Union City Council clears ~$2,690 lien, awards $16,679 canoe/kayak contract and approves $23,600 in Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council met Aug. 27, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church and unanimously approved several administrative and small capital actions, including removing a lien on a Landbank property and awarding a contract to install a canoe/kayak launch.

The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. with the borough’s vision statement. Councilor Osborn moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilor Steadman; the motion carried unanimously. Routine items — minutes, the secretary’s report and bills — were approved by voice vote.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the borough holds a lien against 121 East High Street, a property donated to the Erie County Landbank, for the amount of approximately $2,690. Councilor Kerns moved to remove or satisfy the lien for the full amount; Councilor Steadman seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Wells presented two quotes to install a canoe/kayak launch at the designated area of the American Legion ball field. Because the estimated cost was below the $23,200 bidding threshold, bids were not required. The two written quotes recorded in the meeting were Blum Property Services, LLC for $18,541.50 and Construction Services of PA for $16,679.00. Councilor Osborn moved to accept the $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA contingent upon receipt of an easement from the American Legion; the motion carried unanimously.

On economic development, Wells said seven Renaissance Grant applications were received: the projects totaled $60,606 in combined project cost and requested $23,600 in grant assistance. She reported $90,547.35 remains available in the Renaissance Grant fund. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the recommended seven applications totaling $23,600 for the 2024–2025 grant period; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The council framed the grants as property improvements intended to address blight.

Councilor Osborn moved a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) audit report that had been reviewed by COG members; Councilor Steadman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice updated the council on recruitment for part‑time officers. He said he has been unable to contact the new hire approved at the prior meeting and suspects the candidate may no longer be interested; he plans to reach out to the regional consortium (about 32 candidates on the list), arrange oral exams through the Civil Service Commission and continue recruiting. The chief said his staffing goal remains two part‑time officers, but only one position is approved; council members agreed to continue searching for a single part‑time officer.

Other notices from the borough manager included an EC Planning EMS meeting Aug. 28, the Devereaux Day kickoff Sept. 13 to promote park and trail improvements on French Creek and the Erie‑to‑Pittsburgh trailhead, a Sept. 25 health insurance presentation for council members, Community Emergency Response Team training Sept. 27–29, and an upcoming public hearing on Sept. 16 for a zoning amendment and a separate parking ordinance amendment that will be advertised as required. Wells also said the borough would send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application along the US Route 6 corridor.

Department liaisons reported no items. The council adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

The record shows the actions above were approved by unanimous voice vote; individual roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.