Council Committee of the Whole

January 4, 2023 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 January 4, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with President Weand in the Chair. INVOCATION President Weand requested a moment of silence. 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, Solicitor Charles Garner and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATION – POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNITIONS Corporal James O’Neill – Mayor Henrick, Police Chief Michael Markovich and fellow officers presented a citation to Retiree Corporal James O’Neill from the Pottstown Police Department, effective December 23, 2022. PUBLIC COMMENT President Weand requested public comment on the following action items. Hearing none, the motions were made as follows: a. Corporal Peter Yambrick - Motion by Councilor Lebedynsky, seconded by Councilor Procsal to promote Corporal Peter Yambrick to the rank of Sergeant in the Pottstown Police Department, effective immediately. Motion carried: 6 ayes. b. Detective Brooke Hatfield – Motion by Councilor Procsal, seconded by Councilor Lebedynsky to promote Detective Brooke Hatfield to the rank of Corporal in the Pottstown Police Department, effective immediately. Motion carried: 6 ayes. c. Officer Zachary Robinson - Motion by Councilor Lebedynsky, seconded by Councilor Procsal to promote Officer Zachary Robinson to the rank of Corporal in the Pottstown Police Department, effective immediately. Motion carried: 6 ayes. January 4, 2023 d. Resignation Councilor Paules - Motion by Councilor Lebedynsky, seconded by Councilor Paules to accept the resignation of 6th Ward Councilor Michael Paules. Motion carried: 6 ayes. Mayor Henrick presented the citations to the promoted officers in the presence of the Police Chief, Lieutenants and fellow officers. She also announced that Detective Hatfield in the first female officer in the history of the Pottstown Police Department to achieve a ranking position. e. Resolution – 6th Ward Councilor - Motion by Councilor Procsal, seconded by Councilor Lebedynsky to adopt a Resolution filling the vacancy on Pottstown Borough Council, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Borough Code and appointing Andrew Monastra as a Pottstown Borough Councilor of the Sixth Ward for a term to expire January 1, 2024. Borough Secretary Virginia Takach confirmed that Mr. Monastra submitted his Affidavit of Residency dated December 29, 2022. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-1 A RESOLUTION FILLING THE VACANCY ON POTTSTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA BOROUGH CODE WHEREAS, Section 901 of the Pennsylvania Borough Code permits Borough Council by resolution to fill a vacancy on Borough Council within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs; WHEREAS, Michael Paules submitted a letter of resignation from Pottstown Borough Council which was effective December 31, 2022; and WHEREAS, the resignation of Michael Paules has created a vacancy on Pottstown Borough Council; and WHEREAS, the Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Pottstown is desirous of filling the vacancy created by virtue of the aforesaid resignation for the remaining term which shall expire the first Monday in January after the next municipal election. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Pottstown, that Andrew Monastra be appointed as a Pottstown Borough Councilor of the Sixth Ward to fill the unexpired term of Michael Paules which term shall expire on January 1, 2024. ENACTED and RESOLVED, this 4th day of January 2023. Motion carried: 6 ayes. Mayor Henrick issued the Oath of Office to Mr. Monastra and Mr. Monastra assumed the seat of the 6th Ward Councilor. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recess the meeting to executive session at 7:10 p.m. for one item of litigation. The meeting resumed at 7:50 p.m. January 4, 2023 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Transportation – There was no meeting. b. Infrastructure – The report was in the packet. c. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky will provide a report at Monday’s meeting. d. Ordinance Review Committee – There was no meeting. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Peggy Lee-Clark provided several 2022 statistics related to property prices. She noted that the median price for a commercial property was $359,500 and residential median price is $189,950 in the Borough and overall in Montgomery County was $410,000. Ms. Lee-Clark advised that local legislatures are working to establish a pilot program with the State to assist in bringing older buildings up to code. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee Clark had no new report. b. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand was not available for a report. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood reported that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 16th. The NAACP program is scheduled for January 16th, 7:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. The next meeting is January 10th. d. Library – Ms. Lipsky reported that 2023 will be noted as “Reimagine Us” at the Pottstown Library. She also reviewed upcoming programs and a new mascot will be named in January. She is also seeking a part-time janitor. e. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland noted that the report is in the packet and membership continues to rise. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay advised that she had no report. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick advised that she presented the Mosaic contest awards and attended the January 1st Polar Bear Swim, with 137 participants and 135 for the Polar Run. She also noted that an Arts Fusion poster was spotted at Longwood Gardens. The Mayor also announced she will be performing a wedding ceremony in Borough Hall on January 28th. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller advised that the sump pump situation throughout the Borough is being addressed, along with the ice problem on the streets. He added that $3 million in funding has been awarded for the design and engineering of the extension of the Keystone Boulevard. In addition a grant was January 4, 2023 received for Police Department cameras in the amount of $403,000. Mr. Keller advised that the 42 Walnut Street arch repair is essentially complete. ROADWAY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT Mr. Keller explained the agreement between the Borough and the Authority for a 12% increase to address the bulk hauler impact on roadways. CREDIT ENHANCEMENT AGREEMENT Mr. Keller also reviewed the Agreement between the Borough and the Authority to off-set revenue as the Borough guarantees the Authority’s debt. The contribution for 2023 will be $125,000. These agreements will be considered at the regular meeting. H20 PA GRANT PA SMALL WATER & SEWER GRANT Mr. Keller recommended approval of the grant submissions to assist in Stormwater Arch Rehabilitation. FEE RESOLUTION AMENDMENT Mr. Keller noted that the recommendations will be listed on the regular agenda. ZONING VARIANCE REQUESTS Mr. Keller reviewed the zoning variance requests as follows: Michael Hoult, 992 North Washington Street D3S Rentals, 3 East Third Street St Paul’s Church, 931 North Franklin Street President Weand requested to authorize the Solicitor to send a letter of support to the Zoning Hearing Board for the 992 North Washington Street matter. Councilor Lebedynsky noted that the 3 East Third Street request should go directly to the Zoning Hearing Board. St. Paul’s Church/Beacon of Hope was an executive session item earlier in the meeting. WAIVER OF LAND DEVELOPMENT REQUESTS Solicitor Garner reviewed the requests for waivers of the Land Development process, noting that this process would still require compliance with all Borough ordinances and regulations: Adele Munsey, 379 Cherry Street – a dog daycare facility Colebrookdale Railroad, King Street – install walkway in Memorial Park Hill School Chapel, 860 Beech Street – addition to existing chapel January 4, 2023 Montgomery County Bright Hope, 540 West Walnut – new playground Joel Johnson, Executive Director Montgomery County Housing Authority and Owen Hyne, Engineer, Remington Vernick, were present to outline the proposed playground at the Bright Hope Community. These will be listed for further discussion and action on Monday’s agenda. HAWKS TOWING BID AWARD MUNICIPAL POLICE VEHICLE BID AWARD Solicitor Garner reviewed the bid tabulations from the Police Department and recommended they be listed for award on the regular agenda. PUBLIC WORKS BID AWARDS The Public Works bid awards will be listed with a recommendations from the Public Works Department. The bids were opened on December 30, 2022. SEPTAGE AND SLUDGE HAULER FEES Mr. Keller referred to the advertised ordinance to approve new rates for sludge hauling. FOX TROT 5K Mr. Keller referred to the application of the Fox Trot 5K Road Race scheduled for May 20, 2023 and recommended it be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. UPCOMING BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the upcoming vacancies and applicants to be considered at the regular meeting. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Deborah Spence, 153 South Roland Street (virtual) – requested contract addendums of the Borough Manager and Police Chief. She also suggested a housing committee to consider shipping containers and solar technology for the homeless. Ms. Spence also suggested that matters of the Beacon of Hope be more transparent. b. Bruce Madara, 543 North Adams Street – commented that appointing a position is not as democratic as electing one. He also commended Kyle Muth for his assistance with and the PECO tree trimming in his area. He also praised Chief Markovich for his continued assistance. c. Jamie Sanchez, 200 Maplewood Drive – complained about the property at 468 North Evans Street having a propane heater and the deterioration of the property. She requested an inspection by the Licensing & Inspections Department as her family lives next door and this may be a dangerous situation. January 4, 2023 COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lindsay praised all the organizations that assisted with holiday events for children. She also noted that the Keystone Running Store is open on High Street and the Firebirds sign is posted at High and Hanover Streets. Councilor Monastra thanked all for his appointment and looks forward to working with Council. Councilor Kirkland congratulated the officers on their promotions and wished all a Happy New Year. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned at 8:55 p.m.