Union City Council removes lien on donated property, awards canoe launch contract and approves Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council on Aug. 27, 2024 approved a series of routine actions including removal of a $2,690 lien on 121 East High Street, acceptance of a $16,679 quote for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field, approval of seven Renaissance grant applications requesting $23,600, and passage of a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Government audit.

Councilor Joyce called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at First Global Methodist Church. The meeting record shows Councilors Joyce, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns present; Cross, Winkler and Uber were listed as absent. Several procedural motions — to approve the agenda, minutes, the secretary’s report and bills — were made and carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice told council he had been unable to reach a recently approved hire and planned to contact the consortium and the Civil Service Commission to set up oral exams. "He said he has tried to make contact but has had no luck," the minutes state. Pernice said he ultimately wants two part‑time officers though only one position was authorized; council agreed to continue the search for one part‑time officer.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells reviewed calendar items and community notices, including an Erie County planning EMS meeting at Fort LeBoeuf on Aug. 28, a Devereaux Day kickoff on Sept. 13 to promote park and trail improvements on French Creek and the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Head, a staff meeting on health insurance plans scheduled for Sept. 25, free CERT training Sept. 27–29, and an Erie County Firefighters Association awards dinner Sept. 27. Wells also said the towing ordinance would not be put out for bids and that the borough would send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant along the US Route 6 corridor.

On the Landbank property at 121 East High Street, Wells reported "The Borough has a lien against the property for the amount of $2,690." Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded a motion to remove or satisfy the lien for that full amount; the motion carried unanimously.

Council reviewed quotes for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field. Because the work was under the $23,200 bidding threshold, formal bids were not required; two quotes were presented — Blum Property Services, LLC for $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA for $16,679.00. Council voted to accept the $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA "upon receiving the easement from American Legion," as recorded in the minutes.

Wells said seven Renaissance Grant applications were recommended for approval; the projects total $60,606 in estimated costs and requested $23,600 in grant funding, and she reported $90,547.35 remains available in the Renaissance Grant fund. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the recommended Renaissance Grant awards and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Council also passed a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) audit report as presented.

The meeting concluded with department liaisons reporting no additional items. A motion to adjourn carried at 6:19 P.M.

The council’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. and will include a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment and a planned vote on an amendment to the parking ordinance; both items will be advertised as required.