Union City council approves canoe launch contract, removes landbank lien and OKs $23,600 in Renaissance grants

The Union City Borough Council on Aug. 27 approved a set of local administrative actions including a $16,679 contract to install a canoe and kayak launch, the removal of a $2,690 lien on a landbanked property and $23,600 in Renaissance Grant awards across seven projects.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council that quotes for a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field had been reviewed and that, "because the cost is under $23,200 bids were not required." The council accepted a $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA contingent on receiving an easement from the American Legion. The motion to accept the quote was moved by Councilor Osborn and seconded by Councilor Kerns; the motion carried unanimously.

Wells said the borough holds a lien against 121 East High Street for $2,690 and that the Erie County Landbank requested the lien be removed. Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded a motion to remove or satisfy the lien for the full amount (approximately $2,690); that motion carried unanimously.

On grant awards, Wells reported seven Renaissance Grant applications totaling $60,606 in project costs and requesting $23,600 in grant funds. She recommended approving all seven to help address blight; Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded approval of the recommended grants totaling $23,600, and the motion carried unanimously.

The council also passed a resolution accepting the audit report for the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) after COG members had reviewed and accepted the audit. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Steadman seconded the resolution; the motion carried unanimously.

Wells noted the borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant application along the U.S. Route 6 corridor and announced several upcoming events and training opportunities, including a Devereaux Day kickoff on Sept. 13 to promote park and trail improvements and a Community Emergency Response Team training Sept. 27–29. The council also "opted to not advertise for bids" on towing (as reported in the minutes).

The minutes record all motions as carrying unanimously. The minutes also contain an internal inconsistency: they list Councilor Winkler among absent members earlier in the attendance roll but record Winkler as the seconder for the motion on bills; the meeting record does not reconcile that discrepancy.

The meeting adjourned at 6:19 P.M.; Wells reminded council that a public hearing on a zoning amendment will be advertised and that a special meeting to present health insurance plans is scheduled for Sept. 25.