John Groller

The Planning Commission meeting involved several key plan reviews and administrative actions. For the PAWC Wyomissing High Gradient Tank Project, conditional approval was recommended to the Board of Supervisors pending completion of necessary agreements and plan revisions. Regarding the Lot 1 Reserve @ Iroquois revised plans for 16 garden apartments, a waiver for the preliminary plan submission procedure was recommended for approval, along with conditional approval of the preliminary/final plan contingent upon resolving roadwork agreements, sewage flow confirmation with the City of Reading, and updating financial security. A detailed review of Juliana's Restaurant's revised plans highlighted significant outstanding issues, including unpermitted outdoor seating, unrecorded final land development plans, failure to address stormwater control, and an incorrect sewer usage calculation (1 EDU instead of an estimated 17 EDU's); the solicitor strongly advised the owner must address these health and safety violations immediately or face potential closure. For the Reading Dermatology signage variance request, the Commission decided to make no recommendation to the Zoning Hearing Board. Finally, the Commission renewed the terms for two current members and recommended the appointment of Kent Himelright to fill a vacant position.

The agenda for the meeting includes several action items for approval such as the approval of minutes and bills, contract change orders for mowing and the Printing Bid, authorization for the 2025 Chapter 94 Report and payment application for the Screw Press Project, and the award of the Turf Fertilization Contract. Other action items involve the appointment of a Deputy Tax Collector, authorization to accept bids for Penn Avenue Sidewalks, authorization to advertise for Open Public Works and Mechanic Positions, and extensions of time for development plans. The agenda also covers departmental reports from Zoning/Building Codes, Parks and Recreation, Engineering/Planning (including submissions for the Ag Security Act, and requests related to Columbia Cottage and a 7-Brew), Finance, Human Resources, and Public Works. Public Safety reports cover Human Trafficking, Fire Rescue Service, West Side EMA, and Western Berks Ambulance Association. The Solicitor will address scheduling a Conditional Use Hearing for 7 Brew. Old Business includes internal committee assignments. New Business features discussion on PA American Water Company rate increases.

The Director of Parks and Recreation reported that the Board of Supervisors approved the 2026 Summer Playground Program fees. A decision regarding the potential use of the YMCA Summer Playground Program for 2027 must be made by September 2026. Updates were provided on the successful Red Caboose Christmas event and the resolved delay of the Cornwall Terrace pickleball court installation. Aeration and seeding of athletic fields are pending favorable weather and staffing. Under Old Business, the final draft of the Master Site Plan for Kline's Creek Park was noted, with a presentation scheduled for January 15th, 2026. Staff recruitment for the 2026 Summer Playground Program is underway. Upcoming special events for the Winter/Spring 2026 season were listed, including the Easter Egg Hunt, a Night at the Fightin' Phils, Fishing Rodeos, and Touch-A-Truck. A meeting regarding Colony Park's tennis court was delayed until early 2026. The 2026 Budget is scheduled for adoption by the Board of Supervisors on December 22nd, 2025. Progress on the West Wyomissing Park Phase I grant application was detailed, with additional paperwork due March 27th, 2026. Program registration for residents begins January 2nd, and pavilion/field reservations begin January 15th.

The Re-Organization Meeting agenda primarily focused on establishing governance and making official appointments for the upcoming term. Key activities included administering Oaths of Office to Supervisors and the Tax Collector, electing the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and appointing numerous Township positions such as Township Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Solicitor, and various other officers. Furthermore, the meeting involved setting required bonds for several appointed officials. Several resolutions were addressed, including naming depositories, authorizing fund withdrawal, naming the Collector of Unpaid Taxes, naming the Chief Administrative Officer for Pension Funds, establishing a Fee Schedule, naming the Auditing Firm, appointing the Sewage Enforcement Officer, and addressing the Police Pension Contribution. Additional appointments included the Emergency Management Coordinator, members to the West Side Emergency Management Agency, and members to various standing committees like the Planning Commission, Library Board, Zoning Hearing Board, Infrastructure Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee. Finally, confirmations were made for Fire Police Officers and appointments were made for the Township Engineer, consultants, and a Voting Delegate for the State Association's Convention.

The Board of Supervisors meeting included recognitions of Kelly A. Reifsnyder and Stephen D. Powell for their years of service, as well as a pinning ceremony for the new Police Chief, Stephen D Brock. The board discussed action items such as the appointment of a Township Assistant Treasurer, authorization to bid a cleaning contract, and a LSA Grant Application for a new Brush Tractor. They also discussed Wexcon Inc. and Eastern Environmental Contractors, Inc. payment applications, and a change order request. The meeting also covered the Drexelwood Park Stormwater Project, Cornwall Terrace Park Athletic Court Project, a Traffic Ordinance Amendment, and a Stormwater Operations & Maintenance Agreement. Additionally, there were discussions regarding zoning/building department matters, parks and recreation, public works, and old business related to Baker Road and Wheatfield Road.