Union City council approves parking and zoning amendments, authorizes stormwater grant application

Union City Borough Council on Sept. 16 unanimously approved a package of local measures and authorized a grant application to address stormwater damage at Municipal Lot #1.

The council approved amendments to Parking Ordinance 1137 to prohibit unlawful and disabled vehicles and adjust schedules I, II and IV, and adopted an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 1118 adding definitions and regulation for redemption games (games of skill) and a provision for accessory structures on adjoining lots. Councilor Steadman moved both measures; motions were seconded and carried unanimously.

Council also authorized submitting an application to Erie County for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds of up to $100,000 to pay for a portion of stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot #1. Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips told the council that Mansfield will fill a sinkhole, replace about 10 feet of pipe and install a new catch basin; smoke-and-dye testing will follow and the borough is awaiting paving quotes from JT Patching and Cross Paving. "We will notify business owners and the UCVFD once smoke testing is scheduled," Phillips said.

The council adopted a resolution exonerating $5,563.49 in taxes on the parcel at 121 East High after the Land Bank purchased the property. Councilor Kerns moved the resolution and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Councilors also approved advertising a proposed amendment to the Tenant Registration ordinance that would allow charging violators more than once per year when they fail to provide required information, set Halloween trick-or-treating for Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and noted that Capela's will continue grounds mowing through the end of the season. Borough Manager Cindy Wells announced a meeting to present health insurance plans on Sept. 25 at the city building.

During the hearing of visitors, Council President Riley Cross said he had spoken with Lance Greer about the Hometown Heroes lawsuit and said Greer would not be accepting money from the civil case. Bev Ballog of Hometown Heroes attended and thanked the borough for its support and said she was "happy to hear that Lance is not accepting the money."

Mayor Robert Wolf read his reports and praised the police department for its work. Police Chief David Pernice said he had sent letters to candidates on the Consortium list. Councilor Steadman reported on Devereaux Day and the opening of a new trailhead.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. An executive session on real estate, personnel and contracts followed from 6:58 p.m. to 7:42 p.m.; no action was taken during the executive session.