Erie City Council Meeting – September 3, 2026

Note: The transcript begins with "Roll call for the city council meeting of Wednesday September 2nd at 9 a.m." but the official date provided for this summary is September 3, 2026. This discrepancy is noted per source conflict rules.

The Erie City Council met on September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items, a repository sale presentation, public comments, passage of three final ordinances and one first‑reading ordinance, adoption of the Erie Outside recreation plan, and committee and mayor reports.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes and Bills: Motion to approve minutes from the August 19, 2026 City Council meeting and bills for payment on September 4 and 11, 2026. Passed unanimously (7‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Repository Sale (Christiano Ferrari): Mr. Ferrari, representing CJ Ferrari from Las Vegas, described his bid to purchase six vacant lots and one duplex at 1122 Wayne Street. He stated his intention to return properties to productive use, pay taxes, and develop responsibly. He noted concerns about potential occupancy at the duplex and asked the city to verify vacancy. Council directed the clerk to take his contact information and noted no vote would occur that day; code enforcement would investigate.
• Public Comment – David French (Lower East Side resident): Expressed frustration with e‑bike riders using sidewalks and riding dangerously close to pedestrians. Called for expedited regulations, noting that many riders lack driver’s licenses and that accidents have occurred.
• Public Comment – Cindy Triber (born/raised in Erie, currently in Edinboro): Raised questions about the creation of a “Council for Police Review Collaboration,” asking whether an ordinance had been passed to establish it. Requested transparency on board membership demographics, selection process, and public access to information. Urged the board to pause until the public receives full details. Also expressed concern that the mayor’s language about “dumbing down” police policies could be offensive, especially to communities most affected by policing.

Discussion Items

• Repository Sale Details: Council discussed the status of 1122 Wayne Street, acknowledging that being on the repository list does not guarantee vacancy. Dr. Titus and Councilor Horton noted that code enforcement records may exist but that occupancy should be verified. No vote was taken.
• E‑bike Safety: Council members and the mayor noted the need for a public education campaign on e‑bike laws, helmet use, and injury risks (a 671% increase in adolescent injuries cited by Councilor Shaw). The mayor committed to expanding social media outreach.
• Mayor’s Council on Community Safety and Trust: The solicitor explained that the mayor can form advisory councils under executive power; any codified board would require a council ordinance. The mayor clarified the advisory group is working toward eventual codification to outlast the administration.
• Housing Town Hall: Announced for 922 East Middle School, doors open 5:30 p.m. with a resource fair, two tracks for homeowners/tenants, and county housing data collection.
• Zoo Master Plan: Councilor Troop reported that the Erie Events Authority is seeking consultants for a zoo master plan and will seek public input.

Ordinances for Final Passage

• Ordinance 49‑2026 (File 16629): Appropriating $10,000 from a DCNR community partnership grant. Passed 7‑0.
• Ordinance 50‑2026 (File 16630): Appropriating $25,000 from a Keystone Historic Preservation Grant (PHMC). Passed 7‑0.
• Ordinance 51‑2026 (File 16631): Appropriating $25,000 from a PHMC Certified Local Government Grant. Passed 7‑0.

Ordinances for First Reading

• Ordinance 16632: Appropriating $88,823 from the DOJ JAG program for police equipment. Sponsored by Councilor Horton. Passed first reading 7‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Erie Outside Plan: Resolution passed 7‑0 adopting the comprehensive recreation, parks, and open space plan as a shared vision. The plan is the first update since 1993 and was developed over three to four years with community input. Councilors noted the need for public restrooms in Perry Square and winter park activation.
• Study Session Scheduled: Next study session set for Thursday, September 10, 2026, with another at month’s end. Budget season approaching.
• Community Benefit Agreements: Councilor Horton requested a study session on community benefit agreements tied to large projects; Council President Titus agreed.
• Post Office Petition: Councilor Shaw reported 2,000 signatures to reopen the Southeast Erie Post Office; letters to the Postmaster General encouraged.
• Ainsworth Field: Councilors Poll and Shaw noted a fundraiser for renovations; property owned by Erie School District; partnership desired.

Committee & Mayor Reports

• Councilor Poll: Attended OE and Fire Pension meetings (passings noted); attended Ainsworth Field fundraiser; prayed for military.
• Councilor Troop: Thanked Erie Events for Jimi’s Soul Night; described it as a community win.
• Councilor Flores: Acknowledged back‑to‑school safety; promoted upcoming heritage festivals; called for respect and unity amid social media negativity.
• Councilor Brzezinski: Praised Zabal (Polish festival); reminded of German Fest and Irish St. Patrick’s event in September.
• Councilor Horton: Reported on land bank meeting – housing development planned on 22nd Street using 6‑7 lots; thanked colleagues and administration; noted community wins.
• Councilor Shaw: Reported on post office petition, back‑to‑school supply giveaways, Ainsworth Field renovation hopes, tree inspections, e‑bike safety concerns, Frontier Park music series, Erie Water and Sewer Authority meetings.
• Council President Titus: Opened with moment of silence and tributes; reported on Airport Authority (executive director salary increase, union agreements) and Erie Events Authority (zoo master plan, vet center, tax revenue increases). Announced housing town hall date change. Urged caution on e‑bike regulations with equity lens. Raised concerns about Flock cameras and pending state legislation.
• Controller: Attended staff workshop; forming committee to streamline bill‑paying policies; reminded of Labor Day Parade on September 7 at 10 a.m.
• Mayor: Thanked planning department for parks plan; reported Celebrate Erie debrief; summer programming debrief planned; announced Welcoming Week (Sept. 10‑19) including Fiesta in the Square (Sept. 12) and New American Jamboree (Sept. 18); Patriot Day ceremony on Sept. 11; Sons of Lake Erie fish fry; committed to more e‑bike education; clarified that the advisory council on community safety and trust is a step toward codification.