Union City schedules public hearing on zoning changes; police chief reports difficulty contacting approved hire

Borough Manager Cindy Wells announced the council will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the zoning ordinance and a related amendment to the parking ordinance on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at 6:30 P.M., and that the hearing will be advertised twice as required.

Wells also listed upcoming events and meetings, including an Erie County Planning kickoff ("Devereaux Day") on Sept. 13 to promote park and trail improvements along French Creek and the Erie-to-Pittsburgh trail head, a meeting for council members to review health insurance plans on Sept. 25, free Community Emergency Response Team training Sept. 27—6, 29 and the UPMC Hamot/Erie County Firefighters Association safety awards dinner on Sept. 27.

Wells said Council opted not to advertise for towing bids and that the borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application along the US Route 6 Corridor.

Police Chief David Pernice reported on the new hire approved at the previous meeting and said he had "tried to make contact but has had no luck" and was "assuming he is no longer interested." He said he plans to reach out to the consortium list of candidates, will check with the Civil Service Commission about oral exams and will send letters; he said he would like to hire two part-time officers though only one position was approved and the council agreed to search for one part-time officer.

No formal votes were recorded on the hearing schedule, grant support letter or towing ordinance decision during the Aug. 27 meeting; they were presented as manager updates and council consensus.