The Reader Beat: City Council Notes from May 21, 2025

Following our notes on the City Council meeting on May 21

The City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 21 began at 6:30 p.m., the day after the Pennsylvania Primary Election. Chuck Nelson was absent due to a family commitment. During public comments, CEO of the Erie Zoo, Roo Kojancie asked City Council to meet with Erie Events to continue the discussion around the zoo's ownership. "It is vital that the council and the administration keep the zoo's needs at the top of your minds during this time of city change," Kojancie said. The meeting centered around the following ordinances. 

• An ordinance for the sum of $10,500.00 for the Penelec Generator Revenue was passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance for the sum of $500,000.00 for upgrades to the Erie Zoo Otter Exhibit to be completed as a sub-grantee was passed unanimously.
• An ordinance for the sum of $55,000.00 from PennDOT through the 2023 Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Funding Program to be used to carry out the City of Erie LED Street Light Upgrade Project was passed unanimously.
• An ordinance for the sum of $40,000.00 for signage at the South Central Fire Station using grant proceeds from the PA Department of Community & Economic Development was passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance for the sum of $51,000.00 for using grant proceeds from the PA Department of Community & Economic Development was passed unanimously.
• An ordinance for the sum of $1,189,944.00 for the Capital fund was passed unanimously.
• An ordinance amending and supplementing Article 354, Rental Housing, specifically to amend section 354.05(a) that established the rights and obligations of the owners and occupants of rental housing in the City of Erie; in particular the rights under federal, state, and local laws that apply to the landlord-tenant relationship was adopted on first reading.
• An ordinance amending Article 131, Bureau of Fire, to add sections that amend the duties of the Office of Chief Fire Marshall and Fire Marshal; to improve the safety of buildings throughout the city; to prevent fires or fire hazards throughout the city; and to permit the issuance of citations and/or enforcement of traffic laws in specific circumstances was adopted on first reading.