Union City council approves emergency stormwater repairs, retroactive code enforcement hire; police hire stalls

Union City Borough Council on July 9 approved emergency repairs to a failing storm sewer on East High Street, retroactively appointed a code enforcement officer and agreed to pursue a Broadband Ready Communities designation, while a motion to hire a recommended full-time police officer failed for lack of a second.

The council voted unanimously to hire Mansfield to replace a section of deteriorated galvanized storm pipe at 98 East High Street after Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips reported that a camera inspection found roughly 90–100 feet of galvanized pipe with the bottom missing and that the video probe had fallen into the damaged section. Mansfield quoted $14,500 to replace the damaged galvanized pipe with plastic, and councilor Steadman’s motion to approve that work passed without opposition. The council also approved work to cut and inspect a sinkhole in Municipal Lot #1, authorizing up to $6,000 for Mansfield to open and evaluate the hole after soliciting a competing price and availability from McLallen Construction.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council that the TA Set-Aside sidewalk project will begin July 15, and that the county’s appointed engineer, WRA, LLP, will lead a feasibility study for a proposed school crossing. Wells also summarized other municipal business including an upcoming virtual South County EMS study meeting on July 11 and community events.

On personnel matters, the Civil Service Commission provided a certified list with one candidate for a full-time police officer. Police Chief David Pernice recommended hiring Kenneth Fye, saying Fye passed civil service testing and background checks. Councilor Steadman moved to hire Fye, but the motion received no second and therefore failed; Chief Pernice asked later in the meeting why the motion had died and was told the topic would be revisited at a future meeting.

Separately, the Personnel Committee recommended Mark Zigler for the Code Enforcement Officer position. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Joyce seconded a retroactive appointment for Zigler, who is scheduled to start training July 12 and begin full duties July 29; Councilor Uber opposed the appointment on residency grounds but the motion carried.

The council unanimously agreed to proceed with the Erie Area Council of Governments’ Broadband Ready Communities process, including a required public meeting and a resolution authorizing EACOG to serve as the municipal broadband champion, a step the manager said could attract additional internet service provider options to the borough.

Votes at a glance - Adopt agenda as amended (added emergency stormwater repair): moved by Councilor Joyce, seconded by Councilor Kerns — carried unanimously. - Approve June 25, 2024 minutes: moved by Councilor Kerns, seconded by Councilor Joyce — carried unanimously. - Mansfield pipe replacement, $14,500: moved by Councilor Steadman, seconded by Councilor Kerns — carried unanimously. - Mansfield to open Municipal Lot #1 sinkhole, up to $6,000 (after McLallen check): moved by Councilor Steadman, seconded by Councilor Osborn — carried unanimously. - Hire full-time police officer (Kenneth Fye): moved by Councilor Steadman — failed for lack of a second. - Retroactive appointment of Mark Zigler, Code Enforcement Officer: moved by Councilor Osborn, seconded by Councilor Joyce — carried (Councilor Uber opposed). - Proceed with public meeting and resolution to receive Broadband Ready Community designation (EACOG): moved by Councilor Kerns, seconded by Councilor Joyce — carried unanimously.

The council adjourned at 7:04 p.m. and later held an executive session from 7:06 p.m. to 7:38 p.m. to discuss personnel; no action was taken in executive session.