Union City council approves sinkhole repairs, park trail bid, RTK update and broadband resolution

Union City Borough Council on July 23 unanimously approved a series of motions to address local infrastructure, planning and information-access policies.

The council voted to accept Mansfield’s $5,000 quote to repair and reconnect a pipe at a sinkhole in Municipal Lot No. 1, with the borough supplying pipe and fittings. Councilor James Kerns made the motion, Councilor Steadman seconded it, and the motion carried unanimously. Streets staff had reported dye entering sanitary lines from a storm drain near Hogan’s Alley, prompting camera inspections before and during the repair work.

Councilors also awarded the Devereaux Park/French Creek Trail project to Vavala Concrete, the low bidder, for $84,774. The motion to award the contract was moved by Councilor Osborn, seconded by Councilor Steadman, and passed unanimously.

The council approved an update to the borough’s Right-to-Know Rules and Regulations to clarify handling of anonymous requests, following a recommendation from Solicitor Wachter. The motion was moved by Councilor Osborn and seconded by Councilor Steadman; it passed unanimously.

On broadband, the minutes record a prior public meeting about broadband with no public attendees. Council moved to adopt a resolution authorizing an application for Broadband Ready Community designation and to appoint the Erie Area Council of Governments as the borough’s municipal broadband champion. Councilor Kerns moved the resolution and Councilor Winkler seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Other routine motions approved without recorded dissent included approval of the agenda, acceptance of the July 9, 2024 minutes, acceptance of the Secretary’s Report, and an order to pay unpaid bills; each motion carried unanimously according to the minutes.

The meeting adjourned at 6:38 P.M.; an executive session on personnel and contracts followed from 6:42 to 7:37 P.M., with no action taken.