Noel Acosta

The Council meeting focused heavily on appointments and liaisons for various committees and boards, including the Nominations & Appointments Committee, Council Staff Evaluation Committee, and the selection of the Finance Chair, who will also serve on the Audit, Capital Planning, and Revenue Committees. Appointments were made or confirmed for liaisons to the Environmental Advisory Council, Diversity Board, Blighted Property Review Committee, RATS, Mt. Penn Preserve Partnership, Rec Commission, BCAP, School District Work Group, Stadium Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Human Relations Commission, Planning Commission, BCTV, Conversion Therapy Board, OPEB Board, Parking Work Group, Reading Redevelopment Authority, and Youth Commission. Agenda review included resolutions for appointing a technical committee member to RATS, authorizing 2026 bank accounts, extending the contract with PMA Companies for workers' compensation administration, and submitting grant applications for the Youth Police Academy ($900,000 PCCD grant) and Tulpehocken Creek improvements ($78,425 Fish and Boat Commission grant). Contracts were discussed for specialized planning and support services with Hailstone Economic LLC and Hawk Valley Associates PC, and the extension of the animal control agreement with the Animal Rescue League. The Council tabled a bill extending the lease for a parking lot on S 11th St to allow for further discussion on potential development. A year-end transfer in the Liquid Fuels Budget was authorized to cover street lighting utility expenses. The session concluded with resolutions for appointing a Council Vice President and reappointing the City Clerk, followed by an executive session to deliberate on a conditional use application.

The meeting began with a presentation from the Rudden Family Foundation regarding their operations providing household items and furniture to clients transitioning from shelters to apartments. The Foundation highlighted challenges related to operational funding, specifically labor, warehouse costs, and truck maintenance, noting prior City ARPA funding but no current State or Federal support. Council members expressed support for the Foundation's mission, which aims to provide dignity and reduce recidivism related to homelessness, while discussing potential avenues for continued support, including potential CDBG funding, State legislative contacts, and applications to other foundations. The agenda review section covered several contract awards from the Capital Budget, including the purchase of two ambulances, a K9 vehicle, annual subscription renewal for Fire/EMS incident reporting, and a three-year contract for Traffic Signal Preventative Maintenance. Council also discussed resolutions for reappointing members to the Audit Committee, Recreation Commission, and Fire / Building Code Board of Appeals, with one member requesting a specific reappointment be considered separately due to perceived deficiencies in the application material. Following the public session, Council entered an executive session to deliberate on a conditional use application.

The meeting began with the nomination and appointment of a new Chairperson for the first meeting of 2026. The primary agenda involved interviews for the reappointment of four committee members. Key discussions during the interviews included the background and qualifications of the reappointment candidate for the Audit Committee, focusing on financial expertise and the committee's effectiveness in improving City finances. The interview for the Fire/Building Code Board of Appeals focused on enforcing Trades and Fire Codes, particularly addressing challenges related to previously permitted non-compliance issues. The interview for the Recreation Commission centered on the Commission's success in securing funds, its efforts to serve City youth (approximately 75% coverage), and the need for Council members to provide direct input regarding diverse district-specific needs. One scheduled interview was postponed due to time constraints. The Committee also noted a backlog in applications requiring two meetings per month to address until the backlog is cleared.

The meeting focused on procedural matters concerning the charter amendment ballot questions intended for the November election. Key discussions involved the process for adopting the 13 ordinances recommended by the Commission (which must be adopted by City Council to be placed on the ballot, as the commission was active within its first six months). The committee also addressed the final report preparation, including determining its content and ensuring all members' contributions are incorporated before the Commission is disbanded after the next meeting. A specific procedural question was raised and answered regarding the three ways a charter can be amended: by citizens, by City Council ordinance, or through the Charter Review Commission process.

The regular meeting involved opening matters, including an executive session held following the February 9th meeting regarding real estate for 5th & Penn Properties. Proclamations celebrated Black History Month with commendations for Alvin Robinson and Tremayne Jones. Key actions under the consent agenda included awarding contracts for a Ford F250 pickup truck ($59,851) for Solid Waste, and several contracts for Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) chemicals totaling $850,000 (Liquid Oxidizer, Sodium Hypochlorite, Sulfur Dioxide, and Chlorine Gas). Resolutions were passed accepting resignations from the Shade Tree Commission and the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), authorizing a mural depicting Dr. Joe Amprey, and approving a revised Sewage Planning Module for 101 N 5th St to convert office space into 79 residential units. Ordinances considered for final passage involved extending a lease agreement with the Reading Parking Authority, and amendments to the City Code concerning Zoning Sections 1600 and 2200, Chapter 515 (SALDO), the International Fire Code, Fireworks regulations, and fee schedules. Resolutions also involved approving a Conditional Use application for a property at 313 Elm Street and reappointments to the Reading Housing Authority, Environmental Advisory Council, Code and License Appeals Board, and RAWA.