City of Reading City Council
Virtual Regular Meeting
March 22, 2021
At the conclusion of the COW Meeting

Council President Waltman called the meeting to order at approximately 7:40 pm.

Due to COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, the City was forced to change their meeting format to prohibit the public's ability to physically attend the meeting and for public comment to be provided through alternative methods. The public comment can occur in writing (email message and letter clearly marked for public comment) or via telephone or internet connection with the virtual app. While the City Clerk is present in Council Chambers, all other attendees are participating remotely by phone or electronically through a computer application. The meetings can be viewed live on the BCTV MAC Channel 99 or on the City's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/content/city-council-video.

The Council President gave the invocation then called for a moment of silence for Frank Denbowski, Sr., father of the mayor’s assistant, who recently passed away. All present pledged to the flag. There was an executive session held after the Committee of the Whole meetings on March 22nd on litigation re PA Sunshine Act Title 65 § 708. Executive Sessions (a) 4.

ATTENDANCE

Council President Waltman - electronically
Councilor Sihelnik, District 1 - electronically
Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz, District 2 - electronically
Councilor Ventura, District 3 - via telephone
Councilor Marmarou, District 4 - via telephone
Councilor Reed, District 5 - electronically
Councilor Cepeda-Freytiz, District 6 - electronically
Asst. Solicitor F. Lachat – electronically
Asst. Solicitor A. LaMano - electronically
City Clerk L. Kelleher - electronically
City Auditor M. Rodriguez – electronically
Managing Director A. Amoros – electronically

PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

A commendation was issued celebrating Women’s History Month.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Council President Waltman announced that there was one (1) citizen registered to provide public comment on non-agenda topics. The City Clerk announced that only the citizen registered was not connected to the meeting. (Note the citizen emailed the City Clerk that evening. He disconnected before the start of the regular meeting at approximately 7:10 pm)

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA & MINUTES
Council President Waltman called Council's attention to the agenda for this meeting, including the legislation listed under the Consent Agenda heading, and the minutes from the March 8th Regular Meeting and the meeting summaries from the COWs held on March 8th and 15th, along with the March 15th Nominations Committee meeting summary. He noted the need to amend the agenda by withdrawing Resolution 33 regarding the Acting Solicitor under the Resolution section and moving the award of contract for the 18th Ward project listed in the Consent Agenda section to the Resolution section. There were no objections to the agenda modifications.

The minutes from the March 8th Regular Meeting, the summations of discussion as listed and the agenda, as amended, were approved by acclimation.

Consent Agenda
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. Award of Contract - for the Repairs. Parts and Supplies for the City’s City Wide Passenger, Light Duty, Medium Duty and Heavy Duty Fleet Vehicles to Diesel Service Reading and Penske, Shillington for the repairs and/or specialty services to include but not limited to alignments, engines, transmission, exhaust, electrical, snow equipment, leaf equipment, glass repairs and or replacements radiators, fire apparatus, body work, drive shaft, hydraulic repairs, OEM above warranty, spring work, decals, car wash and detailing

B. Award of Contract – for the Repairs and/or Specialty Services for the City’s City Wide Passenger, Light Duty, Medium Duty and Heavy Duty Fleet Vehicles to DW Classics, LLC, Lebanon, PA; EM Kutz, Reading, and Diesel Service , Reading. These vendors will be used for the repairs and/or specialty services to include but not limited to alignments, engines, transmission, exhaust, electrical, snow equipment, leaf equipment, glass repairs and or replacements radiators, fire apparatus, body work, drive shaft, hydraulic repairs, OEM above warranty, spring work, decals, car wash and detailing

C. Resolution 34-2021 – authorizing the submission of a DCNR Grant in the amount of $300,000 for the rehab of Reading Iron Playground

D. Award of Contract – to Desman Design Management, Inc., Pittsburgh, at the cost of $123,499, for a comprehensive parking plan to be developed in conjunction with the Downtown Plus Strategic Plan to attract and retain businesses, workforce, residents, and visitors to the City. The City will use this plan to better manage public parking resources and to anticipate future parking needs as the City’s revitalization unfolds.

E. Award of Contract – to ProMax Fencing Reading to upgrading the perimeter fencing around 11th & Pike at the cost of $50,725.00. Previously approved at the March 8th meeting at the cost of $40,725.00

Relocated to the Resolution Section
F. Award of Contract – to Doug Lamb Construction for the 18th Ward Island Project at Hancock & East Wyomissing Blvd. at the cost of $556,400.00

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
The managing director stated that Gun Buy Back program is scheduled for Saturday, April 17th and more detail will be provided closer to that date.

The managing director highlighted the mayor’s activities since the last report and the report attached to the agenda and distributed electronically; in summary:

• Mayor’s March 17th, City of Reading Business Roundtable virtual meeting with a group of local business leaders, GCRA President and CEO Jim Gerlach, Council President Jeff Waltman, City Managing Director Abe Amorós, and other administrative staff. The topics covered at the meeting include Downtown Business District public safety, an update on the City’s Downtown Plus Strategic Plan, the current and future response to COVID-19, and the Mayor’s Clean City initiative and vision • The Community Development Department submitted the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). This report summarizes the Emergency Solution Grant, HOME Improvement, and Integrated Distribution and Information System (IDIS) activities conducted in the 2020 fiscal year. The CAPER report is available for the public to review and provide comments via the City of Reading website. • The Property Maintenance Division commenced health inspections of restaurants and food-service businesses that operate during evening hours. All food serving locations are in-compliance, with only a few having minor infractions. Social distancing was observed at all places visited. • The Citizen’s Service Center is conducting cross-training of some employees to support the Call Center during peak times. • The Finance Department continues to prepare and submit grants prioritizing the Administration’s overall goals. Upcoming submissions include a grant focusing on the rehabilitation of Reading Iron playground and various grant program/project extension requests. • The Reading Police Department conducted Operation Cease Fire. During the first two and half weeks, the operation resulted in 13 arrests and 14 firearms were seized. • Public Works has added waste collection information to the “welcome packets” Community Development’s Property Maintenance Division provides new homeowners in support of the Administration’s Clean City Initiative. • Public Works reports the Schlegel Park Pool reconstruction project continues on track for completion in May 2021 despite a temporary delay due to snow.

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz thanked the administration for the comprehensive report. She thanked the Police Department and all other Departments and Divisions involved in addressing the issues at 1570 Cotton Street. She stated that the community appreciates the teamwork and effort to curb this problem quickly.

AUDITOR'S REPORT

The Auditor highlighted the report attached to the agenda and distributed electronically. In summary:

• The City levies a Real Estate Transfer Tax of 3.5% (total rate of 5% includes the 1.5% by the Reading School District) on the value of properties sold. For 2021, the City budgeted $4.7 million for this revenue line item and for the first two months of 2021, the City has collected $1,059,149.93; 2020 ended with a surplus of $2,391,062.41.

REPORT FROM DEPT. DIRECTORS, BOARDS, AUTHORITIES, & COMMISSIONS1.

Planning Commission Report – Lee Olsen, Chair, introduced Planning Manager and Zoning Administrator Dave Peris and City Planner Naomi Crimm. He stated that the Planning Commission has a full board, a mix of land use professionals and citizens. He noted the recent retirement of Ermete Raphaelli who served on the Commission for 32 years. He thanked Council for recognizing his dedication with a commendation. He stated that the Commission appreciates the valuable input they receive from Public Works and Michelle Mayfield, Esq. Mr. Peris thanked the Commission for the many hours of volunteerism they provide, noting the beneficial institutional knowledge many members bring. He noted the marked increase in zoning and planning applications, adding that a 25% increase in zoning applications is a positive sign. He introduced City Planner Naomi Crimm, noting her credentials. Ms. Crimm stated that the 2020 Planning Commission report was submitted electronically last week, shared with the elected officials and attached to tonight’s agenda. She highlighted some of the upcoming projects the Commission is working on such as the 9th and Marion Fire Station and the residential projects in the Buttonwood Gateway and the Medical Arts building. Mr. Olsen agreed with the marked uptick in projects and the value provided by the City’s One Stop process when a project is beginning. He stated that the City and County Planning Commissions will be holding a joint meeting in mid-April, noting that although the two groups play in different theatres, they share a similar focus. Council President Waltman thanked the Commission for their dedicated volunteer work to help the City move forward.

ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

A. Bill 15-2021 – authorizing the write off of a General Fund receivable, approved via Bill 86-2015, from the Community Development Fund which will have the effect of increasing General Fund ‘transfer to Community Development Fund’ (an expenditure) of $500,000, and increasing Community Development Fund ‘transfer from General Fund’ (a ‘revenue’) of $500,000 Introduced at the February 22 regular meeting; tabled at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz moved, seconded by Councilor Reed, to enact Bill No. 15-2021.

The Finance Director explained that the need to clean-up the City’s books was identified by the external auditor and the Controller. Approval of the following five (5) ordinances will begin the process to make the required corrections to the City’s books. He stated that this issue was reviewed by the City’s Elected Auditor. Here will be additional ordinances requested in the upcoming months.

Bill No. 15-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

B. Bill 16-2021 – authorizing the write off of a net General Fund receivable from the Community Development Fund from 2015 to prior to 2002 which will have the effect of increasing General Fund ‘transfer to Community Development Fund’ (an expenditure) of $835,102.00 and ‘transfer from Community Development Fund’ (a ‘revenue’) of $69,440.95, and increasing Community Development Fund ‘transfer from General Fund’ (a ‘revenue’) of $835,102.00 and increasing ‘transfer to General Fund’ (an expenditure) of $69,440.95 Introduced at the February 22 regular meeting; tabled at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Reed moved, seconded by Councilor Cepeda-Freytiz, to enact Bill No. 16-2021.

Bill No. 16-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

C. Bill 17-2021 – authorizing the write off of this net General Fund receivable from the City’s Water Fund from 2011 to prior to 2002 which will have the effect of increasing General Fund ‘transfer to Water Fund’ (an expenditure) of $2,000,000.00 and increasing City Water Fund ‘transfer from General Fund’ (a ‘revenue’) of $2,000,000.00 Introduced at the February 22 regular meeting; tabled at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Marmarou moved, seconded by Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz, to enact Bill No. 17-2021.

Bill No. 17-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

D. Bill 18-2021 – authorizing the write off of this net General Fund payable to the City’s Capital Reserve Sewer Fund recorded between 2003 and 2005 which will have the effect of increasing General Fund ‘transfer from Capital Reserve Sewer Fund’ (a ‘revenue’) of $1,521,154.38 and increasing City’s Capital Reserve Sewer Fund ‘transfer to General Fund’ (an expenditure) of $1,521,154.38 Introduced at the February 22 regular meeting; tabled at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Reed moved, seconded by Councilor Marmarou, to enact Bill No. 18-2021.

Bill No. 18-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

E. Bill 19-2021 – authorizing the write off of this net General Fund payable to the City’s Sewer Fund recorded between 2010 and 2012 which will have the effect of increasing General Fund ‘transfer from Sewer Fund’ (a ‘revenue’) of $2,338,270.50 and increasing City’s Sewer Fund ‘transfer to General Fund’ (an expenditure) of $2,338,270.50 Introduced at the February 22 regular meeting; tabled at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Reed moved, seconded by Councilor Cepeda-Freytiz, to enact Bill No. 19-2021.

Bill No. 19-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

F. Bill 20-2021 – amending the 2021 Water Fund Budget by $47,400 to offset an increase for the Carryover to Reserve. There is no overall impact on the Water Fund Operating budget Introduced at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz moved, seconded by Councilor Reed, to enact Bill No. 20-2021.

Bill No. 20-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

G. Bill 22-2021 – amending the City of Reading City Code Chapter 515, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) Introduced at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Reed moved, seconded by Councilor Marmarou, to enact Bill No. 22-2021.

Bill No. 22-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

H. Bill 23-2021 – amending the General Fund Budget by transferring of $123,499 from the Fund Balance to the Agency Fund Project to finance a comprehensive City-wide parking study Introduced at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz moved, seconded by Councilor Ventura, to enact Bill No. 23-2021.

Council President Waltman explained that while the study that the Parking Authority is undertaking looks at a 4-6 block cross section of the core downtown area, the City is undertaking a broader study of parking stressed neighborhoods. He expressed hope that the two studies will be integrated.

Bill No. 23-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

I. Bill 24-2021 – amending the General Fund Budget by transferring $92,000 from the Fund Balance to the Agency Fund for construction costs related to the New 9th & Marion Fire Station project Introduced at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Marmarou moved, seconded by Councilor Sihelnik, to enact Bill No. 24-2021.

Bill No. 24-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

J. Bill 26-2021 – amending the City Code Chapter 576 Vehicles and Traffic, Part 4 Parking, Section 576-404 Blocking Garage Entrance by adding rear parking areas and Section 576-407 Storage of Vehicles by removing the language regarding the parking of tractor/trailers bringing the section into compliance with the prohibition on tractor/trailer parking in Chapter 564 Introduced at the March 8 regular meeting

Councilor Cepeda-Freytiz moved, seconded by Councilor Marmarou, to enact Bill No. 26-2021.

Bill No. 26-2021 was enacted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES
Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz read the following ordinances into the record.

A. Ordinance - amending the Police Chief’s contract by adding the benefits he is entitled to under the PA Chief’s Act due to his extended service as a Police Officer on June 1, 2000, followed by his promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain working in multiple capacities for the City of Reading

B. Ordinance – authorizing the acceptance of the MS4 Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP) for the City of Reading by adding two rain gardens in District 5 to benefit the Tulpehocken Creek

C. Ordinance – authorizing the following: changing median width from 24 feet to 26 feet on the 100 block through the 400 blocks of Hancock Boulevard and on the 800 block through 900 block of East Wyomissing Boulevard, reducing the cart way width to 23 feet. Changing median width from 24 feet to 28 feet on the 1000 block through the 1300 blocks of East Wyomissing Boulevard reducing the cart way width to 23 feet.

RESOLUTIONS

Relocated from the Consent Agenda
F. Award of Contract – to Doug Lamb Construction for the 18th Ward Island Project at Hancock & East Wyomissing Blvd. at the cost of $556,400.00

Councilor Sihelnik moved, seconded by Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz, to approve the Award of Contract.

Councilor Sihelnik described the work done by the 18th Wonder and their partners to move this important project forward which will correct a public safety impediment for pedestrians and vehicles in this area.

The Award of Contract for Doug Lamb Construction was approved by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

A. Award of Contract – for the municipal ERP project to Tyler Technologies at a cost of $1,110,468 with $700,000 available in FY 2021 and the remaining costs covered in FY 2022 for reprogramming property parcel data Tabled at the February 22 and March 8 regular meetings

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz moved, seconded by Councilor Ventura, to approve the Award of Contract.

The Award of Contract for Tyler Technologies was approved by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

C. Resolution 35-2021 – making the following appointments to the Youth Commission

• Wynton Butler II, representing Council District 4, term expiration July 1, 2021
• Kylie Shapiro, representing Council District 1, term expiration July 1, 2022
• Morgan Hutchinson, representing Council District 1, term expiration July 1, 2022
• Brandom Hernandez Ruiz, representing Council District 4, term expiration July 1, 2023
• Genesis Munoz Arias, representing Council District 6, term expiration July 1, 2023
• Jose Tineo, representing Council District 6, term expiration July 1, 2023
• Saoni Segura, representing Council District 5, term expiration July 1, 2023
• Wilma Victoriano, representing Council District 2, term expiration July 1, 2024
• Jonny Division Martinez, representing Council District 3, term expiration July 1, 2024
• Wesley Butler, representing Council District 4, term expiration July 1, 2024

Councilor Sihelnik moved, seconded by Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz, to adopt Resolution No. 35-2021.

Councilor Sihelnik congratulated those being appointed this evening, noting that some are connected to the meeting. She thanked the Deputy City Clerk for her work to coordinate the application process to get the Commission started.

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz thanked the team who worked to move the appointments forward and she noted the strength of those who are being appointed this evening. She explained that while the name of the group is the Youth Commission, it includes individuals between the ages of 15-22 years of age. She also explained the need to stagger the initial appointments to prevent the terms from expiring at the same time, a standard practice with start-up boards.

Councilor Reed echoed the previous comments and she encouraged additional applicants from the District 5 area to apply.

Council President Waltman stated that the Mayor is currently considering his appointments to this Commission and he noted the importance of obtaining input from younger residents as they will evolve to be the next leaders.

Resolution No. 35-2021 was adopted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

D. Resolution 36.2021 - authorizing the Mayor to execute an MOU for the use of 339 S. 7th by South of Penn Taskforce for community events

Councilor Marmarou moved, seconded by Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz, to adopt Resolution No. 36-2021.

Councilor Sihelnik stated that she is pleased that this initiative is moving forward, noting that the South of Penn Taskforce is community development at a grassroots level that works to improve neighborhoods and communities through events, programs, etc. She thanked the taskforce for continuing their work.

Resolution No. 36-2021 was adopted by the following vote:
Yeas: Cepeda-Freytiz, Goodman-Hinnershitz, Marmarou, Reed, Sihelnik, Ventura, Waltman, President – 7
Nays: None - 0

COUNCIL COMMENT

Councilor Cepeda-Freytiz congratulated the Youth Commission appointees for stepping up to get this commission moving forward. She gave a shout-out to the multiple agencies who are working to increase the vaccination process. She announced the next South of Penn clean-up and reminded those that provide hospitality services about the grant funding available.

Councilor Marmarou noted his support of the new fire station planned for 9th and Marion and the March 25th Greek Independence Day.

Councilor Goodman-Hinnershitz wished the Reading High basketball team good luck in the playoffs. She stated that she is now fully vaccinated and experienced no serious side effects. She encouraged all to become vaccinated when eligible.

Councilor Sihelnik noted the improvements made to the vaccination process and the partner organizations and agencies working together. She encouraged all to participate in the community health needs assessment. She explained the work to provide community gardens to cure food deserts. She thanked Mark Detterline and John Zabala for their coordination and assistance to get the Youth Commission up and running. She noted the importance of creating the Downtown Coordinator position to replicate the services formerly provided by DID.

Councilor Reed noted the recent fatal accidents within Reading last week. She thanked Mr. Denbowski, the mayor’s assistant for his help in various projects and she expressed her condolences to the Denbowski family for the passing of Mr. Denbowski’s father, Frank Sr.

Council President Waltman reviewed the upcoming Council meeting schedule.

Councilor Cepeda-Freytiz moved, seconded by Councilor Reed, to adjourn the regular meeting of Council.

Respectfully submitted by Linda A. Kelleher CMC, City Clerk