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Police chief outlines festival coverage, license-plate-reader use and policy updates
Summary
Police Chief David Pernice told council he secured additional coverage for the French Creek Festival, is completing a civil-service background check by July 5, and described how license-plate readers would be used in investigations; council asked staff to review lot layout changes proposed in a parking-ordinance amendment.
Police Chief David Pernice updated the Union City Borough Council on festival coverage, staffing checks and policy work at the June 25 meeting, and described how license-plate readers factor into a proposed parking-ordinance amendment.
Chief Pernice said Erie County Detectives will fund overtime and provide two to three officers from the Erie County courthouse to increase coverage at the French Creek Festival; he also said he has requested additional coverage from Corry PSP. On department personnel, the chief told council he is completing a Civil Service background check and "hopes to have it completed by July 5, 2024." He said he has been using Lexipol to update department policies and is awaiting the solicitor's review before finalizing some changes.
On a potential amendment to the parking ordinance affecting Municipal Lot #2, Chief Pernice described the capabilities of license-plate readers: "They can search plates on the system and assist in an investigation anywhere in the country. It helps to better protect the community as well," he said. Council asked Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips to review the lot layout for possible angled parking; further zoning discussion on small games of chance and allowing pools in adjoining lots was deferred until the solicitor can attend a meeting.
Chief Pernice also reported outreach on community fundraising: he spoke with neighboring departments about their golf scrambles, noting Corry reported about $16,000 raised while Warren reported $18,000–$20,000; Councilor Cross asked the chief to check with UC Country Club about local scramble totals. The chief's festival coverage arrangements and policy updates are intended to support public-safety presence at upcoming events and to bring department practices into alignment with updated Lexipol guidance.
Next steps: staff will review the Municipal Lot #2 layout and return with recommendations; zoning amendments related to small games of chance and lot-use for pools will be discussed when the solicitor is present.
