Union City Council approves sinkhole repair, awards park trail contract and adopts broadband resolution

Union City Borough Council unanimously approved several contracts and policy updates during its July 23 meeting at First Global Methodist Church. Council accepted a contractor quote to repair an active sinkhole and storm pipe in Municipal Lot No. 1, awarded a park/trail construction contract and authorized a broadband application and champion.

The council voted to accept Mansfield's $5,000 quote to repair, replace, and reconnect pipe at a sinkhole in Municipal Lot No. 1, with the borough providing pipe and fittings (recorded in the minutes as a borough cost of $5,000). Councilor Kerns made the motion, Councilor Steadman seconded it, and the motion carried unanimously. Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips reported crews had introduced dye into the storm drain near Hogan’s Alley and found it entering sanitary lines that lead to Municipal Lot No. 1; the borough plans a camera inspection and further work as needed.

In the capital projects vote, the council awarded the Devereaux Park/French Creek Trail Project to Vavala Concrete, the low bidder at $84,774. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Steadman seconded the award; the motion carried unanimously. The project was the low bid among respondents and will proceed under the terms of the bid package.

On administrative matters, Solicitor Wachter recommended clarifying language regarding anonymous requests in the borough’s Right‑to‑Know Rules and Regulations policy; Councilor Osborn moved adoption of the update, Councilor Steadman seconded, and the council approved the change unanimously. The council also adopted a resolution authorizing application to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) for Broadband Ready Community designation and appointed Erie Area Council of Governments as the municipal broadband champion; Councilor Kerns moved, Councilor Winkler seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance: - Municipal Lot No. 1 storm pipe repair — Motion by Councilor Kerns; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved unanimously (council present: Cross, Winkler, Osborn, Steadman, Kerns); contract/quote: Mansfield, $5,000; borough to provide pipe and fittings (cost noted as $5,000). (See transcript entries: storm sewer repairs and motion.) - Devereaux Park/French Creek Trail Project — Motion by Councilor Osborn; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved unanimously; contract award to Vavala Concrete, $84,774. - Right‑to‑Know Rules and Regulations update (anonymous requests) — Motion by Councilor Osborn; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved unanimously. - Broadband Ready Community resolution (authorize PBDA application; appoint Erie Area COG as municipal broadband champion) — Motion by Councilor Kerns; seconded by Councilor Winkler; outcome: approved unanimously. - Adjournment — Motion by Councilor Winkler; seconded by Councilor Osborn; outcome: approved unanimously.

The meeting minutes record no public attendees at a separate broadband public meeting held earlier (5:48–5:59 P.M.). An executive session to discuss personnel and contracts followed the meeting from 6:42–7:37 P.M.; no action was taken during that session.