Roll call for the City Council meeting of Wednesday November 5th, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Members Witherspoon, Brzezinski, Flores, Nelson, Schaff, Titus, and Troop.

I'd like to ask everyone to please stand for a moment of silence and the pledge of allegiance.

One nation under God with liberty and justice hurried.

Motion to approve the minutes from the October 15th, 2025 City Council meeting and bills for payment on November 7th and 14th.

Members Brzezinski, Flores, Nelson Schaff, Titus Troop, and Witherspoon.

Okay, this morning we have a presentation of the Jason Belton Award.

Chief.

Good morning.

Thank you, Council, and especially President Witherspoon.

Several years ago, it was your vision to create this award in memory of Jason Belton, the former officer who uh died untimely on the job uh during the COVID uh term.

So this morning it's my honor and privilege to present a Jason Belton Community Policing Award, an award that stands as a lasting tribute to Officer Belton's commitment to the Erie community, his dedication to service, his belief that policing is best when it's rooted in trust, compassion, and partnership.

Jason was a fixture in the downtown area riding his bicycle, interacting with everyone he came in contact with.

We learned that after his uh departure, unfortunately.

The Jason Belton Community Policing Award recognizes an officer who goes above and beyond the call of duty to build a meaningful relationship with the citizens we serve.

This award honors those who exemplify Officer Belton's legacy through proactive engagement, mentorship, and a genuine desire to make our neighborhoods better and safer.

Previous award winners are here today, include Sergeant Mel Soric, Sergeant David Smith, and Patrolman Max Burzel.

This year's recipient has demonstrated outstanding initiative in fostering positive community relations, supporting local outreach programs, and embodying the principles, fairness, respect, and integrity in to find true community policing.

This year's recipient began his career with the Pittsburgh Police Department before returning to his hometown, where he has served for over seven years.

Recently assigned as a full-time saturation unit, he continues on the same path as Jason, riding a bike and making a difference in the downtown.

On behalf of the Erie Police Department and the Belton family who are here, it gives me great pride to present the Jason Belton Community Policing Award to Patrolman Matthew Velud.

Again, is whenever you're done.

What's that?

A couple of words.

Whenever we're done.

Oh, sure.

Well, let's hear it from them.

Thank you, guys.

I'm truly honored to receive this award.

Having had the privilege, privilege of knowing Jason before he passed, I saw firsthand how he approached community policing.

He set the standard high, treating everyone with genuine care and respect.

Every day I strive to live up to the example he set, and I believe we all should.

To Jason's family, thank you for being here today.

Your strength and compassion reminds us all how great a man Jason was.

And his legacy continues to inspire all of us every day.

Thank you to the previous award winners for carrying on Jason's example and to the command staff, the saturation unit, and to Deputy Chief Russo.

Your guidance and support mean everything.

Community policing isn't just a program.

Community policing isn't just a program, it's a mindset.

It's about knowing the people we serve, understanding their needs, and building trust, one conversation at a time.

That connection is what keeps our neighborhood safe and makes this job so meaningful.

To all my fellow officers, thank you for the work you do every day, your sacrifices you make, for the compassion you show to this community.

This award represents all of us who believe in what community policing truly means.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

I didn't know feeling.

Good morning, everyone.

I'm very happy to be here.

Can you hear me okay?

I have my mic on.

So I'm very happy to be here with you this morning to present the city's 2026 budget and also the five-year forecast, which goes through 2030.

Our approach to doing the budget was very similar to what we've done in the past.

Finance Director Lisa Gomersal who's here with me, assistant finance director Melissa Rizzo, Chief of Staff, Renee Lamus, and I met with each department director at least once to discuss every line on their budget.

Once we completed all the meetings, we made some cuts and drafted the 110 million 112,599 preliminary budget that you have received.

The budget present represents an increase of approximately 2.4 million dollars, which is a two and a quarter percent increase over 2025.

Considering the inflation alone is on average around 3%, and given the salaries and benefits are approximately 90% of the budget, with increases already factored in due to union contracts.

I am proud of how the process unfolded and the thoughtfulness of each director as they looked ahead to priorities and needs, but held the line on expenses.

Now I will briefly highlight some of the major elements of this budget.

As you already know, we have been able to hold steady on the city's budget with no property tax increases for the last six years.