 19, 2021 Mr. Keller reviewed the road closure events for 2021. He noted that with the COVID-19 and CDC requirements, he is requesting that a plan be submitted by the applicant , at least two weeks in advance of the event, with the condition as to how the applicant will enforce restrictions in place the time of the event. President Weand noted that these requests will be added to the regular agenda. POTTSTOWN FIREBIRDS MONUMENT SIGN ON BOROUGH PROPERTY Mr. Keller referred to the draft sign to be installed on Borough property, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Pottstown’s Firebirds Football team. The locations to be considered are the east side of South Hanover Street and the south side of High Street in front of the 152 High Street building. Solicitor Hovey recommended that a Resolution be adopted including a maintenance plan for the sign. It was the consensus of Council to place the sign in from of the 152 High Street building with the agreement of the applicant. A resolution will be listed for Monday evening. February 3, 2021 OAK STREET – ONE WAY Chief Markovich commented in response to Councilor Lindsay’s request to address the congestion on Oak Street. Chief Markovich advised that the Department reviewed the area and is now recommending that Oak Street, from North Charlotte to North Hanover be made one-way, traveling west. He added that speeding in not an issue in that area and limiting parking is not being recommended. The Chief also noted that the residents have been notified and has not yet received any negative comments. PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY President Weand advised that he is seeking reappointment to the Planning Commission. He also noted that Andrew Monastra’ s term is expiring but he is not seeking reappointment. These items will be listed on the agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Jeremy Schwenk, 990 North Evans Street – requested the process for addressing the ordinance prohibiting chickens in the Borough. Solicitor Hovey commented that the Ordinance Review Committee addressed this subject and is not recommending any changes to the Ordinance and suggested that he speak directly with Councilor Procsal. b. Bruno Baltazar, Firebirds – requested that the sign be placed at the High Street location and is agreeable to a maintenance agreement with the Borough. Mr. Keller agreed to coordinate with Mr. Baltazar after Council’s action on Monday evening. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Kirkland, in honor of Black History Month, highlighted the accomplishments of Claudette Colvin for challenging the bus driver in 1939 and subsequently arrested for not giving up her seat. In addition, Bessie Coleman (1892-1926) was the first licensed black pilot and Jane Bolin (1908-2007) was the first black women to attend Yale Law School and the first black female judge in the United States. Councilor Lindsay commented that in honor of black history month, she is not wearing her braids. She added that Rupert Elementary is holding its DROP reading program April 9th. She also thanked PAID for providing “I Pick Pottstown” masks and the Carousel is having a Valentine’s Day dinner. Councilor Vanni provided a report on the recent PCA meeting, which is seeking a grant for the “Love Your Block” event. She added that garden plots are also available. February 3, 2021 Councilor Lebedynsky reminded all of the upcoming Super Bowl event and to tend to animals during the Code Blue weather. Mayor Henrick requested that a discussion on the Animal Ordinance be listed on the March Committee of the Whole agenda for discussion by Council. President Weand again thanked all involved in the Santa Challenge, which netted over $2,500 in food for the Cluster and requested that the initiative continue. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.