Council Committee of the Whole

April 3rd, 2024 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 five-minute rule and participants shall be identified accordingly. CONDITIONAL USE – There was a conditional use hearing, led by Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey and called to order at 6:30 PM. Applicant, Dwight City Group, and applicant’s Attorney Mr. Michael Murray, were present to request relief for certain parking requirements at the proposed development for the property located at 276-284 N. Hanover St. Present to publicly speak and present questions and concerns regarding dumpster location and alleyway accessibility was Mr. John Daywalt. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 6th, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. with President Weand in the Chair. ATTENDANCE Councilors present were Ryan Procsal, Lisa Vanni, Donald Lebedynsky, Dan Weand, Trenita Lindsay, Andrew Monastra and Joseph Kirkland, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner, and Borough Secretary Alexa Barry. SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand stated his Emergency Services Report was available for review in the meeting packet. b. Infrastructure – Councilor Lebedynsky provided that the infrastructure report was available for review in the meeting packet. c. Efficient Methods – Councilor Lebedynsky reported on efforts being taken to automate the L&I scheduling system. d. Transportation – Nothing to report at this time. e. Ordinance Review Committee – Nothing to report at this time. f. Economic Development & Business Liaison –Ms. Peggy Lee Clark shared that through the generosity of Univest, PAED was able to offer micro-grants to small businesses and of the 14 that applied, they were able to award 9, with $500 to each. Ms. Lee Clark that Gazo’s Steaks opening is expected soon, and the Grooming Room is now in the old Beverly’s Pastry shop space. 2023’s Annual Report for PAED is available on their website BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank Report – Ms. Lee-Clark had nothing further to report for Land Bank this  April 3rd, 2024 evening. b. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood was present this evening and reported that the Commission’s next meeting is Tuesday, April 9th and all are welcome to attend. c. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland reported that on April 18th, there will be a health fair offering free health screenings from 10 am – 12 pm and on April 19th there will be a blood drive sponsored by the NAACP from 12 pm – 5 pm. d. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay had nothing to report at this time. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Henrick reported that she spent her day on a ride along with an officer from Pottstown Police Department and all the events she has attended and are upcoming were attached to the agenda for review. She furthered that she recently met with the new Montgomery County Commissioner DiBello to discuss solutions for the unhoused. The Mayor read and provided the Pottstown Regional Public Library with the 2024 Library Week Proclamation. MANAGER’S REPORT – Borough Manager Justin Keller began his report by informing everyone that the former Borough Garage at 657 Beech Street has received some development interest from multiple entities. The property has been inactive for 12 years, but the Borough still pays to provide upkeep. 415 High Street Presentation – Applicant attorney Michael Murray was present this evening to discuss the vision for the proposed laundromat. This application was previously voted against by Council, and Attorney Murray illustrated what this will look like in Pottstown, as well as provided photos of a different location to allow for a visual for Council as well. 4th Annual MLK Youth Art Competition and 423 Chestnut Street MOSAIC Community Garden Presentation – Marie Haigh and Audra Ross were present this evening, along with a few winners form the Youth Art Competition, displaying the artwork, and speaking on what motivates them to create such art. Furthermore, Ms. Haigh and Ms. Ross were asking Council for permission to transform these winning pieces onto the sidewalk at the 423 Chestnuts Street MOSAIC Community Garden. Business Improvement District Presentation – Ms. Lee Clark was present to speak to Council regarding the establishment of a Business Improvement District. The purpose of a BID in Pottstown is to provide services considered vital to those businesses while promoting the district to attract new businesses, consumers, and residents to Pottstown’s commercial/industrial districts. Manhole Frames and Lids Bid – Manager Keller reported that we have a recommendation for award to the lowest bidder and it will be ready for vote on Monday. Water Trench Restoration Bid – Manager Keller reported that we have a recommendation for award to the lowest bidder and it will be ready for vote on Monday. MOU Between DVRPC and The Borough of Pottstown – This is a memorandum of understanding that will provide planning assistant and coordination for Pottstown Area Rapid Transit as required  April 3rd, 2024 by the FTA. Consolidate Capital Grant Application Resolution to File and Certify Local Match – This is for Pottstown Area Rapid Transit and is capital assistance from PennDOT to purchase a service vehicle with mechanics body and electronic bus stop signage for the Transportation Center. The local match portion is $648. CFA-DCED ARPA Grant Program Application for 2024 for Ricketts Community Center – This grant will focus on allowing work on safety and accessibility, including ADA pathways to the building from pedestrian ways and parking areas, interior lighting, toilet facility access and ACM abatement. The grant will fund professional services, so architects will be a big part of the cost of the grant request. Ordinance Request “No Parking 30’ From Corner” on Glasgow Street – This parking ordinance amendment will affect all 6 corner locations in the Borough. This should help with line-of-sight issues. The west side of Glasgow and Rice St. would be West Pottsgrove Twp., so it is the hope that they will consider enforcing or posting “No Parking Here to Corner” on Rice St., west of Glasgow. Fire Study Discussion – The purpose of this fire study is for DCED to provide a technical assistance grant to examine enhancements to improve efficiency of our fire department. The goal is to conduct a comprehensive study of both administrative and operational functions, with the end goal of delivering services that effectively manage escalating costs and optimize the utilization of our existing manpower and resources. Fire Department Ordinance Amendment – This will be an amendment relating to the section of the Fire Ordinance that discusses the election and tenure of deputy and assistant fire chiefs and the amendment is as follows and the purpose is allow the Fire Chief to hold the authority to select officer to hold command and control at a fire scene. 55 High Street – This is a zoning appeal for the listed property where the applicant wishes to use a portion of the property as a grocery store. The property used to be an office in that area of the building, thus rendering it a mixed-use property. While a grocery store is a permitted use in the downtown district, it is not permitted in a mixed-use building. 120-140 Shoemaker, Stack Storage – This is a land development request, and the applicant is seeking preliminary/final approval with conditionals for this project. 172 N. Hanover – The applicants for this project are proposing a bed and breakfast and are requesting relief from certain parking requirements. 200 Shoemaker, Chipotle – The applicants for this project are requesting zoning relief, and the zoning relief is based upon Chipotles standard sign package which exceeds the Borough’s sign ordinance limitations in the highway business district. Permission to Use Parking Lot #1 – Pottstown Childrens Discover Center is requesting permission to use Borough Lot #1 on South Hanover St. between the railroad tracks and PCDC building, for a Climb on It event, on June 8th, 2024, from 9-3 where kids are able to sit in and touch vehicles of all shapes and sizes such as police cars, fire trucks, dump trucks, etc. There will still be available parking in that lot along the railroad track.  April 3rd, 2024 Juneteenth Street Closure Request –Be ReZilient and Community Partners are requesting a street closure of York Street to Charlotte Street and the cross street of Hanover to King, June 15th, 10 am - 7 pm, for the Juneteenth Celebration. Ms. Denise Williams was present at the meeting to request permission from Council to fly a Juneteenth Flag. Red Horse Car Show Street Closure Request – Red Horse Motoring Club is requesting various street closures on the first Saturday of each month, running from May through August, beginning at 1 pm and ending at 9 pm. L’OE Car Show Street Closure Request – Orchid Euro LLC is requesting the closures of High and Hanover Street on September 1st, 2024, from 5 am – 8 pm for their annual car show. Jamie Orr was present to clarify any questions regarding the application process. Memorial Day Parade Street Closure Request – Pottstown Joint Veterans is requesting permission to hold their Memorial Day Parade on May 27th, 2024, which will begin at 10:00 am and end at 11 am, and the route will begin going West on High St, to North on Manatawny St., to Memorial Park at the Manatawny entrance. Skill Games Discussion – Solicitor Garner is proposing to Council that they authorize him to draft a licensing ordinance amendment to specifically include skills games within the Borough, at which time Council will also be provided a reasonable licensing fee and regulation that is not currently in place. Upcoming Board Vacancies – a. Environmental Advisory Council – one vacant term to expire August 10, 2024. b. HARB – two 5-year terms to expire April 1st, 2029. c. Land Bank – two 5-year terms to expire April 9th, 2029. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT – Doug Slick, 474 N. Evans Street – Mr. Slick was present this evening and spoke about the previous cleanup event, which resulted in the removal of 6 full-sized dumpsters and the removal of 70 shopping carts from the woods. He continued that per the 2020 census, the median household income in Pottstown was $55,600 and 30% or less should go to housing. To date, many of the jobs post-covid are offering $15 dollars an hour, which does not allow for suitable housing or shelter. He offers a thought, that maybe if each proposed new development also provided 2-3 affordable housing situations, Pottstown may be better off. Rev. Barron, 401 Beech St. – Rev. Barron was present the evening to present concerns she has regarding clergy speaking at public comment, as she states they are often speaking on behalf of their church patrons who are unable to make it to the meetings. Randy Mims, 435 King St. – Mr. Mims was present this evening to discuss ongoing issues he has been having with billing and fees and resolving this issue.  April 3rd, 2024 COUNCILOR’S GENERAL DISCUSSION – Councilor Monastra reported that on April 13th there will be a cleanup from 10 am – 2 pm at the cemetery and he encouraged all to come. Councilor Lindsay showcased her PAED umbrella and her gratitude for the umbrella in the recent weather. Councilor Vanni thanked everyone who came out to participate in the cleanup and Councilor DiBello for the discussion on the homeless population. Councilor Procsal is celebrating his 13th wedding anniversary. Mayor Henrick May 13th from 5 pm – 8 pm is the Pottstown Rotary Big Ticket event and she has tickets for anyone interested.