Union City council awards Devereaux Park trail contract, approves $5,000 sinkhole repair

Union City Borough Council unanimously voted July 23 to award a Devereaux Park/French Creek Trail construction contract and to approve emergency sinkhole repairs in Municipal Lot No. 1.

The council voted to award the park and trail project to Vavala Concrete, which submitted the low bid of $84,774. Councilor Osborn made the motion to award the contract, seconded by Councilor Steadman; the motion passed unanimously.

On a separate motion, the council accepted Mansfield's $5,000 quote to repair, replace, and reconnect a damaged pipe at a sinkhole in Municipal Lot No. 1. Councilor Kerns moved to accept Mansfield's quote, seconded by Councilor Steadman; the motion carried unanimously. The borough will provide the pipe and fittings, an additional cost estimated at $5,000, pending no other problems.

Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips said crews had introduced about 400 gallons of dye into a storm drain near Hogan’s Alley as part of the assessment, and that the dye appeared to be entering sanitary lines that run to Municipal Lot No. 1. "It is getting into the sanitary lines that go to Municipal Lot No. 1," Phillips said, and he reported arranging a camera inspection, with additional inspection toward the Salvation Army recommended by Riley to better understand underground conditions.

Council records show the bids for the park/trail project were publicly received and Vavala Concrete submitted the lowest bid. The motions on both contracts were recorded as unanimous votes by the council.

The council did not identify a construction start date for the park and trail project in the meeting minutes; further scheduling and permitting details were not specified at the session.

The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.; an executive session on personnel and contracts followed with no action taken.