Council Committee of the Whole

April 6, 2022 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 until 7:15 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 – Evans Woods Investor Group, Jason Voytilla, 816-842 Queen Street Attorney Matthew Hovey opened a Conditional Use Hearing at 6:30 p.m. and entered several Council exhibits into evidence. Attorney Michael Murray, O’Donnell, Weiss, Mattei Law Firm, was present to represent the applicant. Jason Voytilla was sworn in and testified on the proposal to expand the existing manufacturing business on Queen Street. He stated that there are presently 160 employees and many being local residents, for the 24 hour per day operation. Paul Lepard, Engineer with Nave Newell, Inc. also testified and presented and explained renderings regarding the proposal. The hearing closed at 7:20 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The April 6, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m. with President Weand in the Chair. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Lisa Vanni (virtual), Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick (virtual), Assistant Solicitor Matthey Hovey and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Paules was absent. PRESENTATION – 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POTTSTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief Frank Hand, along with Borough Manager Keller, President Weand and Mayor Henrick, presented commendations to Philadelphia Steam Fire Company President Brandon Towson and Chief Joe Groff and Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Company’s President, Andy Inhof, Deputy Chief Duane Brady and Vice President Cybil Scheidt on the 150th Anniversary of the Pottstown Fire Company President Weand recessed the meeting at 7:35 p.m. for a Conditional Use Hearing. April 6, 2022 CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – Brittany Pool d/b/a Pottstown Medical Message, 543-545 East High Street Assistant Solicitor Matthey Hovey opened a Conditional Use Hearing at 7:36 p.m. and entered several Council exhibits into evidence. Ms. Brittany Pool was sworn in and testified that she is the owner of a similar massage business in Boyertown and would like to open a second location at the property located at 543-545 East High Street. She stated that the building has four rooms to be used for privacy and a parking lot for six cars. All treatments are done by hand and possibly the use of a cupping machine. She has been a licensed therapist since 2010 and renews her license every two years. Her hours of operation would normally be 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The hearing closed at 7:42 p.m. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. President Weand, on behalf of Council, congratulated Attorney and Mrs. Hovey on the birth of their daughter, Norah. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky noted that the report was in the packets. b. Transportation – The report was in the packets. c. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky advised that the committee is reviewing additional data with the Public Works Department and will be presented in the coming months. d. Ordinance Review Committee – There was no meeting. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark reviewed the Light – Up project in the downtown and is working with the Solicitor to prepare an agreement with the merchants. The project is proposed to start near Coles Tobacco and the north side of High Street. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee Clark advised that the project of the Phare Grant and 707 Hamilton Street, is in progress. a. Human Relations Commission – Councilor Vanni reported for Ms. Levengood and announced the April holidays, including Islam, Ramadan and Easter. The next Commission meeting is April 12th. April 6, 2022 b. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland reviewed the report distributed in the packets. c. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay announced that the District needs teachers and is hiring other positions, which can be found on the District’s website. Mayor’s Report Mayor Henrick requested that her report be moved to Monday. She announced that this is her 10- year anniversary of living in Pottstown and provided a non-alcoholic toast to all. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller advised that Staff is working on a federal RAISE grant for the extension of Keystone Boulevard from Old Reading Pike to the Sanatoga Interchange for a total project cost of $14 million. He is anticipating a waiver request for the local match of $1.645 million, with an expected completion date of 2029. Mr. Keller also provided updates on the Sundstrom Field project, the 42 Walnut Street Stormwater Arch and the King Street Bridge ribbon cutting, which is scheduled for April 14th. He also provided paving project updates. Mr. Keller also announced that David Haygood has been selected as the Assistant Director of Public Works. ZONING RELIEF REQUEST – ANNE ANDERSON, 343 EAST HIGH STREET Solicitor Hovey explained the request of the applicant to establish a Holistic Day Spa at the property located at 343 East High Street. President Weand noted this would be listed for direction at the regular meeting. HILL SCHOOL TURF FIELD MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT John Menendorf, Engineer for The Hill School, reviewed the proposed development plan for new Turf Fields to be located adjacent to the existing track, namely the Far Fields. He noted that there will be bleachers, lighting and a score board. Mr. Menendorf explained the stormwater, drainage and parking areas. He addressed the number of trees, the only concern of the Planning Commission. Mr. Menendorf advised that the Hill School is requesting 22 waivers from the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Councilor Kirkland expressed a concern regarding parking whenever the Hill School holds events. Mr. Menendorf advised that the Borough and the School have taken this matter into consideration with efforts to remediate. He also noted that the Planning Commission questioned the requirement of the Open Space trees and the waiver for the required number of trees. A possible alternative is the installation of meadows as a substitute or planting 5 trees or provide a fee in lieu of the trees at $500 per tree. April 6, 2022 President Weand advised that there may be additional discussion on this matter prior to Monday evening. FIXED BASE OPERATOR – POTTSTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT Mr. Keller requested authorization to submit for Request for Proposals for the Fixed Base Operator at the Airport, as it has been quite some time since this occurred. This will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. MONTGOMERY COUNTY PANDEMIC RECOVERY FUNDS Mr. Keller referred to the draft Resolution and requested authorization to submit a request to the Montgomery County Recover: Pandemic Recovery Funds for the Riverfront Park Bridge in the amount of $250,000. MONTGOMERY COUNTY PANDEMIC RECOVER FUNDS Mr. Keller also referred to the draft Resolution and requested authorization to submit a request to the Montgomery County Recovery: Pandemic Recover Funds for Stormwater Arch Rehabilitation project in the amount of $8,000,000. LIGHT UP HIGH STREET CAMPAIGN Mr. Keller reviewed Ms. Lee-Clark’s request to authorize the Light Up High Street project and authorize the Solicitor to draft an agreement for use of the Borough’s Right of Ways. HILL SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT, BEECH STREET, MAY 28, 2022 SCHUYLKILL RIVER GREENWAYS – BIERGARTEN, MAY 21, 2022 - PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL POTTSTOWN RUMBLE, BIERGARTEN, JUNE 24, 25, 26, 2022 – MEMORIAL PARK GOFOURTH FESTIVAL, BIERGARTEN, JULY 4, 2022 – SMITH FAMILY PLAZA AND MEMORIAL PARK GOFOURTH FESTIVAL STREET FEST, JULY 4, 2022 - HIGH STREET, YORK TO CHARLOTTE STREET PATRIOTIC 5K, JULY 4, 2022 – BEECH STREET PLAY STREETS, VARIOUS DATES AND LOCATIONS Mr. Keller referred to the written applications and reviewed the requests for street closures and biergartens where appropriate. READING GRAVITY RACE – RESCHEDULE Mr. Keller explained the request of the Reading Gravity Race to reschedule its March 13, 2022 event to July 24, 2022, due to the snow event in March. These events will be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. April 6, 2022 POLICE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT – BID AWARDS Mr. Keller advised that bids for police vehicles and equipment will net $13,421 and requested awards as per the bid tabulation of March 29, 2022. BID AWARD 707 HAMILTON STREET Mr. Keller advised that no bids were received and may need to review the project. BID AWARD – STREET OVERLAY PAVING The bids will be opened on April 11, 2022 and a recommendation will be provided for Monday’s meeting. BOARD VACANY – HARB President Weand advised that two 5 year terms are open on the Historic Architectural Review Board and letters of interest have been received from Richard Bouher and Richard Frantz and consideration will be listed on the agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Tom Niarhos, 846 East High Street – advised that the LIFT organization has had some internal restructuring and is requesting a meeting and open dialogue to establish a solution prior to November 2022. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Kirkland questioned the paving project and the local streets previously listed in 2021. Mr. Keller explained that the PECO paving from Charlotte to Keim Streets, will resume hopefully by the end of the month. Mayor Henrick requested that the potholes on Wilson Street be addressed and suggested buying tires with a warranty. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.