Corry Council Approved Agenda Items, Announces Tire Recycling Event

Corry City Council worked through a full agenda during its April 20 voting meeting.

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Correspondence included a disabled veterans real estate tax exemption for a property on East Bond Street, resignation letters from full-time police officers Jonathan Harvey and Kael Albers, notice of upcoming service changes from Charter Communications, and a leave of absence request from firefighter Jacob Nugent.

Council also received and reviewed first-quarter reports from multiple departments, including code compliance, police under Chief Jordan Kitchen, fire under Chief Ryan Card, public works, the community center, and North Hills Golf Course, along with a budget-versus-actual financial report presented by Finance Director William Roche.

During the financial discussion, Controller David Mitchell introduced a new quarterly reporting process aimed at increasing transparency and providing additional oversight of city finances. Mitchell noted the city is currently on track financially but emphasized long-term structural challenges, including what he described as an ongoing deficit and rising costs tied to inflation, infrastructure needs, and reduced federal support. He cautioned that maintaining current service levels without additional revenue may not be sustainable and suggested that future tax increases will likely be necessary.

Roche echoed those concerns later in the meeting, noting that while the city had avoided tax increases in recent years, inflation and the cost of maintaining and improving services are making that approach increasingly difficult. He said smaller, incremental tax increases may be more manageable than larger increases spaced out over several years, adding that maintaining services such as a local police department—something many municipalities can no longer afford—continues to put pressure on the city’s budget.

Council authorized the city to enter into a Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement with PennDOT. The measure also allows the City Administrator to sign required documents and submit future modifications and applications related to traffic signal approvals on behalf of the city.

Additional resolutions included approval of vendor participation through the Erie Area Council of Governments joint bidding program, including both a general vendor list and fuel suppliers. Council also approved the transfer of city-owned real estate to the Corry Airport Authority, as outlined on the agenda.

In new business, council approved an agreement allowing electronic access to PennDOT’s Engineering and Construction Management System, streamlining project coordination and documentation. Officials also voted to forward the draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan to the Corry Area School District, Erie County Planning, and surrounding municipalities for the required 45-day review period under state planning law.

Significant action was also taken on the Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency backup generator project. Council formally accepted bid results, which included multiple contractors, and then awarded the project to the lowest responsible bidder, Blackhawk Neff, at a cost of $526,098. Officials noted the company met all bid requirements and has relevant experience with similar projects in the region. The generator is expected to be incorporated into future upgrades to the city’s sewer system.

To complete funding for the project, council approved restricting an additional $26,098 from the sewer fund. The project is primarily supported by a $400,000 federal grant and $100,000 in previously committed matching funds, with the additional allocation covering the remaining balance.

Officials also announced the return of a regional cleanup effort. The City of Corry will again partner with Wayne Township and Concord Township for a multi-municipal tire recycling event. The collection is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 27, with additional details expected to be released as planning is finalized.

Public Works Manager Mark Leofsky reported that crews have been active across multiple projects throughout the city. Brush and bagged debris collection was not fully completed within the initial two-week window due to competing priorities, but residents were assured that pickups will continue as time allows. He also noted that hydrant flushing was recently completed in coordination with the fire department without any major issues.

Leofsky said crews also responded to a water main break on South Center Street, completing repairs the same day while maintaining water service for most residents. Additional work has included manhole maintenance and infrastructure preparation along East Main Street.

Motorists are being advised to use caution in that area as milling operations are underway from the city line to Railroad Street. Leofsky described heavy truck traffic, uneven road surfaces, and raised manholes and valves as ongoing conditions throughout the project. A base layer of asphalt will be installed in the coming weeks, with the final topcoat scheduled for later in the year to ensure a continuous surface.

He added that Public Works will continue street sweeping and infrastructure upgrades, including inspections and replacements of manholes, catch basins, and valves, to avoid future disruptions after paving is completed.