[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6560454,"mediaKeyId","3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189","parentId",3337323,"title","Council approves multiple appropriations and ordinances; several first readings advanced","audioSeconds",660,"startMs",2602000,"endMs",3262000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189&start=2602&end=3262","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189/thumbnail_2602000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560454/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-multiple-appropriations-and-ordinances-several-first-readings-advanced","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560454-6f9ae340432fa1cb5a0b9e1b293cde1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181840&Signature=SlgmPj6yaer3OmGaLlDpPvLMAr12zAf4ln8ODwFH0l8IIxJ9Dk2m9c7di55rRuvRz~AXqyMy0HX8z2KQpQQDE018flNmua4vlA5Za-nckiONwLSYlKzbFbpYEk4NAzRjg-N~uKYrg3DuC5Q7dUbYkdgPXK3lij0jCRJCPxE7dpAgosUErW-PE43yhuoRNCY-agm~BCW5i9~kjUa3yc1s0BGx~BmZj1prpMxtZJ0WPSliJ3Y6ByxcZok26Q-GsEfiVa6SaKBK4K3MtydkLX9bzZ~WaaEq3YK6BH-nt7M2FLQcGzHQkePkcbih6qEjfp66x542AWEoVX4~DRuAowzXog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Erie, PA","date","2025-05-08T03:23:56Z","article","At its meeting, City Council approved several final-passage ordinances and advanced multiple first readings. Council also tabled a proposed easement for projecting signs after concerns about sidewalk clearance.

Final-passage ordinances (recorded roll calls):
- Official Ordinance 29-20-25: Appropriate $442,377.30 from sewer fund balance for incinerator repairs and upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant. Sponsor: Councilmember Titus. Vote: 7-0 (Brzezinski, Flores, Nelson, Schauff, Titus, Troop, Witherspoon).
- Official Ordinance 30-20-25: Appropriate $137,600 for two traffic investigation vehicles and equipment (DCED grant C000090421). Sponsor: Councilmember Schauff. Vote: 7-0.
- Official Ordinance 31-20-25: Appropriate $355,300 from unappropriated fund balance and risk fund for unexpected expenses. Sponsor: Councilmember Nelson. Vote: 7-0.
- Official Ordinance 32-20-25: Amend administrative code pension provisions (firefighters' pension fund) to reflect recent Act 111 award. Sponsor: Councilmember Schauff. Vote: 7-0.
- Official Ordinance 33-20-25: Amend rental housing code (Article 3.54) clarifying rights and obligations in the landlord-tenant relationship. Sponsor: Councilmember Titus. Vote: 7-0.

First readings adopted (first reading, 7-0):
- Council File 16-5-23: Appropriate $10,500 (Pennalec generator revenue). Sponsor: Councilmember Titus.
- Council File 16-5-24: Appropriate $500,000 (RACP grant pass-through) for Erie Zoo otter exhibit. Sponsor: Councilmember Titus.
- Council File 16-5-25: Appropriate $55,000 (PennDOT ARLE 2023 funding) for LED streetlight upgrades. Sponsor: Councilmember Titus.
- Council File 16-5-26: Appropriate $40,000 (DCED contract C000093428) for signage at South Central Fire Station. Sponsor: Councilmember Shaw.
- Council File 16-5-27: Appropriate $51,000 (DCED contract C000093603). Sponsor: Councilmember Brzezinski.
- Council File 16-5-28: Appropriate $1,189,944 from unanticipated revenue for the capital fund. Sponsor: Councilmember Nelson.

Other council actions:
- An easement agreement for CFC-Erie 1 LLC (UPMC property) to install two projecting signs into the Peacht and West Ninth Street rights-of-way was tabled after concerns about sidewalk clearance and sign height; motion to table passed (vote recorded as tabled 5-2 in the transcript).
- Administration requested transfer number 2 and contract number 5 be pulled from the agenda; council acknowledged the pull.

Councilmembers noted a planned second vote on certain transfers later and emphasized that several appropriations reflect grant funds from the state or federal sources.

The official minutes list roll-call votes and sponsors for each ordinance; individual vote tallies included bidders and council members as recorded in the meeting record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Erie City Council Meeting - May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Council approved several appropriations and ordinance adoptions unanimously and advanced multiple first readings, and tabled an easement and a signage easement was tabled after discussion of pedestrian impacts.","taxTitle","Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2967,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560459,"Council pulls Paramount Pursuits funding from the agenda after refugee resettlement agencies raise transparency concerns",2580,1160000,3740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189&start=1160&end=3740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189/thumbnail_1160000.jpg","/articles/6560459/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Council-pulls-Paramount-Pursuits-funding-from-the-agenda-after-refugee-resettlement-agencies-raise-transparency-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560459-d1b32f654bb43f8a31c7c493c24c391b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181840&Signature=bEYgVlMdXRi8tTZ00LTyRIqWPinHOGVwL7r6GxzrvLPmRoaouqGsS5Yw~jgxcHcQKX2HAq149sQvwou8qVkJtWmXA0Ft3O-ieKrS-nITmrnCuCfrZ3iIea-rsnchdKCCRYJ9aN3tWLTejNsnTO6NgVkD~g8kX2YnTU0S-WghVwwjo47i4UlQVLbIY1cjNfGnIp4Vng9e5~F59z46S3jhv7LSerFaTr0fFlf4Osd6kJIG-2Xx~3DsohDgTzpzWiij2180~3yXNOIITwEmHgkZXFTx0rZaK-ko6lJef3nMXikgg4rJdDCFZABjfNRxEaOXS7cvzbta5YV4vfsJZfXLNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council removed a contract item from the agenda and delayed a vote after refugee resettlement agencies and community service providers said they were not consulted about a proposed reallocation of funds to Paramount Pursuits.

Katie Kretz, executive director of the Multicultural Community Resource Center (MCRC), told council the three locally designated refugee resettlement agencies (MCRC, USCRI and Catholic Charities) were not invited to discuss the proposal and that Paramount Pursuits's role had been described previously as supporting new American entrepreneurs. \"Quietly expanding the scope into direct refugee services without consulting the 3 local agencies who've been doing the work for decades, that is not collaboration. That is true exclusion,\" Kretz said.

Council administration staff and Council President Witherspoon confirmed during the meeting that the contract and a related transfer item had been pulled at the administration's request. Council later explained the funds had been allocated previously for small-business development and for Kiva matching/loan programs; the administration said it pulled the agenda item to meet with local refugee resettlement agencies and ensure coordination.

Council said Paramount Pursuits has worked with the city since 2019 on small business cohorts and that the city had intended to reallocate existing funding to expand services. Council said it will meet with MCRC, USCRI and Catholic Charities to discuss roles and whether the refugee agencies should be involved in the expanded scope.

No contract or reallocation vote took place at the meeting; the item remains postponed pending the scheduled follow-up discussions.","A proposed reallocation of nearly $277,000 to Paramount Pursuits was removed from the meeting agenda for further discussion after the multicultural community resource center and other refugee resettlement agencies said they were not consulted about an expanded scope into direct refugee services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560464,"Erie Zoological Society urges council to approve transfer to Erie Events as stakeholders press for financial plan",1550,1483000,3033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189&start=1483&end=3033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189/thumbnail_1483000.jpg","/articles/6560464/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Erie-Zoological-Society-urges-council-to-approve-transfer-to-Erie-Events-as-stakeholders-press-for-financial-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560464-d86bef273cffd9de21998085ba52715b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181840&Signature=MHsOhRa3Wx5p7W-c-VcRJTgy5B~iUQrSYJQNvPOIx22eLYjkJB2bAC65MJQ3nt6o01Ji324BsoIrv2ahAmnNYMS4oJ-FnQpcbjl7sZfDRqVRNlhP6alEUWUqDA5PhM6VtqrpUKlv04S1Zfx8jg0iAEO~XqYXJsW2NbrtM-qJKVpsLZfiZbwR9RLF3BtZyh3HmzPJ-9vX~BUMorqPPmu3rwpA3zmlwscCXY81FiPKJ6ufG0aXLCiOuW0qBWBI0P5F9CtH8L084RZzFBI4ve4GvjoOcXTaBxNqi~mR~WnhQzlj9gyewsZDdRN3TrMQdSaS~j2R-sh9X8gxz-DVsl5WMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leaders of the Erie Zoological Society and dozens of supporters told City Council that a proposed transfer of the Erie Zoo's stewardship to Erie Events offers a path to long-term stability, but council members said they need detailed plans and financial information before approving any transfer.

Ruka Jansi, president and CEO of the Erie Zoo, said the Zoological Society has cared for the zoo for more than 60 years and supported a partnership with Erie Events because that group manages regional public assets and can provide \"stronger infrastructure, deeper investment and long term strategic support.\" Jansi said the society has operated \"on a shoestring budget for decades\" and backed a transition intended to preserve education, conservation and community programs.

Supporters in the audience, including volunteers and donors, urged swift action. \"We believe the transitioning of ownership of the zoo from the city of Erie to Erie Events is the best path forward for us, to sustain long term stability, growth, and relevance in our community,\" Jansi said.

Councilmembers acknowledged the need to preserve the zoo but repeatedly said they required more detail before finalizing any transfer. Council President Witherspoon and other members asked for: a site plan and financial pro forma, a timeline and plan for reaccreditation of the zoo's exhibits, and additional clarity on what property is included in the proposed transfer.

Council President Schauff and Council President Pro Tem (remarks) described the request as covering roughly 106 acres and named specific properties the proposal would include: Glenwood Golf Course, the Flow Fabrizio Ice Rink, Glenwood Park (including pavilions and playground), the Horseshoe Courts, Marsh Street and property east of Glenwood Park Avenue. Council said it would convene additional meetings with Erie Events, the Zoological Society, county stakeholders and the administration to answer outstanding questions.

Separately, council advanced a related capital item on first reading: Council File 16-5-24, an ordinance appropriating $500,000 from unanticipated revenue for an otter exhibit upgrade at the zoo, a subgrantee project funded as a pass-through from a Pennsylvania RACP grant. The first reading was adopted on a 7-0 vote; final passage will require a subsequent full vote.

Council members and attendees emphasized urgency: several said the zoo is in \"crisis mode\" without a clear plan B. Council member Brzezinski urged a broad, regional convening and invited the county executive to participate. Councilmember Nelson and others said the council would meet soon with zoo board leadership; Councilmember Verity reported Jeff Beach, chair of the zoo board, had requested a meeting and that she planned to meet him in the coming days.

No final transfer vote occurred at the meeting. Council members directed staff and stakeholders to provide the requested financials, a timeline for accreditation steps, and operational plans before any transfer or final action.

The discussion followed multiple public comments earlier in the meeting supporting the zoo and urging community investment.","The Erie Zoological Society and supporters urged council to approve a proposed transfer of the zoo's stewardship to Erie Events, while council asked for detailed financials, timeline for reaccreditation and a plan for 106-acre parkland included in the request.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560469,"Erie council adopts tenant bill of rights after broad public comment and landlord concerns",1060,1734000,2794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189&start=1734&end=2794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3337323-1ce8aae56c0583697b4eb5e34e87f189/thumbnail_1734000.jpg","/articles/6560469/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Erie-council-adopts-tenant-bill-of-rights-after-broad-public-comment-and-landlord-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560469-1ecec2c1d7ec555085508bf0bcc4428c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181840&Signature=lML7nRjq5blJmKHBCXULGz7Cp5TiyDFrOGV7iLThGb-tmiDeJlPdpPoSrFGh8Bsyn9O5xX-ztlEUrmdIRTtfirWfgATosW3s4iVIrupjqDYVoTyJDNOTP6-EcsTysHaxE0vgTpIJGSWe4CzyZUan8qfV4z7T8GA6e~VxII2SNpBXT9Zc3bUogObqbbHTLiIjHUZ4HNShcfh~1LvJk~6Z-hoVqaCF3qCRGE-6f2WITEiR-ZqAQqrlnG3L5-dBD-Yjbbm9SYFdZujWZiZgmmbh0RjDFrrzD~XpcSecsHhhMUpA7oDURVLVJhhJSfsiW9k4WWfY6c92-5dPLIYff1n7vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council on a unanimous 7-0 vote on May first adopted an amendment to the city's rental housing code to codify tenant rights and landlord obligations.

The ordinance, recorded as Official Ordinance 33-20-25, amends the codified ordinances (article 3.54) to clarify rights under federal, state and local law for the landlord-tenant relationship. Sponsor Councilwoman Titus introduced the ordinance; Councilmember Flores seconded the motion. The measure passed with members Brzezinski, Flores, Nelson, Schauff, Titus, Troop and Witherspoon recorded as voting yes.

The vote came after more than an hour of public comment from renters, tenant advocates and landlords that highlighted competing priorities: tenants and community groups urged stronger enforcement and clarity, while multiple landlords and landlord-association representatives asked for clearer definitions and protections against abuse of the new rights.

Brandon Penn, president of the Northwest Apartment Association, told council he supported narrowing the language so the single-page tenant bill of rights, rather than the entire ordinance text, would be included with leases. \"We as the association do appreciate the council amending the bill of rights to be clear that it's just that page document,\" Penn said, while urging changes to wording about \"application fee\" and adding a note that tenants should consult an attorney before withholding rent.

Several landlords including Joe Sell and Heather Manska described compliance costs tied to tenant screening, inspection-triggered repairs and ambiguous phrases such as \"electrical system that meets safety requirements,\" saying such language could be difficult to interpret and raise costs for landlords. Joe Sell said code enforcement and inconsistent follow-up have left landlords uncertain about enforcement.

Tenant advocates and organizers, including Elizabeth Stanton of Erie County United and renters who said they lived in dilapidated housing, urged passage as a tool to hold negligent owners accountable. \"Living in dilapidated housing is demoralizing,\" Stanton said during public comment.

Council members and staff said the ordinance before the council was a specific amendment that condensed language required in leases and that additional amendments remain under consideration. Council President Witherspoon clarified that the tenant bill of rights had been on the books in prior versions and that the council was voting on a particular amendment at this meeting.

Council and staff directed further work on implementation details: clarifying the terms \"application fee\" versus \"hold deposit,\" refining language about rent withholding procedures and publishing explanatory materials. Staff also said they are pursuing renter education programs and will continue discussions with landlord groups.

The ordinance text amends section 3.54.0.5(b) of the codified ordinances; the council record lists the item as Council File 16-5-22.

Councilmembers and public commenters repeatedly stressed the role of inspections and follow-up. Several speakers asked the city to ensure the Bureau of Inspections and Unifications (BIU) and property maintenance staff coordinate on follow-up inspections so cited repairs are completed.

Council members said additional amendments addressing security deposit procedures, escrowed rent processes and clearer definitions would be considered in future legislation or administrative rules, and that education for tenants and landlords was a high priority.

The meeting record shows the ordinance passed unanimously; council and stakeholders said work remains to clarify specific terms and to implement outreach and education.","City council unanimously passed an amendment to Chapter 3.54 establishing tenant rights and landlord obligations after extended public comment from tenants, landlord groups and housing advocates; council members said further amendments and education efforts are planned.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves multiple appropriations and ordinances; several first readings advanced

Council pulls Paramount Pursuits funding from the agenda after refugee resettlement agencies raise transparency concerns

Erie Zoological Society urges council to approve transfer to Erie Events as stakeholders press for financial plan

Erie council adopts tenant bill of rights after broad public comment and landlord concerns