Reading is looking to expand its pool of police recruits by making it easier for experienced officers from outside Pennsylvania to join the city\u2019s police department.<\/p>\n
City Council reviewed proposed changes to police hiring qualifications during Monday\u2019s committee of the whole meeting.<\/p>\n
Managing Director Jack Gombach said the city has received interest from officers in other states, including one as far away as Utah.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would make it easier for them to join our department as we seek to hit a full complement,\u201d Gombach said.<\/p>\n
The legislation would require officers seeking lateral transfers to provide a full training waiver from the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers\u2019 Education and Training Commission and documentation of at least one year of law enforcement employment.<\/p>\n
Councilman Raymond Baker welcomed the proposal, saying, \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with recruiting outside talent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baker thanked the administration for advancing the legislation, noting that he had been advocating for the change for several months.<\/p>\n
The legislation is scheduled for consideration at council\u2019s next regular meeting.<\/p>\n
Trash, recycling fee<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
City Solid Waste Manager Steve Harrity explained that the recycling fund has been running a deficit because of contractual restrictions on recycling charges.<\/p>\n
The proposal would increase the recycling portion of the fee to $120 from $90 while reducing the trash collection portion to $260 from $273.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy doing that for this year, we\u2019ll be able to get the recycling fund back in balance,\u201d the official said.<\/p>\n
The adjustment would add approximately $1.50 to residents\u2019 monthly bills.<\/p>\n
Harrity said the adjustment is intended for 2027 and possibly 2028, after which the city\u2019s contract with Republic Services would need to be renegotiated.<\/p>\n
Handbook update<\/p>\n
Council discussed updating its official handbook.<\/p>\n
That discussion prompted a disagreement over procedures for requesting commendations, certificates and letters recognizing residents.<\/p>\n
Council President Donna Reed proposed routing requests through the city clerk rather than individual staff members and establishing clearer advance-notice requirements.<\/p>\n
She also suggested council members notify colleagues when recognizing residents or organizations in another member\u2019s district.<\/p>\n
Council Solicitor Michael Gombar said the handbook already recommends two weeks\u2019 notice for commendations but does not require it.<\/p>\n
Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. objected to making two weeks mandatory, arguing that invitations to community events sometimes arrive on short notice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe solution should be a better process,\u201d Baez said. \u201cIt should not be less constituent service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baker suggested a one-week minimum, with two weeks encouraged whenever possible.<\/p>\n
Shooting<\/p>\n
Councilman Rafael Nunez expressed concern about a recent fatal shooting in the Glenside area and praised the police response.<\/p>\n