The Reader Beat: County Council Notes from August 12, 2025

Following our notes taken during the County Council meeting held on August 12 at 6 p.m.

The county council chambers were full on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Council Member Charlie Bayle was not present in person, but was available remotely. The Justice for Chello Coalition and other constituents came to ask for support and an official statement addressing the death of Marchello Woodard. Close friends and family spoke during public comments on behalf of Woodard. His partner, Chamell Henderson spoke to council through tears, "My boyfriend got killed in front of me for no reason, and for you guys not to say anything is very disrespectful." Some constituents mentioned Council Member Jim Winarski, the representative for District Four where Woodard was killed, directly. "You have not come out and said one word about someone being murdered by a probation officer in your district," Malcolm Pullium said. Council Member Andre Horton addressed the room in committee reports, sympathizing with the community expressing frustration and grief. "If anyone wants justice for Chello or for any other family in Erie County, it would be someone like me who has had two sons murdered in this county in an 18 month period," Horton said. The councilman also encouraged the constituents to vote and stay involved. "You're raising your voice here, that's great," Horton said. "We need to step up, our vote is our voice." 

• An ordinance appropriating $4,938 for additional tuberculosis funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Health had its first reading and was not voted on. 
• An ordinance appropriating $30,000 and creating a new line item for new central booking fee had its first reading and was not voted on. 
• An ordinance appropriating $366,000 for federal reimbursement of County Prison boiler replacement had its first reading and was not voted on.
• A resolution for the abatement and exoneration of outstanding county taxes, interest, penalties, and fees on certain properties owned by Child Development Centers, Inc. passed unanimously. 
• A resolution to approve the Mediation Settlement Agreement passed unanimously. 
• The possible appointment of Carlos Mora Rangel to the Erie County Human Relations Commission Advisory Board passed unanimously. 
• The possible reappointment of Jack Lee to the Erie County Land Bank passed unanimously. 
• The possible appointment of Lawrence Brown to the Erie County Housing Authority failed 4-3 with Rock Copeland, Chris Drexel, Andre Horton, and Terry Scutella voting no. 
• The possible sale of a parcel from the Repository for Unsold Property at 9800 W. Lake Rd. Lot 36 Trl, Girard Township passed unanimously.
• The possible sale of a parcel from the Repository for Unsold Property at Hilton St. Lt 18 40x120, Harborcreek Township was tabled.