2020 Pottstown Budget Would Raise Taxes by 4.25%

Photos by Evan Brandt

If you had three hours to kill last night, you would have struggled to find a more productive way to spend it than by attending the borough council work session.

A wide variety of important topics were discussed, including the budget and the future of the Ricketts Community Center.

But first let's have some fun.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Dana Corp, whose Spicer division plant is still going strong on Center Street in the borough.

Last night, council provided a proclamation honoring the company for its longevity, how many people it has employed and all it has done for Pottstown.

Here's the video:



Also always fun is Mayor Stephanie Henrick's monthly report, always chock full of activities and good news. Here's that video:



And what council meeting blog would be complete without the accompanying video of Borough Manager Justin Keller's gripping monthly report. Here's that video:


Now that we're got that under our belt, here's what I'm going to do.

It's already after midnight and there is no way for me to do justice to all the things that happened last night. So I will attempt to do justice to one -- the $45.3 million budget.

Improvements to the borough budget as a result of the EIP study.

The news appears to be comparatively good, at least when you compare it with the last two budgets that brought  11 percent and 9 percent tax hikes respectively.

With property values rising, fewer assessment challenges are successful and property transfer tax revenues are more than expected because Pottstown properties are not lingering on the real estate market.

The borough even got a break in terms of tax-exempt properties, which actually went down by 13 parcels in 2019, many of them due to the return of the YMCA property on North Adams Street.

If all 313 of the tax-exempt parcels in the borough (except school district and borough-owned properties), were back on the tax rolls, the borough would enjoy another $1.8 million in annual revenues.

Bottom line? The draft budget outlined last night would raise property taxes by 4.25 percent if adopted unchanged. And it appears there is a possibility council may act on this budget at its Monday night meeting.

This chart shows that taxpayers' unfunded liability for paying health
care costs for retired police and long-time managers is $28.4 million

Good news aside, Pottstown's finances still face challenges, not the least of which are pension liabilities and the $28 million unfunded liability of health benefits for retired police officers and long-time managers.

Borough Manager Justin Keller said some progress has been on that front, with the new contract for non-uniformed workers included a clause that will put all new employees in a "defined contribution" pension plan, similar to at 401K plan, instead of the traditional and more expensive "defined benefit" pension plan.

The borough must also create a capital expense plan said Keller and Finance Director Janice Lee, advice offered both by a bond rating service and by the Early Intervention Program report offered this spring.

The proposed budget calls for $100,000 to be transferred into the fund to begin saving for things like

All but one of Pottstown's fire trucks are 10 years old or older.

new police cars, new fire trucks and, perhaps most significantly from a cost standpoint, the borough's crumbling stormwater arches.

As it does every year, the borough is going to ask owners of tax exempt properties if they would like to make a "payment in lieu of taxes." New this year, will be an offer to allow them to instead made a direct contribution to something on the capital budget list of needs.

For example, in 2017, The Hill School donated $200,000 to the borough specifically to pay for new police cars.

If adopted unchanged, the 2020 budget's tax hike would result in a $46 increase for a property  assessed at $85,000 or $54 increase for home assessed at $100,000, said Lee.

And now I will bid you all good night. If you're looking for me, check out the Tweets from the meeting here:

Dana at 100, Census, Budget and Ricketts Center

Sponsors Sought for 4th Annual Latin Festival

A dancer from the 2018 Latin Festival in Riverfront Park.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos Inc.

Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos, Inc. (CCLU) will hold its 4th annual Latin Festival on Sept. 21 and is currently accepting sponsors for the multi-cultural event.

Donations will be used to help fund the group's various programs for 2020.

Sponsors can man a table at the festival to distribute literature regarding their services and programs and the company would appear in the festival handout as a major donor.

Games at the 2017 Latin Festival.

CCLU is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization working locally. Its mission is to act as a bilingual bridge-builder committed to enriching the lives of Latinos and others by embracing diversity through cultural, educational and recreational programs as well as providing social services for families in need. 

The organization provides programs for students and their families in cooperation with Schuylkill River Heritage Trails, French Creek State and Hopewell National Parks, Red Cloud Kung Fu, Ursinus College, First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown, Christ Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church of Pottstown, and Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation.

They offer music training, environmental education and outdoor activities, a healthy living program to combat obesity and diabetes, E-tablets and wifi access, kung fu and soccer, tutoring in English and math, and homework help with student volunteers from Hill School, Pottstown High School, and Ursinus. 

Dancers at the 2018 Latin Festival.

As needed, they provide translation, transportation, emergency supplies, and help accessing medical, educational, and legal services. CCLU students will be participating in a musical theater production about family separations at the border with Barrio Alegria, a Reading theater group.

Support will help families to become fully integrated, contributing members of our diverse society at a time when they don’t always feel welcome.

The festival, CCLU's Fourth, is the largest fundraiser of the year. 

To become a sponsor, print out this page, fill out the form and return it to CCLU.

You are invited to help make our Latin Festival successful in one of these ways:

• Donating money or gift certificates: You will be recognized as a Sponsor in the Festival’s Program of Activities and on the Website: http://www.cclu-pottst.org/ 
• Showcasing your products and/or services to all who attend the festival.
• Advertising your business in the Festival’s Program of Activities which will be distributed at the main park entrances.  

Questions? Email: paezrita@yahoo.com or call (610) 705-0566. 610-310-3451

LATIN FESTIVAL SPONSOR, VENDOR & ADVERTISING APPLICATION FORM

Business Name: __________________________________ Tax ID# _______________________

Contact Name: __________________________________ Phone: ______ - _______ - _______

E-mail address: __________________________________________________

Street or PO Box: _______________________City: ______________ State: _____ Zip: ________

Nature of goods or service: ______________________________________________________

By signing this application, I acknowledge that the Festival is subject to weather conditions and safety regulations. No refund of application fees. Vendors must remain until closing.

2nd Annual Latino Fest, Sept. 23 in Riverfront Park

Last Year's Latino Fest highlighted Latino food, traditional clothing, dancing and more. This year's event will be held on Sept. 23 in Riverfront Park.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos.

Latin dancing lessons will once again be a feature of this year's
Latino Fest in Riverfront Park.

Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos will present Pottstown’s Second Latin Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23rd from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park.

The Festival celebrates Latino culture during the National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Some of this year’s highlights include delicious ethnic foods from Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and Guatemala.

Pinatas will also be part of the festivities.

Dance performances will include Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia and more.

There will also be live music and a Zumba class for everyone.

Also count on piñatas with prizes, the announcement of the Second Writing Contest winners, a bouncing castle, soccer, a martial arts demonstration, nature experiments and much more.

The event coincides roughly with the Veterans Community Day in nearby Memorial Park.

A free shuttle bus will transport visitors from one event to the other.

 

Bridges and Murals and Fires Oh My!

If you're interested in backyard fires, large murals or new bridges, Pottstown Borough Council was the place to be Monday night.

PennDOT held a public hearing on the $3.5 million plan to replace the King Street bridge over Manatawny Creek.

The bridge, built in 1957 carries about 9,000 vehicles per day and its structurally deficient.

Work is slated to begin after July 4, 2019.

Yes, you read that right, it's still two years away.

As for the backyard fire pits and such, council approved that ordinance change unanimously, despite the objection of Michelle Chasin, who said the smoke is dangerous and she has had problems with her neighbor's fire pit.

Two other residents spoke out in favor of it.

The vote on the new mural ordinance was not unanimous. Councilman Dennis Arms remained opposed, saying the requirements that a maintenance agreement be secured before a permit is issued is needless.

It was a pretty quick meeting overall, as the Tweets below will show.

'Calm' Advised at Pottstown Immigration Forum

Photo by Evan Brandt

From left, Audrey L. Allen, head of Audrey L. Allen Immigration Law LLC in Conshohocken, Lance M. Malcolm, an attorney with Prince Law Office in Bechtelsville, and Gonzolo Peralta, also of Allen's law firm, discussed immigration law and the current political climate during a forum organized by Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos in the basement of First Baptist Church in Pottstown Wednesday.

Rita Paez is talking to a lot of worried people these days.

A borough councilwoman and member of the Pottstown Human Relations Commission, Paez is also the founder and head of Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos or CCLU as it is more commonly known.

An Hispanic cultural organization, CCLU is also frequently a voice for Pottstown's Hispanics, who comprise about 18 percent of the borough's population according to 2015 Census estimates.

But perhaps Paez is best known in Pottstown as a person who helps Spanish speakers in the community connect to the services they need and lately, she has been directing a lot of them to Audrey Allen, whose Conshohocken law firm specializes in immigration law.

The sign hung outside CCLU's offices in the basement of 

First Baptist Church.

"People are coming to me much more worried," said Paez. "One poor lady she had to go to the hospital she was so worried. A lot of people are telling me they want to go to Canada."

What they are worried about is the emphasis newly elected President Donald Trump has put on stopping illegal immigration, deporting those who are here illegally and the executive orders he has implemented to accomplish those goals.

So Paez decided it was time to share some expertise and invited Allen, her colleague Gonzolo Peralta and Lance Malcolm, who is an associated with Prince Law Offices in Bechtelsville, to a forum on the latest issues in Immigration.

Their advice Wednesday night to the approximately 30 people who showed up at the CCLU offices in the basement of First Baptist Church?

"Keep calm."

"These are uncertain times that have been made more uncertain by the new administration," said Malcolm. "It's important not to respond in fear. We can't respond to the politics of fear by being fearful ourselves."

"I recognize that these are tough times for a lot of people and they may have become disheartened in the last few months," Allen said.

"The vast majority of immigrants are not being affected right now. Even if you are undocumented, here in America, all human beings have rights," she said. "Keep calm."

Allen reminded the audience that among those rights, is the right to keep silent.

"Remember, you do not need to answer questions. You should say clearly that you invoke your right to remain silent and to make your phone call," she said, adding that rather than rely on their phones, a card with the attorney's number should be "carried in your pocket."

The card Paez handed out has the same text in Spanish
on the other side.

In fact, to emphasize the point, Paez handed out cards immigrants should carry in their pockets to hand out, English on one side and Spanish on the other.

Allen further emphasized "do not sign anything without talking to a lawyer first. Don't sign your rights away."

She also advised immigrants not to answer the door when the government comes knocking. "Ask them to slip the warrant under the door," she said. "If you open the door and there are undocumented immigrants inside, they can be detained."

In terms of police involvement, Malcolm informed the group that there is no formal cooperation agreement between any police agency in Pennsylvania and the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau, often referred to as ICE.

So without a warrant, local or even state police cannot be compelled to cooperate with an ICE raid or, more importantly, pick up a suspect and detain them for ICE.

Also at the forum, although he did not intend to be a speaker, was Pottstown Police Sgt. Ed Kropp Jr., who was asked by Paez to say a few words.

He said the borough department has no written policy regarding immigration enforcement. "It's not our job to go door to door unless there is a warrant," said Kropp, who added that there has been no change in that condition since Trump took office.

There has also been no perceptible change in the level of cooperation police are receiving from Hispanic residents or in their behavior from a police standpoint, he said.

"In fact, obviously I watch the news and I know what's going on in the country, but if I lived in a vacuum and just came to work every day and did what I always do, I wouldn't be able to tell anything had changed," Kropp said.

"The police in the have been very good about this," said Paez, noting that they

Rita Paez inside the CCLU offices.

often call her when they need to get into contact with Spanish speaking residents.

Allen advised undocumented drivers to be particularly careful "and not do anything that will get you pulled over."

But sometimes, being detained is unavoidable and when it it is, it is best to be prepared, the lawyers said.

And while Allen said schools are generally considered off-limits as places for ICE agents to conduct raids, Malcolm said it is a good idea to have custody papers drawn up for children as a precaution if parents detained.

"A lot of people are trying to use power of attorney and that won't work in Pennsylvania," he said.

He said that immigrants who are a victim of a crime, or who can show they have been abused by a spouse, often have some leverage in immigration matters. "It does not have to be physical, it can be emotional abuse, like a spouse restricting or controlling access to a green card."

"If you have been here more than 10 years and have children who were born here, there might be a way to get you a green card," said Allen.

As far as what may change under Trump's executive orders, which Malcolm described as "a parade of horribles," he noted that the impact they will have is unclear.

"They are so badly written, perhaps intentionally, they give no specific direction and are vague and ambiguous," which may make them difficult to enforce," Malcolm said. "We're just going to have to wait and see. In the meantime, people should continue to live their lives."

One thing that is recently evident, said Peralta, is the number of phone calls his office is receiving from people asking about detentions.

"There has been a marked increase," he said, noting that the increase is no larger than some of the raids conducted under the Obama administration.

"President Obama deported more people than any other president in history, and they came in waves and troughs," he said. "We're just waiting to see if it will be the same under Trump."

Immigration Forum Set for Wednesday

The Pottstown Human Relations Commission and Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos will conduct a forum on immigration issues on Wednesday, March 22 at First Baptist Church, 391 King St.

CCLU has offices in the basement of the church, located on the northeast corner of King and Charlotte streets.

Borough Councilwoman Rita Paez announced the forum at the last council meeting.

She said it will address the impact changes in immigration policies proposed by President Donald Trump will have on local immigrants.

Latin Cultural Festival Set for Riverfront Park

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos.

The first festival to celebrate Latin Culture in Pottstown will be held at Riverfront Park on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Pottstown Borough Councilwoman Rita Paez who serves as director of the Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos, said the family oriented program will feature live music, dance performances, games, arts and crafts, ethnic foods and much more. 

Produced by the CCLU, the free program will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m.

Learn about and enjoy Latin culture with the Mariachi Band Pedro Villaseñor and Latin band Sabor Gitano from New York City. 

Experience Latin dance lessons with Pottstown’s Stevie J. Dance Productions. 

Children will love to take part in activities such as soccer, piñatas, nature experiments and Spanish story times to name a few.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful line up during National Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Paez. 

“We have received tremendous support from the Borough of Pottstown, local businesses, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the Latino community in the greater Pottstown area.” 

This year National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and recognizes the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrates their heritage and culture. “We welcome all to participate in this Festival,” she added.

Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos. Inc. (CCLU) is a non-profit bilingual, bridge building organization, committed to enrich the lives of Latinos and others by embracing diversity through cultural, educational and recreational programs in the greater Pottstown Area. 

For more information, visit http://www.cclu-pottst.org/

Culture Club

It's that time of the year, when a school year's worth of work (or at least a semester's worth) goes on display.

In the coming days, the Pottstown school district will offer a number of opportunities to enjoy that work and a bit of culture, in the form of music and food.

(Just add wine and you've got most of what life's worth living for! ... sorry no alcohol at school district events.)

The first cultural event next week will be held Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

The school district's Diversity Committee  will host a FREE (yes, you read that right, we're talking free food and entertainment  people) "Flavors of the World event. 

Come sample food from other cultures prepared by the district's culinary arts students for Flavors of the World!

Enjoy multicultural entertainment from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m., which will include: 

• African Dancers from Pottstown Dance Theatre from 6 to 6:15 p.m.;  
• Latino Dancers from CCLU (Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos) from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. 
• Irish Dancers from Pottstown Dance Theatre starting at 6:30 p.m.

After "Flavors" visitors can stay and enjoy the PHS Band/Choir concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

The free, open to the public concert featuring all of the Pottstown High School performing groups will feature the following high school performing groups:

• Jazz Band; 
• Flute and Clarinet Ensembles; 
• Pop Vocal Ensemble; 
• Concert Choir;
• Concert Band. 

Mr. Vought and the Pottstown High School Jazz Band performed 

most recently at the Spaghetti and Jazz Band fundraiser at
the Goodwill Fire Co.

All senior musicians will be recognized at the end of the concert. 

And if that wasn't enough for you, lets add music and dance.,

The next evening, on May 1st at Pottstown High School, the school district will showcase its band students.

At 7 p.m. the night will start with the Beginner Band which is comprised of beginning fourth and fifth grade students from all five elementary schools. 

Following the Beginner Band is the Elementary Brass Quintet which has just returned from their performance in Harrisburg for Music in our Schools Month.

The night will not be complete without an appearance from the Elementary Jazz Band which will be playing four selections featuring some of the hardest working students in the elementary schools. 

Closing the night is the All-City Band which is made of second year musicians in fifth grade. 

These students will be playing two selections by world famous composer Robert W. Smith as well as a march that will get your foot tapping. 

If you are looking for a glimpse at future marching Trojans, here is your opportunity.

But wait, there's still more! 

If you're still hankering for more jazz band, or maybe you missed the very successful April 20 Spaghetti and Jazz Dinner, the Pottstown High School Jazz Band will be performing for your entertainment and for dancers at The Ballroom On High on Friday, May 10. 

Dance lessons begin at 8 p.m., dancing begins at 9 p.m., and the PHS Jazz Band will perform at 9:30 p.m. 

Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for full-time students. 

The Ballroom On High is at 310 East High Street in Pottstown. Come on out for a great evening of music and dancing from the golden age of "Swing". 

If you would like a preview of the skills on hand for the high school jazz band performance, check out this video of their performance at the Daniel Boone Jazz Band Festival in March, available to all on the great Pottstownbands You Tube Channel.

The First First Saturday

The season's first Nostalgia Night will be part of First Saturday

Sure, the economy may be recovering ... a little.

But who can afford to take the family for day out on the town?

Actually, you can.

Because it's free.

This Saturday, starting at 10 a.m., is the first of the warm season's "First Saturday" events, a collection of family fun in downtown Pottstown.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you already know about the Colonial May Fair that takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pottsgrove Manor; and the Latin Night, put on by CCLU at Academy Hall that Saturday night.

But that's not the half of it.

Starting at 10 a.m. is the Pottstown Relay for Life's "Paint the Town Purple" event at Smith Plaza, opposite Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 E. High St.

From there you can take a free trolley to the Carousel at Pottstown site, take a look inside to enjoy the progress they're making there, and participate in an "interactive art event."

An "interactive art event" was held at previous First Saturdays

Round the clock entertainment will continue all day at Smith Family Plaza.

They include:

• 12:30 to 1 p.m.: The musical duo of Fiorenza-Dowlin;
• 1:10 to 1:25 p.m.: The stepping squad from The Heart of God Worship Center;
• 1:35 to 1:50 p.m.: The Coventry Christian School Elementary Chorus;
• 1:55 to 2:15 p.m.: The Community Theatre Project will present "Dramatic Scenes."
• 2:20 to 2:50 p.m.: Premiere Performers Competition Team;
• 3 to 3:30 p.m.: The Pottstown High School Jazz Band (Click here see videos of some of their work).

In addition, a variety of performers, artists and other arts and sports organizations will have tables set up to provide information.

Visitors are also asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Pottstown Cluster of Churches food pantry.

In addition to eating in one of downtown Pottstown's eateries, you can also pick up a treasure at the Community Yard Sale being conducted by the Gallery on High.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the first Classic Car Show of the season will take place on High Street and Hanover Street.

If you can't find something to do in Pottstown this Saturday, you might want to have your pulse checked.