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Union City mayor, council weigh hiring a full‑time police officer as stormwater repairs loom
Summary
Union City Borough Council discussed a stalled effort to hire a full‑time police officer after concerns about unexpected stormwater repair costs. Council approved a $5,000 contract for sinkhole repairs in Municipal Lot #1 and said the borough must follow up with the candidate.
Union City Borough Councilors on July 23 debated whether to proceed with hiring a full‑time police officer amid concerns about the borough's stormwater repair costs. Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough owes an explanation to the candidate and described the applicant as a strong candidate who prefers a smaller department.
The discussion arose after a motion to hire the officer failed earlier; councilors said the decision reflected budget uncertainty tied to recent stormwater problems rather than objections to the candidate. Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was unaware the borough was actively seeking another officer and expressed concern about costs related to recent stormwater issues. Councilor James Kerns also raised stormwater‑related cost concerns, and councilors agreed the hesitation centered on pending infrastructure expenses rather than the candidate's qualifications.
Police leadership provided its June report during the meeting; the Police Chief reported department needs but no vote on hiring followed that report. Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips described ongoing storm sewer problems connected to a sinkhole in Municipal Lot #1 and said crews ran dye tests that showed flow from a storm drain near Hogan's Alley entering sanitary lines to Lot #1. Phillips said the borough is arranging camera inspections of the lines; another staff member, Riley, suggested running cameras up to the line near the Salvation Army to inspect conditions downstream.
To address the immediate sinkhole and pipe damage, council accepted a contractor quote from Mansfield in the amount of $5,000 to repair, replace or reconnect piping at Municipal Lot #1, with the borough to provide pipes and fittings. Councilor Kerns moved the measure and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The minutes also record an earlier higher bid from McLallen Construction of $6,800; the manager's notes state that the borough's estimated cost to provide pipe and fittings is $5,000.
The council did not adopt a hiring decision at the meeting. Mayor Wolf said the borough would provide the candidate an explanation of the council's actions and that personnel discussions would continue after addressing the stormwater repair work and related budget impacts.
