Erie City Council Meeting – October 26, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the session occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is October 26, 2026 as instructed. The following reflects the content of that meeting.

The Erie City Council met on the evening of October 26, 2026. After a moment of silence for recent tragedies and approval of prior minutes, the council heard extensive public comment concerning domestic violence, the trial of Kevin Stelinger for the death of Marcello Woodard, and calls for police accountability and a civilian review board. The council then passed several ordinances on final and first readings, and members delivered committee reports reflecting on community trauma and the need for systemic change.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved the minutes from the Wednesday, October 7, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Bills for Payment: Authorized payments scheduled for October 23 and 30, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Rensel (East Greenfield, rental property owner): Thanked the mayor and described domestic violence and property damage issues. He requested that the Tenant Bill of Rights be amended to inform tenants that intentional property damage is a crime, not merely a civil matter.
• Holly Short (Executive Director, Erie Bird Observatory, Erie resident): Expressed support for the resolution to have Erie recognized as a Pennsylvania Bird Town, noting benefits for wildlife and the community.
• Cindy Triber (Edinboro resident, born and raised in Erie): Provided extensive criticism of the Erie Police Department’s handling of the Marcello Woodard case, alleging compromised evidence, lack of scene security, and misconduct. She claimed the EPD and leadership have been dishonest since July 2, 2025.
• Michelle Dovicha (Erie resident): Called for immediate policy changes following the Stelinger verdict. She criticized statements from the mayor and DA urging calm, and urged the council to establish a civilian review board to address officer accountability.
• Deontay Cooley (Erie resident): Questioned the effectiveness of community organizations receiving city funding and urged elected officials to engage directly with residents, especially youth. He expressed distrust in the system after the Woodard verdict.
• Julie Hurt (Mill Creek resident): Thanked the council for acquiring the blighted property on Perry Street and asked that neighbors be included in redevelopment plans. She also raised concerns about uniformed EPD officers appearing at the Stelinger trial while on duty, calling it an optics issue.
• Ann McCarthy (Harbor Creek resident, minister): Called for a legitimate civilian review board, stating the current grievance process is ineffective. She noted the visible presence of uniformed police behind the defendant at trial.
• Bob Strasser (Erie Lower East Side): Invited council to a neighborhood crime watch meeting at St. Ann’s on October 22 to discuss the Perry Street tragedy and other community concerns.

Discussion Items

• Ordinances for Final Passage (all passed 7-0):
  • Ordinance 56-2026 (CF 16636): Amended rooming house licensing fees and late fees.
  • Ordinance 57-2026 (CF 16637): Appropriated $176,397 from a DCED grant for mobilization and towing vehicles.
  • Ordinance 58-2026 (CF 16638): Appropriated $52,080.35 for LED lighting upgrades.
  • Ordinance 59-2026 (CF 16639): Amended child care facilities licensing fees and late fees.
• Ordinances for First Reading (all adopted 7-0):
  • Ordinance (CF 16640): Appropriated $500,000 from the multimodal transportation fund for State Street Multimodal Improvements.
  • Ordinance (CF 16641): Appropriated $50,000 for the police drug and vice program.
  • Ordinance (CF 16642): Appropriated $100,000 from the Main Street Matters Program for business development.
  • Ordinance (CF 16643): Appropriated $6,350 from a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission grant.
• Old Business: A public hearing on the intermunicipal transfer of liquor license (R-6741) was rescheduled from October 21 to November 4, 2026 at 9 a.m.
• New Business: Motion to move the balance of the agenda passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance Approvals: All four final-passage and four first-reading ordinances were adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Public Hearing Rescheduled: The liquor license transfer hearing moved to November 4.
• Committee Reports: Council members delivered emotional reflections on recent tragedies. Councillor Horton strongly criticized the FOP’s call for an investigation of District Attorney Elizabeth Hearst, stating the FOP has too much power and that no one is above the law. Mayor Devlin announced a policing town hall on November 16 and a press conference on October 29 regarding the Mayor’s Council on Community Safety and Trust. She also invited the public to waterfront walks on October 31.

Committee Reports (Continued)

• Councilor Poll: Shared reflections on community hurt and attended the 30th anniversary of the Bicentennial Tower, noting a drone show and community gathering.
• Councilor True: Offered condolences, attended the first Heritage Awards, and gave updates on downtown fall events (Fall Fest Oct 24, Downtown Delights Nov 20, etc.).
• Councilor Flores: Emphasized the need for trauma-informed care and a genuine civilian review board, urging action over rhetoric.
• Councilor Brzezinski: Spoke about the east side tragedy, called for more investment, and thanked the Seawolves organization.
• Councilor Shaw: Described community healing efforts, attended the Heritage Awards and neighborhood events, and urged residents to vote by November 3.
• Mayor Devlin: Provided updates on waterfront planning, acknowledged the community’s pain, and reiterated commitment to change.