Three members of the Reading Police Department have been promoted.

Council at its regular meeting Monday approved the promotions of Officer Malcolm Stoddard to sergeant, Sgt. William Pletcher to lieutenant and Lt. Melvin Fegley to captain.

City Managing Director Jack Gombach said the promotions follow a recent retirement that created openings within the department.

Gombach praised the officers’ experience and leadership, singling out Fegley for his work overseeing the Reading Police Academy.

The academy has seen tremendous improvement under Fegley’s leadership, Gombach said, noting the administration looks forward to seeing him serve in his expanded role.

Councilwoman Melissa Ventura called Fegley’s promotion long overdue and praised his relationship with the community and his leadership at the academy.

Property purchase

Council unanimously approved transferring $512,825 from the city’s capital fund to complete the purchase of 2047 Centre Ave.

The property near FirstEnergy Stadium is being acquired through eminent domain.

Officials said roughly half of the acquisition cost will be repaid over time through the Reading Fightin Phils’ lease agreement with the city.

Berks Arts Council

During Monday’s meeting Council President Donna Reed acknowledged Berks Arts Council’s recent announcement that it will close after more than 50 years of serving Berks County.

Berks Arts Council ceases operations

Reed said council had planned to present a commendation marking the anniversary of Jazz Fest. The commendation will instead be forwarded to the Jazz Fest organizers, she said.

The loss of Berks Arts is significant for both the city and county, she said, praising the organization’s decades of service through festivals, educational programs and community events.

Reed also expressed hope that other organizations will step forward to continue parts of its mission.

Communications towers

During its committee of the whole meeting earlier Monday, council heard separate presentations involving communications towers on city-owned property.

Representatives of Tower Alliance, acting on behalf of tower owner Vertical Bridge, asked the city to consider reducing the monthly lease payment for a cell tower in Hampden Park to $2,100 from about $2,815.

The company said the request reflects changes in the wireless industry, including carrier consolidation that has left the tower with only one tenant. Representatives said a lower lease payment would help keep the tower economically viable while they seek additional national wireless carriers to locate equipment there.

Councilman Jaime Baez questioned the proposal, noting the city’s own budget constraints and suggesting officials consider maintaining the current rate or negotiating a counteroffer.

Gombach said the administration will review the proposal and negotiate with the company before bringing any agreement to council for consideration.

Council also heard from Reading-based Radio Maintenance Inc., which is seeking to extend its agreement for the communications tower near the William Penn Fire Tower on Skyline Drive through 2057.

Company President Matthew Smith said the tower supports communications for Berks County Emergency Services, BARTA, PennSTAR Flight, the FBI and other public safety and government agencies.

Although the current agreement does not expire until 2028, he said beginning discussions now would provide long-term stability for those users.

Gombach said the administration will review the proposal before presenting any agreement to council.