Union City council approves ordinance amendments, tax relief and CDBG application for stormwater repairs

Union City Borough Council met Sept. 16, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church and unanimously approved a package of ordinance amendments, resolutions and a grant application that the borough expects will support local infrastructure and housing planning.

The council approved amendments to Parking Ordinance 1137 to restrict parking of unlawful and disabled vehicles and to make technical schedule changes, and approved an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 1118 to add definitions and regulation for redemption games (games of skill) and to add section 701.04 governing accessory structures on adjoining lots. Both ordinance amendments passed on motions that carried unanimously.

Council also approved a resolution to exonerate $5,563.49 in taxes on the property at 121 East High after the Land Bank purchased that parcel. The resolution was moved by Councilor Kerns and seconded by Councilor Steadman and carried unanimously.

Council voted to approve a resolution supporting Erie County’s creation of a new countywide comprehensive housing plan. According to the motion, the county will use MAP grant funds and Act 137 (Affordable Housing Act) funds derived from housing deed transfers; councilors noted local residents have applied for Act 137 assistance based on income. The motion passed unanimously.

On infrastructure funding, Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded approval to submit a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to Erie County requesting up to $100,000 to cover a portion of stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot #1. The motion carried unanimously.

Votes at a glance: all motions recorded in the meeting minutes passed unanimously with the four councilors present (Riley Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns). Notable motions included advertising the proposed tenant-registration amendment, approving tax exoneration for 121 East High ($5,563.49), endorsing Erie County’s housing plan work, approving trick-or-treat hours for Oct. 31 (6:30–8:00 p.m.), adopting amendments to ordinances 1137 and 1118, and authorizing the CDBG application for up to $100,000.

The meeting included brief department reports: Mayor Robert Wolf praised the police department; Police Chief David Pernice noted outreach to consortium candidates; and Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips described recent cleanup and patching work. Councilor Steadman reported on Devereaux Day and the new trailhead.

An executive session to discuss real estate, personnel and contracts followed the meeting from 6:58 p.m. to 7:42 p.m.; no action was taken during that session.