Borough of Wyomissing

The agenda for the Wyomissing Borough Council meeting includes several items for consideration, commencing with departmental reports from the Consulting Engineer, Police Chief & Mayor, and Fire Chief, all reviewing activity for January. The agenda details committee reports from various bodies including Library Board, Personnel Committee, Infrastructure Committee, Recreation Board, Refuse and Recycling Committee, Park and Shade Tree Commission, Economic Development Committee, Fire and Police Committee, and Finance and Administration Committee, covering topics such as appointing a library liaison, approving Fire Chief position description revisions, discussing infrastructure payments, adopting resolutions for wage garnishment fees and intergovernmental agreements, and considering non-renewal of the IT provider contract. The Borough Manager's report includes accepting time extensions for land development plans and adopting a resolution recognizing the contributions of Corey Jones. Financial matters are also listed, including a review of the Treasurer's Statement of Operation and Accounts Payable, and the Tax Collector's Report for January.

The Infrastructure Committee meeting agenda covers several operational and planning topics. Key discussions include the Zoning/Codes Report, requiring a motion regarding participation in the 2026 Berks County Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals. An overview of Borough infrastructure (water, sewer, storm sewer, streets) is scheduled for new Council Members. Discussions involve the 4th & Oley Pump Station upgrades, including revised EDU costs and anticipated 2026 bidding. Updates from the Western Berks Water Authority concerning the Tulpehocken Road Interconnect cost share proposal are on the agenda. Sanitary Sewer items include approving Pay Application #2 for the West Lawn Interceptor project and planning for Wynnewood Pump Station Upgrades. Street items address delays in the Penn DOT State Hill Road Improvements project, the award for the 50/50 Sidewalk Project, and authorization to bid for 2026 Street Work. Other items include updates on the Berkshire Heights Playground project (Pay Application #4), Parklands Study implementation, lead rule updates, and obtaining necessary clearances for the Woodland Plaza Apartments and Wayne Avenue projects.

This Forest Management Plan for Wyomissing Parkland provides a strategic guide for managing the forest resources over a 10-year period. Its primary objectives are to maintain healthy, diverse, and mature forests to ensure biodiversity, provide wildlife habitat, enhance aesthetic beauty, support recreation, protect water resources, and allow for periodic income from sustainable forestry. Key recommendations include comprehensive invasive plant control, sustainable timber harvesting practices, effective deer management strategies, and the restoration and maintenance of water resources and riparian buffers.

The primary focus of the meeting was the Board Reorganization, which included an unsuccessful motion to elect Christopher Valente as President before the successful motion to re-elect Richard Weinhoffer as President. Sally Donato was elected as the Vice President. Discussions covered the responsibilities of the President and Vice President roles, emphasizing collaboration with the Recreation Director and cultivating community engagement through events. Financial discussions centered on the December financial report, particularly expenditures for the Lighting of the Greens and Spooky Hollow events, and the need to track revenues and expenditures more closely. Committee reports highlighted successful vendor performance at recent events and planning details for the upcoming Earth Day celebration, including setting committee assignments for various events. The Director's Report noted 2025 rental revenue of $9,980 and forecasted 2026 revenue of $12,000, confirmed the approved 2026 Fee Schedule, and detailed ongoing capital improvement projects like guardrail and backstop repairs. Old Business revisited discussions regarding field rental fees for groups like the Rugby team and Ultimate Frisbee group, weighing the impact on community goodwill against potential revenue generation. New Business involved a consensus on the need for improved community engagement with local groups, with the swim team slated for discussion in February, and a general call for the Board to review finances and programs to identify cost savings for the subsequent meeting.

Prior to the regular meeting, an Executive Session was conducted to discuss pending litigation concerning the Berkshire Mall. During the public comments section, citizens raised concerns regarding grants and grant writing, as well as issues related to Zoning Hearing Board candidate selections and the lack of a uniform submission process for applications to open committee, commission, board, or appointed position vacancies.