Council Committee of the Whole

June 9, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENT Borough Manager Keller explained the format for this evening’s meeting, advising that the meeting is a public meeting and a GoTo Meeting and available on-line as well as. He added that all are required to wear masks unless presenting or speaking before Council. 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, Maritza Agosto, 17 North Hanover Street Solicitor Hovey opened a Conditional Use hearing and entered several items into evidence. Maritza Agosto was sworn in and testified that she is proposing to open a boutique at the property located at 17 North Hanover Street to sell clothing, handbags and accessories. There will be no exterior upgrades other than painting. Ms. Agosto noted that she has reviewed the sign ordinance and will comply with all traffic and parking matters. Ms. Bonnie Heath, testified that her husband owns the property and is in support of Ms. Agosto’s proposal. The hearing closed at 6:59 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The June 9, 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, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand. Michael Paules and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Vice President Lebedynsky was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 7:00 p.m. for one matter of litigation. June 9, 2021 The regular meeting resumed at 8:00 p.m. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Michael Lenhart referred to the report distributed and provided an update of the upcoming and recent events throughout the Parks. He also reported on the recent grants received for the Streambank Stabilization and Bridge Replacement projects. Other projects include upgrades to Riverfront Park and the bridge to the Schuylkill River Trail. He advised that upgrades also include the Potts Drive Park, the Spruce Street Park, Sundstrom Field and the Fountain of Youth Spray Park. Mr. Lenhart also referred to the new outline of the Borough newsletter and accessing it through the website. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark provided an update of new businesses opening in the downtown, including Rivet and the Forge at 228 east High Street. She advised that the recent car show was a great success. Ms. Lee-Clark advised that manufacturing business are proposed for the area, including fiberglass manufacturing and a robotics business. She added that next month, PAID will be applying for permission to hold the Fete en Blanc on September 10, 2021. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal reported that a brief staff meeting occurred to review the animal ordinance. e. Efficient Methods Committee – There was no meeting. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Mr. Keller advised that the Chief has requested to submit a detailed quarterly report. b. Human Relations Commission – There was no meeting. c. Land Bank – There was no report. d. Library – Board President Frances Hylton reported on the reopening and upcoming events. She announced the Library netted over $7,000 at the Chairity event. Ms. Hylton also reviewed upcoming summer events. Councilor Kirkland praised the process of getting a passport at the Library. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland noted there may be some mold in areas of the Center that should be addressed f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay reported that Governor Wolf visited June 9, 2021 the School District, along with Representatives Ciresi and Hennessey. She also reported on the successful graduation and spring concert events. PRESENTATION – Patricia McCloskey, Regional Parks Planner Ms. McCloskey was present and introduced herself as the Regional Parks Planner for the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee. She replaced Michael Lane in April and will be working closely with Michael Lenhart on park projects. PRESENTATION – Rob Laubenheimer, Executive Director, Boyertown Area MultiService Mr. Laubenheimer provided a power point presentation on the projects and programs being provided at the Ricketts Center through the Boyertown Area MultiService. Also present were Jocelyn Charles, Ricketts Center Director, who outlined the classes and programs and meals being provided at the center he along with the upgrades to the Center. Charles Boruchowitz, Director of Development, was present and provided an outline of grants and funding projects. Mr. Laubenheimer referred to the Letter of Intent to continue operations at the Center through 2024 and requested Council’s consideration. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reviewed the events and programs at which she attended in May, including the PPOA Fishing Derby and Primary Election Day. She also reviewed the upcoming Independence Day events, the FARM and the Pottstown Rumble. She noted that she and Chief Markovich are seeking information on hybrid police cruises for the future. Mayor Henrick also encouraged all to participate on the Fair Funding event on June 21st at the Pottstown Middle School. She also congratulated Police Officer of the Year 2020, Officer Zach Robinson. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller reported that he is working with Staff on a standard Mural Agreement for any future projects. He also reported on the extension of the Schuylkill River Trail and Armand Hammer Blvd scheduled for 2022. Mr. Keller provided an update on the grants for Stormwater Improvements and the Borough property at 707 Hamilton Street. He added that notices for delinquent accounts will provide a 90 day period and the Authority will hold a special meeting on June 14th for an emergency water connection for Aqua PA. He added that the Water and Sewer replacement project will begin in late July. Mr. Keller advised that two supervisor positions have been filled with internal candidates. He also announced the appointment of Marley Boone as the new Finance Director as of June 7, 2021. TREASURER’S APPOINTMENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY June 9, 2021 Mr. Keller requested adoption of two resolutions, one to appoint Ms. Boone as the Treasurer. Solicitor Hovey explained the telecommunications policy, which presently exists under the Borough Code and requested adoption of the Resolution to confirm the policy as Act 15 remains in effect. He added that when the emergency declaration ends, a quorum of four Councilors must be present for a quorum in order for any other Councilors to participate remotely. POLICE DEPARTMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS Mr. Keller reviewed the proposed grants associated with the Police Department and requested authorization for submission. President Weand noted that these would be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. RESOLUTION – EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN Mr. Keller advised that there is a requirement to adopt the Emergency Management Plan every two years by resolution. GOFOURTH BIERGARTEN – July 4, 2021 Mr. Keller referred to the request from the GoFourth committee to hold a biergarten in Smith Family Plaza on July 4, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m., subject to approval of the FTA. SLY FOX, 331 Circle of Progress, Zoning Relief Mr. Keller explained the minor changes on the plan for the Sly Fox Cabanna and Bocce Court projects. The changes would require the applicant to again go before the Planning Commission. Mr. Keller noted that there is also a zoning relief request for Council’s consideration. John Giannopoulos was present and noted that the change is actually a reduction in size. President Weand noted that this project would be listed for Council’s consideration. ALL CITY MANAGEMENT – CROSSING GUARDS Mr. Keller referred to the proposed agreement for a three-year contract extension with a 4.2% increase in year two. This will be listed for approval on the regular agenda. AIRPORT CONSULTANT Mr. Keller referred to the bid tabulation and explained that of the two bidders, Delta and HRG, the recommendation among Staff is to award the bid to Delta Airport Consultants and requested approval on Monday’s agenda. June 9, 2021 POTTSTOWN RUMBLE – FIREWORKS Mr. Keller advised that the Pottstown Rumble is requesting authorization to hold its annual fireworks for its June 25, 2021 kickoff, with approval of the Fire Chief. PARKS & RECREATION – FUNKY SANTA’S Mr. Keller referred to the applications by Parks & Recreation for its Funky Santa events, July 25, 2021 and December 5, 2021, to be held along College Drive. BLOCK PARTY – LAURA JOHNSON Mr. Keller noted the request of Laura Johnson to hold a block part on August 14, 2021, rain date August 15, resulting in the closing of sections of Belmont Street These requests will be listed on the regular agenda for consideration. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Philip Thees, 63 South Evans Street - expressed concerns on the traffic patterns at High and Evans Street and recommended removing the ‘no turn on red.” He also noted the cost of proposed hybrid police vehicles and advised the reason for having public officials appear in person is that the Founders wanted to see all faces in person. b. William Bransfield, 1027 Hale Street – simply wanted to make his presence known. c. Tom Winterbottom, King Street – questioned if the fireworks problems will be addressed this year. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay praised Laura Johnson for her efforts during Governor Wolf’s Fair Funding event at the School. There will be an additional Rally on June 21st. She also commended the Library’s Chairity and passport programs. She also advised that she originally voted to keep the Ricketts Center with the Parks & Recreation, but praised Jocelyn Charles and MultiService for the excellent progress at the Center. Councilor Lindsay also questioned if the Citizen’s Leadership Academy would resume. Mr. Keller will confirm and report to Council. Councilor Procsal commended the new audio equipment. Councilor Kirkland thanked all the volunteers on election day. June 9, 2021 Mayor Henrick questioned the pilot program progress from the Ordinance Review Committee. She advised that she is proxy for Councilor Paules who is requesting recognition at next month’s meeting for Maxon Bacon, 4 years old, on his cook-out event for first responder. President Weand commented on the successful and organized car shows. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.