Union City council hires part‑time officer, approves sinkhole repair and easements

Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to hire a candidate from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer, award a municipal infrastructure contract to repair a sinkhole at Municipal Lot #1, and approve several easements tied to stormwater and recreational projects.

Mayor Robert Wolf said maintaining a local police department is important and recommended hiring a part‑time officer. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that a part‑time hire would cost less depending on hours; Councilor Joyce moved to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time officer, Councilor Osborn seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed public‑safety activity from June 1 to Aug. 13, reporting 269 calls in that span (about 3.63 calls per day) that ranged from vehicle pursuits and protective‑order enforcement to domestic incidents, drug activity and homelessness. Pernice said officers attended an Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 and that the Union City Community Foundation awarded funding for four tasers and for additional security cameras covering North Main Street.

Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips and consulting engineer Tim Wells described a sinkhole at Municipal Lot #1 caused by a failed 24‑inch clay tile. Two repair estimates were presented: Mansfield at $22,295 and McLallen Construction at $23,450; both require the borough to provide a truck during the work. On a motion by Councilor Steadman, seconded by Councilor Osborn, council accepted Mansfield’s $22,295 bid to replace roughly 10 feet of pipe, install a larger catch basin, reconnect pipes and close the sinkhole.

Council approved a retroactive easement with property owner Anthony Hickey at 104 East High Street to accommodate a PennDOT catch basin. Under the agreement the borough will install a catch basin and accept responsibility for two catch basins and approximately 60 feet of connecting pipe; the property owner will dig and maintain the ditch and install the connecting pipe. The motion was made by Councilor Osborn, seconded by Councilor Kerns, and carried unanimously.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells reported receipt of the 2025 Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO): $48,029 required for the nonuniform pension and $0 for the police pension. Council approved the MMO on a motion by Councilor Joyce, seconded by Councilor Kerns.

Council also approved a subdivision request (combining part of 92 West High Street with 88 and 90 West High Street), authorized a retroactive $500 purchase of a parcel at 8 South Street to connect to Municipal Lot #3 pending survey and solicitor paperwork, and approved an easement with the American Legion to install and maintain a kayak/canoe launch at the ballfield on French Creek; the launch will be installed with funds from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Environmental Council. All motions passed unanimously.

The council agreed to change its regular meeting schedule for September–April to the first and third Mondays at 6:30 p.m.; the next regular meeting is Aug. 27, 2024, and the following meeting will be Sept. 16, 2024 because of Labor Day. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.; an executive session on personnel and contract matters (no action) ran after adjournment.