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Record of Proceedings

Erie City Council Meeting - February 19, 2026: First Reading of Welcoming City Ordinance, Historic Designations, and Community Presentations

City Council — Thursday, February 19, 2026
BodyErie, Pennsylvania
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, February 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

We'll start with going down to see if any counselors have a question on any ordinance for final passage.

0:14

We have one, two, three, four, five.

0:16

Five for final passage tonight.

0:18

I was just wondering if anybody had any questions on those.

0:24

Rules of council, the only thing we changed was being out here.

0:27

Um for for this one uh that we have right here.

0:31

Yes, the one that we're doing the final passage on is starting the caucus at 5 30.

0:37

That's what I thought.

0:40

Okay.

0:41

So this one is then accessibility, the ADA compliance.

0:44

Yes, codifying ADA compliance.

0:49

Yes.

0:49

112 points and six.

0:51

So the one that we're is before us tonight is then the ADA compliance codifying what we already have.

0:57

Uh what we've been doing in practice, but making sure that we are we're following ADA compliance.

1:02

And then under under the new first or the first reading one, it is removing the report.

1:07

Um there was a uh uh a clause at the end, but we can we can go over that one in the next spot if you don't mind.

1:16

Any other questions on the ordinances for final passage tonight?

1:20

Just for the accessibility, that's if we're not meeting virtually out to the community, but that location is accessible.

1:27

Yeah.

1:27

We had to turn your mic on because I want to know you're gonna speaking of accessibility now.

1:31

Yeah, no.

1:31

So the important thing though, too, is that we're ADA accessible at other locations if council goes to other parts of the community.

1:39

That's all we're saying we're gonna comply with that there as well.

1:43

Thank you.

1:47

Any other questions on anything for final passage?

1:53

Okay.

1:53

Any questions on ordinances for the first reading?

1:57

So we have um two for first reading.

2:02

The first one being the rules of of counsel, and this is the at the very end of 112, specifically 112.16, there is a chapter or a clause that says we are to be getting reports uh on seminars and conferences that the administration goes to.

2:21

Um so it doesn't relate to council.

2:23

It's been giving us this reports that we're not collecting.

2:28

Um and I think putting us in a position where we would then be accountable to what the administration is deciding and then having to monitor.

2:34

We've not done that, I don't think, at least for the past two years that I've been on council, so I thought that put us in a in a position that wasn't great to be monitoring something that we've not been monitoring.

2:45

So I think that how the administration decides to send their staff to conferences and seminars is really up for the administration to decide, and that should be laid out in the budget versus us having reports and having staff having to submit reports to us.

2:59

That's what that one is on.

3:01

Any questions on that one?

3:05

Number two, who wrote the resolution?

3:08

Um that one was uh it's the first is by me, and the second is by counselor Shaw.

3:15

Sure.

3:16

I might the question I have, and I can't vote for it unless it's cleared up, is it's we're saying that we're welcoming all immigrants.

3:24

We're not working them all.

3:25

We're welcoming all legal ones.

3:28

There's you know there are immigrants out there that have paperwork problems or whatever.

3:32

I'll go to the walls room.

3:34

I've taken people buffalo to get their papers completed and done.

3:39

But I don't like the idea of saying we welcome all immigrants.

3:42

Because the ones that are the bad guys, they know where race is going, and they know we're gonna be.

3:49

So th in this ordinance, what it outlines is what was just passed in Allentown and also passed in Lancaster, and is what is required of the welcoming city, and if we don't have this, then we lose that application.

4:00

It's not saying that anybody's committing a crime, that they can't, that the our police can't be involved.

4:04

If they are committing a crime, it's not getting we put legal in that resolution.

4:09

I think that that's where we that's listed.

4:12

We yeah, we can I think that that's presumed in the language.

4:16

Yeah, I think legal.

4:18

Well, first off, I think we're gonna clarify it.

4:21

So the welcoming city is a program by the nonprofit welcoming America, which is based out of Edlena, and they do um a one to five star rating, depending of your city or borough or county, of letting whether um immigrants legal or here as a refugee status, you know, that that city has the ability to provide some sort of not protection per se, but like you know that they're not out to get you.

4:49

So that's the ordinances to help comply with our status as a welcoming city under the welcoming America program.

5:00

Now we can change it so that they're legal immigrants, but I would also put it in there probably and or refugees, because refugees are a separate type of legal immigrant, they're a separate program.

5:05

They're not like getting a green card or whatever uh the regular immigration process is.

5:11

Does that make sense?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Immigration Policy██████████████████████22%
Procedural█████████████████████21%
Public Safety████████████████16%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Historic Preservation████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Disability Rights██2%
Pending Litigation██2%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Erie City Council Meeting - February 19, 2026

The Erie City Council met on February 19, 2026 (the meeting was held on February 18 but the recorded date is used as instructed) for a regular meeting that included a presentation from the Erie High School American Red Cross Club, extensive public comment on the welcoming city ordinance and other issues, passage of five ordinances on final reading, first reading of two ordinances including the controversial welcoming city ordinance, and committee reports. Key actions included approval of historic designations, funding for wastewater treatment, and a 6-1 vote to advance the welcoming city ordinance.

Meeting Administration and Approvals

  • Council waived the rules (7-0) to add a resolution for a zoning hearing board solicitor contract, allowing the board to proceed with a pending public hearing.
  • Minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting and copies of bills for February 20 and 27, 2026 were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Several community members spoke on a range of topics:

  • Emerson Bannon (Academy neighborhood) expressed full support for the welcoming city ordinance, arguing it is essential for Erie's growth and economy.
  • Fred Achepfer (City of Erie) raised concerns about snow berms and parking at Braybender Park, and also supported the welcoming city ordinance.
  • Tina Hyotis (East side) called for a community policing board with subpoena power, raised safety issues at housing authority properties, and urged prioritizing Erie businesses in city contracts.
  • Maria Chilevich criticized the lack of local news coverage and the impact of ICE, and called for more activities for seniors and children.
  • Abdullah Washington and Deanna Chatfield (student) spoke against ICE, with Deanna reading from "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" to argue for kindness and opportunity.
  • Sister Jacqueline Sanchez Small (Benedictine Sisters) supported the welcoming city ordinance, noting the congregation's long history with immigrants.
  • Cole Shimley (City of Erie) spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing a reported ICE raid in Erie and arguing cooperation with ICE is harmful.
  • Todd Davis (East Lake Road) opposed ICE cooperation, sharing personal family concerns.
  • Constantine Hyotis (East side) expressed concerns about illegal immigration and called for public safety, defending ICE.
  • Deontay Cooley (Lifelong Erie resident) acknowledged immigrant concerns but emphasized the need for investment in the East Side of Erie, where violence and lack of opportunity persist.
  • Cindy Triber (Edinboro) criticized the Erie Police Department's lack of gloves and trauma kits, and called for joint training among gun task force agencies.
  • Susanna Faulkner (Erie Arts and Culture) urged passage of the welcoming city ordinance, citing benefits for arts, culture, and community trust.
  • Aaron Meisner (East side) read DHS use of force policy, opposed ICE cooperation, and called for the ordinance's passage.
  • Michael Woodard (Enough Blood Official) highlighted the death of Matthew Zimbrowski in a police vehicle crash and called for accountability.
  • Julia Jacobs (Penn State Behrend student) connected the murder of Marcello Woodard to ICE activities, calling for broader reform.
  • Wuji Ahmad (refugee, City of Erie) shared her family's refugee story, supported the welcoming city, and also called for support for black neighbors.
  • Bob Strasser (Lifelong Erie resident) discussed repurposing the Erie Coke site and urged attracting businesses and jobs.
  • Shane Talberg (Gannon University janitor) expressed fear for immigrant coworkers and supported the welcoming city.

Discussion Items

  • Caucus Discussion (prior to formal meeting): Council reviewed ordinances for final passage, including ADA compliance codification (112.02) and first reading of a rules change to remove seminar report requirements. Extensive discussion occurred on the welcoming city ordinance, with Councilmember Brzezinski expressing concerns about language and police authority. Other members noted the fiscal necessity of maintaining the Welcoming America one-star designation to preserve federal funding and population growth. Council also discussed a waiver of rules to add a zoning hearing board solicitor contract, which was later approved.
  • Presentation: The Erie High School American Red Cross Club presented on their community service activities (park cleanup, holiday cards for veterans, CPR teaching, etc.) and promoted an upcoming blood drive on March 9, 2026 at Booker T Washington Center, featuring free sickle cell and A1C screenings.
  • Social Media Comments: Council members discussed the city's social media policy. Most expressed support for turning off comments on city pages due to hate speech, with Councilmember Shaw noting the public relations harm. Councilmember Paul voiced caution about limiting discussion. The administration indicated it would take the council's input into account.
  • Committee Reports: Council members reported on various liaisons (Airport Authority, Civic Center Authority, Sewer Authority, CDBG, Water Reserve, etc.) with an emphasis on the water reserve's investment performance and the new public safety building study session.

Key Outcomes

  • Motion to Waive Rules (to add zoning solicitor contract): Passed 7-0.
  • Minutes and Bills Approved: Unanimous 7-0.
  • Final Passage of Five Ordinances (all 7-0):
    • Ordinance 12-2026: Historic designation for 411 State Street.
    • Ordinance 13-2026: Historic designation for 1372 West 6th Street.
    • Ordinance 14-2026: $1,250,000 appropriation for wastewater treatment plant chlorination disinfection project (EPA grant).
    • Ordinance 15-2026: $1,050,000 appropriation from Business Development Revolving Loan Fund to Urban Core Economic Recovery Revolving Loan Fund.
    • Ordinance 16-2026: Amendment to council rules (112.02) to improve legislative efficiency (caucus start time changed to 5:30 PM).
  • First Reading of Two Ordinances:
    • Ordinance 16596 (rules change removing seminar report requirement): Passed 7-0.
    • Ordinance 16597 (Welcoming City ordinance): Passed 6-1 (Councilmember Brzezinski voted no, citing need for more review). The ordinance codifies Erie's commitment to Welcoming America standards and requires a second reading for final passage.
  • Old Business – Erie Cemetery Historic Designation: Resolution approved 7-0 to designate the cemetery as historic and direct the solicitor to prepare a zoning map amendment.
  • Motion to Move the Balance of New Business (encompassing added zoning solicitor resolution and other contracts): Passed 7-0.

Meeting Transcript

We'll start with going down to see if any counselors have a question on any ordinance for final passage. We have one, two, three, four, five. Five for final passage tonight. I was just wondering if anybody had any questions on those. Rules of council, the only thing we changed was being out here. Um for for this one uh that we have right here. Yes, the one that we're doing the final passage on is starting the caucus at 5 30. That's what I thought. Okay. So this one is then accessibility, the ADA compliance. Yes, codifying ADA compliance. Yes. 112 points and six. So the one that we're is before us tonight is then the ADA compliance codifying what we already have. Uh what we've been doing in practice, but making sure that we are we're following ADA compliance. And then under under the new first or the first reading one, it is removing the report. Um there was a uh uh a clause at the end, but we can we can go over that one in the next spot if you don't mind. Any other questions on the ordinances for final passage tonight? Just for the accessibility, that's if we're not meeting virtually out to the community, but that location is accessible. Yeah. We had to turn your mic on because I want to know you're gonna speaking of accessibility now. Yeah, no. So the important thing though, too, is that we're ADA accessible at other locations if council goes to other parts of the community. That's all we're saying we're gonna comply with that there as well. Thank you. Any other questions on anything for final passage? Okay. Any questions on ordinances for the first reading? So we have um two for first reading. The first one being the rules of of counsel, and this is the at the very end of 112, specifically 112.16, there is a chapter or a clause that says we are to be getting reports uh on seminars and conferences that the administration goes to. Um so it doesn't relate to council. It's been giving us this reports that we're not collecting. Um and I think putting us in a position where we would then be accountable to what the administration is deciding and then having to monitor. We've not done that, I don't think, at least for the past two years that I've been on council, so I thought that put us in a in a position that wasn't great to be monitoring something that we've not been monitoring. So I think that how the administration decides to send their staff to conferences and seminars is really up for the administration to decide, and that should be laid out in the budget versus us having reports and having staff having to submit reports to us. That's what that one is on. Any questions on that one? Number two, who wrote the resolution? Um that one was uh it's the first is by me, and the second is by counselor Shaw. Sure. I might the question I have, and I can't vote for it unless it's cleared up, is it's we're saying that we're welcoming all immigrants. We're not working them all. We're welcoming all legal ones. There's you know there are immigrants out there that have paperwork problems or whatever. I'll go to the walls room. I've taken people buffalo to get their papers completed and done. But I don't like the idea of saying we welcome all immigrants. Because the ones that are the bad guys, they know where race is going, and they know we're gonna be. So th in this ordinance, what it outlines is what was just passed in Allentown and also passed in Lancaster, and is what is required of the welcoming city, and if we don't have this, then we lose that application. It's not saying that anybody's committing a crime, that they can't, that the our police can't be involved.

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