Council presses Erie Parking Authority for answers after unsigned agreement halts payments

Council members used caucus time to raise concern about an unsigned agreement with the Erie Parking Authority (EPA), saying that without a signed agreement there has been no payment to the city despite a perceived contractual obligation.

One councilor said they had emailed Director Friday after learning the EPA board met, and that the director replied the board had discussed the agreement but wanted further discussion and would poll for another meeting. "With a non-signed agreement, there is no payment," a councilor said, noting that without a signed document the city has not been collecting funds it might otherwise be entitled to.

Council members described the delay as long-standing and said the issue merited fuller review. One councilor asked that a study session be scheduled that would include the Erie Parking Authority board, Director Friday, the city solicitor and the authority's solicitor so the matter could be publicly discussed rather than in closed door settings.

Council agreed to pursue an additional study session and to have the solicitor review any draft correspondence to the authority to preserve legal posture. No formal motion or vote was recorded in caucus; councilors asked staff to begin scheduling and follow the solicitor's review process.