Union City Council approves emergency stormwater repairs after sinkholes expose failing pipe

Union City Borough Council on July 9 authorized emergency repairs after a camera inspection found a long section of failed galvanized storm pipe behind 98 East High Street and a sinkhole in Municipal Lot #1.

Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips told council a camera run from East High Street showed about 50 feet of cement pipe in good condition, then roughly 90–100 feet of galvanized pipe with the invert gone; the camera became lodged when the defective section failed. Phillips said a sinkhole about 3 feet wide and 8 feet deep appeared in the backyard of 98 East High. Mansfield provided a quote of $14,500 to remove the failed galvanized section and replace it with plastic pipe, and quoted roughly $6,000 to cut concrete and open the hole in Municipal Lot #1 to determine underlying damage.

Councilor Steadman moved to authorize Mansfield to replace the damaged pipe at 98 East High Street for $14,500; Councilor Kerns seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilor Steadman then moved to have Mansfield open and clean out the hole in Municipal Lot #1, spending up to $6,000 after contacting McLallen Construction for price and availability; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The council’s motions included funding authorization to proceed immediately with emergency work. Council did not record individual roll-call votes but the meeting record lists seven councilors present and reports both motions as carried unanimously.

The borough will pursue immediate repairs to mitigate ongoing flooding and structural risk and will follow up with contractors on schedule and installation details. Streets Supervisor Phillips also reported that recent streambank stabilization work at Bentley Run lost topsoil and grass seed in a subsequent rain and will be reseeded.

The council approved the work during the meeting; contractors are to be contacted to schedule and begin the repairs.