Council members used committee reports at the Feb. 19 Erie City Council meeting to update colleagues on a range of community issues, including Port Authority planning for the former coke plant site, the status of the city's water reserve fund, blighted-property reviews and proposals for expanded warming-center services during the winter cold.

Council Member Nelson said the water reserve fund — a city account used for capital expenses that the state permits to hold equities — has doubled over the past three years because the council has avoided withdrawals previously taken from surplus funds. "It has doubled in 3 years," Nelson said, adding that historically the council has taken about 4% annually ("usually been about 400, a little less than 500,000 a year") and that future capital draws will depend on market conditions.

Council Member Nelson’s remarks were made during a committee-report update on the fund and its role covering capital expenses. He noted the council has not taken withdrawals from the reserve in the last three years and that reopening withdrawals would increase available capital depending on market performance.

Council members also reported on Port Authority-led outreach regarding the former coke plant property. A council member said Port Authority staff are engaging neighborhood meetings and collecting input on cleanup needs and redevelopment options; the meeting record indicates the site cleanup and securing funding are prerequisites for transformation but does not specify a timeline or particular proposals.

On blighted properties, Council Member Perez said the Blighted Property Review Committee met and rescinded two properties from its list; Perez described the rescissions as positive examples of properties returned to productive use. She said the committee continues to add properties as appropriate.

Multiple council members reiterated calls for expanded warming-space capacity during the cold period between Feb. 15 and March 15. Councilwoman Catherine and Council Member Perez described demand for warm daytime spaces and services such as showers; Perez referenced Erie City Mission’s existing shower program for women on Tuesdays as one instance of services currently available.

Mayor Schoenberg and Attorney Betts also offered brief updates: Attorney Betts noted a business opening on the Bayfront and upcoming community events; the mayor said CDBG applicants were interviewed but that award amounts remain uncertain because allocation from HUD has not been finalized.

These committee-report items were presented for information; the transcript records no formal council direction to staff, nor does it record motions adopting new policy in these reports.

Ending: Council members closed with community announcements, including an upcoming Winter Carnival in Perry Square and an art exhibit at the Women’s Club of Erie.