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Union City council approves $14,500 emergency pipe replacement after sinkhole discovery
Summary
Council approved contracting Mansfield to replace a failed run of galvanized storm pipe at 98 East High Street for $14,500 and authorized up to $6,000 to open and assess a separate sinkhole in Municipal Lot #1 after contractor quotes. Motions carried unanimously.
Councilors approved emergency stormwater repairs after streets staff reported a large sinkhole and failing pipe under a Borough property.
Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips told the council that a sinkhole roughly 3 feet wide by 8 feet deep appeared in the backyard of 98 East High Street. A camera inspection found the first 50 feet of pipe in good condition but a subsequent run of about 90–100 feet consisted of galvanized pipe whose bottom had deteriorated; the camera fell into the void. Mansfield quoted $14,500 to replace the galvanized section with plastic pipe and recommended additional work to investigate a separate sinkhole in Municipal Lot #1.
After discussion between Borough Manager Cindy Wells, Council President Cross and Public Works liaison Councilor Steadman, Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Kerns seconded a motion to authorize Mansfield to replace the pipe at a cost of $14,500; the motion carried unanimously. Council then approved Mansfield opening and cleaning the hole in Municipal Lot #1, authorizing spending up to $6,000 after contacting McLallen Construction for price and earliest availability; that motion also carried unanimously.
The motions do not specify funding source beyond general maintenance authority; the meeting record does not list a formal vote tally beyond "motion carried unanimously." Streets Supervisor Phillips said the failed galvanized pipe prevented retrieval of the camera and left the borough with a need for pipe replacement to restore reliable stormwater flow.
The council also heard from resident Anthony Hickey earlier in the meeting about stormwater runoff along East High and Bridge Street that has previously flooded private property; Solicitor Tim Wachter said the state is likely responsible for the drainage alignment but the borough will look into options. No schedule for the Mansfield work was included in the public record.
The council adjourned the public meeting at 7:04 p.m.; an executive session on personnel followed.
