Union City council approves lien removal, canoe launch contract and $23,600 in Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council met Aug. 27, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church and approved a series of administrative and project actions, including removing a $2,690 lien, awarding a contract to install a canoe/kayak launch, and approving $23,600 in Renaissance grant awards.

Councilor Joyce called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Joyce, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns attended; Cross, Winkler and Uber were absent. Borough Manager Cindy Wells and Police Chief David Pernice were present.

Police staffing: Police Chief David Pernice told the council he has been unable to reach a previously approved new hire and is assuming that candidate is no longer interested. "I have tried to make contact but have had no luck. I am assuming he is no longer interested," Pernice said. He said he will reach out to the consortium (32 candidates remain on the list), plans to check with the Civil Service Commission about oral exams and will send letters; the council agreed to continue searching for one part‑time officer, although the chief said he would ideally like two.

Property lien removed: Manager Wells reported the borough holds a lien of $2,690 against 121 East High Street, a property donated to the Erie County Landbank. Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded a motion to remove/satisfy the lien for the full amount; the motion carried unanimously.

Recreation project contract awarded: The council reviewed two quotes for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field; because the project cost was under the $23,200 threshold, formal bids were not required. The EADS Group engineer reviewed the proposals: Blum Property Services, LLC quoted $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA quoted $16,679. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Kerns seconded a motion to accept Construction Services of PA's $16,679 quote contingent upon receipt of an easement from the American Legion; the motion carried unanimously.

Renaissance Grants approved: Manager Wells said seven Renaissance Grant applications were received totaling $60,606, requesting $23,600 in grant funds. She reported $90,547.35 is available in the Renaissance Grant fund and recommended approval of all seven applications to assist property improvements that address blight. Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded a motion approving the recommended applications totaling $23,600 for the 2024–2025 grant period; the motion carried unanimously.

Audit resolution: The council reviewed and accepted the Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG) audit and passed a resolution accepting the audit report as presented.

Other business and notices: Manager Wells announced several upcoming items and events, including an EC Planning EMS meeting at Fort LeBoeuf (Aug. 28), a Devereaux Day park and trail kickoff Sept. 13 related to the Erie‑to‑Pittsburgh Trail Head, a Sept. 16 council meeting at 6:30 p.m. that will include a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment and a vote on a parking ordinance amendment (both to be advertised as required), a Sept. 25 meeting to present health insurance plans, free Community Emergency Response Team training Sept. 27–29 and an awards dinner on Sept. 27. Wells also said the borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application along the U.S. Route 6 corridor and that council opted not to advertise for towing bids.

Administrative approvals: Earlier in the meeting the council unanimously approved the agenda, the Aug. 13 minutes, the secretary’s report and the payment of bills. Where the transcript lists a second attributed to an absent councilor for one motion, the meeting record shows the motion "carried unanimously." The council adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

Votes at a glance: remove lien on 121 East High Street — approved (motion carried unanimously); award canoe/kayak launch contract to Construction Services of PA for $16,679 (contingent on easement) — approved; approve seven Renaissance Grant applications totaling $23,600 — approved; pass resolution accepting EACOG audit — approved; approve agenda, minutes, secretary’s report and payment of bills — approved.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., which will include a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment and action on a parking ordinance amendment that will be advertised as required.