Council Committee of the Whole

July 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 7:05 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 July 6, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with President Weand in the Chair. INVOCATION ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Lisa Vanni (virtual), Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, and Dan Weand. Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner (virtual) and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilors Michael Paules and Joseph Kirkland were absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky advised that the report was in the packets. b. Transportation – There was no meeting. c. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky reported that the committee is working on updating the CMIS program in coordinating and efficiently accessing the permitting with other departments. d. Ordinance Review Committee – There was no meeting. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark commented on the success of Take it Outdoors kayak rentals in Riverfront Park. She also announced the opening of several new restaurants in the High Street Terminal and noted that Crave Montco featured The Avenue in a recent edition. A new yoga studio will open next month in the former New York Plaza. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee Clark advised that the Land Bank reviewed several properties listed for August judicial sales through the County. She also added that Amtrak is running buses from Reading to Philadelphia. July 6, 2022 b. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand was providing a report in West Pottsgrove Township. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood advised that July 4th was the 246th Anniversary of independence from Great Britain’s rule. She also noted that the Eid al Adha Muslim holiday begins on July 9th and July 17th is National Ice Cream Day. The next meeting is July 12th. d. Library – Ms. Hylton reported that the Library participated in the GoFourth events and outlined adult and children’s programs for the summer, including a puzzle night on July 21st. Ms. Hylton added that meals are again being served to children up to 18 years of age on Mondays and Wednesdays. e. Ricketts Community Center – The report was in the packet. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay was unable to attend the meeting. Mayor’s Report Mayor Henrick reported on the activities and events in which she attended, including the TriCounty Chamber Leadership graduation. She announced the fundraising for the explosion victims has reached $92,000. She also participated in an anti-gun violence event. The Mayor also provided a proclamation to the endangered Monarch Butterfly campaign and an Eagle Scout award for Tristan Repko and she participated in the Schuylkill River Sojourn. Mayor Henrick thanked all involved with the successful GoFourth Independence Day events, Pottstown Rumble and the car show event. She reminded all that the Police Department is hiring with the test scheduled for August 20th. She reviewed upcoming events including the Schuylkill River Challenger opening and the Montgomery County Community College Day is September 2nd. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller advised that he is working with Congresswoman Dean for her efforts in assisting with the $30 million grant for the extension of the Keystone Boulevard with the expected budget to be finalized by October 1st. He also noted that Council will be asked for authorization to submit the bids for the solid waste contract and requested any recommendations from Council be forwarded to him. Mr. Keller also review HB 2157 to further regulate consumer fireworks. He also advised that paving of Borough streets will begin on July 5th. COOPERATION AGREEMENT (HESS LOT) Mr. Keller reviewed the revised Cooperative Agreement with PAED for the development of the former Hess Lot and requested authorization to allow PAED to advertise an RFP for the property located at 191-193 South Hanover Street. MOSER ROAD BRIDGE REHABILITATION COST ESTIMATE Mr. Keller referred to the Resolution requesting authorization to submit a grant application to the Montgomery County Bridge Rehabilitation fund in the amount of $500,000 and requesting to use July 6, 2022 ARPA funds for the remainder of the project with an expected cost of $800,000. Mr. Keller added that the grant from the Montgomery County program would cover $500,000 of these costs. He requested approval of the resolution to submit the grant. TELLISVISION AGREEMENT Solicitor Garner reviewed the 2012 agreement with Tellisvision and the two addendums. He recommended approval of the third addendum to continue the current agreement for an addition two years. PARRC – NON-PROFIT STATUS Manager Keller reviewed the request of the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee to create the non-profit organization and requested approval of the resolution in order for the committee to better acquire funding. BOROUGH RIGHT OF WAY, INTHAPHONE, 431 JOHNSON STREET Solicitor Garner explained the request of Thongchanh and Khamphouk Inthaphone to install a fence encroaching in the Borough’s right of way. PANERA BREAD, 204 SHOEMAKER ROAD, ZONING RELIEF Solicitor Garner explained the zoning relief requested by Panera Bread, essentially related to signage. The Ordinance allows for three signs and the applicant is requesting six signs. JOULE 4 JESUS BLOCK PARTY AUGUST 14, 2022, RICKETTS CENTER BELMONT STREET BLOCK PARTY, LUKE & LAURA JOHNSON, AUGUST 20, 2022 Mr. Keller reviewed the requests for street closures for upcoming events and requested these be listed for approval on Monday’s agenda. President Weand noted that these requests will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the vacancy on the Civil Service Commission for a six-year term and a three-year term on the Construction Code Board of Appeals and noted these would be listed on Monday’s agenda. HARB Mr. Keller reviewed the requests for Certificates of Appropriateness for the following properties: a. 800 High Street – to replace existing signage b. 701-703 High Street – construction and replace existing windows July 6, 2022 Mr. Keller also reviewed the Administratively approved properties as follows: a. 240 Chestnut Street – to replace existing roof materials b. 448 East King Street - to replace existing shingles These will be listed for approval on the regular agenda. ADD-ON – POTTSTOWN MDP (CAR WASH) Solicitor Garner noted that this application was just received and the hearing may be scheduled prior to the next Council meeting. He noted the applicant is requesting to install a sign for “free vacuums’ at the 150 Shoemaker Road Car Wash facility. President Weand advised that this would be listed for discussion on the agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Jamie Sanchez, 200 Maplewood Drive – commended all involved with the Go-Fourth Rotary Duck race, selling 4,900 tickets. She also requested that Council consider an increase in the Fire Fund stipends. The Departments are also looking for EMS personnel and encouraged all to visit the fire departments. b. Bruce Madara, 543 North Adams Street – commented on the article on the churches. He noted that in this Country, church and state are kept separately. The mission of the churches is to help the needy and cannot recall that anyone sited the churches as being unlawful. c. Philip Thees, 63 South Evans Street – also commented on the issue with the churches. He quoted several bible verses and suggested that this be resolved as quickly and reasonably as possible. He also commented on the filth in the 300 and 400 blocks of High Street. He added that there is no filth in front of Christ Episcopal Church. Mr. Thees noted that the Borough cannot attract businesses without a clean High Street and he urged all to take care of the poor. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Procsal thanked both Amy’s and the GoFourth Committee for the wonderful events over the holiday. He added that the First Ward meeting was held and thanked all who attended. Councilors Vanni and Lebedynsky also thanked all involved the GoFourth Committee and the recent car show event. Councilor Lindsay announced that the Police Department is hiring and commended the Juneteenth events. She also attended a meeting at the Bright Hope community for the proposed playground. She also advised that she has bibles and mugs for the Police and Fire Departments. President Weand noted that he will be appointing several individuals to committees on Monday evening. He also thanked all for the wonderful Independence Day weekend events. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.