Union City Council removes landbank lien, approves canoe launch contract and local grants

Union City Borough Council unanimously voted Aug. 27 to remove a $2,690 lien on a property donated to the Erie County Landbank, accept a $16,679 quote for a canoe and kayak launch at the American Legion ball field, and approve seven Renaissance Grant awards totaling $23,600.

The Council removed the lien on 121 East High Street after Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the landbank requested the lien’s removal. Councilor Kerns moved to satisfy the lien for the full amount; Councilor Steadman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

On recreational improvements, Wells said the borough received two quotes to install a canoe/kayak launch and that bids were not required because the cost fell below the $23,200 threshold. The EADS Group engineer reviewed the quotes; Council accepted Construction Services of PA’s $16,679 proposal contingent on the borough receiving an easement from the American Legion. Councilor Osborn moved to accept the lower quote and Councilor Kerns seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Wells also reported seven recommended Renaissance Grant applications that together request $23,600 of the available $90,547.35 in the fund; the project totals are $60,606. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the recommended awards to support property improvements intended to reduce blight, and Councilor Osborn seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The Council likewise passed a resolution accepting the audit report for the Erie Area Council of Government after the COG reviewed the audit. The resolution was adopted by unanimous vote.

The meeting record shows all votes on these items were unanimous. The actions will allow the borough to move forward with the canoe/kayak installation once the required easement is secured and release the lien so the landbank can proceed with the donated property.