OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Erie City Council Caucus and Regular Meeting - July 17, 2026

City Council — Friday, July 17, 2026
BodyErie, Pennsylvania
SessionCity Council
DateFriday, July 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:40:41

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

531.

0:08

So let's go ahead and get caucus started.

0:13

Overall, we have a very short agenda for tonight's meeting to go over.

0:19

We actually have nothing for first reading this time.

0:23

So we will enjoy, we'll enjoy that there was no study session this month and then nothing for first readings to prepare our brains for the next several months as we go into the PFM reports and start gearing up for the budget.

0:58

Okay.

1:02

You want me to wait till a little business?

1:04

Yeah.

1:05

Yeah.

1:07

And I should have I should have started with this.

1:10

So tonight um the mayor is traveling back from a conference or summit that they were at.

1:18

And so we have Chief of Staff, Lori Radder Spicer with us tonight.

1:22

And I did ask Laurie to come present uh on the one bay front, but we'll get to that after this.

1:28

So I say that for not for for us to be gentle, but to still whatever questions we may have, Lori Laurie's well equipped to answer.

1:37

Do we have any questions?

1:38

If they're not on the final passage, do we have any on old business?

1:49

For the one item I did want to bring up, sorry, Laura, I know you you're being so patient.

1:53

Um that we did receive a response from Matthew Falcone for the item that we had tabled, so we pulled it back.

2:00

Uh and that being uh item number one under old business regarding um just some questions that Councillor Horton had asked, and we wanted to get some clarification on, and I just wanted to make sure that everyone received that email from Matthew Falcone, or if anybody had any other follow-up questions.

2:17

Um if you didn't get a chance to read it, I could explain it very quickly.

2:22

No, I appreciate thank you all.

2:34

That this house is affiliated with.

2:37

Uh but anything, there are quite a few designations coming forward.

2:42

There are quite a few designations coming forward.

2:50

I I can't sometime I can't chew bubblegum and walk at the same time.

2:56

ADHD I'm very easily distracted.

2:59

Yeah, hold my attention or I'll uh yeah, I'll be daydreaming or something.

3:06

So case in point, um what was I saying?

3:11

So um there are several designations coming forward.

3:14

Thank you.

3:16

Yeah, thank you.

3:17

Yeah.

3:18

Um I I would appreciate it, and uh, I think I mentioned that to Mr.

3:22

Falcon that any of those ancient 1800 things come down.

3:26

I appreciate it if you would they would include that in the dossier or whatever they're presenting so that we don't have to inquire.

3:33

Uh I don't think that's an unreasonable request, uh, particularly in the space and time we find ourselves in.

3:41

Um I would much rather have it done and have it be more seamlessly than to have it discussed out here and we could just do that.

3:52

That would go a long way for me.

3:54

Uh and with that said, I see that we have a lot of historical designations coming uh down of late.

4:03

Uh there are some things associated with that.

4:06

Could you try again?

4:07

Series very rude.

4:09

Yeah.

4:13

Yeah.

4:15

And so uh, yeah, if we if they would just include that information uh in on the front end of it, and then again there's a lot coming down.

4:25

And so there I do understand that there's money associated or grant opportunities associated with all of that stuff too, uh, but they seem to be coming pretty rapidly, and just as a new member.

4:37

Uh maybe it's just me, I'm slow.

4:39

I I like a little bit more time to kind of digest some of that stuff.

4:44

Um because it it's not the big foxes, it's the little ones for me.

4:49

Uh I don't want to do anything that uh set some precedence for somewhere else where it shouldn't be.

4:56

Uh and and uh I know that um he he really does a really good job of putting that stuff forward.

5:02

But quite frankly, the um uh trying to keep up with all of that stuff for part-time job.

5:09

I'm not a planning commissioner.

5:12

Uh and uh I I do attend some of the lighted properties on the boards and that type of thing.

5:17

But it's a lot to digest sometimes.

5:20

And and uh I don't want to just rubber stamp anything.

5:23

I'm wondering could if that could be part of the actual application process when we're looking just to see um, especially when it falls within a certain date or a time frame that we're making sure that we're also putting that in there.

5:35

And then maybe that could also be some of that work could be done by those submitting the applications and not falling all on on Matthew as well.

5:43

Great.

5:43

I'll happily talk with him about that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████████████████28%
Community Engagement███████████████████19%
Procedural██████████10%
Youth Programs████████8%
Public Engagement█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Racial Equity███3%
Parks And Recreation██2%
Economic Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Erie City Council Caucus and Regular Meeting - July 17, 2026

The Erie City Council held a caucus and regular meeting on July 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a presentation on the One Bayfront planning process, several resolutions and ordinances, and extensive public comment on police accountability, budget priorities, and council conduct. Councilmember Brzezinski was absent during portions of the meeting, and the mayor was traveling, with Chief of Staff Lori Radder Spicer presenting.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michelle Dovishaw criticized the city's transparency regarding the SPCP (Special Police Citizens' Board) and recounted incidents of racial profiling by police, including a traffic stop where a Black man was threatened with being dragged from his car for refusing a search.
  • Aaron Meisner thanked the Erie Police for their handling of a recent homicide but called for policy changes regarding use of force, referencing the Kevin Sparks case. He also urged the city to adopt policies from Albuquerque's DOJ consent decree, including bans on striking individuals with vehicles and requirements for medical care after force.
  • Rick Leablani demanded Councilmember Brzezinski's resignation, citing a prior incident of inappropriate comments, and stated that such behavior would not be tolerated in corporate or nonprofit settings.
  • A landlord (unnamed) described repeated harassment by a neighbor with a Confederate flag, property damage, and police inaction, saying low-income minority tenants were not protected. He was redirected to the District Attorney's office.
  • Mary Ann McDaniels Calesa raised concerns about foreclosure procedures, alleging that a Pittsburgh law firm used outdated deeds and that low-income homeowners were being intimidated. Councilor Horton explained that foreclosures are a county matter beyond the city's jurisdiction.
  • Rye Witherow questioned the council's responsiveness, noting that over 200 signatories on an ICE petition received no response from most councilors, and urged creation of a transparency policy.
  • Caleb Brechtston criticized the council's response to public comment at the previous meeting, called for action on the Kevin Sparks case, and opposed the city's pursuit of defense manufacturing contracts.
  • Dr. Clayton Bratt John Middle analyzed the 2026 city budget, noting the police department consumes nearly 40% of the general fund ($43.5M out of $112.6M) and argued for reallocating funds to social safety nets and arts programs.
  • Anthony Hazen warned that rising taxes and fees are making rental housing unaffordable and driving population decline.
  • Samantha Vodo condemned Councilmember Brzezinski's comments to a reporter and urged council members to speak up against inappropriate behavior.
  • Abigail Hanson read from The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer, arguing that Lake Erie and the bayfront should remain public assets, not privatized for commercial development.
  • Michael Butskolny criticized the mayor's attendance at a defense innovation summit, linking it to genocide in Gaza, and questioned the role of Infinite Erie in promoting shipbuilding.
  • Dan Norrin called for addressing litter, potholes, and infrastructure, and suggested cutting the police budget.
  • A speaker (name not given) asked for clarification on Councilmember Brzezinski's absence and censure status, and urged the city to have Erie Waterworks claim a $14 billion PFAS settlement.
  • Cindy Triver challenged the Erie Police Department's training and policies, noting that the department lacks a use-of-force continuum and that 93% of departments nationwide have duty-to-intervene policies, while Erie's is lacking. She highlighted settlements in 11 of 15 notable incidents involving women, disabled persons, and Black individuals.
  • Dr. Donna (name possibly) sounded an alarm about toxic male culture and patriarchy in leadership and law enforcement.
  • Dan Brayman filed a formal complaint regarding the city's status as a welcoming city, citing the Kevin Sparks case and the use of deadly force tactics.
  • Deontay Coley questioned the absence of Councilmember Brzezinski and expressed concern about the upcoming crisis of gambling addiction when skill game machines are outlawed, predicting increased crime and substance abuse.
  • Julio Regis criticized inefficiencies at 8 Great Tuesdays events and urged the council to remove problematic individuals from organizations.
  • Jared Stascheski asked about Councilmember Brzezinski's censure and encouraged Erie Waterworks to claim PFAS settlement funds.

Discussion Items

  • One Bayfront Update: Chief of Staff Lori Radder Spicer presented the community-driven planning process for the waterfront, covering the study area from Cranberry Street to the Erie Land Lighthouse, bounded by Third Street. The project timeline includes a virtual open house and survey (700+ responses), with a goal to produce a final plan by end of 2026. Council members emphasized the need for ongoing community engagement and accessibility.
  • Fire Engine Roof Replacement: The council discussed a change order for roof replacement at Fire Engine 10, originally approved for Engine 11. The cost increased from $76,250 to $87,936, with a further $1,967 for additional work, totaling $89,903. The change was due to different roof conditions.
  • Winter Maintenance Contract: The city renewed a PennDOT agreement for winter maintenance of 125 miles of state routes within Erie, with annual reimbursement between $400,000 and $500,000.
  • Public Safety Facility Phase II: A resolution authorized a $720,000 contract with HHSDR for design services for Phase II of the public safety facility. Councilmember Brzezinski voted no.
  • Historic Designation: The council approved the designation of the former William and Mary Spencer House at 519 West 6th Street as a historic building.
  • Council Conduct: Council President Titus addressed rules of decorum and the limits of censure, noting that only a motion and vote can censure a member for a single meeting. She stated that ordinances on Article 112 (rules of decorum) and a Citizens Review Board are under review with the solicitor, with care to comply with state preemption laws.

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinances Passed:
    • Ordinance 42-2026: Appropriated $189,868 for the Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority grant. Passed 5-0-1 (Brzezinski abstained).
    • Ordinance 43-2026: Appropriated $405,899 for the Auto Theft Prevention Authority grant. Passed 6-0.
    • Ordinance 44-2026: Appropriated $500,000 for the Erie Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT) upgrades via RACP grant. Passed 6-0.
  • Resolutions Passed:
    • Historic designation for 519 West 6th Street. Passed 6-0.
    • Change order for Fire Engine 10 roof replacement (total $89,903). Passed 6-0.
  • New Business Resolutions:
    • Winter maintenance agreement with PennDOT approved (moved on consent).
    • Contract with HHSDR for Phase II design services ($720,000) approved 5-1 (Brzezinski opposed).
  • Appointments: Sarah Morrison and Janae Alexander were appointed to CAFE (announced for transparency).
  • Committee Reports: Councilors reported on various liaison meetings, including the Housing Authority, Blighted Property Review Board, Parking Authority, and Airport Authority. Councilor Shaw highlighted the upcoming America's Saturday festival and a community rebuild house project. Councilor Poll noted a blighted property redevelopment on West 7th Street.
  • Next Steps: The One Bayfront virtual open house closes July 17; parks plan comment period ends July 21. The council will continue reviewing ordinances on police accountability and decorum.

Meeting Transcript

531. So let's go ahead and get caucus started. Overall, we have a very short agenda for tonight's meeting to go over. We actually have nothing for first reading this time. So we will enjoy, we'll enjoy that there was no study session this month and then nothing for first readings to prepare our brains for the next several months as we go into the PFM reports and start gearing up for the budget. Okay. You want me to wait till a little business? Yeah. Yeah. And I should have I should have started with this. So tonight um the mayor is traveling back from a conference or summit that they were at. And so we have Chief of Staff, Lori Radder Spicer with us tonight. And I did ask Laurie to come present uh on the one bay front, but we'll get to that after this. So I say that for not for for us to be gentle, but to still whatever questions we may have, Lori Laurie's well equipped to answer. Do we have any questions? If they're not on the final passage, do we have any on old business? For the one item I did want to bring up, sorry, Laura, I know you you're being so patient. Um that we did receive a response from Matthew Falcone for the item that we had tabled, so we pulled it back. Uh and that being uh item number one under old business regarding um just some questions that Councillor Horton had asked, and we wanted to get some clarification on, and I just wanted to make sure that everyone received that email from Matthew Falcone, or if anybody had any other follow-up questions. Um if you didn't get a chance to read it, I could explain it very quickly. No, I appreciate thank you all. That this house is affiliated with. Uh but anything, there are quite a few designations coming forward. There are quite a few designations coming forward. I I can't sometime I can't chew bubblegum and walk at the same time. ADHD I'm very easily distracted. Yeah, hold my attention or I'll uh yeah, I'll be daydreaming or something. So case in point, um what was I saying? So um there are several designations coming forward. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Yeah. Um I I would appreciate it, and uh, I think I mentioned that to Mr. Falcon that any of those ancient 1800 things come down. I appreciate it if you would they would include that in the dossier or whatever they're presenting so that we don't have to inquire. Uh I don't think that's an unreasonable request, uh, particularly in the space and time we find ourselves in. Um I would much rather have it done and have it be more seamlessly than to have it discussed out here and we could just do that. That would go a long way for me. Uh and with that said, I see that we have a lot of historical designations coming uh down of late. Uh there are some things associated with that. Could you try again? Series very rude. Yeah. Yeah. And so uh, yeah, if we if they would just include that information uh in on the front end of it, and then again there's a lot coming down. And so there I do understand that there's money associated or grant opportunities associated with all of that stuff too, uh, but they seem to be coming pretty rapidly, and just as a new member. Uh maybe it's just me, I'm slow. I I like a little bit more time to kind of digest some of that stuff. Um because it it's not the big foxes, it's the little ones for me. Uh I don't want to do anything that uh set some precedence for somewhere else where it shouldn't be.

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