Council Committee of the Whole

August 9, 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 August 9, 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, Donald Lebedynsky, Trenita Lindsay, Dan Weand and Andrew Monastra, Also present were Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. Councilor Kirkland was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky noted that the reports were in the packet. b. Transportation – There was no meeting. c. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky reported that the website has been updated for service portals, including the permitting process and requisitions, also exterior property issues. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal noted that the topic of discussion was the sidewalk ordinance amendment. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark advised that Fromm Electric recently celebrated 100 years as a business in the Borough. She added that additional tickets are available for the September 8th Fete en Blanc event. Jamie Orr, Orchid Car Show, provided an outline of the September 3rd Euro Car Show, noting that cars from 10 countries will be on display with owners of cars coming from 7 countries, including France, Belgium, and Germany and will spend 5 days in Pottstown. A special event is scheduled at the Carousel and he thanked all for their assistance and cooperation. August 9, 2023 BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee-Clark noted that she will have updates for next month’s meeting. b. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood provided an outline and duties of the Commission established by Borough Ordinance. She noted that members are appointed by Council and act as liaison for complaints of harassment and discrimination, etc. c. Library – There was no report. d. Ricketts Community Center – There was no report. e. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay requested that her report be listed on Monday evening’s agenda. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Assistant Solicitor Hovey provided an outline of the Blighted Property Review Committee and its duties. Blighted properties are under the Urban Redevelopment Law and continue a process to the Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County. Attorney Hovey also provided the process of identifying blighted properties. In addition, he reviewed the criteria established by Ordinance. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick reported that she visited Landsdale Borough and provided a few ideas for Council to consider, i.e., having public commenters provide a petition and a proposed ordinance for their concerns. She added that Lansdale allows each Councilor a chance to present a motion. Mayor Henrick also provided updates on the Cluster and the Love Your Block program. She also announced upcoming events including the Ride the River event and Sly Fox Can Jam on September 16th. She also provided police statistics for July 2023 and thanked all for the successful National Night Out on August 1st. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller reviewed the hiring process for the Assistant Borough Manager position. He noted that the hiring is under the discretion of the Borough Manager. The applications closed on July 18th and interviews are in the process of being scheduled. The interview panel will consist of the Human Resource Director, a member of Council and a member of the Authority and himself. Mr. Keller also updated Council on the Lead Line replacement project, which is essentially complete. He added that the next phase is a $2.7 million project, which will go out to bid later this year. He also noted that the Wastewater Treatment Plant will undergo a conversion to a U.V. ultraviolet project, with completion expected by the end of the year. In addition, the Engineer is planning inspections for the Water and Sewer Replacement project. Mr. Keller added that the Intern has been successful in tracking down the contractor for the 13 historic walking tour signs and will be installed and replaced when received. August 9, 2023 MID-YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Mr. Keller reviewed the process for adjusting line items with each category with no impact to the budget. This was reviewed by the Finance Committee and requested approval on the regular agenda. VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION AGREEMENT Mr. Keller advised that the previous company performing the Vacant Property Registration is no longer available. A similar company, HERA, has been located that can perform these tasks. He requested that the short term contract be reviewed and approved at the regular Council meeting. TUSCANY GIRLS, 1301 GLASGOW STREET Solicitor Hovey reminded Council that a waiver of Land Development was granted early this year. This is a request outlining the waivers and the Borough Engineer has no objections. President Weand noted that this would be listed on the regular agenda. ZONING a. Zaborsky, Heather – 976 Park Drive b. Mill, Christopher and Jacob, Georgeen – 599 West High Street c. Jones, John, 215 Sourt Washington Street Solicitor Hovey explained Council’s options for the zoning variance requests. He noted that the applicants for properties located at 976 Park Drive and 599 West High Street are seeking relief regarding outdoor storage units. The applicant for 215 South Washington Street is seeking a variance from the Zoning Officer’s determination that the use is not a light manufacturing use as designated in that area. President Weand advised that these will be listed for consideration on the regular agenda. AMENDMENT SIDEWALK ORDINANCE Solicitor Hovey explained the proposed amendment to the sidewalk and sign ordinance and requested authorization to prepare the ordinance. This will be listed for Monday’s agenda. BID AWARDS a. Water Trench Street Restoration b. Street Painting c. Street Painting, Crosswalk, etc. d. Aviation Fuel Manager Keller referred to the bid tabulations of August 4, 2023 and noted that recommendations would be available for Monday evening. August 9, 2023 HARB Manager Keller explained the request of YWCA for the property at 307 King Street to install a new sign. HARB Mr. Keller also review the administratively approved applications as follows: a. 61 North Franklin Street – to replace existing roof b. 863 High Street – to replace existing roof c. 253 Walnut Street – to replace existing roof d. 117 North Charlotte Street – to replace existing siding These will be listed for approval on the regular agenda. UPCOMING BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the upcoming board vacancies as listed on the website: a. Construction Code Board of Appeals – one 3-year term b. EAC – two 3-year terms c. Human Relations Commission – one vacant term COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Cathy Paretti, 218 Deerfield Way – spoke as President of the Veterans’ Island Project in Memorial Park. She explained the proposal to add a memorial to honor Gulf War and Afghanistan Veterans and will be providing additional details in the near future. She thanked Council for its ongoing support. b. Phil Thees, 63 South Evans Street – commented on the clean-up efforts throughout the Borough and urged residents to do their part. He also questioned why the Chapel at Manatawny and Glasgow Street is paying taxes as it is a house of worship. c. Kyle Weaver, 556 King Street – reiterated his concerns of trash throughout the Borough streets and sidewalks. He praised the efforts of PAED in establishing the clean-up in the downtown and High Street. He requested the Borough’s assistance in cleaning up various streets. Mr. Keller instructed Mr. Weaver to inform the Public Works Department when and where the trash bags will be located and they will facilitate the pick-up. d. Frances Laws, 423 High Street – complained that she was harassed by three Police Officers and accused of loitering on her property. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Procsal noted that he missed National Night Out but heard it was a success. Councilor Vanni also praised all involved in the successful National Night Out. August 9, 2023 Councilor Linday urged all to attend the last Play Streets event on August 10th in Spruce Street Park. She noted that she is working to reinstate the Block Captain program. Councilor Lindsay also requested that the Borough Manager provide an annual progress report. Councilor Monastra praised the Police Department and its response to an incident on this date at Edgewood Cemetery. He also questioned permit fees for event organizers such as the GoFourth Event, Red Horse Car Show and the FARM, that bring thousands of people into the Borough and suggested consideration of these fees. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:00 p.m. for an item of litigation. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.