Borough approves $14,500 emergency repair after sinkhole, authorizes additional work up to $6,000

Councilor Cross and other members of the Union City Borough Council approved emergency stormwater repairs after a sinkhole and severely corroded pipe were discovered beneath 98 East High Street.

Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips told the council that a sinkhole about 3 feet wide and 8 feet deep opened in the backyard of 98 East High. A camera inspection from East High Street found about 50 feet of sound cement pipe, followed by approximately 90–100 feet of galvanized pipe whose bottom had eroded; the inspection camera fell into the failed section and could not be retrieved. Mansfield quoted $14,500 to replace the galvanized run with plastic pipe, Phillips said.

After discussion between Borough Manager Cindy Wells, Council President Cross and Public Works Liaison Councilor Steadman, Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Kerns seconded approval for Mansfield to complete the pipe replacement at a cost of $14,500; the motion carried unanimously. Council then approved a separate action allowing Mansfield to cut concrete and open a hole in Municipal Lot #1 and determine the problem, spending up to $6,000 after contacting McLallen Construction for a competitive price and availability. That motion also carried unanimously.

Manager Wells and service staff said the borough will coordinate scheduling and notify affected property owners. Phillips indicated erosion from a recent rainstorm had already washed out topsoil and grass seed at a nearby bank stabilization site and that work to restore vegetation was planned.

The council listed the immediate repairs as emergency maintenance; no additional funding source or long-term capital plan was adopted at the meeting. The borough said it will follow up on further assessments and contractor scheduling.