Union City Council unanimously approves several ordinance amendments, advertises tenant-registration change and exonerates taxes

Union City Borough Council unanimously approved a package of routine motions and ordinance amendments during its Sept. 16 meeting, including changes to parking and zoning rules, advertisement of a tenant-registration amendment, a tax exoneration for a Land Bank-owned property, and a resolution supporting a countywide housing plan.

Council President Riley Cross called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the body moved quickly through the agenda. Councilors approved the agenda and minutes and accepted the secretary's report and bills without recorded opposition.

On code and ordinances, the council approved advertised amendments to Parking Ordinance No. 1137 to restrict unlawful and disabled vehicles and to amend Schedules I, II and IV; the motion was made by Councilor Steadman and seconded by Councilor Osborn. Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded approval of an amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 that adds definitions and regulations for redemption games (games of skill) and adds section 701.04 to permit use of accessory structures on adjoining lots; that motion also passed unanimously.

Manager Cindy Wells requested that the council advertise an amendment to the tenant-registration ordinance to allow violators to be charged more than once per year when they fail to provide required information. Councilor Steadman moved to advertise the amendment; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried.

The council approved a resolution to exonerate $5,563.49 in taxes for 121 East High, a parcel purchased by the Land Bank. Councilor Kerns moved the resolution and Councilor Steadman seconded the motion; it carried unanimously.

Council also approved a resolution supporting Erie County completing a new countywide comprehensive housing plan to improve housing quality and affordability; the council noted the plan will use MAP grant funding and Act 137 (Affordable Housing Act) funds generated by housing deed transfers. "The borough has had several residents submit applications for Act 137 funds," councilors noted during the discussion.

Community items with no controversy included approval of trick-or-treat hours for Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and several routine departmental reports. Bev Ballog of Hometown Heroes thanked the borough for its support and said she was "happy to hear that Lance is not accepting the money." Mayor Robert Wolf said the Police Department "has been extremely busy and [is] really appreciative of all they do for the community." The meeting 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.

The motions recorded at this meeting carried unanimously; the minutes do not show roll-call tallies beyond the unanimous outcomes noted above.