Union City Council removes landbank lien, awards canoe launch contract and approves Renaissance grants

The Union City Borough Council unanimously approved several routine and project actions at its Aug. 27 meeting, including removing a lien on a donated Landbank property, awarding a contract for a canoe and kayak launch and approving Renaissance grant funding.

Councilor Joyce called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with Councilors Osborn, Steadman and Kerns present. Borough Manager Cindy Wells provided project updates and scheduling details while Police Chief David Pernice updated the council on staffing plans.

The council voted to remove a borough lien of approximately $2,690 on 121 East High Street after the Erie County Landbank requested the lien be satisfied. Councilor Kerns moved to remove the lien; Councilor Steadman seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Wells presented two quotes for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field: Blum Property Services, LLC for $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA for $16,679. Because the total was below Pennsylvania’s informal-bid threshold cited by staff (under $23,200), formal competitive bidding was not required. Councilor Osborn moved to accept the $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA provided the borough receives an easement from the American Legion; Councilor Kerns seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

On grants, Wells said seven Renaissance Grant applications were received totaling $60,606 in project costs and requesting $23,600 in grant funds; $90,547.35 remained available in the program. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the seven recommended applications; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice told council he has been unable to reach a previously approved new hire and believes the candidate may no longer be interested. "There are only 32 candidates on the list," Pernice said, and he said he would reach out to the hiring consortium and check with the Civil Service Commission to set up oral exams and send letters. The chief said his longer-term aim is to hire two part-time officers but that only one position was approved by council.

Wells also announced local and regional items including an Erie County Planning EMS meeting at Fort LeBoeuf on Aug. 28, a Devereaux Day kickoff and trail improvements event on Sept. 13, a Sept. 25 meeting for council health insurance presentations, Community Emergency Response Team training Sept. 27–29, and attendance invitations to the Erie County Firefighters Association Safety Awards on Sept. 27. She said the borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant application along the U.S. Route 6 corridor.

The council accepted the Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG) audit report by resolution after COG members reviewed the audit. Department liaisons had no reports. Councilor Osborn moved to adjourn at 6:19 p.m.; Councilor Kerns seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows unanimous approval for routine items and the following motions: removal of a $2,690 lien on 121 East High Street (mover: Councilor Kerns; seconder: Councilor Steadman), acceptance of a $16,679 quote for the canoe/kayak launch (mover: Councilor Osborn; seconder: Councilor Kerns, subject to easement), approval of seven Renaissance Grant awards totaling $23,600 (mover: Councilor Steadman; seconder: Councilor Osborn), and a resolution accepting the EACOG audit (mover: Councilor Osborn; seconder: Councilor Steadman).