Union City Borough Council approves lien removal, canoe launch contract and Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council approved a package of municipal actions at its Aug. 27 meeting, including removal of a $2,690 lien, awarding a contract for a canoe and kayak launch, and approving Renaissance grant awards.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the borough holds a lien of $2,690 against 121 East High Street, a property recently donated to the Erie County Landbank. "The Borough has a lien against the property for the amount of $2,690," Wells said, and the Landbank requested the lien be removed. Councilor Kerns moved to remove and satisfy the lien for the full amount; Councilor Steadman seconded and the motion carried unanimously (4-0, three absent).

Wells presented two quotes for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field. Because the cost fell below the $23,200 bidding threshold, the borough reviewed quotes rather than running a formal bid process. Blum Property Services quoted $18,541.50; Construction Services of PA quoted $16,679. Councilor Osborn moved to accept Construction Services of PA's $16,679 quote "upon receiving the easement from American Legion;" Councilor Kerns seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

On economic development, Wells reported seven Renaissance grant applications totaling $60,606 in project costs and requesting $23,600 in grant funding. Wells said $90,547.35 remains available in the Renaissance fund. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the seven recommended applications for a total of $23,600; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Council also passed a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG) audit report, after Wells noted the audit had been reviewed and accepted by COG members. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Steadman seconded the resolution; the motion carried unanimously.

Other administrative items included Wells' announcement that the borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application along U.S. Route 6, and that the council opted not to advertise bids for a towing ordinance. Wells also announced upcoming community events and meetings, including a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment and a Sept. 16 council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

All recorded motions during the meeting passed unanimously by the four councilors present; Councilors Cross, Winkler and Uber were absent. The council adjourned at 6:19 p.m.