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Union City council approves sinkhole repair, awards $84,774 trail project and discusses hiring a police officer
Summary
Union City Borough Council unanimously approved a $5,000 contract to repair a sinkhole/storm pipe in Municipal Lot No. 1, awarded the Devereaux Park/French Creek Trail project to Vavala Concrete for $84,774, and discussed but did not act on hiring a new full‑time police officer amid concerns over stormwater repair costs.
Union City Borough Council voted unanimously July 23 to accept a $5,000 quote from Mansfield to repair and reconnect a pipe at a sinkhole in Municipal Lot No. 1, with the borough supplying pipe and fittings at an additional recorded borough cost of $5,000.
At the same meeting the council awarded the Devereaux Park/French Creek Trail construction contract to Vavala Concrete, the low bidder at $84,774; that motion also passed unanimously.
The votes came as councilors and borough staff discussed stormwater infrastructure problems that influenced the hiring debate for an additional police officer. Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough owes a candidate an explanation after the hiring motion failed and noted that both he and the police chief had discussed the "want and the need" for a full‑time officer. Councilor Melissa Winkler said she was unaware the borough was pursuing another hire and expressed concern that recent and unexpected stormwater costs made taking on new personnel expenditures imprudent. Councilor James Kerns said the stormwater issues were a primary factor in the decision rather than concerns about the candidate personally.
Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips reviewed options and estimates for sinkhole and storm sewer repairs and reported crews had placed dye in a storm drain near Hogan’s Alley; the dye appeared to be entering sanitary lines flowing to Municipal Lot No. 1. Phillips said he is arranging camera inspection of the pipe and suggested extending the camera run toward the Salvation Army to assess underground conditions.
The motion to accept Mansfield’s $5,000 quote was made by Councilor James Kerns and seconded by Councilor Steadman. The motion to award the trail project to Vavala Concrete was made by Councilor Osborn and seconded by Councilor Steadman. Both motions were recorded as carried unanimously by the councilors present.
An executive session to discuss personnel and contracts followed adjournment; no formal action was taken during the executive session.
