Union City agenda includes public broadband meeting and resolution to seek 'Broadband Ready' designation

Union City Borough posted an agenda for its July 23, 2024, meeting that schedules a public meeting on broadband at 5:45 p.m., preceding the 6 p.m. council session at First Global Methodist Church, 42 East High Street.

The agenda also includes a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing an application for designation as a 'Broadband Ready Community' and to appoint Erie Area COG as the borough’s municipal broadband champion. The posted agenda lists the resolution for consideration but does not include the text of the resolution, any supporting materials, the name of a mover or seconder, or a recorded outcome.

Why it matters: the 'Broadband Ready' designation is typically sought to streamline permitting and encourage broadband investment; appointing a regional organization as a municipal champion can centralize application and coordination efforts. The agenda establishes the topic for both public input (the 5:45 p.m. meeting) and the council’s formal consideration at the regular meeting.

What the agenda does not say: the posted agenda does not specify the proposed commitments or responsibilities expected of a 'Broadband Ready Community' designation, does not list any cost estimates or grant match requirements, and does not record whether the council adopted the resolution. Any next steps or implementation timelines are not provided in the agenda.

The agenda entry indicates the council will consider the resolution on July 23; the posted document does not record the result of that consideration.