Police report festival coverage and License Plate Reader use; zoning changes deferred until solicitor attends

Police and public-works updates at the June 25 Union City Borough Council meeting covered festival coverage, policy reviews and preliminary discussion of parking and zoning ordinance changes.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed the May report and told council he had spoken with neighboring departments about recent golf scramble fundraisers, reporting “Corry stated approximately $16,000 and Warren was $18,000 - $20,000.” Chief Pernice said Erie County Detectives would fund overtime and commit 2–3 officers from the Erie County Courthouse to provide additional coverage at the French Creek Festival; he also said he has asked Corry PSP for increased coverage but had not yet received a response. Chief Pernice is completing a Civil Service background check expected by July 5 and is updating department policies through Lexipol pending solicitor review.

Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips reported that Bentley Run stabilization work was completed pending topsoil and seeding, that Cross Paving and Suit-Kote milling/paving work for 2024 is finished, and that crews will continue catch-basin and mowing work; one employee was noted as out on worker’s compensation.

Council discussed previously proposed changes to the parking ordinance affecting front-end parking in Municipal Lot #2. Chief Pernice described License Plate Readers (LPRs), saying they can show video, search plates and assist investigations “anywhere in the country,” and council asked Streets Supervisor Phillips to review the lot layout to consider angled parking. Proposed zoning amendments related to small games of chance and permitting pools in vacant adjoining lots were discussed but deferred until the solicitor is present at a future meeting.

All regular business items at the public meeting were approved by unanimous vote where motions were recorded. The council adjourned the public meeting at 7:21 p.m.