Council Committee of the Whole

November 8, 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. 6:30 P.M. - CONDITIONAL USE HEARING – Karina Zarco, DBA Philadelphia Granite, 587 West High Street Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey opened a Condition Use Hearing at 6:30 P.M. and entered several Council items into evidence. Ms. Zarco was sworn in and testified that she is seeking permission to establish a marble and granite cutting business at the 587 West High Street. This will be a family-owned business with her husband cutting the marble and granite and she as the office person. Ms. Zarco noted that a water system is used to cut the marble and granite and a separate company removes the debris so it doesn’t enter the system. Ms. Zarco also noted that the business is temporarily located at a friend’s location. Her hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. She also testified that products will be sold to contractors as well as to private entities. Ms. Zarco entered two items, Plan A and Plan B, into evidence. Solicitor Hovey closed the hearing at 6:48 p.m. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING The November 8, 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. President Weand congratulated the three Councilors for their reelection success. He also acknowledged the passing of Charles D. Garner, Sr., a former 7th Ward Councilor and Council President and long-time public servant and father of Borough Solicitor Charles D. Garner, Jr. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 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, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey and Borough Secretary Virginia Takach. November 8, 2023 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – The reports were in the packets. b. Transportation – There was no meeting. c. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky noted there was nothing significant to report. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal advised that discussions included definitions, the sign ordinance and traffic studies. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Human Relations Commission – Ms. Levengood advised that November is National American Heritage month. November 11th is Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving is Novmeber23rd. The next meeting is November 14th. b. Library – Ms. Lipsky announced the celebration for the Library’s Gold Star status and invited all to attend on November 16th. She added that the Pottstown School District student identification cards will be active in the near future. Ms. Lipsky added that on December 16th, at 2:00 p.m. the Cookie Walk event is scheduled at the Library. c. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Lindsay advised that on November 20th there will be a Thanksgiving meal give-away. d. Pottstown School District –Councilor Lindsay advised that the School District is hiring and details are on the website. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Attorney Hovey reviewed the requirements of the Pennsylvania Borough Code for reorganization every even year, the first Monday of January. As the first Monday of 2024 is New Year’s Day, the reorganization will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd. He reviewed the requirements of the newly elected officials during the public meeting. Each appointment requires only a nomination with no second to the motion required. The Mayor shall preside over the meeting until reorganization is complete. Attorney Hovey added that the Rules of Order are also adopted at the reorganization meeting. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Henrick thanked all volunteers involved with the recent election and congratulated the newly reappointed members of Council. She also reviewed the events in which she participated and attended, including the successful Halloween Parade. The Mayor thanked Councilor Vanni for joining her in visiting the homeless encampment and she announced that she is now a member of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. She added that the first draft of the County’s Community Action Plan is available. Mayor Henrick reviewed upcoming events for November and December, including Santa’s arrival and the Tree Lighting scheduled for December 2nd. November 8, 2023 MANAGER’S REPORT Manager Keller noted that the first meeting of the year for the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail was held in person and highlighted the rail service for Pottstown and the train station. Three main developments were discussed, the Keim Street Plan, the KEEP Plan and the Impact Grass Advocacy Plan. He added that the next step is establishing a Federal ID Corridor number for Federal funding, hopefully completed within the next several months. Mr. Keller reviewed the recent meeting of regional training with the area Pottsgroves for fire services in order to share resources and funding coordination. He added that the Authority is in the process of amending its Articles of Incorporation, possibly for an additional 50 years. Mr. Keller also announced new equipment to be used for brining the roads rather than road salting. Mr. Keller provided an update on the Trilogy BMX park, spooky gold events and possible permitting process for regular use with organized groups. Mayor Henrick commended Mr. Keller for his presentation at the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority event. PRESENTATION – SKILL GAMES, JOHN MIZIC John Mizic of the Veterans Standing Together non-profit organization, provided a proposal to regulate skill games in the Borough. He advised that skill games are not regulated under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Gambling Laws. He proposed that the organization would take control and regulate all the skill games in the Borough and 20% of profits would be returned to the Borough. The estimated return to the Borough is $400,000. After several questions and discussion among Council, President Weand advised that this proposal will be taken under consideration and await the Solicitor’s review and opinion. BUDGET UPDATE Finance Director Marley Boone referred to the budget update and advised that the overall deficit has been reduce by $339,000 resulting in an annual increase to a homeowner would be $42.38. She requested that Council consider advertising the proposed budget with a tax millage not to exceed 14.650 and to advertise the 2024 budget in the amount of $66,606,018. She added that wages and health care are factors in the General Fund deficit. REPLACE ONE OFFICER Manager Keller noted that with the resignation of one officer, Chief Markovich is requesting to provide a conditional offer of employment to a candidate on the existing Civil Service list. ZONING – NICHOLAS POLLICK, 936 CHESTNUT STREET Solicitor Hovey explained the request of the applicant for zoning relief regarding the previously installed driveway on the side yard. November 8, 2023 President Weand noted that these items will be listed for consideration on Monday’s agenda. CHEMICAL BIDS RIVERFRONT PARK BRIDGE ABUTMENT Mr. Keller reviewed the bid tabulations for the Chemical bids and the Riverfront Park Bridge abutment. Recommendations will be provided for Monday’s agenda. LOCAL SHARES ACCOUNT GRANT Mr. Keller explained the request for a grant submission to the Local Shares Account Grant for Memorial Park. This grant has no match. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SAFETY PLAN Mr. Keller explained the requirement to adopt a safety plan for the Pottstown Area Rapid Transit system as required under the FTA. LAND BANK POLICY Assistant Solicitor Hovey noted that the Land Bank is proposing public meeting policies similar to the Council Meeting policies. The Land Bank policy must be approved by Council. President Weand noted that these items will be listed for further consideration on Monday evening. DISCUSSION – ADOPT A BLOCK, COUNCILOR LINDSAY Councilor Lindsay presented an initiative for individuals or companies to adopt a block with a promise to sponsor the block to clean and swept. She introduced the idea of a plaque on the block to designate the individuals. She will provide additional information regarding signage, areas, etc. in the near future. UPCOMING BOARD VACANCIES President Weand reviewed the vacancies on Blighted Property EAC, HARB, Land Bank and the Planning Commission. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT a. Laura Johonson, 554 Belmont Street – urged Council to help the unhoused in Pottstown. b. Lee Ann Moyer, Barto – noted that she provides meals for tent cities and supports the homeless in the area. She noted that she was told she could no longer provide meals in Smith Family Plaza. c. Deb Spence - (noted she did not need to provide an address as a previous caller did not) – November 8, 2023 asked Council to control its administration and should engage with the public. She again asked when the road behind Wawa would be repaired. She asked when the website will be updated with FAQ’s. She also praised Councilor Monastra for attending the polling location on November 7th. Ms. Spence also questioned the revitalization efforts in the Borough. d. Bruce Madara, 543 North Adams Street – thanked Councilor Vanni, Mayor Henrick and Zoning Officer Winter Stokes for speaking with him. He questioned the contact information for PCTV. e. Jodie Kimby, 53 College Drive - spoke as a member of Tent City and urged Council to not drive out the encampment. She explained her previous abusive relationship and her efforts to improve herself. f. Nichole Jackson, 1511 Cherry Lane – commented on the Borough’s notice to remove the homeless from their encampment. She explained their daily challenges. Ms. Jackson questioned the information of Beacon of Hope on the handouts and flyers. COUNCILORS’ GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Procsal thanked all involved in the Halloween Parade and recent events. Council Vanni requested the efficient Methods Committee address the process for new businesses and possibly streamline the process. She also praised Ms. Kimby for her courage in coming to the meeting this evening. She also read a letter from a young Halloweener that came to her door. Councilor Lebedynsky congratulated the newly reelected Councilors. Councilor Lindsay praised all the volunteers for the recent events. Councilor Monastra thanked all that came out to vote on Election Day. He also outlined the process for constituents to report concerns. He noted that certain people say they fear retribution and being identified. He suggested that a task for the new Assistant Borough Manager be to address each concern of the constituents. Mayor Henrick referred to the adopted rules of order in responding to constituents during the meeting. She also thanked Mr. Madara and Ms. Kimby for their comments. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Weand recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:50 p.m. for a matter of litigation with no action. ADJOURNMENT President Weand adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.