The Reader Beat: City Council Notes from Aug. 5, 2026
Summary of presentations and ordinances
During the beginning of the meeting, former City Council President and founder of Spoons Summer Basketball League Mel Witherspoon presented an award to players Avery Cline and Maximis Schweitzer for being outstanding teammates in their age groups. "There are so many involved parents and volunteers who are uplifting our youth and making sure that not only are there activities to do, but to know that they're being honored and celebrated is incredibly important," Council President Titus said.
Mayor Daria Devlin then presented the mid-year budget report. Devlin assured council and constituents that the city is not in danger of missing bills or payroll despite the current financial issues. The mayor also outlined the budget deficits for 2026 and 2027 which are $8 million and $4 million respectively. The city's spending cuts and revenue seeking has reduced the $8 million deficit to $5.2 million. "Our collective efforts since April have been successful in immediately addressing at least one of these concerns," Devlin said. "While this is good progress, we recognize that it just represents a fraction of that total deficit and we have much more work to do to close the full amount."
During public comments, former City Councilwoman Susannah Faulkner discussed an ordinance on the agenda that renews Erie Police Department's subscription for ShotSpotter, a technology that aims to detect and alert law enforcement of gunshots through auditory sensors. Faulkner cited a study by the ACLU of Massachusetts which found that approximately 70 percent of alerts in Boston showed no evidence of gunfire. "If we're able to lay off people, if we're able to end other essential parts of city hall and make cuts all around, then why would we extend $280,000 to a tech company for surveillance?" Faulkner said.
The council addressed the following ordinances and resolutions:
- An ordinance amending Article 112, Rules of Council, under the City of Erie Ordinances, to add, amend and/or update the language in various sections of the Article to include guidelines for a Code of Conduct failed to be adopted on first reading 4-3. Horton, Brzezinski, Troop, and Pol voted no.
- An ordinance amending the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance to designate the former Forman Block property as Historic Structures had its first reading.
- An ordinance amending the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance to designate the William and Mary Spencer House property located at 519 W Sixth Street as a Historic Structure and to amend the zoning map had its first reading.
- An ordinance appropriating the sum of $435,000 from the Liquid Fuels fund for Supplies and Consumables for the 2026-2027 Winter Season had its first reading.
- An ordinance appropriating the sum of $280,000 to fund expenditures associated with the City of Erie Police Department ShotSpotter Subscription had its first reading. Titus voted no to adopting the ordinance. The system provides real time alerts to assist officers with a quicker response time.
- A resolution sponsored by Council President Tyler Titus that Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. be hereby appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board to replace Laura Guncheon who has resigned, passed unanimously.
- Two resolutions that authorize and direct city officials to enter into an Easement Agreement with J & M Group, Inc. for two outdoor dining easements were tabled unanimously by council.
- A year-long contract for Annual ShotSpotter Subscription Services for the Bureau of Police at a cost not to exceed $280,000.00 passed 6-1 with Titus voting no. Schaaf explained her reasoning for supporting the ordinance. "This, to me, is a part of safety," she said. "Chief Lorah mentioned that crimes have been solved, homicides have been solved."
