City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 8/24/26 | City of Reading, PA

The City Council Committee of the Whole meeting for the City of Reading, PA, held on August 24, 2026, included several procurement and budget-related discussions. Key procurement actions included the award of a contract to Bob Kinder Redding for $80,570.33 to purchase a remote-operated robotic mower for vegetation management, and a contract awarded to H and P Construction Limited for $949,494.94 for the 18th Ward Trail project. Additionally, a $2,132,405.22 contract was awarded to Allen Myers Incorporated for the 2026 paving program covering multiple city streets. The council also discussed resolutions authorizing grant submissions for HUD lead hazard reduction ($3.5 million), HUD Healthy Homes production ($3 million), and a $1 million Main Street Matters grant to support downtown development. A tax exoneration resolution was considered for Iglesia Pentecostal, involving approximately $71,044.47 in outstanding city property taxes for multiple properties, with the council expressing support for the exemption given the church's community role and tax-exempt status. Other budget amendments included recognizing a $75,000 PEG grant for Berks Community Television and a $15,000 EMS grant from the Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner. The meeting also covered various ordinances related to zoning, vacant property fees, and tax assistance programs. The council emphasized infrastructure investment and transparency in road maintenance prioritization moving forward.