The Reader Beat: City Council Notes from May 6, 2026
Summary of public comments and ordinances
I attended the City Council meeting on May 6 at 9 a.m. The meeting began with a presentation honoring the Gannon Golden Knights for winning the D2 National Championship and Gannon Wrestling National Champion Dorian Crosby. The council also held a public hearing to discuss the possibility of the Maennerchor building being considered a historic site. The city's cultural resource manager Matthew Falcone described the building, which was built in 1889 and maintains unique historical handiwork to this day. Constituents praised Julio Reyes, the current owner of the Maennerchor, who they say has put in hard work to maintain and beautify the building. Councilman Andre Horton said he is "tickled to death about a proud Mexican-American owning and taking care of the building." He also reminded the room of the historical and cultural significance of the club beyond the positive aspects, as for much of its existence the Maennerchor did not allow Black people to be members. "Whenever we have an opportunity to talk about history, we're going to talk about all of it," Horton said. Owner Julio Reyes spoke about his mission in owning the Maennerchor and the importance of recognizing history so we can improve the future. "My statement is about leaving places better than you found them. It is to really do your work, do your due diligence, ask for information, recognize history, and recognize the places," Reyes said.
During public comments, some constituents discussed the city's Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships (SPCP) program and needing to represent the Black community more besides two Black Church seats in the Faith/Clergy community. "They have neglected to include the most affected community which would be Black Americans," Constituent Kennedy Horton said.
The meeting addressed the following ordinances:
- An ordinance appropriating $16,136.55 from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's Grant for Firefighter Protective Equipment passed unanimously.
- An ordinance appropriating $2,150.00 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania FY2025 Certified Local Government Grant acting through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission passed unanimously.
- An ordinance appropriating $500,000 from the Paving & Sewer Revenue fund for the 2026 Streets Paving had its first reading.
- An ordinance appropriating $1,000,000 from the Liquid Fuels fund for the 2026 Streets Paving and Street Lighting/Traffic Signals had its first reading.
- An ordinance appropriating $746,320.44 for the construction phase of 2025 Green Light-Go Funding Program and the W. 12 St. and Pittsburgh Ave. Signal Upgrades Project had its first reading.
- An ordinance appropriating $205,474 from the PA DCED Local Share Account to purchase a Screener Machine for the Bureau of Streets had its first reading.
- A resolution sponsored by Council Member Troop that Erie City Council designates East 3rd St. from French to Holland in honor of Fred O. Rush Jr., who is known for his many contributions to civic history, decades of public service, pioneering journalism, and deep community roots in Erie. The resolution passed unanimously.
- A resolution sponsored by Council Member Pol Designating May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in the City of Erie, Pennsylvania passed unanimously.
- A resolution stating that the proper city officials are authorized to enter into an Easement Agreement with Flagship City Food Hall, 22 N Park Row & 508 State St. for the use of public sidewalks as outdoor eating areas at the food hall was tabled unanimously.
