Council Committee of the Whole

May 5, 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, Jamal Washington, 26 North Charlotte Street Solicitor Garner opened a Conditional Use hearing and entered several items into evidence. Jamal Washington was sworn in and testified on behalf of the Washington Hunt Group. He stated that his intention is to open a take-out restaurant at the property located at 26 North Charlotte Street, a former bakery. He confirmed that a traffic study was conducted and there are 30-minute parking spaces in front of the location. He stated that the restaurant would be open from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., from Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. The hearing closed at 6:48 p.m. CONDITIONAL USE HEARING, Mohammed Ammouri, 21 North Hanover Street Solicitor Garner explained that as the applicant failed to appear, the hearing may be continued to Monday, May 10, 2021 for resolution. Motion by Councilor Procsal to continue the Conditional Use Hearing on application of Mohammed Ammouri to Monday, May 10, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Councilor Lebedynsky seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The May 5, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:02 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, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE May 5, 2021 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky noted that a report was in the packets. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark provided an overview of the 2020 Annual Report, titled “Resilience.” She advised that PAID was 55 years old in 2020 and was the 10-year anniversary of the reorganization and hiring of the first Economic Development Director. Ms. Lee-Clark commended the businesses that were sustainable during the COVID Pandemic. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal provided a report of the virtual public meeting held on April 21, 2021. He noted that Danielle Baer, Montgomery County, with certain recommendations and comparison with similar municipalities. Councilor Procsal advised that another public meeting is scheduled in May and will provide a report at the June meeting. President Weand advised that he attended the meeting as well and concluded that having chickens in the Borough is not feasible, and the enforcement would be an expense to the taxpayers. Mayor Henrick added that she attended the meeting and suggested that a change should be made to encourage responsible citizens to have chickens in the Borough. President Weand noted that there is an ordinance in place and those who violate it are committing a crime. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Manager Keller noted that Chief Hand was unable to attend this evening and the report may be in the packets. b. Human Relations Commission – A report was in the packets. c. Land Bank – There was no report. d. Library – Board President Frances Hylton reported that a book sale is scheduled for May 8th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. She also reported that 20 chairs are listed for the May 22nd Chairity event at the Carousel. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland referred to the report distributed in the packets. e. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay advised that this is Teacher Appreciation Week. She also noted that June 2nd is the outside graduation and June 4th is the last day of school. Councilor Lindsay praised the accomplishments of deceased member Linfield Moyer. Additional information can be found of the Pottstown school District Facebook page. May 5, 2021 MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reported on the successful Edgewood Cemetery Clean-up day, the Mosaic Gardens and the Autism Center Ribbon Cutting held on Creekside Drive. She praised the NAACP and other organizations for holding vaccination clinics. The Mayor also attended an Environment meeting on clean air and water, Women in the NAACP meeting, Montgomery County Steering Committee, a Hobart’s Run event featuring black owned businesses and the Rotary meeting. She also announced the PPOA fishing event on May 15th, 7:30 a.m. and Primary Election Day is May 18th. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller advised that he attended the Investors’ Virtual conference, noting that 911 is no longer simply an emergency number and can be used for any concern. He advised that the Borough will be receiving approximately $2.2 million from the American Rescue Plan and is awaiting guidance on the Plan. He also hosted a tour of the arches with Representative Madeleine Dean. Mr. Keller advised that he granted the request of Tom Hylton to tag trees throughout the Borough in order to establish a tree inventory more accurately in conjunction with the PECO tree trimming project. He also noted that the 6 Sigma training is tentatively scheduled for May 20th, 5:30 p.m. Mr. Keller reported that Parks & Recreation will again hold “Water Wednesday’s” throughout the Borough from June 16th through August 18th, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. He also announced the grant received in the amount of $40,000 to assist L & I and the Land Bank to determine blighted properties. Mr. Keller reported that PAID is now the Administrator of the Land Bank through a cooperation agreement between PAID and the Land bank Board. Mr. Keller provided a brief presentation and outline regarding the new McDonald’s restaurant located at 189 Shoemaker Road, with several minor changes to the Plan, including a small patio and a pedestrian cross-walk . He is recommending approval of the changes, outside of the formal Land Development and requesting action be scheduled for Monday evening. HYBRID PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS Solicitor Garner explained the allowances under Pennsylvania’s Act 15, the Emergency Declaration under the Pandemic regulations. He noted that the public meetings can be held virtually or as a hybrid meeting, which would allow Council members to appear in person or continue to join virtually, if they so choose. He advised that when the Pandemic restrictions and Act 15 are no longer in place, a hybrid meeting would not be permitted unless new legislation is passed. Mr. Keller added that through the Comcast grant, new technology equipment has been installed in the Council Meeting Room and Council Chambers. May 5, 2021 After a brief discussion among Council, it was the consensus to list for further discussion on the regular agenda. AL’S HEART WARMING CENTER Solicitor Garner explained that Al’s Heart Warming Center’s request remains outstanding with the request for an extension to May 31, 2022. He advised that a proposal was received from Attorney Paul Prince, outlining zoning ordinance changes. Solicitor Garner added that the applicant has the option to go before the Zoning Hearing Board to request zoning relief. President Weand advised that this will be listed for Monday evening. CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT FROM CIVIL SERVICE LIST Mr. Keller advised that Chief Markovich is requesting authorization to present a conditional offer of employment to an eligible candidate from the exiting Civil Service List. This would be to replace an officer leaving for another position. PART – 2021-2022 DOTGRANTS RESOLUTION PART – LOCAL MATCH OPERATING RESOLUTION Mr. Keller explained the annual items associated with the Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, including the budget, a new DOTGrant signature requirement and the required local match. He requested these be listed for approval on Monday evening. CHESTNUT STREET CLOSURE, VANESS SYKES, MAY 8, 2021 Mr. Keller requested action on this matter this evening as the event is scheduled on Saturday, May 8th. Solicitor Garner advised that this can be done under Public Comment on this agenda. MEMORIAL DAY MOTORCADE – HIGH STREET, MAY 31, 2021 VICTORY CHRISTIAN LIFE – OUTDOOR CHURCH SERVICE – JUNE 13, 2021 AMBUCS ALL AMERICAN SOAP BOX RACE, JUNE 18 – JUNE 19, 2021 Mr. Keller explained the requests for street closures for various upcoming events. BOARD VACANCIES President Weand advised that one term exists on the Human Relations Commission and on term on the Land Bank Board. May 5, 2021 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. David Guest, 857 Spruce Street – expressed concerns regarding disturbances coming from the neighboring property. Mr. Keller referred this to the Police Department. b. Tom Winterbottom, King Street – questioned if the public would be included in the proposed hybrid meetings. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Kirkland commended Johnathan Corson and the NAACP on the recent vaccination events. Councilor Lindsay agreed and also noted the cooperation of the Carousel and the Bethel Community Church. She also advised the Redner’s will be hosting a Go-fourth fundraiser on May 9th and reminded all of the Chairity event on May 22nd. Councilor Lebedynsky also commended all the volunteers during the vaccination events. Councilor Vanni thanked all the teachers in light of Teacher Appreciation Week. Councilor Procsal recommended a camera security system to Mr. Guest to assist in resolving his neighbor problem. Mayor Henrick requested that if anyone is in need of an appointment for a vaccine, they may contact her. She urged attendees to wear a mask during the July 4th events. President Weand wished all a Happy Mother’s Day and noted that last week’s car show was awesome and is looking for the next one, the first Saturday in June. CHESTNUT STREET CLOSURE Councilor Procsal moved to grant the request of Vanessa Sykes to hold a Mother’s Day event on May 8, 2021, resulting in the closure of the 600 block of Chestnut Street, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., subject to review and approval of the Police and Fire Departments. Councilor Lebedynsky seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.