The Corry City Council’s January 12 planning session covered a wide range of topics, from workforce development and emergency services training to infrastructure challenges, downtown preservation, and upcoming policy decisions
Dr. Matthew Platz, executive director of the Corry Higher Education Council, announced a new annual scholarship opportunity aimed at strengthening the city’s emergency response capabilities. Through a partnership with Mercyhurst University, the council will award a full scholarship to a City of Corry emergency services employee to pursue Mercyhurst’s Applied Crisis and Emergency Management program. Drawing on his own background in law enforcement and higher education, Platz emphasized the value of continued professional development, noting that advanced training in preparedness, leadership, and coordination benefits both responders and the broader community. The $9,155 scholarship will be offered annually, is expected to focus on command staff, and will be delivered in an online, asynchronous format to accommodate local schedules.
Director of Streets and Public Improvements Chuck Gray provided extensive updates on multiple major initiatives, including the future of the Climax Engine mural, airport operations, and comprehensive planning. Gray reported that the mural wall on North Center Street is located on city-owned property and that a structural engineer’s report has been reviewed and approved by city engineers. Temporary measures to support the wall are recommended while a long-term preservation plan is developed. Gray said the city is working with a specialized masonry restoration firm to develop a formal proposal, a necessary step before pursuing outside funding. She also noted that potential funding sources have already been identified and that additional grants are being explored. The city previously closed a downtown parking lot after receiving an engineering report warning that the three-story masonry wall displaying the Climax Engine mural posed an immediate safety risk.
Gray also detailed the progress and challenges facing the Corry Lawrence Airport. She explained that prolonged state and federal oversight following years of noncompliance resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding opportunities. Despite that setback, the reestablished airport authority and management have made significant strides, including restoring fuel services, expanding flight instruction, filling all hangar space, and attracting interest from corporate and medical aviation partners. Efforts are now underway to complete the remaining requirements needed to end outside oversight and return full control to the local airport authority. Gray also outlined plans to restart the city’s comprehensive and zoning planning process, which is expected to take approximately six months and include multiple public input meetings.
Council also acknowledged the receipt of several letters and items of correspondence. Among them was a letter of interest from Lucas Jones, who formally requested consideration for appointment to the International Property Maintenance Code Board, citing a desire to support safety, property standards, and fair code enforcement. Council members also reviewed a citizen proposal from Kathryn DiVittorio advocating for the creation of a community snow removal assistance fund aimed at helping elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable residents maintain passable sidewalks during winter months through donations and coordinated local services.
During administrative updates, Mayor Jeffrey T. Fike stressed the importance of strengthening the city’s relationship with Erie County, encouraging council participation in county meetings.
“If we want a seat at the table, we’ve got to show up,” Fike said.
City Administrator Joanne Smith reviewed the draft agenda for the January 19 meeting, including confirmation of a $305,697 Community Development Block Grant award, annual liquid fuels funding, updated council meeting guidelines, and the formal sale of the Worth Street property to Harvest Community Church. Smith also outlined proposed new policies, including a standardized request-for-assistance form for residents and a temporary procedure for rounding cash transactions due to a shortage of pennies.
Public Works Manager Mark Leofsky briefed council on several pressing infrastructure concerns. A failing boiler at the Corry Community Center is operating on temporary repairs, with replacement costs estimated at $61,500 and delivery delays potentially extending into the spring. Leofsky warned the city is “on borrowed time” as colder weather continues. He also outlined the need for approximately $55,000 in upgrades to aging cogeneration units at the wastewater treatment plant, which are critical for both backup power and heating the digester system.
