Regular Council Meeting

CITY COUNCIL

Meeting Agenda

REGULAR MEETING                                  MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

HYBRID MEETING                                            7:00 pm

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RULES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT COUNCIL MEETINGS

Public comment at all meetings of the City Council of the City of Reading shall be governed by the following:

• Residents and/or taxpayers of the City who wish to make or submit public comment must pre-register utilizing one of three (3) following options:

1. By calling (610-655-6205) or emailing (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) the City Clerk's Office by 4 pm on the day of the meeting with your name, address and the subject matter or topic to be discussed. If you are not able to attend in-person, instructions to access the virtual meeting app or dial-in telephone number will be provided.
2. By submitting written public comment to be read into the record at the meeting by submitting an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 4pm on the day of the meeting. The email message must clearly be marked as Public Comment.
3. By registering in-person at the Council Chambers on the sign-up sheet found on the podium in Council Chambers between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the day of the scheduled meeting, with your name, address and the subject matter or topic to be discussed.

• No person shall be permitted to speak who is not a resident or taxpayer of the City, except upon permission of the President of Council or a majority of City Council.
• Public comment will occur only during the Public Comment period listed on the meeting agenda at which time the Presiding Officer will recognize speakers and written comment that properly registered in the order received.
• All public comment shall be delivered from the podium and speakers may not approach the Council tables at any time.
• Those individuals registered to speak on agenda matters will be allotted no more than 5 minutes and those individuals registered to speak on non-agenda matters will be allotted no more than 3 minutes.  The City Clerk will control a timer to monitor these time periods.  When the alarm rings, a speaker must immediately end their comment.  If a speaker refuses to comply, the microphone at the podium will be turned off and the next speaker will be given the floor.  These time periods also apply to written comments that are being read into the record such that any written comment may only be read into the record for a 5-minute period for agenda items and a 3-minute period for non-agenda items. The President of Council or a majority of Council may grant an additional period of time in their discretion. 
• If anyone is present in a group or association, each such group should designate a spokesperson to address the City Council on the group’s collective behalf in order to avoid repetitive public comments.
• Comments posted in Zoom Chat and on Facebook are not considered public comment and will not be read into the record of the meeting or addressed by City Council.

1. OPENING MATTERS

A. CALL TO ORDER

B. INVOCATION: Rev. Steve Ohnsman, Calvary UCC

C. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

D. ROLL CALL

E. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS:

2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA MATTERS:

• Those individuals registered to speak on agenda matters will be allotted no more than 5 minutes and those individuals registered to speak on non-agenda matters will be allotted no more than 3 minutes.  The City Clerk will control a timer to monitor these time periods.  When the alarm rings, a speaker must immediately end their comment.  If a speaker refuses to comply, the microphone at the podium will be turned off and the next speaker will be given the floor.  These time periods also apply to written comments that are being read into the record such that any written comment may only be read into the record for a 5-minute period for agenda items and a 3-minute period for non-agenda items. The President of Council or a majority of Council may grant an additional period of time in their discretion. 

• All public comment must be directed to Council as a body and not to any individual Council member or public or elected official in attendance. Public comment is an opportunity to make a statement only.  It is not designed for questioning and there is no guarantee or requirement for a question presented during public comment to be answered or responded to.
• Each speaker shall speak clearly and slowly.
• No speaker shall register or speak more than once at a meeting.
• A speaker shall not comment in a manner that is disruptive, scandalous, impertinent, redundant, rude, unruly, personally offensive, irrelevant to the registered topic, done for the purpose of preventing the conduct of the business of the meeting or promotion of candidates at an upcoming election, or otherwise in disregard to the rules of order or decorum.  Any such comment will not be accepted or included in the record.
• In the event that a speaker or written comment violates any of these rules, that speaker or written comment will be deemed to have forfeited their right to public comment and the President of Council or a majority of City Council may direct the City Clerk to turn off the microphone or cease reading the comment into the record, have the individual removed from Council Chambers and/or cited.
• All persons in attendance are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner that does not disrupt the meeting.  Clapping, calling out, cheering or interrupting speakers or the discussions of City Council during or after a public comment is not permitted.  Those wishing to have conversations should do so in the hall outside Council Chambers in a low speaking voice.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA & MINUTES

A. AGENDA: Meeting of September 14, 2026

B. MINUTES: The minutes from the August 24th Regular Meeting and COW summaries from August 17, August 24 and September 8, and September 8 and the Nominations & Appointments Committee meeting summary from September 8

Consent Agenda Legislation

The Consent Agenda is designed to provide efficient approval of non-controversial legislation that does not require discussion/debate by giving approval via acclimation when the meeting agenda is approved. The President of Council will call Council’s attention to the list of Consent Agenda legislation at the meeting before action is taken, which allows Council to remove a piece of legislation for separate consideration.

A. Resolution – revising the Council Policy and Procedure Handbook by incorporating a new policy regarding the process for review and approval of minutes of meetings and other Council meeting summaries. Pgs 7-9

B. Resolution - adopting a Permanent Electronic Records Policy and reaffirming the City’s intent to follow the schedules and procedures for the disposition of records for all City records as set forth in the PHMC Municipal Records Manual approved on December 16, 2008 and amended on March 28, 2019, along with the 2019 policy on the retention of electronic records. Pgs 10-22

C. Resolution – accepting the resignation of Juan Moya from the Board of Health Pgs 23

D. Resolution – accepting the resignation of Jose Guzman from the Blighted Property Review Committee Pgs 24

E. Resolution – authorizing a Sewage Planning Module for Joseph Caba at 1360 North 10th St. due to the addition of three apartments to the upper floors increasing the EDUs to five Pgs 25-26

F. Amend Award of Contract – authorizing the amendment of the originally approved award of contract with CoStars vendor Tom Masano for the purchase of 1-2026 Ford F-550 Chassis 4x4 SD Regular Cab 145” WB DRW XL (F5H) adding a Mobile Lift upfit package-Bucket truck. $179,378.00 (Public Buildings- Originally listed for Streets) from the PW CIP Pgs 27

G. Award of Contract – authorizing approval of a lease purchase for EMS from Zoll Cardiac Monitors, under a cooperative contract through Naspo, at an annual cost of $134,906.64, with the 2026 cost covered by the Fire CIP to replace the LifePak monitors which are at the end of their life cycle. This single annual payment includes all maintenance, service, and technology upgrades for the duration of the lease, eliminating unexpected expenses and stabilizing long-term budgeting Pgs 28

H. Resolution – authorizing the disposition of the following public records from Purchasing - Purchasing Bid Files, Tabulations, Purchase Orders, Invoices, and General Correspondence, for the years 2016 thru 2018. Pgs 29

I. Award of Contract – to Flyway Construction in the amount of $4,531,000, for the construction of the 5,500 sq ft ADA accessible Hillside Splashpad Project with 3 distinct areas of play which allow children from very young to experience small splashes and sprays to older children who can engage in water “wars” and dump buckets. The project encompasses renovation of all current buildings to include the restroom facility, pavilions, office, pump room and concession stand. Renovations to the basketball court are also included with the on-grade vehicle parking, comprising 37 off-street parking spaces. Families will be able to observe children playing from the tiered observation as well as 5 “Party” decks that can be reserved for Birthday parties or other gatherings. The facility is designed to be a “for fee” use similar to the Schlegel Pool. Working with the Recreation Commission, a nominal fee will be added to the Pool membership or purchased alone, will be the basis for utilization of the park. It is anticipated to be $10-$15 annually per household up to 4 people. Additional members can be added. Admission and Rental fees are solely intended to offset the operations and staffing of the park. Pgs 30-31

J. Award of Contract – to Kistler O’Brien, a CoStars vendor, in the amount of $487,032.58, for the design and installation of a sprinkler system at 951 Morgantown Road. The City purchased 951 Morgantown Road in 2023 with the anticipation of creating the City’s Public Safety Building for the training and operations of the Police and Fire Departments. The full project is not expected to be completed in a timely manner; however, the building is in Cumru Township and the installation of a sprinkler system is required as per municipal codes. Cumru issued the City a temporary occupancy permit but will not allow full occupancy until the building is sprinkled for safety reasons. The deadline for the current permit is December 18, 2026. Pgs 32-33

5. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

Pending further amendment - Tabled at the June 22 Regular Meeting

Bill No 38-2026 –amending City Code, Chapter 600 Zoning by rewriting Section 1600 Off Street Parking and Loading Introduced at the May 26 regular meeting

Pending 14 day Layover – Special Mtg scheduled for Sept 21st at 5 pm

Bill No 76-2026 – amending the 2026 Agency Fund budget by increasing the expense account 311000-42160, Contracted Services, $200,000, and also increasing the revenue account 311000-39900 Budgetary (Use) Source - Fund Balance, $200,000 to recognize funds received in 2025 through the 2024 award of a grant from Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund Grant Introduced at the September 3 special meeting

Bill No 77-2026 – amending the 2026 Position Ordinance to create a Healthy Homes Program Specialist. The Healthy Homes Program Specialist position will be responsible for conducting assessments, environmental reviews, radon testing, site monitoring and compliance activities. This full-time position is funded primarily by the HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes grant, with a 10% match from the General Fund out of CD Property Maintenance. The hourly rate for this position is $25.78. Introduced at the September 3 special meeting

A. Bill 74-2026 – amending the 2026 Agency Fund Budget to recognize the award of a grant for $183,600 with a cash match requirement of $26,400 which will be paid utilizing project savings from the Capital Improvements Fund from the Dept of Community and Economic Development to support the final phase of construction for the Reading Skate Park. Introduced at the August 24 regular meeting Pgs 54-55

B. Bill 75-2026 – amending City Code Section 576-304 A Truck Traffic Restricted on Certain Streets by restricting truck traffic as listed below and amending 576-304 C by increasing the fine to $150 from $25:

• in the 400 and 500 blocks of Pansy Street
• on River Road, between the Rt. 12 interchange to the Muhlenberg boundary, as per Resolution 98-2005
• on Bingaman Street between South 7th and South 8th Street

Introduced at the August 24 regular meeting Pgs 56

6. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance – amending the budget to recognize the receipt and authorize the utilization of a PA DCED grant in the amount of $242,596 to create a pedestrian connector trail for ease of access to the Lancaster Avenue shopping center located at 733 Lancaster Avenue. Pgs 64\2-63

B. Ordinance – amending the budget to recognize the receipt and authorize the utilization of a PA Fish and Boat Commission in the amount of $21,000, to fund safer trail access and removal of invasive species located at Confluence Park Pgs 64-65

7. RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution – appointing Suzanne Cody to the Planning Commission Pgs 66

B. Resolution – appointing Karen Glass to the Board of Ethics Pgs 67

C. Resolution – appointing Timothy Waldman to the Electricians Examining Board Pgs 68

8. REPORT FROM DEPT. DIRECTORS, BOARDS, AUTHORITIES, & COMMISSIONS

HVAC / Mechanical Board – Craig Weisman, Chair

9. COUNCIL REPORT

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

11. REPORT FROM OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR

12. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

Thursday, September 17

5 pm – Council Chambers – Quasi HARB Hearing to review plans for the construction of the Cornerstone at 6th and Chestnut Project by Tippets/Weaver Architects

Monday, September 21

Special Meeting – 5 pm - Council Chambers
Committee of the Whole – immediately following the Special Mtg – Council Chambers

Monday, September 28

Committee of the Whole – 5 pm – Council Chambers
Regular Meeting – 7 pm – Council Chambers

Monday, October 5

Nominations & Appointments Committee – 4 pm – 3rd floor conference room
Special Meeting – introduce the 2027 GF and Capital Budgets w/ related ordinances
Committee of the Whole – immediately following the Special Mtg – Council Chambers

Monday, October 12

Committee of the Whole – 5 pm – Council Chambers
Regular Meeting – 7 pm – Council Chambers

Note: Wednesday Budget Review meetings begin October 14th at 5 pm

13. ADJOURN