Council Committee of the Whole

November 3, 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 – ANYAE EBO-DAVIS, 71 BEECH STREET Solicitor Garner opened a public hearing on the application of Anyae Ebo-Davis requesting to establish a boutique at the property located at 71 Beech Street and entered several items into evidence on behalf of Council. Ms. Ebo-Davis was sworn in and testified that she is proposing to open a retail store and provide children’s less expensive clothing and other retail items. She may also conduct clothing drives for the homeless. Ms. Ebo-Davis provided a traffic study, which indicated no adverse traffic or pedestrian issues for the area. She testified that her hours of operation would be 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The hearing closed at 6:45 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The November 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 and Dan Weand. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kirkland and Paules were absent. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE COMMERATIVE STREET NAMES President Weand stated that too often individuals are commemorated after their passing. He requested that Council approve the Commemorative Street Name of “Armato Way” to acknowledge to the accomplishments and efforts of John and Marlene Armato for their many years of service to the Borough of Pottstown and the School District. He recommended that the area of North Franklin Street between Wilson and West Streets, along the Pottstown High School and Pottstown Middle School, be commemorated as “Armato Way.” November 3, 2021 Councilor Lindsay moved to approve this action and establish a Commemorative Name of “Armato Way” for a section of Franklin Street between Wilson and West Streets. Councilor Procsal seconded the motion. The Councilors praised the Armato’s for the long standing dedication to the Borough. President Weand opened a public hearing to allow for public comments. a. Tom Winterbottom, 262 King Street – stated that this is well deserved. b. Robert Grepps, 925 South Street – noted that this is an excellent idea. c. Representative Joe Ciresi , 301 North Lewis Road – commended the Armato’s for their volunteerism and dedication to the Borough and the School District. Motion carried: 5 ayes. Mr. Armato thanked Council for this honor and noted that he has coached and been involved with Pottstown for 52 years and stated that Pottstown is “Hometown America.” Mrs. Armato also thanked Council and commented on how she loves this town. RECOGNITION – RETIREE CHARLES E. FINE Manager Keller read a Resolution honoring retiree Charles E. Fine. Mr. Fine accepted the Resolution earlier in the day, presented by Mr. Keller. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-29 RECOGNIZING CHARLES E. FINE FOR 15 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE BOROUGH OF POTTSTOWN WHEREAS, Charles E. Fine has served the Borough of Pottstown as a dedicated employee since 2006; and WHEREAS, for the past fifteen plus years Chuck has worked in the position of Water Treatment Plant Operator II within the Utilities Department, and during that time he assisted our own internal customers and external customers, with the highest level of customer service possible; and WHREAS, Chuck’s presence at the Water Treatment Plant will be truly missed by the people that have worked with him. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Mayor and Town Council that Charles E. Fine is officially recognized for the outstanding service he has provided the Borough of Pottstown through fifteen years of employment; and further that he is extended best wishes for a happy and well-deserved retirement. Adopted at Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 East High Street, this 3rd day of November 2021. November 3, 2021 YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS President Weand presented a 5-year service award to Manager Keller. Manager Keller and President Weand presented awards to employees as follows: 5 years – Scott DiNardis, James Engle, Bryan Fleischman, Robert Grepps, Craig Hawley, Laura Kline, Dawn Mader and Michael Seidle; 10 years – Kourtney High, Mark Mullen and Jason Skimski; 15 years – Charles Fine, Ernesto Pinedo and Charles Weller; 20 years – Sheila Rhoads and Michael Yerger; 35 years – Jeffrey Neiman Present to accept their awards were Dawn Mader, Robert Grepps, James Engle, Sheila Rhoads and Jeffrey Neiman. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky advised that the report was in the packet. b. Transportation – There was no quorum at the recent meeting. c. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal noted that a report was sent to Council. d. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky advised that Ms. Lee-Clark will report on this meeting. e. Economic Development – Ms. Lee-Clark provided a report on the upcoming holiday events, including the tree lighting in Smith Family Plaza on December 4th. She added that at the Efficient Methods Committee, a task force was formed to address the homeless, vagrancy issues and duplication services. Holly Parker, TCN and Joanne Washington of Life Recovery Center will co-chair the committee. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee-Clark reported that PAID is administering the Land Bank. The Board is reviewing properties for acquisitions and seeking a Solicitor. b. Emergency Services Report – Mr. Keller noted that Chief Hand is attending a West Pottsgrove Meeting this evening as part of the services to the Township. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood announced the upcoming November holidays, including Veterans’ Day, November 11th. The next meeting is scheduled for November 9th. d. Library – Ms. Hylton thanked Borough Staff with its assistance in converting the Library’s parking lot to a one-way entrance and exist. She also thanked A-1 Traffic for its November 3, 2021 contribution in painting the lines in the lot, which will be effective December 1st. Ms. Hylton announced that the Board is seeking a Pottstown resident to serve on the Board. d. Ricketts Community Center – President Weand reported on the successfully Trunk & Treat event held at the Center. e. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay reminded all of the November 12th Fair funding rally to be held in Harrisburg. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick provided a report on the events held in October including the Edgewood Cemetery Clean-up and Art Fair. She announced the passing of Rotarian Bob Thomas. The Mayor also advised that she also participated in the YWCA mural painting event. She also requested volunteers to participate in the block-party program and announced that Pottstown resident Jim Frymoyer is seeking an apartment to rent. Mayor Henrick requested that the lighting projects on the streets be expedited. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller advised that a $700,000 grant is pending to convert all street lights to LED’s. He added that PECO is continuing with the underground wiring project on High Street. There is also a grant in progress to install LED light fixtures in the 300 and 400 blocks of High Street, which should begin in spring 2022. Paving is complete from Manatawny to Charlotte Street, with line painting to be finalized by the contractor. Mr. Keller also announced a $3.78 million grant to replace lead laterals in private residences, with areas to be investigated, mostly homes built from 1920-1950. He also reported that Assistant Solicitor Hovey is seeking information on Quiet Zones regarding railroad horns. A report is forthcoming. Mr. Keller also advised that agreements have been signed for 38 and 42 Walnut Street regarding the arch collapse and bids will be forthcoming in the near future, with no dollars being spent by the Borough. Mr. Keller also advised that the Carousel at Pottstown will not be operating MiniGolf as it has chosen to not renew its lease and will be operated by the Parks and Recreation Department. He also provided an update on Memorial Park projects and the King Street Pedestrian Crossing. POTTSTOWN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PLANT (PSEP) Attorney Judy Watts and Jay Lankford were present to explain the request for variance relief regarding the height limit on the silos for the proposed Pottstown Sustainable Energy Plant to be located at 451 Keystone Boulevard. Attorney Watts requested Council’s authorization to have the Solicitor send a letter of support to the Zoning Hearing Board. Jay Lankford explained the height requirements for the silos, noting that the restriction is 55 feet. He advised that the project would have an economic impact on the Borough and will have a groundbreaking effect on such projects. November 3, 2021 Solicitor Garner noted that height requirements are usually relate to firefighting issues. These are accessory structures and will not be occupied. President Weand noted that this matter will be listed for the regular meeting. 2022 BUDGET Finance Director Marley Boone and Manager Keller provided an update on the 2022 proposed budget. Ms. Boone advised that the General Fund deficit has been reduced to 10.255 mills. The reduction is due to a positive health insurance renewal and favorable workers compensation renewal. She added that the Montgomery County Tax Assessment has not yet been finalized. She advised that the total proposed tax increase is now at 4.04% or an increase of .547 mills, resulting in a tax increase of $55 annually on a home assessed at $100,000. Mr. Keller requested Council’s authorization to advertise the 2022 budget in an amount not to exceed $60,748,743 and a tax millage not to exceed of 14.090. President Weand advised that this will be listed on Monday’s agenda for consideration. ORDINANCE – SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES – ACT 50 Solicitor Garner explained the proposed ordinance to regulate small wireless facilities, which has been recommended by the Ordinance Review Committee. He added that there is a requirement to establish a fee and if the ordinance is approved, a resolution would be added to Monday evening’s meeting. TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT – KEIM STREET & INDUSTRIAL HWY Mr. Keller referred to the resolution required by PennDOT for the proposed traffic light for Keim Street and Industrial Highway as part of the Keim Street Bridge project to begin in 2022. CHARGING STATIONS GRANT Mr. Keller also explained the request to apply for a grant for a dual charging station at $4,000 per plug to be reimbursed. The Borough is seeking funding for two stations, initially in Lot #2, the Reading Lot, with a cost of $24,000. The Borough would be responsible for $16,750. President Weand advised that these matters would be listed on the regular agenda for action. UNIFORM AND FLOOR MAT RENTAL SERVICES SODIUM CHLORIDE (ROAD SALT BIDS) Mr. Keller advised that these bids were opened on November 1st and Staff will review and have a recommendation for Monday evening. HARB – 157 NORTH HANOVER STREET Mr. Keller explained the request of the applicant to remove a porch for safety concerns. November 3, 2021 SLY FOX TRACK HALF MARATHON Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Sly fox Track Club to hold its Half-Marathon on December 12, 2021 and to close College Drive from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. President advised that these items will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Paul Prince, LIFT Representative - spoke on behalf of LIFT’s request for an ordinance review. He expressed a concern that a committee is being formed to address this matter sometime in the future. He noted that LIFT has participated in PAID’s endeavor, which is a bureaucratic dodge to defer the issue. Mr. Prince added that LIFT has provided a solution to the homeless issue, free of charge. He stated that Council has not had the courage to address the issue, but received a letter from Justin Keller, an employee and Council’s minion. He urged Council to vote in public, as the public is entitled to know each member’s opinion on this matter and whether or not each member would authorize the Solicitor to prepare an ordinance amendment for Council’s review, a preliminary decision. Mr. Prince quoted Ben Franklin in saying “you shall all hang together or hang separately.” b. Tom Winterbottom, 262 King Street – commented that he believes Marlene Armato is the most powerful person in Pottstown. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay distributed “angel” tags for contributions to the Children’s Christmas Party. She also requested information on Councilors having special parking tags. Councilor Lindsay recommended having a senior playground and requested the status of the chicken violations. Councilor Procsal thanked all volunteers for the Halloween Parade and all who came out to vote. He also commended Chief Markovich and his department for efforts in controlling conduct in his Ward. Councilor Vanni and Councilor Lebedynsky also thanked the voters for coming out on November 2nd. Mayor Henrick questioned the process on the street lighting project and questioned if there is anything Council can do to speed this process. She also thanked voters for her reappointment. Mr. Keller responded that he would discuss with the Public Works Director. President Weand expressed gratitude to the Armato’s for their life-long service. He also commented that, as per the Ordinance Review Committee, there are no changes regarding the chicken issues and anyone owning chickens is in violation of the Borough ordinance and the situation is in process. November 3, 2021 EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:40 p.m. for one personnel and one litigation matter. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.