Office Of The Mayor
Thomas M. McMahon


Mayor’s Report To City Council
May 12, 2008

Public Safety

On April 25th, Chief Heim and I completed another in a series of ride-alongs which allowed us to meet folks in all parts of the city and listen to their concerns.  I’m encouraging Council members to also schedule ride-alongs with the Chief. 

I am asking the public to support legislation which would revive the ban on assault weapons.  The recent murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Liczbinski once again shows the need for the public to raise their voices in an outcry that can be heard in Harrisburg and Washington to put limits on the use of these weapons. 

Together with the proliferation of illegal handguns, these weapons are being used to destroy the quality of life in our communities, both urban and suburban.   Guns are becoming the barter of choice in the drug business and that will only lead to the loss of more life, both civilian and in law enforcement.  This trend is a societal one and I can only hope that this and the next generation of Americans can see the folly of the proliferation of guns on our streets.

Financial

The Administration and City Council have confirmed that the Financial Comprehensive Plan for the city, which includes amendments to the current budget, will be presented at the Budget Summit on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

I have the following updates on the openings for the Community Development Director’s position and the Managing Director’s position –

First, interviews for the position opening of Community Development will continue this week.

Secondly, interviews for the position opening of Managing Director are still on track to be conducted in the first half of June.

Economic Development

With the increasing extent of development in the city, it is time to look at a comprehensive approach to parking, traffic, and signage in the city and the surrounding areas leading into the city.  The Administration met with the Reading Parking Authority last week to propose a city-wide parking/traffic/signage study.  Entities that are involved in major redevelopment in the city, such as Our City Reading, RiverView, and Reading Area Community College among others, will meet with potential consultants to draft an RFP for the service.  The Reading Redevelopment Authority and the Reading Parking Authority will jointly fund the study.

Sun Rich Fresh Foods Incorporated, at 425 Gateway Drive in Reading, will celebrate its grand opening on May 20. This is the company’s fourth processing facility. Invitees will enjoy plant tours starting at 3:00 p.m. and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:00 p.m.  I hope that council members can join us there.

Neighborhoods

Centre Park Historic District will celebrate National Preservation Month with a special program on Wednesday May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Centre Park Historic District Headquarters at 707 North Fifth Street.  A portion of the program will be the recognition of neighbors’ preservation efforts.  For more information please call 610-375-7860 or visit their website at www.centrepark.org.

Southeast People’s Voice Neighborhood Group will hold a community yard sales at 1018 Cotton Street.  For more information please call the Office of Neighborhood Development at 610-655-6277.

On graffiti, we are working with the county to identify, document and eradicate graffiti as quickly as possible.  City of Reading citizens are asked to report graffiti by calling 1-877-727-3234.

Miscellaneous

In observance of National Preservation Month, the Historic Architecture Review Board will present Preservation Commendations to seven city property owners at the next City Council meeting on May 27th in City Council Chambers at
7:00 p.m.  The commendations are in appreciation of these city property owners’ significant contributions to the preservation of Reading’s wealth of architectural heritage. 

We were fortunate to have had Comcast spend their Comcast Day of Caring at the Pagoda on May 3rd.  Comcast had over 100 volunteers who cleaned, planted flowers, and painted railings and one of the upper rooms.  We are grateful for their assistance and their dedication to helping the city.

Thanks to the folks from the American Cancer Society and the organizers of the Relay for Life 24 Hour Walk at the First Energy Stadium.  The City of Reading team was one of the top leaders in raising money for this worthwhile cause.

Similarly we thank all of the volunteers that helped with the MS Walk this year and the Opportunity House Souperbowl fundraiser.

Congratulations to Gordon Hoodak, this year’s Berks County Community
Foundation Thun Award recipient.  We are truly blessed to have Mr. Hoodak serve as Principal of Lauer’s Park Elementary School.  This recognition of his long and dedicated service to the children of this community is well-deserved.