City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 6/8/26 | City of Reading, PA

The City Council Committee of the Whole meeting for the City of Reading, PA, held on June 8, 2026, focused extensively on homelessness prevention and the Code Blue emergency shelter program. City officials and community partners, including Opportunity House and Hope Rescue Mission, provided detailed updates on the expenditure of $250,000 in city general funds for Code Blue during the 2025-2026 winter season, supplemented by additional funding from the county and local foundations. Discussions highlighted the challenges of homelessness, the need for year-round supportive services funded through HUD's Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, and the importance of coordinated community efforts. The council also addressed the need for increased county participation in funding and resources, with a request for the county to match the city's $350,000 contribution for the upcoming year. Additionally, the meeting covered several procurement-related items, including the renewal of a recycling collection agreement with the Reading School District at $64,031.02, the hiring of new probationary patrol officers for the police department, and the award of a $37,179.76 contract for cardiac monitor integration for Fire EMS. Several zoning and parking ordinances were scheduled for final passage in upcoming meetings. The session concluded with administrative reports and adjournment to executive session.