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Union City council agrees to pursue Broadband Ready designation and discusses zoning, parking changes
Summary
Council unanimously authorized proceeding with a public meeting and resolution to pursue the Erie Area COG Broadband Ready Communities designation and discussed zoning amendments on above-ground pools and small sheds and removing front-end parking in Municipal Lot #2; the solicitor will draft ordinance changes.
The Union City Borough Council on July 9 voted unanimously to proceed with a public meeting and a resolution to seek a Broadband Ready Communities designation through the Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG), and discussed several proposed ordinance amendments related to zoning and parking.
Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the EACOG program could attract additional internet-service providers and that the borough’s permitting requirements aligned with the program’s recommendations. "This creates an opportunity for other ISPs to come into the Borough creating other options for residents," Wells said. Councilor Kerns moved to proceed with the public meeting and the resolution authorizing EACOG to serve as the borough’s Municipal Broadband Champion; Councilor Joyce seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
On zoning, councilors reviewed proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow above-ground pools on adjoining vacant lots, permit sheds up to 144 square feet on a gravel base (on skids or pillars and removable) with no setback on an adjoining property line while retaining front-yard setbacks. Solicitor Tim Wachter was asked to draft suggested language for council review.
Council also discussed previously proposed amendments to the Parking Ordinance affecting Municipal Lot #2, including removing front-end parking in favor of angled spaces. Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips was asked to calculate how many spaces angled parking would yield; the solicitor will prepare a proposed amended ordinance for final council review.
Separately, the manager noted the county grant budget for an RT 97 project included $10,000 for engineering and inspection and that delays, contractor inefficiency or encountering rock could require additional monitoring costs the borough might need to cover.
Votes at a glance: the council approved proceeding with the Broadband Ready Communities public meeting and resolution (unanimous); it approved emergency stormwater repairs and Municipal Lot #1 excavation authorizations; it approved a retroactive appointment of a code enforcement officer; a motion to hire a recommended police officer failed for lack of a second; and the council adjourned at 7:04 P.M.
Staff will return proposed ordinance language and parking-space calculations for council review at a later meeting.
