Union City Council removes lien, approves canoe launch and allocates Renaissance grants

The Union City Borough Council met Aug. 27, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church and approved several administrative measures, including removing a lien on a Landbank property, awarding a quote for a canoe and kayak launch, and approving Renaissance grant awards.

Councilor Joyce called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Councilors Joyce, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns were present. After routine approvals of the agenda, minutes and financial items, the Council heard updates from Borough Manager Cindy Wells and Police Chief David Pernice.

Police Chief David Pernice said he had been unable to reach a newly approved hire and will contact the consortium of candidates (32 names on the list) and work with the Civil Service Commission to schedule oral exams; he said the department still seeks additional part-time coverage though only one part-time position had been approved by Council.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells reviewed upcoming events and administrative notes, including an Erie County Planning kickoff event on Sept. 13, a public hearing on a zoning amendment and a parking-ordinance amendment scheduled at the next Council meeting, planned health insurance presentations for council members on Sept. 25, and community emergency response training in late September. Wells also said the Borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant application along the U.S. Route 6 corridor.

On property matters, Wells said the Borough holds a lien of approximately $2,690 against the Erie County Landbank property at 121 East High Street and that the Landbank requested the lien be removed. Councilor Kerns moved to remove the lien and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Wells presented quotes for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field. Because the project cost was below the $23,200 threshold, bids were not required. The borough engineer reviewed two quotes: Blum Property Services, LLC for $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA for $16,679. Councilor Osborn moved to accept the $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA, contingent on receipt of an easement from the American Legion; Councilor Kerns seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Wells also reported on Renaissance Grant applications for 2024–2025: seven applications totaling $60,606 in project costs requested $23,600 in grant funding. Wells said $90,547.35 remains in the Renaissance Grant fund and recommended approval of the seven projects to address blight. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the recommended awards totaling $23,600; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Finally, Council passed a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) audit report, as required after COG review. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 P.M.

Votes at a glance - Agenda approval: motion carried unanimously (Councilors Joyce, Osborn, Steadman, Kerns present). - Minutes (Aug. 13, 2024): approved unanimously. - Secretary’s Report: accepted unanimously. - Bills: unpaid bills ordered paid and paid bills approved, unanimously. - Lien removal (121 East High Street): motion to remove/satisfy lien for approximately $2,690; carried unanimously (mover: Councilor Kerns; second: Councilor Steadman). - Canoe/kayak launch quote: accepted Construction Services of PA for $16,679, contingent on receiving an easement from the American Legion; carried unanimously (mover: Councilor Osborn; second: Councilor Kerns). - Renaissance Grants: seven recommended awards totaling $23,600 approved unanimously (mover: Councilor Steadman; second: Councilor Osborn). - EACOG audit resolution: accepted unanimously (mover: Councilor Osborn; second: Councilor Steadman).

Clarifying details noted in meeting - Landbank lien amount: approximately $2,690. - Canoe/kayak launch quotes: Blum Property Services, LLC — $18,541.50; Construction Services of PA — $16,679.00 (accepted). - Renaissance Grant applications: seven projects totaling $60,606 in project costs requesting $23,600; available Renaissance fund balance stated as $90,547.35.

Authorities and documents referenced - PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program: Borough will send a letter of support for an application along U.S. Route 6 (referenced by Borough Manager Cindy Wells). - Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) audit report: reviewed by COG members; Council passed a resolution accepting the audit.

Contact and next steps - Council scheduled a public hearing (advertised as required) on an amendment to the zoning ordinance and a vote on a parking ordinance amendment at the next Council meeting on Sept. 16, 2024. Health insurance plan presentations for council members are scheduled Sept. 25.