City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 6/15/26 | City of Reading, PA

The City Council Committee of the Whole meeting for the City of Reading, PA, held on June 15, 2026, included a detailed presentation from Berks Encore about their senior services, including Meals on Wheels and Medicare counseling. The discussion highlighted the transition of the home-delivered meal contract to Helping Harvest starting July 1, 2026, and emphasized the importance of volunteer support and funding. The council also reviewed the renewal process for the All City Management crossing guard contract, which expires at the end of June 2026, with a new contract award expected by August 10, 2026. Additionally, the meeting covered plans to modernize the special event permit and street lighting application process by centralizing it within the Customer Service Center and upgrading technology to improve efficiency and fee structures. Finally, the council discussed a large set of proposed charter amendments to be placed on the November ballot, expressing concerns about the volume, complexity, and potential financial impacts, particularly regarding the establishment of a city health department. The council acknowledged the mandatory nature of these referendums but expressed frustration and the need for public education on these issues.