Council Committee of the Whole

October 9th, 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. 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION – DOUGLASS YERGER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 9th, 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. Also present was Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Borough Manager Justin Keller, Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey, and Borough Secretary Alexa Barry. Absent was Councilor Kirkland. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Emergency Services Report – Chief Hand noted that the report was attached to the agenda. b. Infrastructure – The report was attached to the agenda. c. Transportation – Councilor Procsal reported that the committee did meet, and they discussed some of the airport projects, as well as a new bipartisan law requiring certain LSA grants. d. Ordinance Review Committee – Councilor Procsal reported that the ORC did not meet. e. Economic Development & Business Liaison – Ms. Lee-Clark was present this evening and reported that this years Santa Saturday and Tree Lighting will be December 7th from 11 am until 7 pm and what this year’s event will entail. BOARDS & COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Land Bank Report – Ms. Lee-Clark stated that the Land Bank was unable to meet due to not having a quorum. b. Human Relations Commission –Ms. Levengood was present this evening and reported that continuing this month is Hispanic Heritage month, as well as Italian American Month, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LGBTQ History Month, and several others. Black History month is coming in February and HRC is asking residents, in 500 words or less, to nominate someone they would like to recognize. The next HRC Meeting is November 19th, and all are welcome to attend.  October 9th, 2024 c. Library – The new director, Angela Brown, was present this evening a provided a report for Council to review. Ms. Brown recognized several new staff members, as well. d. Ricketts Community Center – There was a report attached to the agenda. SOLICITOR’S GENERAL DISCUSSION – Solicitor Charles Garner discussed the budget process and how the Borough code delegates Council to approve that budget, as well as the timeline that new year budgets are to follow. Mayor’s Report – The Mayor reported on several events she was able to attend over the last few weeks and discussed that she was able to meet with County Representatives regarding the homeless population and a comprehensive plan to address this. Mayor Henrick also announced that Halloween will be 10/31 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. MANAGER’S REPORT – Borough Manager Justin Keller updated everyone on the Led Line Homeowner Identification initiative that launched on the Borough’s website, and how to identify the lines in a homeowner’s house to report it. Manager Keller also updated on the Borough stormwater project, as well as milling and paving preparation. He updated Council on a last minute request that did not come in in time to make it on the agenda, but Montgomery County Democrats were requesting to use Borough Lot #5 for an early voting event, and it will be listed on the Tuesday agenda for forma Council vote. 2025 Budget Presentation – Manager Keller and Finance Director Marley Boone presented on the budget set for 2025. Civil Service List Promotion – Chief Markovich was present requesting to promote three total individuals from the Civil Service list: two to Corporal, one to Sergeant. Cooperation and Sub Grantee Agreement - Montgomery County Community College – This will be requesting approval of a sub grantee agreement between the Borough and MCCC, stating that the Borough approves the project for rehab of PCDC. Local Share Account Resolution – Fire Truck Replacement – This is requesting to adopt a resolution, approving the application for a Local Share Account grant that will replace a damaged fire truck. Minor Land Development – 233 Shoemaker Road, Walmart – This will be deferred until November. 215 S. Washington – Requesting to approve the SALDO Waiver Requests for the Land Development at 215 S. Washington St. 213 High St. – Requesting zoning relief for the property located at 213 High St. relating to minimum square footage requirements. Street Closure Request - Trick or Treat Block Party, October 31st, 2024, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, resulting in the closure of North Franklin from Wilson to Diamond. Street Closure Request – YWCA’s Annual Block Event, YWCA Tri-County Area, October 24th and 25th, 2024, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm and October 26th, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, resulting in the  October 9th, 2024 closure of the eastern half of 300 King St. from N. Charlotte to Evans. Street Closure Request – Funky Santa 5k, Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department, December 8th, 2024, 8:30 am – 10:30 am, resulting in the closure of College Drive at Hanover Street and College Drive and Keystone Blvd. Street Closure Request – 5k Race Annual Fundraiser, Hobarts Run Neighborhood District, October 27th, 2024, 8:00 am – 11:00 am, resulting in the closure of College Drive from Hanover to High. HARB Approval – Certificate of Appropriateness – Requesting approval of certificates of appropriateness for the following properties: a. 103 N. Hanover St. b. 940 High St. c. 715 High St. d. 308 King St. e. 125 King St. f. 740 High St. g. 740 High St. HARD Administrative Approval – Certificate of Appropriateness – Requesting approval of the administratively approved certificate of appropriateness for the following properties: a. 134 King St. b. 65 N. Hanover St. c. 714 High St. d. 307 King St. e. 1101 High St. f. 101 N. Hanover St. g. 1151 High St. h. 258 Chestnut St. i. 951 High St. j. 1153 High St. Upcoming Board Vacancies – a. Human Relations Commission, one 4-year term to expire October 11th, 2024 Vanni – requesting reappointment Khaled Ashraf – requesting new appointment b. Human Relations Commission, one 4-year term to expire November 14th, 2024 c. HARB, one 5-year term to expire 4/1/27 (vacant) COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT – Tom Hylton, 222 Chestnut St. – Mr. Hylton was present this evening to speak on, as well as offer his opinion on, The Ricketts Center and Boyertown Multiservice Inc. COUNCILOR’S GENERAL DISCUSSION – Councilor Procsal expressed appreciation for Doug’s service. Councilor Lindsay also expressed gratitude for Doug and his service. October 9th, 2024