Council Committee of the Whole

September 8, 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. CONDIITONAL USE HEARING – Edward Donato, 1200 High Street Solicitor Garner opened a Conditional Use hearing at 6:30 p.m. and entered several Council items into evidence. Edward Donato was sworn in and testified that he has maintained a message therapist license as required by the State, for approximately 17 years. His intention is to serve one client at a time with hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. He added that he can serve clients under the age of 18 years of age with adult consent. Peggy Lee-Clark also testified that the PADC6 is a separate non-profit entity. She added that PAID did not right the lease, noting that the building sign has been there for many years and is expected to be updated in the near future by the new owners. There was no public comment and the hearing closed at 6:47 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The September 8, 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 Michael Paules. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kirkland was absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence and requested all to remember the 20th Anniversary of September 11th and the passing of Police Chaplain Bishop Everett Debnam. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATION – Lamoni Green, Junior Miss Amazing Mayor Henrick read and presented a proclamation to Lamoni Green, a Pottstown High School graduate and acknowledged her title as Junior Miss Amazing. September 8, 2021 Councilor Paules announced his donation of materials and the donation of Troy Rivera, Carpenter, to construct a ramp at Ms. Green’s residence to allow for easy entrance into the home. PRESENTATION – Frederick Davison, Civilian Award Mayor Henrick and Police Chief Markovich presented a life-saving award to Mr. Davison for his heroic efforts on May 18, 2021, wherein in he interviewed and saved his neighbor from severe injury from her dogs. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky advised that the report was in the packet. b. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark reminded all of the Fete en Blanc event scheduled for September 10th. She also updated the Board on the Iron Globe project on Keystone Boulevard, which will be an entertainment venue. She also reported on the addition of Danette Wilson to the PAID staff and will also be a shared position with the Borough to enhance marketing and social media throughout the Borough. Ms. Lee-Clark also advised that another project in the Keystone Boulevard area will bring approximately 120 jobs in 2022. c. Transportation – There was no meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – There was no meeting. e. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky reported that a meeting took place last month as a reorganization meeting. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Blighted Property – Councilor Procsal advised there was no meeting. b. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand provided an update on the damages incurred during Hurricane Ida. He noted that the Police and Fire Departments were out all night during the storm. He referred to the Borough and County’s websites for the forms to submitted for any damaged incurred during the storm. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood advised that National Hispanic Heritage month is September 15th to October 15th. She added that the CCLU will hold its annual Latino festival on September 18th at the Riverfront Park. c. Land Bank – There was no report. d. Library – Board President Frances Hylton reported that all Montgomery County public libraries are undergoing a computer system upgrade and should be completed in the near future. She also announced a wall of honor book case added to the Library. The next book sale is scheduled for September 17th and 18th. Ms. Hylton thanked Borough Council for its continued support. September 8, 2021 d. Ricketts Community Center – The report was in the packet. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay was unable attend the last Board meeting. She noted that the Fair Funding imitative continues. PRESENTATION – TRAFFIC CONTROL Chief Markovich provided a statistical report for speeding issues in various locations throughout the Borough. He advised that over a four-month period of the summer, officers answered 9,619 calls for service with traffic being only a portion of the calls. He also presented the new portable speed sign device that was purchased for the Police Department. He provided the statistics for each speed study for each area. Chief Markovich advised that the 85 percentile for speeding averaged at 25 mph. He noted that every officer on every shift is required to perform at least one traffic detail, under the direction of Lt. Long. Chief Markovich requested that Council consider the addition of two new officers in order to form a traffic unit. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reported on the events she attended and also outlined the upcoming events throughout the Borough., included the Fete en Blanc and the September 11th Pet Fair. She also noted the Latino Festival on September 18th and the fundraiser in the Alley, hosted by the NAACP scheduled for September 23rd. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller advised that the Borough sponsored events are posted on the website. He also advised that the Kiki Bar will be set up at the Fete. Mr. Keller advised that street sweeping will occur on September 9th and the Veterans’ Island event is scheduled for September 25th in Memorial Park at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Keller also announced a Joint School Board and Council meeting scheduled for September 30th, 6:00 p.m. in Borough Hall. The County is also scheduling several meetings to address the 422 Corridor as related to Passenger Rail to the area. He also provide an update on the High Street PECO work, with paving to be completed from Madison to Manatawny Streets. Mr. Keller reported on the Willow Street Pump Station being down on Monday, September 6th. A boil water notice was provided to 180 residents and after testing was done, the notice should be lifted on September 9th. He also reported on the trash meeting with the Coalition and the conversion of Oak Street, along with welcoming Danette Wilson’s partnering with PAID. FIRE SERVICE AGREEMENT Mr. Keller reported that the Agreement with West Pottsgrove Township has been approved by the Township at its August 18th meeting. The Pottstown Fire Department began serving as of August 18th. The agreement will expire December 31, 2022. He added that West Pottsgrove will continue September 8, 2021 with its in-house Fire Marshal as primary fire investigator for the Township. Mr. Keller requested Council’s consideration in approving the agreement this evening. Councilor Procsal motioned to approve and authorize execution of the Fire Service Agreement with the Township of West Pottsgrove. Councilor Lebedynsky seconded the motion. President Weand opened a public hearing at 7:50 p.m. There was no public comment and the hearing closed at 7:51 p.m. Motion carried: 6 ayes. SHERIDAN STREET SUBDIVISION, 759 SHERIDAN ST LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN Solicitor Garner explained the request of the applicant for the Sheridan Street Land Development Plan to construct two single family attached dwellings. He added that the Planning Commission is recommending preliminary/final approval and also approval of the waivers requested. PERMABOD MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN, 14 ROBINSON STREET Solicitor Garner also reviewed the request to construct a storage shed for the existing building located at 14 Robinson Street. He added that the Planning Commission is recommending approval of the Minor Land Development and of the waivers requested. KUHN FUNERAL HOME, 726 EAST HIGH STREET, WAIVER OF LAND DEVELOPMENT Solicitor Garner also explained the request of Dolan Construction for a crematory on the property at 726 East High Street, Warker-Troutman/Kuhn Funeral Home. He noted that waiving the land development does not mean waiving ordinances. He advised that the Borough engineer is not recommending the waiver but it is Council’s decision. Councilor Paules commented that this should not take up too much space on the property. President Weand advised that these developments will be listed for action on Monday evening. MMO – POLICE & NON-UNIFORM PENSION PLANS Mr. Keller reviewed the two resolutions regarding the Borough’s minimum municipal obligation for the two pension plans. The 2022 obligation for the Police Plan is $1,632,397 and the Non- Uniform Pension plan is $915,394 and recommended Council’s approval of the resolutions. Mr. Keller also explained that employees hired after 2020 are eligible for a defined benefit plan.. ACT 50 – SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES Mr. Keller explained the legislation regarding smaller wireless facilities with 5G connections. This will go into effect October 28, 2021 and recommended that Council authorize the Solicitor to prepare and advertise an ordinance for the October meeting. September 8, 2021 SEWER LIDS AND FRAMES PAVING OVERLAY WATER TRENCH RESTORATION Mr. Keller noted that these bids were opened on September 7th and staff will have recommendations for Monday’s agenda. FEE RESOLUTION – FLAT CHARGE FOR LATERAL REPLACEMENTS Mr. Keller referred to the Pottstown Borough Authority’s resolution and flat fee of $1,000 for each lateral defective on private property. He recommended that Council adopt a resolution to add to the Borough’s fee schedule. These matters will be listed for the regular agenda. WYNDCROFT SCHOOL, ROAD CLOSURE Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Wyndcroft School to close a portion of Rosedale Drive for a back to school night scheduled for September 10, 2021. As this occurs before the regular meeting, Mr. Keller requested action be taken this evening. Councilor Paules moved to approve the request of the Wyndcroft School to hold its back to school night on September 10, 2021, resulting in the closing of Rosedale Drive from 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., subject to review and approval of the Police and Fire Departments. Councilor Lindsay seconded the motion. President Weand opened a public hearing at 8:09 p.m. for public comments. There were no comments and the hearing closed at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried: 6 ayes. HALLOWEEN PARADE Mr. Keller explained the request of the Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the Rotary to hold the Halloween Parade scheduled for Saturday, October 23rd, 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. READING GRAVITY RACE Mr. Keller also referred to the request of Reading Gravity to hold a soap box derby race on November 7th, rain date November 14th, and to close Wilson Street from Farmington Avenue to State Street. President Weand noted that these would be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. UPCOMING BOARD VACANCIES President Weand advised that alternate positions are available on the Construction Code Board of Appeals and on the Zoning Hearing Board with no applicants at this time. September 8, 2021 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT None. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Procsal commented on the successful car show and vaccination event. Councilor Vanni noted the passing of Bishop Debnam. She also suggested that health care systems are broken and need to be fixed. Councilor Lindsay provided information of Bishop Debnam’s memorial events and urged all to get vaccinated. She also thanked all for the efforts in changing the portion of Oak Street to a one- way street. Mayor Henrick suggested having a borough-wide events calendar. Mr. Keller responded that this is being considered through PAID. President Weand also commented on the successful car show and referred to the County’s regional rail project and urged all to write letters to elected officials for rail service. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.