Reading, City of

The meeting was called to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The primary focus of the discussion during public comments centered on issues related to the parking authority, including disputes over ticketing accuracy, varying amounts owed, and concerns regarding the relevancy of current parking restriction signage. Public comments also touched upon homelessness in the city and the need for improved community programs for younger residents. The commission's main work involved reviewing existing ordinances and ballot language from previous years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) to inform the creation of new recommendations and ordinances. Specific documents mentioned included the 2023 Home Rule Charter section on the Department of Public Works and a toxic trespass fact sheet.

The meeting involved public comments concerning the 'freedom of toxic trespass initiative,' which a speaker noted was aimed at protecting citizens from environmental safety issues like industrial pollution linked to illnesses. A speaker detailed the history and legal establishment of this initiative, referencing a favorable ruling by Judge Gavin. Further public commentary reiterated concerns over water quality and general toxic exposure. A significant portion of the discussion addressed the status of a community survey regarding these issues, noting delays in statistical analysis by the contracted entity. The commission also reviewed the language drafted by counsel for the toxic trespass initiative, acknowledging the complexity of environmental statutes and proposing that the Mayor and City Council explore existing resources to inform the public about environmental health hazards.

The meeting involved a vote on the agenda and public comment session. Key discussions focused on subdivision and land development plan reviews, primarily concerning two parking lot projects for the Reading Parking Authority. The first project, for 213 South 11 Street, involved reviewing a revised final plan detailing 63 parking spaces and addressing technical issues related to vehicle turning movements and required certifications. The second project, for 210 Maple Street, involved 41 parking spaces and required addressing technical items related to curb ramps and turning lanes. Both projects required municipal improvements agreements and storm water management maintenance agreements, with conditional approvals being considered contingent on resolving outstanding technical and legal/agreement issues, including city council's consideration of the 213 South 11 Street property for affordable housing.

The meeting focused on interviewing Mr. Rodney Ridley for reappointment to the Burs County Convention Center Authority. The candidate discussed the Authority's role in overseeing the Santander Arena, SPARC, and the Reading Royals hockey team, which is funded through special taxing authority derived from hotels and leisure activities, emphasizing its critical role in regional economic development. Improvement areas identified included increasing public awareness of the Authority's function and strengthening collaboration with the Parking Authority. The committee members indicated general support for the reappointment. Subsequent discussion involved general governance procedures, including how boards and commissions report to the Council, the need for better administrative guidance and staffing support for various commissions (like the Planning Commission's need for secretarial support), and the importance of providing feedback from these boards during council sessions, particularly concerning resource allocation and future strategic planning for the city.

The meeting covered opening matters, including an executive session deliberation on a quasi-judicial Conditional Use application and real estate. A proclamation celebrated the retirement of Chief Jim Stoudt, Jr. The agenda approval and minutes included the approval of the February 9, 2026 agenda and minutes from the January 26th and February 2nd meetings (though prior minutes approval details are excluded per instructions). Consent agenda legislation involved the award of contracts for a 2025 Ford E350 4x4 Chassis Ambulance ($277,203.17), a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado SSV K9 vehicle ($102,383.70), a yearly subscription for Fire/EMS incident reporting software to First Due ($47,449.81), and a three-year Traffic Signal Preventative Maintenance Contract not to exceed $300,000. Ordinances for final passage included extending a lease agreement with the Reading Parking Authority for a lot at 213 S. 11th St. for 15 years and ordinances amending City Code related to Zoning Sections 1600 (Off Street Parking and Loading) and 2200 (Definitions), and Chapter 515 (Subdivision and Land Development). New ordinances introduced covered amendments to the 2025 General Fund EMS budget, adoption of the State's updated International Fire Code, amendments to fireworks code, fee schedules, and composition of the Code and License Appeals Board, along with budget amendments for streetlight expenses and snow removal, and a prohibition on political activity at city-owned properties. Resolutions included reappointments to the Audit Committee, Recreation Commission, and Fire/Building Code Board of Appeals.