Union City holds short public hearing on zoning amendment to regulate redemption games

Union City Borough held a public hearing at 6:05 p.m. Sept. 16, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church on a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 that would define and regulate "redemption games" (also described in the notice as games of skill) and add a provision for accessory structures on adjoining lots.

The borough opened the hearing with its vision statement: “The Union City area is a thriving rural community of families, businesses and organizations dedicated to encouraging growth while maintaining small town values.” Councilor Cross called the hearing to order. Councilors Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns were recorded as present; Councilors Joyce, Winkler and Uber were listed as absent. Solicitor Tim Wachter and Constituent Services Representative Kim Tuszynski were also listed as present.

Borough officials described the proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 as intended to add definitions and regulation for permitted-use zones for redemption games, to add Section 701.04 to provide for the use of accessory structures on adjoining lots, and to include standard repealer, severability and effective-date language. The public notice and hearing record presented those elements but the transcript shows no members of the public attended to comment.

With no visitors present, Councilor Steadman moved that the public hearing be adjourned; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion. The hearing was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.

Next steps: the hearing record was completed; the transcript does not show a final vote on the ordinance amendment itself or any further action at that meeting. Any subsequent formal action (introduction, vote or adoption) on Ordinance No. 1118 would be reflected in later meeting minutes or agenda materials.