Union City Council hires part‑time officer, approves $22,295 sinkhole repair and multiple easements

Union City Borough Council on Aug. 13 unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer and approved a set of infrastructure and property actions, council records show.

The actions came during a regularly scheduled meeting at First Global Methodist Church. Councilor Matt Joyce moved to hire the candidate and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Councilor Riley Cross said a part‑time hire would reduce costs, and Councilor Matt Joyce said part‑time coverage would expand patrol availability. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the 2024 budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that part‑time wages should be less, depending on hours worked.

The council also approved a Streets Department recommendation to repair a sinkhole and damaged pipe at Municipal Lot #1. Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips described engineering advice to replace 24‑inch clay tile, reconnect pipes and install a larger catch basin; two construction estimates were presented. Council approved Mansfield’s bid of $22,295 to replace about 10 feet of pipe, install a larger catch basin and reconnect the affected lines. Councilor Steadman moved the measure and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Several land and easement items were approved. Council passed a retroactive easement with property owner Anthony Hickey at 104 East High Street under which PennDOT will install a catch basin, the borough will install an adjacent catch basin and the property owner will create and maintain a ditch and a pipe connecting the two basins; the borough accepted responsibility for the two basins and roughly 60 feet of connecting pipe. Council also approved a retroactive purchase of a small parcel adjacent to Municipal Lot #3 from 8 South Street for $500 to support a gazebo project, pending survey and solicitor paperwork.

The borough authorized an easement with the American Legion to install and maintain a kayak and canoe launch on the ball field along French Creek. The project will use funds from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council; the solicitor will draft the easement. Councilor Osborn moved the boat‑launch motion and Councilor Matt Joyce seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Other routine business included council approval of a subdivision combining a portion of 92 West High Street with 88 and 90 West High Street (Erie County Planning had approved the survey maps) and the council’s acceptance of the 2025 Minimum Municipal Obligation for pensions: $48,029 for the non‑uniform plan and $0 for the police pension. Motions on those items carried unanimously.

Council agreed to change regular meeting dates to the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. from September through April; the next meeting was set for Aug. 27, and the following meeting will be Sept. 16 because of Labor Day. The public meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.; an executive session to discuss personnel and contract matters followed with no action taken.