Council Committee of the Whole

September 6, 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 September 6, 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, Andrew Monastra and Joseph Kirkland. Also present were Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner (virtual) and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky noted that the reports were in the packet. b. Transportation – There is a meeting scheduled for Monday, September 11th. c. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky reported that the website was reviewed last month and will receive trash and service call surveys from Public Works. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal noted there was no meeting. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark advised that the TriCounty Health Center opens on September 15th on Shoemaker Road and the in-door Alley opens in mid-October. She also advised that Panera is expected to open in November. Ms. Lee- Clark reported that 60% of attendees for the September 8th Fete are from outside of Pottstown. Jamie Orr, Euro Car Show, expressed his appreciation for all involved with the amazing and successful September 3rd car show. He noted there were certain negative comments heard prior to the event and posted on social media. At the time of the show, it proved to be the exact opposite. Mr. Orr commented that there were numerous families, a wedding, food vendors and restaurants, along with the variety of cars. He also praised the Pottsgrove High School Band and the two vocalist who sang the National Anthem. He apologized for any inconvenience for September 6, 2023 residents and their parking issues, which he understands were minimal. Mr. Orr hopes to return next year after a de-brief. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank – Ms. Lee-Clark explained the misconception of the Land Bank. She noted that PAED is the administrator of the Land Bank. The Land Bank members are the voting entity and the decision-making body. She added that one property is advertised, 122 Beech Street, with applications being accepted until September 15th. b. Emergency Services – A report was sent to the Council. Chief Hand was called to an emergency. c. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood advised that National Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th. The CCLU will hold its Latino Festival on September 23rd in Riverfront Park. She also noted the Jewish Holidays of Rosh Hashanah September 15th to September 17th and Yom Kippur, September 24th to September 25th. The next meeting is September 12th and the October meeting is October 3rd. d. Library – The report was in the packets. e. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Lindsay advised that the Center is seeking a new Director. She also reported vandalism to the fence at the Center. f. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay advised that the School District and Bus Company are working to resolve the issues with the cancelled stops in the East End of town due to unruly behavior of students. The students will now be required to sign a contract in order to ride the bus with additional information available on the School District website. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Garner outlined the process of the Council meeting agendas. He explained the actions of motions, approving events, resolutions, and ordinances. He noted that resolutions are more formalistic, such as appointments to Council and the Zoning Hearing Board as required by the Municipal Planning Code. Certain grant applications may require a resolution authorizing the submission of the grant. Any amendments to the Fee Schedule require a resolution. Solicitor Garner also explained rules and regulations approved by ordinance, which require publication or advertisement. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick presented a Proclamation honoring Tamara Charles for her dedicated community service throughout the Borough. Ms. Charles was present to accept the proclamation and thanked the individual who nominated her and praised all who volunteer for the community. September 6, 2023 Mayor Henrick also thanked Ron Riechel and PCTV for featuring Mr. Riechel’s butterfly garden. She also thanked Lt. Morrisey for his Elder Fraud presentation to seniors at the TriCounty Active Adult Center. Mayor Henrick commended all involved in the weekend car show and for bringing so many people back to Pottstown. The Mayor praised the Russel Stinton and the Sweet Chasers for their cleanup efforts. She also reviewed the upcoming events for September. MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller announced that Rotary has decided to forego the Halloween Parade due to costs and availability. The Rotary may be planning a Trunk or Treat event in lieu of the parade. He noted that the self – service fuel is now available at the Airport and the taxi-way paving is scheduled for the next fiscal year. He also advised that interviews are being scheduled for the Assistant Borough Manager position. Mr. Keller reported the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee is working on a transit study and design for 2025 adding that the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority meeting is scheduled in Pottstown for October 23, 3:00 p.m. Mr. Keller advised that the first draft of the budget will be presented in October. He also reviewed the Veterans’ War Memorial project and announced the Veterans’ Day event for September 23rd. Mr. Keller advised that he is submitting a request for a budget item in 2024 to offset the costs of the proposed Veterans’ banners. He also referred to the Modern Conflict Memorial Committee and will be seeking the appointment of a staff member to that committee. RESOLUTIONS – POLICE PENSION 2024 MMO & NON-UNIFORM 2024 MMO Mr. Keller explained the annual requirement to pay the MMO towards the two pension funds. The Police 2024 MMO is $1,784,485, which is an increase of $53,808 in 2023. The Non-Uniform 2024 MMO is $920,285, an increase of $6,512 from 2023. RESOLUTION – FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT – PROPERTY TRANSFERS Solicitor Garner explained the increase in fees for the Licensing & Inspections Department. This relates primarily to multi-unit buildings. It also creates a new fee associated with providing assistance to the Licensing & Inspections Department, such as researching properties and filling out forms. Edgewood School Playground – 218 Mintzer Street Solicitor Garner explained that Council previously waived the Land Development process for this plan, which is now asking for four waivers from SALDO to install the playground at the former Edgewood School. ZONING a. Heather Kingsley, 218 East High Street – Solicitor Garner explained the zoning relief request to open a personal care business. Ms. Kinglsey was present advised that she is a Registered Nurse and noted that she has worked extensively with cancer patients and alopecia patients. September 6, 2023 b. Stack Storage, 120 Shoemaker Road – Solicitor Garner explained the zoning relief request to consolidate three lots to construct a self-storage facility, reducing the required parking spaces from 28 to 10. c. Luke Lors, 799 State Street – Solicitor Garner explained the zoning relief request to establish a smoke shop and tattoo parlor. President Weand noted that these will be listed on Monday’s agenda for further consideration. FUEL BIDS Solicitor Garner advised that no bids were received for the 2nd time. He advised that this allows for the municipality to engage in a contract of its choice. CHEESTOBERFEST Mr. Keller explained the request of the TriCounty Active Adult Center to hold a beer garden in Riverfront Park on October 21st, 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. UPCOMING BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the upcoming vacancies on the Blighted Property Review Committee, EAC, Land Bank and Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Keller noted that he will be seeking authorization to appoint a member of Staff to the Modern Conflicts Memorial Committee to oversee the project at the Veterans’ Island. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Jamie Sanchez – 200 Maplewood Drive – spoke as Chairperson of the Rotary’s Halloween Parade and advised that there will be no Halloween Parade this year. In addition, she appreciated the support for the Veterans’ Island Project. Ms. Sanchez also thanked Councilor Monastra and Chief Markovich for explaining the Tent City projects and commented that there must be a plan for the homeless and the elected officials should find a solution. She also requested an update of the County’s plan. b. James Orr, 843 Queen Street – thanked all involved with the successful Orchid Euro car show. He praised the businesses for staying open and the thousands of residents and out-of-town guests that came to Pottstown. He commended the Pottsgrove High School Band and the vocalists that sang the National Anthem. He noted that he encountered homeless individuals with tents but would not consider taking or disrupting the only thing these person owned. Mr. Orr also advised that approximately $8,000 was raised through the event at the Schuylkill River Playhouse. c. Doug Slick 474 North Evans Street – outlined the great experience he had with the Borough when his trash can lid was cracked. He unexpectedly spoke with a very polite clerk in the Public Works Department and was quite surprised when his receptacle was replace in two days. He praised the gentleman’s public service. September 6, 2023 COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilor Lebedynsky commented that his fellow-workers in Reading were quite impressed with the cars, food, entertainment and businesses during the Orchid Euro Car Show. Councilor Procsal announced the 100-year anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Pottstown. Councilor Vanni also commended all involved in the recent car shows. She also noted that she saw tires and shopping carts during her wonderful kayak adventures with Take-it-Outdoors and requested that the tires and carts be removed. Councilor Lindsay praised the young children’s clean-up event. She also noted the beautiful cars at the recent car shows. Councilor Monastra commended the amazing car shows. He suggested providing an allowance or exception on fees for these events as they bring thousands of people into town. He also commented that parts of the Schuylkill River Trail are deterring people from the trail, due to the homeless and suggested that something be done. He added that he expected possible solutions to be presented at this meeting but heard nothing. Councilor Monastra stated that he expects to hear some sort of conversation at next month’s meeting regarding the problem with the potential to kill the town. Mayor Henrick thanked Gus Tellis for his documentary of Ron Reichel’s butterfly collection and garden. President Weand commented that the events of the summer were amazing with hopes for next year as well. Solicitor Garner announced there will be an Executive Session on Monday evening. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.