The Reader Beat: County Council Notes from July 15, 2025

Following our notes taken during the County Council meeting held on July 15 at 6 p.m.

I attended the County Council meeting on July 16 at 6 p.m. There were no public comments. Council Member Rock Copeland brought attention to the death of Marchello Woodard, an unarmed Black man killed by a state parole agent, during committee reports. "We should all have empathy for the family and the community that's hurting," Copeland said. "I hope there is a speedy investigation and justice is served for the community." The meeting proceeded to center around the following ordinances and resolutions: 

• An ordinance appropriating a 2008 65' Mobile Communications Trailer and 2011 Ford F-550 from NWPA Emergency Response group passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance appropriating $943,817 and creating a new line item for renovations at the Blasco Library Children's Department from a multi-purpose community facility grant passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance approving the agreement between the County of Erie and Phoenix Graphics Inc. passed unanimously. 
• A resolution approving of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant application and Cooperation Agreement among the Erie County General Authority, Farmers Kitchen, LLC, Troyer Growers, Inc., and the County of Erie for the Farmers Kitchen Organic French Fry Line Project was passed unanimously from six of the council members. Copeland abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest. 
• A resolution approving the annual budget of the Erie Area Council of Governments for the 2025 calendar year was passed unanimously. 
• A resolution for the approval and implementation of a social media policy for departments of the County Council was passed unanimously. 
• The possible appointment of Marcus A. Jacobs to the Erie County Planning Commission was passed unanimously. 
• The possible appointment of Bobby Cherry to the Erie County Human Relations Commission Advisory Board passed unanimously. 
• The possible sale of a parcel at 1910 Whitley Ave. from the Repository for Unsold Property was passed unanimously. 
• The possible sale of a parcel at 2050 June St. from the Repository for Unsold Property was passed unanimously. 
• A resolution to endorse the Mercy Center for Women's application for Health Choices Investment funds to provide housing, healthcare, food, and other social services to Erie County's impoverished community was added to the agenda. The resolution passed unanimously.