Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoo Transfer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Erie City Council approves transfer of 96 acres, including Erie Zoo, to county authority
Summary
The Erie City Council voted unanimously at a Dec. 23 special meeting to pass ordinance 90 20 25 authorizing the transfer of 96 acres to the Erie County Convention Center Authority, enabling that authority to own and operate the Erie Zoo pending DCNR and National Park Service approval; the city will retain operation of surrounding picnic grounds and the golf course by lease.
Erie City Council on Dec. 23 passed ordinance 90 20 25, authorizing the transfer of 96 acres of land to the Erie County Convention Center Authority to allow that authority to take ownership and operation of the Erie Zoo.
The ordinance, listed in the council file as 16,580, approves a transfer agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the parties and authorizes the city to enter into lease agreements allowing the city to continue operating the picnic grounds and the golf course that surround the zoo. An amendment added language noting the transfer is pending approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the National Park Service.
The passage followed a brief public comment from the president and CEO of the zoo, who thanked council—singling out President Witherspoon and Councilman Nelson—for convening the special meeting and for the council’s action to help “ensure that this important community asset remains open and is positioned for a stable and vibrant future.” Melvin Witherspoon, identified in the council’s citation as Erie City Council president, thanked Representative Patrick J. Harkins and the House for the proclamation and credited “the people of the city of Erie” for his public service.
Council members listed on the vote were Brzezinski, Flores, Nelson, Schauff, Titus, Troop and Witherspoon; the clerk announced the ordinance "be finally passed by city council" and recorded the ordinance as passed as amended. The transcript does not record a mover or seconder by name, nor does it specify any opposing or abstaining votes.
Next steps include completing the transfer agreement details and securing the required approvals from DCNR and the National Park Service before ownership and operational control shift to the Erie County Convention Center Authority.
