The Reader Beat: City Council Notes from September 16, 2026

Mayor Devlin recognized the Department of Public Works for their hard work and commitment to the community following the extreme weather event that occurred Sept. 2 and 3 which uprooted hundreds of mature trees, damaged property, and blocked roadways.

I attended the City Council meeting on September 16 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Devlin recognized the Department of Public Works for their hard work and commitment to the community following the extreme weather event that occurred Sept. 2 and 3 which uprooted hundreds of mature trees, damaged property, and blocked roadways. "Throughout this response and cleanup, Public Works employees demonstrated compassion, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to serving the Erie community," Devlin said. Councilman Andre Horton also recognized the leadership of Mayor Devlin following the severe storm: "We've seen a spirit of unity, we've seen the residents stay calm. It's a true testament to your leadership and you should be applauded as well." 

Council President Titus added two debris-removal contracts to the agenda, and council approved both unanimously. Constituents came to speak about sewer issues they faced after the severe storm, noting that their homes were flooded with raw sewage. "My wife and I have lived in the same house for four or five years now, and the sewer has backed up three times in that period – directly caused by rainwater going into the sanitary line," Quinn Thompson said. Other neighbors spoke up, saying they had to get large dumpsters to throw away ruined belongings. "We are all very desperate," Elizabeth Thompson said. Mayor Devlin said she will meet with Public Works to plan a meeting with the affected residents. Constituent Patrice Imler told council that six skilled laborers who were helping with storm recovery were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 10. ICE did not respond to a request for comment by press time. "They took the people who were here to help us," she said. 

The council addressed the following ordinances and resolutions: 

• An ordinance appropriating an $88,823 grant from the Department of Justice FY25 JAG Program for local solicitation for police equipment passed unanimously.
• An ordinance appropriating $1 million from the Refuse fund to cover unexpected expenses related to the severe weather event had its first reading. 
• An ordinance appropriating $3 million from the General fund to cover unexpected expenses related to the severe weather event had its first reading. 
• An ordinance appropriating $50,000 from a contribution from the William Penn Foundation for the City of Erie's 2030 U.S. The Census Planning and Engagement Project had its first reading. 
• A resolution regarding the request for approval of a Waterfront Conditional Use for a new 75,000 sq.ft. light manufacturing facility with accompanying office space and site improvement located at 1318 East Lake Road, submitted by Porter Consulting Engineers on behalf of Enterprise Development Center of Erie County and the Nine Ships Company passed unanimously. Titus commended the process of this specific project. "This was an example of a project working well when it includes the community and incorporates community input," Titus said. 
• A resolution that the repository sale of one property at 739 E 8 St. Erie, PA to MTRR Group in the amount of $250 failed 1-6. Flores voted yes.