John G. Phillips

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.

Discussions during the meeting included the financial report, noting that the Borough is moving into a deficit for 2026, leading to fee increases for Playground (15%) and the pool (7.5%), although no programming cuts were imposed. Committee reports covered the success of the Spooky Hollow event, concerns regarding the student advisory committee, and focus areas for the Playground subcommittee, specifically regarding age verification and waivers for younger participants in the Playground program. Plans were discussed for the upcoming Lighting of the Greens event, including vendor participation and volunteer needs. The Director's report provided updates on concluded Fall Walk series and Pumpkin People event, and upcoming Holiday Lights Fun Run/Walk series. A significant New Business item involved the lack of field usage fees paid by baseball and soccer leagues, leading to a decision to reach out to Spring Township to determine appropriate fees before drafting new contracts.

The subcommittee discussed several key operational items for the 2026 nesting season. Topics included the replacement of older bird boxes, prioritizing specific boxes for replacement, and designating certain boxes for chickadees, which may require entrance hole reducers or specialized boxes. Discussions also covered predator control methods; specifically, the effectiveness of Noel guards against cats and raccoons, and stovepipe baffles against snakes. The ongoing challenge of House Sparrows was addressed, weighing options such as installing hardware for Van Ert traps, using the monofilament strategy, sparrow 'spookers,' or continuing nest removal, with no final decision reached. Box monitoring assignments for the 27 active boxes were reviewed, considering monitor capacity and suggesting a team approach for sharing seven boxes. Items deferred to a future meeting included protecting boxes from excessive heat and community outreach plans.

The Civil Service Commission meeting focused on several personnel actions within the Wyomissing Police and Fire Departments. Key discussions involved the review and certification of the list of candidates for promotion to Police Sergeant, including the disclosure of candidate names after initial redaction, and a subsequent unanimous approval to recommend the promotion of up to two highest-ranked candidates to Borough Council. The Commission also addressed the need to fill Patrol Officer positions, approving the certification of an updated candidate list and recommending the hiring of up to two top candidates. Furthermore, the certification of the candidate list for Firefighter positions was approved, along with a recommendation to hire up to two candidates for those roles. Finally, the Commission approved commencing the promotional processes (requiring written and oral examinations) for the positions of Fire Department Technician and Fire Department Captain.

The agenda includes a public hearing for zoning ordinance amendments, specifically regarding the rezoning of a portion of the property at 5 Wyomissing Boulevard. Council will review and potentially approve or deny minutes from previous meetings, as well as reports from the Consulting Engineer, Police Chief, Mayor, and Fire Chief. Committee reports from Infrastructure, Library Board, Personnel, Recreation Board, Park and Shade Tree Commission, Fire and Police Committee, and Finance and Administration Committee will be discussed, with potential actions on various items such as payment applications, change orders, and ordinance enactments. The Borough Manager's Report will cover items like the Western Berks Water Authority and appointments to the Zoning Hearing Board and Joint Municipal Authority. The council will also discuss the proposed budget for 2026, including a tax increase and water fund overhead transfer. Additional items include accepting the retirement notice of Phyllis Smith, contracting for outsourced CFO/Business Manager duties, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamster Local Union No. 429.