City unveils new water rescue truck and honors Officer Parker for DUI arrests at community meeting.

Chief of staff Lori Radder Spicer presented the 1 Bayfront waterfront planning process, saying consultants and partners have collected more than 700 survey responses and held an open house; the city aims for a final plan by year-end and will hold more open houses, focus groups and event tabling to shape a community-driven blueprint.

City officials suggested carving part of the police budget to create a permanent community policing unit led by Captain Lennox, shifting some grant-funded positions into ongoing city-supported roles if outside grants lapse.

Public commenters and council members aired broad concerns about policing practices, PAL program selection, surveillance technologies and police responsiveness; the mayor reported formation of a Community Safety & Trust council to review policy, incidents and create a strategic plan.

Multiple speakers during the public-comment period urged the city to ensure Black representation in the Strengthening Police and Community Partnership (SPCP) table, raised alarm about reentry-program funding changes, and pushed for targeted housing and landlord outreach; comments prompted administration and council follow-ups.

City Council gave final passage to an appropriation tied to a DCNR community partnerships grant and advanced several ordinances on first reading, including program-income appropriations, small donation appropriations, two guaranteed-revenue borrowing authorizations tied to Erie City Water Authority projects, and a $1,000 canine-training appropriat