Reading is looking to expand its pool of police recruits by making it easier for experienced officers from outside Pennsylvania to join the city’s police department.
City Council reviewed proposed changes to police hiring qualifications during Monday’s committee of the whole meeting.
Managing Director Jack Gombach said the city has received interest from officers in other states, including one as far away as Utah.
“This would make it easier for them to join our department as we seek to hit a full complement,” Gombach said.
The legislation would require officers seeking lateral transfers to provide a full training waiver from the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission and documentation of at least one year of law enforcement employment.
Councilman Raymond Baker welcomed the proposal, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with recruiting outside talent.”
Baker thanked the administration for advancing the legislation, noting that he had been advocating for the change for several months.
The legislation is scheduled for consideration at council’s next regular meeting.
Trash, recycling fee
Council also reviewed a proposal to increase the annual solid waste collection fee to $413.87 per unit in 2027 from $395.91, or $34.49 monthly.
City Solid Waste Manager Steve Harrity explained that the recycling fund has been running a deficit because of contractual restrictions on recycling charges.
The proposal would increase the recycling portion of the fee to $120 from $90 while reducing the trash collection portion to $260 from $273.
“By doing that for this year, we’ll be able to get the recycling fund back in balance,” the official said.
The adjustment would add approximately $1.50 to residents’ monthly bills.
Harrity said the adjustment is intended for 2027 and possibly 2028, after which the city’s contract with Republic Services would need to be renegotiated.
Handbook update
Council discussed updating its official handbook.
That discussion prompted a disagreement over procedures for requesting commendations, certificates and letters recognizing residents.
Council President Donna Reed proposed routing requests through the city clerk rather than individual staff members and establishing clearer advance-notice requirements.
She also suggested council members notify colleagues when recognizing residents or organizations in another member’s district.
Council Solicitor Michael Gombar said the handbook already recommends two weeks’ notice for commendations but does not require it.
Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. objected to making two weeks mandatory, arguing that invitations to community events sometimes arrive on short notice.
“The solution should be a better process,” Baez said. “It should not be less constituent service.”
Baker suggested a one-week minimum, with two weeks encouraged whenever possible.
Shooting
Councilman Rafael Nunez expressed concern about a recent fatal shooting in the Glenside area and praised the police response.
Man killed in Reading shooting identified [Update]
According to Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams, the incident last week involved two men who got into a dispute and opened fire on each other.
One of the men was shot and killed. Reading police identified the man who was killed as 20-year-old Amir Steele.
Adams said the other shooter, whose name police have not released publicly, is cooperating with police.
Reed described the incident as an aberration in an otherwise safe community and thanked responding officers and firefighters.
Gombach also thanked neighboring police departments for providing assistance.
Council took no formal action during the committee meeting.