Union City council approves zoning and parking amendments, resolves tax exoneration and backs county housing plan

Union City Borough Council approved a package of ordinance changes, resolutions and routine items during its Sept. 16 meeting, voting unanimously on each motion.

Council moved to advertise an amendment to the tenant registration ordinance that would allow violators to be charged more than once per year when they fail to provide required information. Councilor Steadman made the motion to advertise and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

The council approved a resolution to exonerate $5,563.49 in taxes for the property at 121 East High after the Land Bank purchased the parcel. Councilor Kerns moved the resolution and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Councilors also approved a resolution supporting Erie County’s plan to develop a new countywide comprehensive housing strategy. The county plans to use MAP grant funds and Act 137 affordable-housing deed-transfer funds; borough discussion noted several residents have submitted applications for Act 137 funds based on income. Councilor Osborn moved the resolution and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

On local ordinances, the council approved amendments to Parking Ordinance 1137 to restrict unlawful and disabled vehicles and to amend schedules I, II and IV. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the amendment and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The council also approved an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 1118 that adds definitions and regulations for redemption games (games of skill) and adds section 701.04 to allow use of accessory structures on adjoining lots; Councilor Kerns moved the amendment, Councilor Steadman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The council set borough trick-or-treat hours for Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the motion was moved by Councilor Steadman and seconded by Councilor Kerns and carried unanimously.

At the meeting’s opening, Council President Cross noted he had spoken with Lance Greer regarding the Hometown Heroes civil case and said Greer would not be accepting money from that civil case. Bev Ballog, with Hometown Heroes, thanked the borough for its support of the project and expressed appreciation that Greer would not accept the funds.

The council adjourned at 6:50 p.m. and entered an executive session from 6:58 p.m. to 7:42 p.m. to discuss real estate, personnel and contracts with no action taken.