Union City council approves canoe/kayak launch contract, clears $2,690 landbank lien and awards $23,600 in Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council on Aug. 27 unanimously approved several routine local actions, including a canoe and kayak launch contract contingent on an easement, removal of a $2,690 lien on a Landbank property and the awarding of $23,600 in Renaissance grants.

The council meeting, called to order by Councilor Joyce at 6:00 p.m. at First Global Methodist Church, included updates from Borough Manager Cindy Wells and Police Chief David Pernice. The council approved the meeting agenda and minutes, accepted the secretary’s report and authorized payment of bills, with all procedural motions passing unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice told the council he has been unable to reach a previously approved new hire and is assuming the candidate is no longer interested. Pernice said he will contact the hiring consortium (which has 32 candidates on its list), seek to set up oral exams through the Civil Service Commission and continue recruiting for one part‑time officer, though he said his preference remains to hire two.

On capital work, the council accepted a $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA for installation of a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field. The engineer from The EADS Group reviewed two quotes—Blum Property Services LLC at $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA at $16,679—and because the project cost is under $23,200 bids were not required. Councilor Osborn moved to accept the lower quote and Councilor Kerns seconded; the contract award is conditioned on receiving an easement from the American Legion.

Manager Wells reported the borough holds a lien of $2,690 on 121 East High Street, a property that was donated to the Erie County Landbank. Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded a motion to remove or satisfy the lien for the full amount; the motion carried unanimously.

On community development, Wells said seven Renaissance grant applications were recommended for approval. The projects total $60,606 in estimated work and requested $23,600 in grant awards; the Renaissance fund balance available for awards was reported as $90,547.35. Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded approval of the seven grants to support property improvements intended to reduce blight; the motion passed unanimously.

The council also voted to pass a resolution accepting the audit report for the Erie Area Council of Governments (EACOG) as reviewed and accepted by COG members. Councilor Osborn moved to accept the audit report and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried.

Manager Wells outlined upcoming meetings and events, including an Erie County Planning kickoff for park and trail improvements on French Creek and promotion of the Erie-to-Pittsburgh trailhead on Sept. 13, and a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment scheduled for Sept. 16. The council opted not to advertise for towing bids and authorized a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure discretionary grant application along the U.S. Route 6 corridor.

The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m. after a motion by Councilor Osborn, seconded by Councilor Kerns. The council’s next regular meeting was noted as Sept. 16, 2024, with the public hearing for the zoning amendment to be advertised as required.