Council Committee of the Whole

August 7th, 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 were two conditional use hearings, led by Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey, and called to order at 6:30 pm. Applicant Terrance Paul, for the property at 828 Hanover Street, was requesting to operate a day-care center on the lower floor. Applicant Michele Bandy-Cooper, for the property located at 60 N. Hanover, was requesting to operate a before and after care center for school age students. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 7th, 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, Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey, and Borough Secretary Alexa Barry. Absent was Councilor Joseph Kirkland. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Infrastructure – The report was attached to the agenda. b. Ordinance Review Committee – Nothing to report at this time. c. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark was present this evening and showed a video, targeting external audiences, that Pottstown is more than just a street. Ms. Lee-Clark announced that for the first 6 months of the year, Pottstown gained 6 new businesses. She urged those present to take the survey on the County website. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank Report – Ms. Lee-Clark stated the Land Bank Board identified 2 properties they were interested in, one being 633 Walnut St. b. Human Relations Commission – Councilor Vanni reported on behalf of Ms. Levengood, and stated that the August meeting is on the 13th at 6 pm and all are welcome to attend. c. Ricketts Community Center – There was a report attached to the agenda.  August 7th, 2024 d. Pottstown School District – Councilor Lindsay had nothing to report at this time. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Henrick thanked the GoFourth volunteers for the fantastic celebration. She continued that she has been meeting with Commissioner DiBello to work on a comprehensive plan regarding homelessness. Mayor Henrick thanked The Hill School for hosting the community leader’s breakfast. MANAGER’S REPORT – Borough Manager Justin Keller update everyone that the Borough Roadway Paving will begin closer to early fall, and the stormwater arch project at 1200 High Street is slated to begin in October or November. Water Rate increases will take affect for the Borough in the next 3-years, started in 2025.Currently, there has been no organization or forward movement on the Halloween Parade. West Pottsgrove gave a brief presentation on the proposed Airport Project. The Health and Wellness Foundation gave an update on the Thriving Communities Visit, as well as the upcoming MPACT Conference. Line Striping Bid – Requesting a Bid for line striping, however, no bids were received prior to the window closing. Mid-year Budget Adjustments – Requesting approval for the mid-year budget adjustments and most adjustments were reallocation for underfunded expenses, with a few exceptions. 2023 Borough Authority Audit – Requesting approval for the 2023 Borough Authoity audit. There were no findings. 203 Berks Street Subdivision – Requesting to redevelop a 3-lot subdivision of existing homes by demolishing the existing and building 3 new homes. Zoning Application for 343 E. High St. – Applicant is seeking a variance from Chapter 27, Section 320, as it relates to a personal care business, namely, a tattoo shop, which is not permitted in the downtown district. Street Closure Request: L’OE Show Amended Application – Requesting an amendment to their original approval, which will extend the street closure. Street Closure Request: Back to School Picnic for Students and Families – Requesting the Rosedale Ave block to be closed for a Back to School Picnic. 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 Ray Lopez is requesting reappointment, c. Human Relations Commission, one 4-year term to expire October 11th, 2024 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT – Shona Levy, 127 Walnut – Ms. Levey was present this evening to express her concerns with the conditions of the streets, namely, the pot holes and need for paving.  August 7th, 2024 COUNCILOR’S GENERAL DISCUSSION – Councilor Procsal expressed disappointment that National Night out was rained out. Councilor Vanni thanked the Johnsons for their block party and the effort that goes into the event. She also noted to be mindful when walking and using crosswalks. Councilor Lebedynsky thanked everyone for their presentations. Councilor Lindsay expressed gratitude for all the recent events, like play streets and the 4th of July festivals. Councilor Monastra expressed concerns with pedestrians traveling in the streets, not using the crosswalks and walking unsafely. Mayor Henrick agreed with Councilor Monastra and his concerns with walking. President Weand read a letter from Montgomery County Housing authority that expressed their gratitude for emergency response relating to the fire at Robert P. Smith Towers on May 30th.