City Council has approved an economic development consulting agreement aimed at attracting businesses, investment and jobs to the city.
The agreement with Morgan Boyd of Paper Plane Advisory was among several measures approved Monday during council’s regular meeting, including funding for replacement wastewater treatment equipment and additional fuel expenses for the fire and solid waste departments.
Council also authorized submission of the city’s 2027 Community Development Block Grant action plan to the federal government.
The city will pay Paper Plane Advisory of Lawrence County $4,500 per month during the first year of a professional services agreement, with an option to extend the contract for a second year at $6,000 per month.
The first-year rate was reduced from the $6,000 monthly amount originally proposed.
Boyd, a former special assistant to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, discussed the proposed agreement with council during its committee of the whole meeting earlier Monday.
Reading, he said, is well-positioned to attract new development, particularly by taking advantage of state economic development programs and incentives.
“I think that Reading has the opportunity and needs to go on offense when it looks to attract new investment,” Boyd said.
The agreement calls for assistance in attracting businesses in the life sciences, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing sectors, as well as promoting downtown housing, commercial development and other investments.
Boyd said increasing downtown housing opportunities, particularly on the upper floors of existing buildings, could help stimulate additional development.
He also emphasized the importance of coordinating with local economic development organizations and state agencies.
Under the agreement, Boyd is restricted from certain communications and advocacy involving the state Department of Community and Economic Development until June 1 under the state’s ethics law.
Other action
Council also approved a $91,032 contract with Coastal Technical Sales Inc. of Montgomeryville, Montgomery County, to replace leaking hypochlorite storage tanks at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
According to the administration, previous attempts to repair the tanks were unsuccessful. The chemical is used in the treatment process to meet environmental permit requirements.
Council also approved an amended agreement with Pagoda Skyline Inc. for construction and maintenance of a 40-by-30-foot pavilion near the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower on Mount Penn.
The organization and the Blue Mountain Region of the Sports Car Club of America will cover construction costs, with Pagoda Skyline responsible for maintenance. The pavilion will become city property.
Two ordinances involving the city’s property sales regulations also received final approval.
One eliminates a duplicate fee for failing to appear for a property inspection. The other corrects lettering in the city’s certificate of transfer ordinance.
Council introduced several additional ordinances, including a proposal to increase emergency medical services fees to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.
Other proposals include a $37,841 grant-funded police budget amendment for bomb squad expenses related to fireworks, a $63,458 transfer to cover EMS billing vendor expenses and transfers to cover temporary staffing costs associated with managing planning department escrow accounts.
Council adopted a resolution authorizing submission of the city’s 2027 Community Development Block Grant action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Managing Director Jack Gombach said the plan identifies housing affordability and emergency housing assistance as major priorities.
“We’re very proud of this action plan,” Gombach said, adding that it identifies emergency responses to housing needs as critical given the affordability crisis.
Council’s next budget review sessions are scheduled for Nov. 16 and 18, followed by a committee of the whole and regular meeting Nov. 23.