Union City Council approves housing-plan resolution, ordinance changes and seeks up to $100,000 in CDBG funds

Union City Borough Council unanimously approved several local measures at its Sept. 16 meeting at First Global Methodist Church, including a resolution supporting an Erie County countywide comprehensive housing plan, amendments to parking and zoning ordinances, a tax exoneration for a Land Bank property and authorization to apply for federal block grant funds for stormwater repairs.

The council voted to approve a resolution urging Erie County to prepare a new countywide comprehensive housing plan intended to improve quality and affordable housing countywide. Councilors said the county will use MAP grant funds and Act 137 (Affordable Housing Act) funds derived from deed transfers to support the effort. The motion was made by Councilor Osborn and seconded by Councilor Steadman; the motion carried unanimously.

Council also approved an amendment to Parking Ordinance 1137 that tightens rules on unlawful and disabled vehicles and updates schedules and restrictions. Separately, the council adopted changes to Zoning Ordinance 1118 to add definitions and regulation for redemption games (games of skill) and to add a new section (701.04) on accessory structures on adjoining lots. Both ordinance amendments were advertised in advance and passed on unanimous votes.

The borough approved a resolution to exonerate $5,563.49 in taxes on a property at 121 East High purchased by the Land Bank; Councilor Kerns moved the resolution, which carried unanimously. Council also approved Trick-or-Treat hours for Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On funding, council authorized submitting an application to Erie County for up to $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to pay for a portion of stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot #1; the motion was approved unanimously. Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips and Borough Manager Cindy Wells informed council that sinkhole repairs and related pipe and catch-basin work are planned at Municipal Lot #1 and that smoke-and-dye testing is expected after initial repairs are completed.

All motions recorded in the meeting carried unanimously. Four councilors were present for votes (Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns); three councilors (Joyce, Winkler and Uber) were listed as absent in the meeting record. The council adjourned at 6:50 p.m.; an executive session on real estate, personnel and contracts ran later with no action taken.

The council also voted to advertise a proposed change to the tenant-registration ordinance to permit charging repeat violators more than once per year for failing to provide required information; that advertising motion carried unanimously. A meeting to present health insurance plans to council members is scheduled for Sept. 25 at the City Building.