Council Committee of the Whole

August 3, 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 August 3, 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 Lisa Vanni, Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand, Michael Paules and Joseph Kirkland (virtual). Also present were Borough Manager Justin Keller, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Solicitor Charles Garner (virtual) and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Procsal was 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 shifting focus from Public Works to Communications and will provide additional information next month. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Mr. Keller noted that recommendations from the Committee are listed on the agenda. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark provided details on certain real estate statistics throughout the Borough. She also commented on the recommendations of the Ordinance Review Committee including direction for vacant parcels. Ms. Lee-Clark updated Council on the exonerations of the 215 South Washington Street project and thanked Council for its support on this development. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee Clark advised that the Land Bank continues to work on an August 3, 2022 agreement for 707 Hamilton Street. She also referred to the properties on the August 11th judicial sale list from the County, with the Land Bank interested in four properties. 208 Gable Ave, 421 Hale Street and 439 Chestnut. She noted that 948 Queen was continued. b. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand was unavailable as he was providing a report in West Pottsgrove Township. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood advised that Women’s Equality day is August 26th and the National Night Out was held last evening August 2nd. The next meeting is August 9th, 6:00 p.m. d. Library – Ms. Lipsky thanked Council for its assistance in closing the Library lot through South Washington Street. She also provide an update on current activities and provided goals for the upcoming year. e. Ricketts Community Center – The report was in the packet. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay advised that the parent portal is open for registration. She also noted that the first day of school is August 25 and reported that the Teachers Union was just awarded a three-year contract with a 5.4% raise each year. She urged all to visit the School’s website. Mayor’s Report Mayor Henrick requested to provide her report on Monday evening. She commended all involved in the National Night Out events on August 2nd. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller noted that Staff and PAED are working to finalize the RFP for the Hess Lot. He also provided an update on the FBO for the Airport and 707 Hamilton Street projects. Mr. Keller added that the Authority is earmarked for $2.75 million for ARPA funds for lead line replacement. He also commended H & K for the paving project and its completion in a timely manner. Mr. Keller noted that pilots can land at the Airport but can only get fuel when the operator is there. FIRE SERVICE AGREEMENT Mr. Keller provided an explanation regarding the existing contract for fire service with West Pottsgrove Township and is recommending a five-year extension of the contract, with minor changes. The funding formation was revised from 11.5% to 11.2% based on the number of calls and the number of population. TELLISVISION Solicitor Garner reviewed the existing contract with Tellisvision and recommended a two-year extension as requested and approved by Tellisvision. August 3, 2022 APPOINTMENT EMC Mr. Keller noted that Chief Hand has been acting as Emergency Management Coordinator and requested that he be formally appointed. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT GRANT APPLICATION Mr. Keller explained the request of the Police Department to submit an application for a grant in the amount of $120,000 for traffic enforcement. VETERANS’ ISLAND Mr. Keller also noted that a portion of Memorial Park has been referenced as Veterans’ Island and recommended that a resolution be adopted officially naming it Veterans’ Island. Cathy Paretti was present and outlined the work done in that area to honor local Veterans and thanked all involved for considering this matter. President Weand advised that the agreements and resolutions will be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. PANERA BREAD, 204 SHOEMAKER ROAD Solicitor Garner reviewed the proposed conditions for the Panera Bread project already approved by the Planning Commission and advised that the zoning relief request was approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. Solicitor Garner also reviewed the seven requested waivers. President Weand advised that this would be listed for Council’s consideration on the regular agenda. SOLID WASTE BID SPECIFICATIONS Manager Keller explained the upcoming bids for the solid waste contract with options to be a three-year contract with 2 optional one-year renewals or a five-year contract. The bids open on August 30th. 707 HAMILTON STREET Solicitor Garner explained the ongoing action on 707 Hamilton Street, wherein approval has been granted to an agreement of sale to the Land Bank and ultimately to Genesis Housing. He also explained the grant for exterior weatherization to the property. No bids were received from the two advertised notices. Mr. Garner noted that through a new state law, negotiations made be undertaken for the rehabilitation of the property and the Borough is now working with Hydier Builders for the rehabilitation of the property with an amount not to exceed $24,980, with the assistance of the grant funding. President Weand noted that this will be listed for further action at the regular meeting. August 3, 2022 MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Manager Keller reviewed the mid-year adjustments through various line items, mostly a result of recent inflations and a return to in-person meetings. These changes have been recommended by the Finance Committee. MODEL STORMWATER ORDINANCE Mr. Keller explained the DEP required updates to the Stormwater Ordinance as part of the NPDES permit compliance. The required changes are recommended by the Authority Engineer, HRG. The optional changes can be addressed at a later date. ORDINANCE–ATTORNEY AND COLLECTION FEES FOR UNPAID TAXES AND CLAIMS Solicitor Garner noted that Portnoff is the collection agency for the Borough of Pottstown for unpaid real estate taxes and municipal claims. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has now required that additional notice be sent to delinquent account owners or ratepayers prior to the collection process. Mr. Garner noted that as a result, a change is required to the Ordinance and to the Portnoff collection agreements, with a deadline for the end of September to act on the changes. President Weand advised that these items will be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS (ORC) Solicitor Garner reviewed the proposed ordinance amendments, specifically changes to the noise ordinance to address fireworks. With the new state regulations pertaining to fireworks, the Ordinance Review Committee is recommending a change to the noise ordinance, addressing fireworks. Mr. Keller also reviewed the additional recommendations from the Ordinance Review Committee, including regulations to vacant commercial units, Zoning regulations for downtown business hours, Zoning Officer duties and dumpsters for contiguous properties. Solicitor Garner requested authorization to move forward with amendments to the noise ordinance and the registration of vacant commercial units and suggested that the remainder of the zoning recommendations be postponed, due to the adverting and public hearing requirements. President Weand noted that the recommendations would be listed for Monday evening. CAR SHOW – DOWNTOWN SURVEY Mr. Keller reviewed the results of PAED’s downtown survey regarding the request of Red Horse to start the car shows at 3:00 p.m. and also to allow food trucks during the shows. He noted that 68% of the responders were indifferent and had no objections to the 3:00 p.m. start time and food trucks. President Weand advised that this matter will be listed on the regular agenda. August 3, 2022 HARB Mr. Keller reviewed the requests for Certificates of Appropriateness for the following properties: a. 882 East High Street – to remove soffit and replace roof and patio floor b. 53 North Hanover – to remove metal roof and install decking Mr. Keller also reviewed the Administratively Approved properties as follows: a. 949 High Street – to replace roof b. 938 East High Street – to replace existing slate roof c. 642-644 East High Street – to remove and replace existing windows These will be listed for approval on the regular agenda. BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the vacancies on the EAC with two applicants requesting to be reappointed. RED HORSE – ORCHID EURO CAR SHOW – SEPTMEBER 3, 2022 EAST THIRD STREET WYNDCROFT SCHOOL – SEPTEMBER 9, 2022 HALLOWEEN PARADE – OCTOBER 22, 2022 Mr. Keller reviewed the request of the Orchid Euro Car Show, the Wyndcroft School and the Parks and Recreation Department for various road closures and requested approval on Monday’s agenda. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Jim Derr, 343 Rosedale Drive – requested Council’s participation and engagement in the EAC. Mayor Henrick volunteered to act as liaison as she served on the Montgomery County Regional Sustainability Plan. b. Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – complained about the racing vehicles and motorcycles in the area of Walnut Street and recommended speed bumps or speed strips. c. Diane Chapman, 649 Chestnut Street – expressed concerns regarding her rental property and the alleged harassment and retaliation she has experienced from her landlord. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay reported on the Pottstown Community Action meeting and its clean-up efforts and commended Ron Williams on his historic property. She also expressed a concern regarding the clean-up in the 400 block of High Street and the lack of participation. Councilor Lindsay August 3, 2022 thanked the Public Works Department for the excellent paving projects throughout town. She reminded all of her block party on August 6th. Councilor Vanni reminded all of the September 24th Veterans’ Day event including a fly-over of aircraft. President Weand requested a round of applause for Public Works Director Doug Yerger for his efforts during the paving project. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.