The Reader Beat Monthly Recap

The Reader Beat aims to cover city and county council meetings as well as other important government and community-related meetings. The following is a summary of each meeting for the month of October:

County Council Oct. 7: During the first county council meeting of the month, a resolution regarding the death of Marchello Woodard was set to be voted on during the meeting. Some constituents addressed this matter. Constituent Deonte Cooley argued that the resolution split up the Democratic and Republican members of council and encouraged the council members to come to the community as individuals. In his report, Andre Horton addressed this: "However the vote goes, we've tried to work with our colleagues," Horton said. "Read the resolution and see if there's anything you don't like in there, because I think it's a doggone good resolution." The Resolution of Council regarding the death of Marchello Woodard passed 5-2 with Bayle and Schauerman voting no. Schauerman explained that her vote did not diminish her empathy for the friends and family of Woodard, but had difficulty voting yes due to the recommendation made by County Council Solicitor Tom Talarico to refrain from making a resolution on the matter. In the resolution, council acknowledges the pain that Woodard's death has caused his family, friends, and community. They also recommend actions such as funding for body cameras and reviewing and updating deescalation tactics.

City Council Oct. 15: Ed Brzezinski presented an honor to Bobby Sulecki, a local historian whose exhibit "The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods," is on display at the Hagen History Center's Erie campus. City council acknowledged Sulecki's research and dedication to Erie's Polish American community.

Some public comments advocated for a community advisory board in light of the death of Marchello Woodard. "It breeds open dialogue and discussion. It gives people the opportunity not only to build trust with the law enforcement officers in their community, but their elected city officials as well," constituent Tina Hiotis said.

A resolution following a public hearing at the request of the Planning Department for the construction of multiple-family dwellings consisting of fourplex and townhouse buildings totaling 61 units located on vacant parcels in a Waterfront residential zoning district was approved, passing 5-2 with Flores and Titus voting no. Flores explained that during the public hearing, the investors said they only went to the local church and neighborhood watch to discuss the construction. "Unless you're going door to door with the neighbors that are there, I have a hard time believing everybody is in favor," Flores said. City Clerk Laurie Watson mentioned that the zoning office posts the property (in public records and on the Zoning Department website) prior to the public hearing. Flores responded saying that the community opinion forum comes before the zoning process. "If we're going to be trying to come into neighborhoods, can we please do our part and make sure those neighbors are going to be welcoming?" Flores said.

County Council Oct. 21: During public comments, constituents raised concerns about federal policy and funding. "In news story after news story I see county after county across Pennsylvania trying to get ahead of critical budget shortfalls as federal dollars dry up due to Trump's Project 2025 budget cuts," said constituent Matt Texter. "Since the Davis administration is unable to see the writing on the wall, we need all hands on deck in this body." Constituent Heidi Shadeck called for the end of the DHS contract to hold ICE detainees in Erie County Prison: "I don't want my local government profiting from a contract with the agency committing daily acts of violence, cruelty, lawlessness, and abuse of power." An ordinance stopping payments made in excess of budgeted appropriations was unanimously moved to a second reading and passed by council.

What's coming up this month?:

City Council: Nov. 5 at 9 a.m.

County Council: Nov. 6 at 6 p.m.

City Council: Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

County Council: Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.