Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Phoenixville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with low priority
315 Gay Street Zoning Application (Masons Lodge)
The Masons want to convert the former church on Gay Street to a private club with event space and rentable basement offices. Council stayed out of it, leaving the decision to the Zoning Hearing Board on Nov. 18.
Metered parking lot ordinance amendment
Council adopted an amendment to the metered parking rules in Chapter 15 of the borough code.
Downtown 2027 event calendar locked in
Council approved a full slate of 2027 street events — First Fridays monthly, Art Street Festival, Juneteenth, Pride Fest, Blobfest and VegFest — meaning regular Bridge Street closures and parking lot shutdowns next year.
Solid waste hauler reporting dates amendment coming
Council voted to advertise an amendment to the solid waste hauler reporting dates ordinance — the actual adoption is expected at a future meeting.
Water meter replacement funded
A $38,000 budget transfer moved money within the water fund to keep the capital meter replacement program on track.
Bridge Street Sanitary Sewer Improvement rebid
Every bid for the sewer improvement project came in too high, so Council rejected them all and will recalibrate and rebid. The manager said there's no urgency.
Parking signage confusion on Second Avenue
Resident Robin Fetter says a 33-year-old 'no parking to corner' sign near Second and Buchanan is written tickets for legally parked cars, and officers interpret it differently. Staff suggested a sign or curb-painting fix may be simple.
False alarm ordinance update
A long-planned update to the borough's false alarm rules is moving forward — it will be advertised before a final council vote.
Pension ordinance amendment advertisement
Council will advertise an amendment adding the firefighter pension to the Borough's pension provisions, with a vote expected next month.
Retail sale of dogs ordinance
A new ordinance makes clear Pennsylvania's dog law applies to retail dog sales within the Borough, since the state preempts most local regulation in this area.
Board and commission appointments
Council interviewed three Tree Advisory Commission candidates — James Carminito, Andrew Dunn and Sharon Pronchik — and HRC candidate Zakkiyyah Barron, with appointments set for July 14.
Inside Out program and special-event rule changes
An ordinance amendment is being advertised so staff can adjust special-event rules — like keeping ADA and emergency passages open during Inside Out — by resolution, getting it done before spring permit applications.