[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6654652,"mediaKeyId","5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530","parentId",5460494,"title","Erie City Council passes preservation and appropriations ordinances, approves Ravine Drive agreement; tables curb‑ramp contract","audioSeconds",240,"startMs",6160000,"endMs",6400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530&start=6160&end=6400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530/thumbnail_6160000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6654652/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Erie-City-Council-passes-preservation-and-appropriations-ordinances-approves-Ravine-Drive-agreement-tables-curbramp-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654652-ff467f671d316b738fade73803c1fc6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770912246&Signature=Vy4fglW8XMeG0g4QhbcZJ1lnHjuW5FFsdhfwJlW5JBYbpoXX1JJHgHFJCOIB7Ve2XlBmSwEQ4tvBaBCsI5NeAmnYpaR927qPX900JhnBhpG-9QKSMJ4xO~OSJns7uUGSqcl1YRcPGXonamrv7Qyf7Vfscc8g6W0KcOb3Vff7Luo7d-xPdAEb61ISEyeT~RnBouKAadikYVQTq-imACTzxmOOIOFbY5BP9tJxuhf0mpyHbR3Qf99rUfASKCb0gMlmYTSUXLHXlUt6rW76~agdWjYBFmCmV75nHEgTkqXmi29Q7D-AdRQW7U~YGbKjRFxxXjpdbrb9-cVVBowg3iyHWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Erie, PA","date","2025-07-17T00:00:00Z","article","Erie City Council acted on multiple ordinances, appropriations and intergovernmental agreements during its July 16 meeting.

Historic preservation: The council gave final passage to an ordinance that revises the duties and structure of the Historic Review Commission and streamlines preservation review procedures. The measure was recorded as City Council official ordinance 54 20 25 (council file number 16,544) and passed on final reading with all seven council members recorded in favor.

Appropriations and grants: The council passed an appropriation ordinance (official file ordinance 55 20 25; council file number 16,545) to recognize generator-related revenue and an ordinance (official file ordinance 56 20 25; council file number 16,546) to appropriate $16,322.02 in state Fire Commissioner grant funds for a battery-operated rescue tool for the fire company and emergency medical services; both measures passed 7–0 on final passage. The council also read on first reading an ordinance appropriating $447,791.20 from PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Program funds for a project (council file number 16,547) and adopted it on first reading by a 7–0 vote.

Ravine Drive paving agreement: The council authorized an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Erie Western Port Authority to provide temporary paving on Ravine Drive while permanent paving solutions are developed. The resolution provides for joint provision of materials, labor and equipment. The measure was approved by council; the meeting record shows the resolution passed, yay 5, nay 2.

Bond counsel and underwriter appointment: Council authorized the mayor and city officials to proceed with retaining bond counsel and an underwriter in connection with a proposed general-obligation bond issuance (series 2025) to finance capital improvements. The council record shows the appointments were approved; the action will permit staff and the solicitor to take necessary steps toward issuance.

Curb-ramp contract tabled: Council considered a bid award to Empire Snow Management, Inc. for the 2025 curb‑ramp contract (bid 1833-25) at a cost of $185,462.20. Several council members expressed concern that contract language did not expressly prohibit closing all four corners at an intersection concurrently, which could impede pedestrians and people using mobility aids. Council voted to table the contract to allow the engineering department and contractor to resolve language; the motion to table passed, yay 6, nay 1.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- Historic Review Commission ordinance (council file 16,544 → official ordinance 54 20 25): final passage; vote recorded as 7–0 in favor.
- Generator revenue appropriation (council file 16,545 → official ordinance 55 20 25): final passage; 7–0.
- Fire‑EMS grant appropriation for rescue tool (council file 16,546 → official ordinance 56 20 25): final passage; 7–0.
- PennDOT TA appropriation (council file 16,547): adopted on first reading; 7–0.
- Ravine Drive intergovernmental agreement (Port Authority): resolution approved; recorded 5–2.
- Bond counsel/underwriter appointment re: proposed 2025 GO bonds: resolution approved (vote recorded in meeting transcript).
- Empire Snow Management curb‑ramp contract (bid 1833‑25): motion to table passed 6–1; contract not awarded at meeting.

Council members said they would continue asking questions about timing, scope and contract language for projects that affect pedestrians and neighborhood access. Several council members voted against some measures or withheld support pending additional information; details and roll-call tallies are recorded in the official meeting minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - July 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its July 16 meeting the council adopted several ordinances and appropriations, authorized an intergovernmental agreement for temporary paving on Ravine Drive, appointed bond counsel and an underwriter for a proposed 2025 general-obligation bond issuance, and tabled a curb‑ramp contract pending contract-language changes.","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},6654659,"Environmental Advisory Council updates Erie Council on climate, plastics and bird-safety priorities",182,354000,536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530&start=354&end=536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530/thumbnail_354000.jpg","/articles/6654659/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Environmental-Advisory-Council-updates-Erie-Council-on-climate-plastics-and-bird-safety-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654659-f29acdc1fadb9426a1a8b52b118eade8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770912246&Signature=SVeswbJzePrxolpOhwY~-HpepOZ~qKuDdDrS2FRtCv5SByQP2JxmxaZDUSmGXWL3~53ZieAfNr2p58HKyvIaGkTCrWyd7XIZTRYxu7m-WIRF05WcVmFKzOXVNAXBdTzQ8Ut5lFIQ8eU2WuauApkWNnrtnGcBDFGeP4gHpGeOAU8qscn6Dmb65YJn3gqHsX6AP2Pr-Xx5dtIgVLEZjF5dpoB43qnPeeatNqGMHyYk6GwToT2afChmqr7uuFOOFMlBPvJWkX-XMh1CMsdu8iOLBOGdiX52I8Rl82rWx5y6Y9~ns0z7aU2vl-tK3lS6P9~wC4a3Q7bL03DtHYEKj~IW7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Environmental Advisory Council updated Erie City Council on July 16 about three priorities: a local climate action plan, a plastic-waste reduction initiative and measures to reduce bird–window collisions and light pollution.

Matthew Puz, chair of the Environmental Advisory Council, told the council the EAC formed in February 2023 and has been working since late 2023 on environmental issues. “The development of a local climate action plan or LCAP … is the next step in the process where the city analyzes the data collected and makes recommendations for future actions to diminish or prevent negative impacts on the environment,” Puz said, describing a greenhouse-gas inventory prepared in partnership with Penn State students.

Puz said the greenhouse-gas inventory used data from utility companies and city authorities to estimate emissions from residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sources. On plastic waste, the EAC warned of threats to wildlife, human health and stormwater infrastructure from single-use plastics, including bags and food and drink containers, and said it is reviewing ways to reduce reliance on disposable items.

The council also heard about efforts to reduce bird collisions with buildings by improving glass visibility and to reduce light pollution. Puz said the EAC can provide more detail in a study session and that members are available to brief the council on these initiatives.

Council members thanked Puz for the update and did not take formal action at the meeting; several expressed interest in a study session to explore the EAC’s recommendations further.","The Environmental Advisory Council told Erie City Council it is developing a local climate action plan, pursuing plastic waste reduction strategies and researching dark-sky and bird-safety measures; the EAC offered to brief the council in a study session.",{"_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},6654663,"Community demands answers and action after death of Marcello Woodard",5411,743000,6154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530&start=743&end=6154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460494-d72329e5f1e4bb4fb6ef333e86319530/thumbnail_743000.jpg","/articles/6654663/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Community-demands-answers-and-action-after-death-of-Marcello-Woodard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654663-2b0311b868dfaffd8eb17058c7d9948c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770912246&Signature=OaRKkXyk29WQPSVFF07G0-6ZpIfN3tSY-6GXc0rrpwZll1d0Ta4tLi3LDz7FEeCr6QiiKPfCFcXWWZcgLKvDegdSme6WLeGZv6nMifXsZWn3w83zIQdkMOB1vek1jFpjp1VRj~DA6C-H5nNnOJzdudOtgCwyANCiLMhEVMveIsoouf-ZrCV7UL8Zqyl-jbrYQg4NTfvayRkYKkpGpqY-GdzZJWdtkBe46WUXwyEcRbXEvJ1RadnpNSqDUr2EUAg4TaRKBOsyB2EOi-nCaQ6Rgyx44EmobONInqa3zA9recehypNluHfZYe~2Nf28aLduH~qjRfIWRhVLTAEKzmlVMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Erie residents spoke at City Council on July 16 demanding transparency and accountability after the death of Marcello Woodard following contact with a state parole agent.

Speakers said the family and community have received insufficient information from law-enforcement agencies and the district attorney’s office. “All we want is something to happen. That’s all we want. Justice for Cello,” said Terry Roberts, who identified himself as a cousin of Woodard. Multiple speakers called for arrest and prosecution of those responsible and urged council members to use their platforms to press state officials for information.

The public outcry began during the meeting’s public comment period and prompted council to temporarily waive rules to allow extended community remarks. Many speakers described deep distrust of local and state law-enforcement processes and highlighted perceived disparities in how investigations proceed when victims are Black. Kennedy Horton, a resident, said the community has “witnessed a public lynching” and accused officials of dragging their feet. Several speakers called for a civilian police oversight or review board; others asked the city to press the district attorney to release evidence and to accelerate arrests if probable cause exists.

Family members and close friends addressed the council directly. Michael Woodard, who identified himself as a family member, asked elected officials to “support us” and to apply pressure on the county and state agencies handling the case. Malcolm Pulliam, an East Side resident, said people in the crowd “want an indictment today” and pressed for immediate action.

Other speakers with law-enforcement or legal experience urged careful, thorough investigations so prosecutions cannot be overturned. Michelle Dover Shaw, who said she has worked in corrections and has observed use-of-force policies, told the council she had reviewed released video frames and called for factual, legally sound work by investigators. Selena King, who said she serves as Northwest regional representative for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, urged council members to press the DA and state police for transparency and referenced state Act 53 of 2023 on criminal justice transparency in framing the request.

Council President Mel Witherspoon told speakers the council “mourn[s] with you” and said members would amplify community concerns to other officials whose jurisdictions handle criminal investigations. Witherspoon and several council members said their power to compel evidence in a state or county criminal investigation is limited, but they announced plans to request meetings with the district attorney and state police and to consider a letter from council seeking transparency and answers.

The meeting included vocal chants of “Justice for Cello” from attendees and repeated calls from speakers that the city use any influence it has to press for an open, thorough investigation and timely public updates. Council members agreed to continue receiving community input and indicated they would pursue follow-up correspondence and meetings with state officials.

The council did not take a formal vote to order an inquiry into the criminal investigation; council members said the authority to conduct criminal prosecutions rests with the district attorney and state police. Several speakers warned that continued silence would deepen community frustration and could lead to further demonstrations.","Dozens of Erie residents urged rapid transparency and accountability after the July death of Marcello Woodard during contact with a state parole agent; speakers pressed city leaders to press the district attorney and state police for a full, public investigation and called for local reforms including a civilian review board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Erie City Council passes preservation and appropriations ordinances, approves Ravine Drive agreement; tables curb‑ramp contract

Environmental Advisory Council updates Erie Council on climate, plastics and bird-safety priorities

Community demands answers and action after death of Marcello Woodard