Union City council approves canoe/kayak launch contract, removes lien and approves Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council voted unanimously on Aug. 27 to remove a $2,690 lien on 121 East High Street, accept a $16,679 quote for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field and approve seven recommended Renaissance Grant applications totaling $23,600 in requested funding.

The motion to remove the borough lien on the Erie County Landbank property at 121 East High Street passed on a motion by Councilor Kerns, seconded by Councilor Steadman. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the Landbank had requested the lien be removed and that the lien amount was approximately $2,690.

For the canoe/kayak launch, Wells said engineer review by The EADS Group found two quotes: Blum Property Services, LLC for $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA for $16,679. Councilor Osborn moved — and Councilor Kerns seconded — a motion to accept the $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA for installation at the designated area, contingent on receiving an easement from the American Legion; the motion carried unanimously. Council members recorded that because the project cost was below $23,200, formal bids were not required.

Manager Wells presented the Renaissance Grant recommendations: seven applications totaling $60,606 in project costs and requesting $23,600 in grant funds. She noted $90,547.35 remained in the Renaissance Grant fund and recommended approval on the basis that the projects would help address blight. Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded approval of the recommended awards totaling $23,600; the motion carried unanimously.

Separately, the council passed a resolution accepting the audit report for the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) as reviewed and accepted by COG members; Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Steadman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice updated the council that he has been unable to contact a previously approved new hire and believes the candidate may no longer be interested. He said he would reach out to the hiring consortium (32 candidates on the list) and work with the Civil Service Commission to schedule oral exams. Pernice said his preference would be to hire two part-time officers but noted only one position had been approved; council agreed to continue searching for one part-time officer.

Manager Wells also announced a series of upcoming events and administrative items, including an EMS meeting at Fort LeBoeuf, a Devereaux Day kickoff and Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail promotion on Sept. 13, a public hearing and vote on zoning and parking ordinance amendments to be advertised as required, health insurance plan presentations to council members, free CERT training Sept. 27–29, and the UPMC Hamot/Erie County Firefighters Association Safety Awards Dinner on Sept. 27. She reported the council opted not to advertise for bids related to a towing ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

Votes at a glance: all recorded motions at the Aug. 27 meeting carried unanimously among councilors present (Joyce, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns).