Union City holds public hearing on proposed zoning amendment for "redemption games"

The Borough of Union City held a short public hearing on Sept. 16, 2024, to present a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 that would define and regulate redemption games, also described in the minutes as "games of skill," and add Section 701.04 to permit use of accessory structures on adjoining lots, Councilor Cross said. The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. at First Global Methodist Church, 42 East High Street.

The amendment, as read into the minutes, would add definitions and establish permitted-use zones for redemption games, add rules governing accessory structures on adjoining lots, and include a repealer, a severability clause and an effective date; the minutes do not record the ordinance text or any specific regulatory thresholds. Solicitor Tim Wachter and Constituent Services Representative Kim Tuszynski were listed as officials present.

The hearing opened for public comment; the minutes note that no visitors were present and that no public testimony was recorded. After the presentation, Councilor Steadman moved that the public hearing be adjourned; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion. The minutes state, "The hearing adjourned at 6:09 P.M." The record does not show a vote tally or a formal vote on Ordinance No. 1118 during the hearing.

Because the minutes record only the informational hearing and no public testimony or vote, there is no further action recorded in these minutes. The next procedural step — whether the council will schedule additional hearings, revise the proposed language, or place the ordinance on a future agenda for a vote — is not specified in the provided minutes.