Council Committee of the Whole

August 4, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENT Borough Manager Keller explained the format for this evening’s meeting, advising that the meeting is a public in-person and a GoTo Meeting and available on-line as well. 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 August 4, 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 (virtual), Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand and Joseph Kirkland (virtual). Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Paules was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATION – DARIUS SMALLWOOD Mayor Henrick read and presented a proclamation to Pottstown High School senior, Darius Smallwood on his accomplishments in setting records for track and field events. Mr. Smallwood and his family were present to accept the Proclamation. PRESENTATION -LIFT, ATTORNEY PAUL PRINCE Attorney Paul Prince was present to explain the request of the LIFT organization to continue with a center for the homeless. He advised that the concept began with Allan Altschull and George Bell to provide a centralized office and training and looked at the former St. Aloysius School. The Church allowed the creation of a warming center and has since been extended to May 2022. Attorney Prince requested an amendment to the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance to allow a facility at the gifted property located at 161 North Charlotte Street, presently owned by Paul Desch. He advised that it would cost approximately $400,000 to update and modernize the building. Mr. Prince added that the goal is to create a year-round transition center and a centralized office facility. Attorney Prince requested consideration in amending the Borough’s zoning ordinance to allow this facility to be established in this district. August 4, 2021 PRESENTATION 2021 STREET PAVING Manager Keller provided an outline of the proposed paving project for 2021. He advised that the plan is to pave six miles of the 60 miles of roadway in the Borough. Certain projects will be funded by state funds, Authority funds, the Water and Sewer replacement project and by PECO. Mr. Keller explained the grading process of categorizing the conditions of the roadways. He requested any concerns from Councilors be directed to him prior to Monday evening in order to bid the project. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky advised that the report was in the packet. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark advised that PAID continues to work in collaboration for solutions of the homeless. She added that the focus remains to elaborate on the business community and its challenges. Therefore, PAID objects to the zoning amendment in TTN zone as requested by LIFT. April Barkasi, 159 East High Steet, spoke as a business owner and also objected to the zoning amendments and requested that Council stand by its protections in the TTN district. Tracy Purdy, East High Street, spoke as a private citizen and owner of a Bed & Breakfast. She spoke in favor of allowing the zoning changes at the request of LIFT. She noted that she sees no other solution for the homeless situation and it won’t go away if not addressed. Attorney Prince added that if Council cannot help to solve the problem, it will not go away. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal reported that the committee continues to address and request feedback from other Councilors regarding a solution to the chicken issue in the Borough. e. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky reported on the progress of the Six Sigma program, which is going well throughout the organization. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Blighted Property – Councilor Procsal referred to the former Levengood Dairy property which continues to remain blighted. He noted that the owner has been located and the issues will be handled through the court system. b. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand provided a report for the packets. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood advised that August 26th is Women’s Equality Day. She added that she attended the National Night Out events. The next meeting is August 10th, 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. . August 4, 2021 c. Land Bank – There was no report. d. Library – Board President Frances Hylton outlined five upcoming events at the Library. She noted that the newsletter is now on the website, an event at Riverfront Park on August 7th, participation in an Archdiocese of Philadelphia needy families event, a weekly summer reading party on August 9th and a new “play-away” audio book program. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland noted that the report was in the packet and summer programs continues. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay congratulated Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez for receiving the Transformational Leadership Award from the Power Schools Company. She added that schools open August 23rd with full days. Councilor Lindsay also provided dates for upcoming school events. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henricks advised that she attended the successful National Night Out events on August 3rd. She also attended the Schuylkill River Sojourn and other Borough events. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller reported that Staff and the Solicitor will be working on draft amendments to the Borough ordinances to address the fireworks situation. He added that he met with Representative Ciresi and other local managers on this matter. Mr. Keller also noted that a grant is being sought for electric charging stations for the Borough. He updated Council on the stormwater and I & I issues being addressed through the Authority and advised Council that the AFSCME negotiations have begun. In addition, a joint meeting with the School Board is being considered. BOYERTOWN MULTISERVICE AGREEMENT – RICKETTS CENTER Mr. Keller outlined the three-year agreement for the operation of the Ricketts Center, which is awaiting approval by the Boyertown Multi-Service Board. KING STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING Mr. Keller provided an update on the King Street Pedestrian Crossing advising that PennDOT is requiring a maintenance agreement regarding the decorative paving. RESOLUTION – PENNDOT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT Mr. Keller advised that PennDOT is requiring a Resolution approving the signers of last month’s Cooperative Agreement for the closed circuit cameras. President Weand noted that these matters will be listed for the regular agenda. August 4, 2021 MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Mr. Keller advised that the Finance Committee has approved the adjustments and will provide to Council for Monday’s meeting, including a $40,000 upgrade to the Borough Hall phone system with funds from the General Fund. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Mr. Keller advised that the Ordinance Review Committee discussed updates to the Zoning Ordinance, including amendments to driveways, shed regulations and clarification on definitions. TOSS YOUR TURKEY 5K Mr. Keller reviewed the request of the Pottsgrove Cross Country Team for the November 25th Toss Your Turkey 5K event. UPCOMING BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the upcoming vacancies and applicants to be considered on Monday evening. These items will be listed on the regular agenda. ZONING – CURTIS RUTLEDGE , RUT ROW PROPERTIES, 71 BEECH STREET Solicitor Garner reviewed the application of Curtis Rutledge requesting zoning relief regarding the 1500 square foot requirement. He added that the Manager has requested that a condition be added to not allow a convenience store for this property. ZONING – BILL GRILL, 401WEST HIGH STREET Solicitor Garner also reviewed the application for the property located at 401 West High Street. The applicant has requested variances, including interpretations of the Zoning Officer and the appeal of the zoning violation notice. Solicitor Garner recommended opposing the alternate forms of relief being sought. President Weand advised that these zoning matters will be listed for action on Monday’s agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Bruce Madara, 543 North Adams Street – noted that State legislators may be changing their opinions on the fireworks law and complimented members of Staff for returning calls to him and working with him on several manners. He noted that several department managers including the Mayor have ignored him. Mr. Madara advised that he contacted the President of J.P. Mascaro, Pat Mascaro, directly to have his trash issues resolved. b. Karen Vanhorn, 259 North Hanover Street – complained about residents of the Warming August 4, 2021 Center at the former Saint Aloysius School and adversarial contact with these individuals. She commented on the hazards and safety concerns, along with loud conversations and fighting while not in the building. Ms. Vanhorn also spoke in opposition of renewing the contract for the warming center. c. Tom Winterbottom, 262 King Street – questioned the status of the water system in the Borough. Mr. Keller advised that the water is safe and the annual drinking water report is listed on the website. He added that DEP continues to monitor the situation. d. Tom Niaros, Director of LIFT, 846 High Street – advised that he thought he had resolved the issues with Ms. Vanhorn. He added that in the upcoming season, there will be a van to pick up the guests and will not allow outdoor smoking. He also commented on flags in windows and on properties proclaiming profanity, which effects the quality of life throughout the Borough. He noted that he was told by the Police Department that this is a freedom of speech issue. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay thanked the Heart of God Church to allow a pop-up skate park at the Beech and York Streets parking lot. She also commented on the events she attended including the National Night Out. Councilor Kirkland agreed with Ms. Vanhorn, stating that someone from the facility should be present to monitor the guests. Councilor Procsal also commended the successful National Night Out events. Councilor Vanni also thanked Mascaro’s for the prompt service when she contacted them directly and noted that when paying for a service it should be expected. Councilor Lebedynsky congratulated local Olympian Payton Ridenour for her success during the Olympics. Mayor Henrick also believed that the issues at the warming Center were resolved and apologized to Mr. Madara for not returning his calls. President Weand also commended that successful National Night Out events. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.