Council Committee of the Whole

July 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. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING July 3rd, 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, and Joseph Kirkland, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Solicitor Charles Garner, and Borough Secretary Alexa Barry. Absent was Councilor Monastra. There was a brief presentation honoring the late Chief James Earl Rodgers. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services – Chief Hand stated his report would be ready for the Monday meeting. b. Infrastructure – The report was attached to the agenda. c. Transportation – Nothing to report at this time. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Nothing to report at this time. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Human Relations Commission – Marcia Levengood was present this evening and expressed her appreciation for the members on the Commission. She reported on the celebration of Independence Day and the history behind the day. The next Commission meeting is July 9th, and all are welcome to attend. b. Library – There was no one present to speak on behalf of the Library this evening, but Mr. Keller reported that they are continuing to search for a Director. c. Ricketts Community Center – Councilor Kirkland reported that there was nothing to report for this month. d. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay reported that there is a Wrestling Workshop upcoming. She continued that a local graduate was recently participating in  July 3rd, 2024 Olympic Trials. SOLICITORS GENERAL DISCUSSION – Solicitor Garner discussed the Ethics Act and the role it plays with the Councilors, and how to be compliant with the act. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Henrick reported on the visit the Borough had from the Depart of Transportation and how successful the visit was. Mayor Henrick expressed gratitude for Denise Williams and BeRezilient and their efforts in June and the Juneteenth Celebration. MANAGER’S REPORT – Borough Manager Justin Keller reiterated his appreciation for Thriving Communities and The Department of Transportation for their recent visit. He also reported on the status of the Business Improvement district, stating that at this time, it has been withdrawn. Mr. Keller continued by giving an update on the Old Borough Garage and the status of any parties interested in purchasing. Manager Keller also discussed the Norfolk Southern Parking Lot #1 and Underpass Lease Renewal and what that would look like for the Borough, as well as the Franklin and Evans Street Bridge repairs that are currently a priority. 67 Walnut – Permission for Additional Minor Encroachment within the Right-of-Way – The owners of 67 Walnut were asking permission to execute a Hold Harmless Agreement with the Borough that would allow them to install steps that are located within a Borough right-of-way. 2023 Borough Audit Approval – Requesting permission to approve the 2023 Borough Audit and financial statements from Maillie. RFP for Borough Auditor – The Finance Department is seeking permission for staff to issue an RFP for Auditor services as it has been over 6 years, and we want to ensure that we are getting competitive pricing. Pollack Park Civil Engineering Services RFP Award – Due to the special circumstances, Parks and Recreation director Michael Lenhart was requesting action on this topic this evening, being a possible motion to award the professional services contract for Pollock Park Brownfield Cleanup Project to Carroll Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $49,300. Vice President Lebedynsky made a motion, Councilor Procsal seconded. Motion carried: 6 ayes. TellisVision LLC Contract Renewal – Requesting a motion to renew and approve the 4th addendum to the PCTV Operations Agreement. 1200 High Street Stormwater Arch Bid Award – Requesting a motion to award the lowest responsible bidder for the stormwater arch reconstruction. Stormwater Inlets Phases I & II CDBG Award – Requesting a motion to award to the lowest responsible bidder for the Stormwater Inlets Phases I & II. Animal Control Officer Contract Amendment – Requesting to approve the 4th amendment to the Animal Control Officer Contract which will impact the payments versus the credits for the vehicle provided to the ACO. National Night Out Street Closure Request – Requesting to hold National Night Out, resulting in a Street closure request for N. Washington Street between Chestnut and Walnut on August 6th from 4-8:30.  July 3rd, 2024 Belmont Street Block Party Street Closure Request – Requesting Street to hold the Belmont Street Block Party, resulting in the closure of Belmont St. between 8th St. and Reynolds St. on August 3rd from 4-9. Policy to Retain Borough Records in Electronic Form – Requesting a general motion allowing the Solicitor to begin the process of retaining some Borough Records in electronic form, starting with the Licensing and Inspections Department. 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 – Denise Williams, 613 Manatawny – Denise Williams was present this evening to report that Voices Underground Juneteenth Grant was awarded with a goal to promote African American Cultural History. Ms. Williams also reported on behind the scenes of the Juneteenth fest, and funds that were raised to give out scholarships. Doug Slick, 474 N. Evans – Mr. Slick was present this evening to speak on housing in the Borough and eviction notice statistics. Tom Niarhos, PO Box 60 – Mr. Niarhos was present this evening to announce that Beacon of Hope has settled on a new property on High Street and expressed his gratitude towards the Pottstown Community. Gerry Livergood, 1000 Queen Street – Ms. Livergood was present with someone concerns with her property and the lack of action being taken as it relates to these concerns. COUNCILOR’S GENERAL DISCUSSION – Councilor Lindsay reported how wonderful of a job Denise Williams and her group did with the Juneteenth celebration. She will also be co-hosting the 4th of July Parade on PCTV. Councilor Vanni expressed her excitement for the 4th of July festivities. Councilor Procsal reported he was familiar with Chief James Rodgers and his family. President Weand encouraged all to watch Pottstown Fireworks and urged all to refrain from setting off their own, and also urged all to attend the festivities.