Erie City Council Caucus – October 26, 2026

This caucus meeting of the Erie City Council covered a range of administrative and policy items, including final passage of ordinances, first readings, grant programs, a change order for bike lane infrastructure, and updates on public safety and community response to a recent tragedy. Council members also raised concerns about code enforcement, police take-home vehicles, and economic development staffing.

Discussion Items

• Final Passage & First Reading Ordinances: Council proceeded with final passage of items on the agenda without additional questions. Under first reading, an ordinance for the police drug and vice program was clarified: the consumables include radio batteries, BPD signage, audio/video upgrades to the police intercom system, and a police identification printer upgrade. Council member requested a breakdown of the police budget subscription costs for future discussions.
• Main Street Matters Program (Flagship Grants): Council discussed the microgrant program for small businesses, with a grant range of $2,000–$10,000, requiring a 1:1 match and reimbursement basis. Deadline is November 30, 2026. Preferences given to businesses with ≤25 employees, brick-and-mortar locations, and for-profit entities. Council member noted the need to close out prior year grants.
• Bird Town Resolution: Matthew Falcon, Cultural and Natural Resource Manager, presented a voluntary program run by Pennsylvania called Bird Town. The Urban Forest Committee created a subcommittee led by Holly Short. Council was briefed on the program to enable access to granting opportunities. The subcommittee will follow the existing urban forest committee bylaws.
• French Street Bike Lane Change Order: Director Jason Sayers explained a $58,000 change order for additional crosswalks and lane markings on the bike loop from 10th to 26th Street. The project is complete; the additional cost is fully funded by a Commonwealth grant. Council also raised concerns about deteriorating detectable warning surfaces at intersections; newer contracts use replaceable products.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras (Police): Council inquired about maintenance agreements. Chief confirmed no maintenance needed; cameras are approximately $1,300 each and considered disposable.
• Police Take-Home Vehicle Policy: Council requested a policy update regarding how many vehicles are taken home and by whom. The administration will email the policy to council by the end of the week and address it publicly at the next meeting.
• Frontier Sewer Damage & Storm Response: The mayor reported meeting with affected residents and identified three solutions: meeting with Mill Creek to address inter-municipal issues, working with homeowners on downspout improvements to reduce stormwater inflow, and investigating root intrusion in sewer lines (already addressed on Monica Drive). Storm response also includes removal of tree stumps in the right-of-way that may impede snow removal; the city is working with homeowners on costs.
• Auto Repair Shops Blocking Sidewalks: Council member Schoff raised concerns about vehicles from repair shops obstructing sidewalks. Administration advised sending specific addresses for code enforcement and suggested calling the parking office for immediate violations.
• Domestic Violence & Recent Tragedy: Dr. Titus noted a steady increase in domestic violence numbers over the past year. The mayor provided an update following the October 9 tragedy: first responders were commended; the city is organizing support for families, retraining police on domestic violence procedures (fourth quarter), tightening lethality assessment protocols, training code officers as mandated reporters, and convening college leaders and providers to improve coordination. Council member emphasized the need for equitable enforcement and data on charges, expressing concern about over-policing in certain communities.
• Property Demolition & Memorial: The property involved in the tragedy was signed over to the Redevelopment Authority. Demolition is scheduled for a week from today (November 2). Community organizations have offered to create a reflective garden or public art piece; the city will seek proposals but will be sensitive to neighborhood wishes.
• Economic Development Staffing: Following retirements of Dave Dieter and Deb Smith, the city plans to eliminate one position and fill one entry-level position. The mayor indicated intent to maximize HUD reimbursement requests and ensure the new team is in place by 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Council will receive the police take-home vehicle policy via email by the end of the week and a public update at the next meeting.
• The Bird Town resolution will be formally introduced as a new business item.
• The French Street bike lane change order ($58,000, grant-funded) is approved for closeout.
• The city will proceed with demolition of the property involved in the tragedy and open a community process for its future use.
• Council will meet with Mill Creek and continue homeowner outreach regarding Frontier sewer issues.
• The police department will conduct fourth-quarter domestic violence retraining for all officers.
• No votes were taken during the caucus; these items are preparatory for the formal council meeting.