Council Committee of the Whole

June 5th, 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. The applicant, IX Services, LLC, is seeking to demolish the existing attached single-family dwelling and construct a new single family detached dwelling and two twin dwellings with four units, comprising of five proposed lots. Present to speak regarding questions about the proposed property was owner the property owner from 518 N. Washington Street and Betty Jowar at 501 West Street. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 5th, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 7:00 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, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey, and Borough Secretary Alexa Barry. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – The report was attached to the agenda. b. Efficient Methods Committee – Councilor Lebedynsky reported that they discussed the FOG Program and Utilities working in conjunction with Licensing and Inspections to address this program. c. Transportation – Nothing to report at this time. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal reported that the sober living ordinance and changes were discussed. e. Economic Development and Business Liaison – Peggy Lee-Clark began her report by thanking Peoples Security Bank and Trust for the grant that allowed PAED to do another round of small business micro-grants. Tickets for Fete en Blanc are on sale as of June 1st. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank Report – Ms. Lee-Clark had no updates for the Land Bank at this time. b. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood was present this evening and  June 5th, 2024 reported that June is Pride Month observing LGBTQ+ history and culture. Father’s Day is June 16th and Juneteenth National Independence Day is June 19th commemorating the end of slavery in Texas. The Commission June meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 11th at 6 pm and all are welcome to attend. c. Library – Present to speak on behalf of the Library this evening was James Carraghan. Currently, the Library is beginning the Summer Reading Program which is their busiest time of year. The specifics of all the events that the Summer Reading Program entails can be found on the Library website. The Board of Director’s Meeting is on June 25th at 5 pm at the Pottstown Regional Public Library. Mr. Carraghan took a moment to thank Council and the Borough for their continued support over the years. d. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland reported that there will be a Boxing Camp from May through August for kids. The Juneteenth Celebration will be on the 15th of June and the Youth from the Ricketts Center will be performing there. e. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay reported that the Ruppert Elementary School I’MPACT Team visited the homes of students from each grade to congratulate them as well as their families for efforts in the 4th marking period. On May 30th, 2024, 234 Seniors from Pottstown High School graduated. Two graduating seniors are volunteer firefighters and helped in the efforts at the Robert P. Smith Towers fire. SOLICITORS GENERAL DISCUSSION – Solicitor Garner, because there has been an uptick in applications received, detailed the process of Conditional Use Applications and the role that Council plays when it comes to these applications. MANAGER’S REPORT – Borough Manager Justin Keller reported that the Hill School will be reconstructing and paving a portion of Sheridan Street between Beech and Walnut. Further, we were awarded $250,000 for the Street Tree Protection project. Mr. Keller thanked the first responders, and all involved in the Robert P. Smith Towers fire. Zoning Application, 1016 E. High Street – Ms. Tracy Purdy and her Attorney, Mr. David Garner, were present this evening to advise Council on the purpose of the proposed Zoning Application. Ms. Purdy is seeking to expand her Bed and Breakfast at the property, as well as move into a neighboring property as her permanent residence. 423 Chestnut Street MOSAIC Sidewalk Mural Proposal – Mosaic Community Garden is provided a Mural Layout for the proposal to create a sidewalk mural at 423 Chestnut Street. 361-367 Union Alley – Applicants are proposing to subdivide 367 Union Alley into two properties: 365 and 367 Union Alley. The site is the location of a current twin dwelling and after subdivision, one home would be located on each of the two properties. 1200 High Street Easement Authorization – The Borough and the owner of the 1200 High Street stormwater arch are entering an agreement for the Borough to repair the arch and in order to undertake and construct this project, the Borough has requested from the property owner a Temporary Construction and Access Easement over a portion of the property. 1200 High Street Bid Authorization – RVE will place this project out to bid for qualified companies to complete the Arch repair.  June 5th, 2024 Borough Roadway Paving Bid Award – The Borough is seeking qualified applicants to pave 2.67 miles of Borough roads, previously outlined in a paving presentation. Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation Project Bid Award – The Borough is seeking to award the Bid for the Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation Project to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, Road-con. Creation of a Civil Service List for new Candidates for Police Officer – The Pottstown Police Department is seeking permission to have the Civil Service Commission to begin the process of creating a new Civil Service List for viable candidates for Police Officer. Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, Inc. Contract Extension – PART is seeking to extend their current contract for fixed route and paratransit bus services for one year. PART FY24-25 Budget – PART is seeking to have the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 approved. Upcoming Board Vacancies – a. EAC, one 3-year term to expire August 10th, 2024 b. Construction Code Board of Appeals, one 3-year term to expire August 8th, 2024 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT – Ron Williams, 245 Walnut Street – Mr. Williams was present this evening to show and highlight his unwavering gratitude and support for the Borough. Doug Slick, 474 N. Evans Street – Mr. Slick was present this evening and stated that the most recent graduating class from Pottstown High School was the largest graduating class in the history of the school and wished them all well. He continued to speak on unhoused citizens and lack of adequate support. Wayne Fenstermacher – Mr. Fenstermacher was present this evening to speak on the zoning request for the property at 1016 High Street and the size of an appropriate sign for this property. COUNCILOR’S GENERAL DISCUSSION – Councilor Procsal thanked first responders and the Montgomery County Housing Authority for their efforts at the Robert P. Smith Towers fire incident. Councilor Lindsay stated the GoFourth fundraiser was kicked off and The Alley had a nice band playing Blues music. She expressed how much she loves Pottstown and its beauty. Councilor Monastra expressed appreciation for how beautiful the flowers are here around Borough Hall and also asked that now that the weather is getting nicer, to be more aware of all those on the roads, whether in a car, on a bike or walking. Councilor Kirkland reminded all about the Juneteenth celebration, and the Family Food Bank at the Rickett’s Center. Mayor Henrick reiterated to aware of surroundings while driving and thanked Councilor Monastra  June 5th, 2024 for hosting fundraiser for Joe Ciresi.