Council Committee of the Whole

May 4, 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. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The May 4, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with President Weand in the Chair. President Weand requested a moment of silence in memory Charles “Chuck” Kropp. Mr. Kropp was a former Councilor for 4 years and Zoning Hearing Board member for 24 years. He was a life-long servant of the Community. He was also the father of District Judge Edward Kropp, Sr. and grandfather to Pottstown Detective Edward Kropp, Jr. Mr. Kropp passed away on April 6, 2022. President Weand offered condolences to all on behalf of Borough Council. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Lisa Vanni, Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand and Joseph Kirkland (virtual) . Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner (virtual) and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Paules was absent. 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 additional information will be provided at the next meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal advised that the downtown hours were a topic of discussion, along with trash bins and Hoko bars. The next meeting is July 20th. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark reminded all of the first car show this weekend. She added a new business, Vintage Reuse, will open shortly located at 10 South Hanover Street. She also commended Tom Hylton on his recent article, noting the positive activities in the downtown, with no parking to be had. Ms. Lee-Clark advised that the Borough has the highest unemployment in the County at 4.6% but below the state level at 4.9%. She advised that through a County survey, 35% of people that left the work force during the pandemic have retired and 58% have returned to work. May 4, 2022 BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee Clark had nothing new to report. b. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand is attending the West Pottsgrove meeting this evening. c. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood noted that May is Jewish Heritage month and Asian and Pacific Islander American heritage month. Mother’s Day is May 8th and Memorial Day is celebrated on May 30th. The next Commission meeting is May 10th. d. Library – Executive Director Mindy Lipsky provided the month report and reminded all of the 100th Anniversary celebration scheduled for May 12th. She provided updates on the summer reading programs and story workshops. e. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland reviewed the report distributed in the Packets and noted that membership is at 575 with 54 new members. He also praised the Library for its Passport program. f. 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. She also announced the May 12th Spring Concert. Mayor’s Report Mayor Henrick reviewed last month’s activities and the events at which she participated, including the King Street Bridge opening on April 14th. She also reported that Madeleine Dean and her son attended a Chamber Breakfast and shared their book on experiences of addition. The Mayor announced the 25th anniversary of the Montgomery County Community College’s celebration held on April 21st and the 100th Anniversary for the Pottstown Regional Public Library scheduled for May 12th. The Mayor reminded all of the FARM opening on May 14th and the Memorial Day Parade on High Street scheduled for May 30th. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller reported that the annual Consumer Confidence Report for 2021 is posted on the website with no abnormalities found. He also advised that the PECO paving is continuing on High Street from Charlotte to Price streets. The line painting will follow. He also reported that the Borough Newsletter is now on the Borough website. Mr. Keller noted that Borough projects and events are updated on the website and Facebook. He thanked Staff and the Police Department for providing a detailed parking map and detours for local car shows and events. Mr. Keller advised that Amtrak is scheduled to begin bus service on May 16th. He noted that a support letter for the formation of a Regional Rail Authority for Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties was submitted. He also advised that a $500,000 DCED grant was received for the arch repair at 1200 East High Street, with a required 50% match and looking for a program for the match. An addition grant was submitted to Montgomery County in the amount of $6 million for stormwater arch repairs. Mr. Keller also provided an update on the PENNVEST grant, which is on May 4, 2022 hold for the present time. He thanked all involved in obtaining the grant for the new Fire truck and the Department will display all its trucks on Monday, May 9th, 6:00 p.m. in front of Borough Hall. CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ONE CANDIDATE CREATE NEW CIVIL SERVICE LIST Mr. Keller explained the request of the Police Chief to extend a conditional offer of employment to the last remaining candidate on the Civil Service list and to begin the process of creating a new list. President Weand noted these items will be listed for approval on Monday’s agenda. TAX FORGIVENESS – 215 SOUTH WASHINGTON STREET Ms. Lee-Clark referred to handouts distributed this evening requesting tax relief and permanent forgiveness on all former encumbrances. She noted that the owner has put in over $820,000 into the property and outlined the business plan presented. Ms. Lee-Clark added that an additional amount needed on the property is $439,000, which will not be funded by the state. She also advised that the vapor barrier for the floor funding from the state is not expected until July 2022. Solicitor Garner noted that the approval goes back two years with two conditions, being a release for another property by the same owner and a business plan acceptable to the Brough. He added that the only legal way to restrict uses on the property would be to place restrictions on the deed. It would be difficult to enforce if not noted on the deed. President Weand expressed a concern with the document labeled as a business plan and requested further information from the owner prior to Monday evening. POTTSTOWN BOROUGH AUTHORITY I & I RECOMMENDATION MATRIX AND $50,000 ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION Mr. Keller provided information on behalf of the Authority for resolutions to be implemented going forward to resolve certain I & I issues throughout the Borough and will assist the Licensing & Inspections Department during routine inspections. He also announced that the Authority is contributing $50,000 annually to assist in identifying and correcting these issues. POTTSGROVE – POTTSTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE, NOVAK COMPLEX – ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE AGREEMENT Mr. Keller reviewed the proposed agreement between the Borough and the new entity, namely Pottsgrove-Pottstown Little League for the assignment of the existing lease agreement. UPPER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP SUPPORT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Mr. Keller advised that billing for Upper Pottsgrove Township customers will be adjusted to coincide with the final sale and settlement of the Upper Pottsgrove Township sewer system to Pennsylvania American Water and requested Council’s approval of the Agreement. May 4, 2022 President Weand advised that these agreements will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. RESOLUTION – DCED – UPGRADES CHESTNUT STREET SOUTH STREET PARKS Mr. Keller requested authorization to submit a grant to DCED for companion funding for the Chestnut Street and South Street parks. If successful in receiving the DCED funding and the DCNR funding, there will be no match required from the Borough. PARKS & RECRATION PATRIOTIC 5K Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Parks & Recreation Department for the closure of several streets to hold its annual 5K on July 4th. PART BUDGET FY 2022-2023 RESOLUTOIN – PART OPERATION BUDGET LOCAL MATCH FY 2022-2023 Mr. Keller reviewed the annual PART Budget in the amount of $2.843 million and the submission of the Resolution for the PART local match provided by Montgomery and Chester Counties. President Weand noted that these items will be listed on Monday’s agenda. HILL SCHOOL TURF FIELD MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT Solicitor Garner reviewed the request of The Hill School for its new Turf Field project. He added that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the Hill School’s offer to pay a fee in lieu of planting 10 trees, in an amount of $5,000. The required trees would be planted at or around the field site and would be compliant with the ordinance for shade trees. The fee in lieu of open space is $9,450 and a $15,000 voluntary contribution for security cameras has been offered. Solicitor Garner noted that the School’s reasoning for not replanting the trees along the street is that certain trees were deceased and the planting strip is too narrow along the street. President Weand advised that this is recommended by the Planning Commission and will be listed on the agenda. RED HORSE BIEGARTENS Mr. Keller referred to the request of the Red Horse Car Club to hold biergartens in Smith Family Plaza during the monthly car shows. He noted approval will be required from the Federal Transit Authority. INDEPENDECNE DAY PARADE, JULY 4, 2022 – ROAD CLOSURE Mr. Keller also reviewed the request of the GoFourth Committee to close High Street from Madison Street to Manatawny Street on July 4th. These requests will be listed for consideration n the regular agenda . May 4, 2022 HARB – 726 EAST HIGH STREET Mr. Keller reviewed the request for a small addition to the existing property at 726 East High Street as recommended by HARB. HARB – ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVED Mr. Keller also noted that two properties administratively approved are 125 North Hanover Street for roof repairs and 1023 East High Street for gutter replacements. President Weand advised that the HARB matters would be listed on the agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT Deborah Spence, 153 South Roland Street – requested a response to her proposal for a mini dog park to be located at Cherry Street and Center Avenue, which she submitted 16 months ago. Solicitor Garner responded that she will be receiving a response very soon. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay commented on the many events going on in the Borough. Councilor Procsal commended all involved in the Edgewood Cemetery Clean-Up. Councilor Vanni praised Ron Williams for the successful PowWow event. Mayor Henrick presented a proclamation on National Gun Violence wareness Day set for June 3, 2022 and encouraged all to wear orange, as worn during hunting and other safety events. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.