Union City plans pipe replacement, catch basin and smoke-and-dye test in Municipal Lot #1; council seeks up to $100,000 in CDBG funding

Union City Borough will begin repairs and testing at Municipal Lot #1 after sinkholes were discovered, and the borough council authorized seeking county CDBG funds to cover part of the work.

"It was recommended that we do a smoke and dye test. Mansfield will fill the sink hole and replace approximately 10’ of pipe and install the new catch basin," Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips reported to council. He said the smoke-and-dye test is planned after the pipe replacement and catch-basin installation, and that Mansfield will undertake the initial fill and pipe work. Council asked for quotes from JT Patching and Paving and Cross Paving to repave the affected areas and said business owners near the lot and the Union City Volunteer Fire Department would be notified before the smoke testing.

At the Sept. 16 meeting the council voted unanimously to authorize submitting an application to the county for up to $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for a portion of the stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot #1. Councilor Steadman moved the CDBG motion, and Councilor Osborn seconded. The motion carried with all four councilors present voting yes.

The borough manager and streets supervisor said the recommended near-term sequence is: have Mansfield fill the sinkhole and replace the damaged pipe and catch basin; complete smoke-and-dye testing to check for conveyance issues; and then repave the affected sections pending quotes. The council directed staff to obtain the paving quotes and to notify the affected businesses and volunteer fire department prior to testing. The council did not record a formal timeline for completion and the CDBG decision will depend on the county application process.

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