Union City Council OKs emergency sinkhole repairs, awards $14,500 pipe replacement

The Union City Borough Council on July 9 authorized emergency repairs after a sinkhole and failing stormwater pipe were discovered on East High Street, approving a $14,500 contract to replace degraded galvanized pipe and authorizing up to $6,000 to open and investigate a second sinkhole in Municipal Lot #1.

Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips reported that a large sinkhole roughly 3 feet wide and 8 feet deep formed in the backyard of 98 East High Street. Mansfield’s camera inspection found the first 50 feet of pipe were cement and in good condition but then encountered about 90–100 feet of galvanized pipe whose bottom had deteriorated; the camera ultimately fell into the damaged section, preventing retrieval. Mansfield quoted $14,500 to replace the galvanized portion with plastic pipe.

After discussion with Borough Manager Cindy Wells and Council leadership, Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Kerns seconded a motion to approve Mansfield’s $14,500 quote to repair the pipe and sinkhole; the motion carried unanimously. Council also authorized Mansfield to cut concrete and open a hole in Municipal Lot #1, spending up to $6,000 after contacting McLallen Construction for pricing and availability; that motion carried unanimously as well.

The council recorded the sinkhole dimensions and contractor estimates in meeting minutes and directed staff to proceed with repairs. The minutes show the borough will follow up on stabilizing surface topsoil and reseeding where bank-stabilization work had been disturbed by subsequent rainfall.

The next procedural step is the borough staff coordinating with Mansfield and, if needed, other contractors for the Municipal Lot #1 investigation; the council did not set a separate follow-up date during the meeting.