The Reader Beat: City Council Notes March 19, 2025

The following are our notes taken during the City Council meeting held on March 19 at 6:30 p.m.

I attended the City Council on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. The evening was warm, the first one in months and downtown was buzzing with energy after a deep hibernation. I was surprised to see how many people I saw in the meeting room as I arrived. There were a few people in nearly every row, conversing with each other. The meeting included a presentation by Mayor Joe Schember honoring City Council President Mel Witherspoon and his commitment to youth services. The meeting centered around the following ordinances and resolutions:

• An ordinance for final passage in the sum of $21,600 administered by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a Community Partnerships program Grant was passed 7-0. 
• An ordinance amending Part 7, General Offences, to establish Article 723, entitled Unlawful Manufacture of Firearms to add prohibitions on the use of 3D printers, to impose prohibitions relating to the transfer, use, or conversion of unfinished firearms, the manufacture of firearms, and to prescribe additional penalties for violations of the Article was adopted on first reading 7-0. Some public comments addressed this ordinance. "I'm an immigrant from Colombia and I've seen the real consequences of an open-armed conflict." Carlos Mora said. 
• An ordinance in the sum of $19,900 to be used for golf course equipment was adopted on first reading 7-0.
• An ordinance amending and supplementing Article 330, Landlord and Rental, by amending subsection 330.03(b)(2), Residential rental unit registration required; to modify the rental registration requirements; to update the rental registration process and procedure; to enhance and improve the health, safety and welfare of residential renters inside the City of Erie as well as to improve the quality of residential housing was adopted on first reading 7-0. Public comments raised concerns centering around renters unknowingly waiving their rights to a copy of the tenant's bill of rights. 
• The liquor license transferred from Lakeside Tavern at 12774 Route 19 S in Waterford to be utilized at a Country Fair retail store in Erie at 2266 East 38th Street. was unanimously approved following the public hearing during the City Council meeting on March 5. 
• A resolution that Erie City Council extends the City Property Tax payable at 2% discount from March 31, 2025 to April 30, 2025. The Stormwater fee at 2% discount will remain the same payable at the face amount until May 31, 2025 was passed 7-0.