Union City council approves canoe launch contract, removes lien and funds Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council unanimously approved a package of routine actions at its Aug. 27 meeting, including a $16,679 contract to install a canoe and kayak launch at the American Legion ball field, the removal of a borough lien on a Landbank property and the awarding of Renaissance grants to seven applicants.

Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Kerns seconded approval of the contract from Construction Services of PA for $16,679 for the canoe/kayak launch; the motion included the contingency that the borough receive an easement from the American Legion. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the purchase did not require formal bidding because the project cost was below the $23,200 threshold. Council approved the motion unanimously.

Manager Wells reported the borough holds a lien against 121 East High Street for approximately $2,690 and said 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; the motion carried unanimously.

On economic development, Wells said seven Renaissance Grant applications were recommended for approval. The seven projects have a combined estimated cost of $60,606 and requested $23,600 in grant funds; Wells said $90,547.35 remained available in the Renaissance Grant fund. Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded approval of the recommended awards, and the motion carried unanimously.

Council also acted to accept the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) audit report. Manager Wells said the audit had been reviewed and accepted by COG members and that each municipality must pass a resolution to record acceptance; Councilor Osborn moved to adopt the resolution and Councilor Steadman seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting packet included two contractor quotes for the canoe/kayak launch: Blum Property Services, LLC ($18,541.50) and Construction Services of PA ($16,679.00). The council selected the lower quote and conditioned the contract on obtaining the required easement from the American Legion.

Manager Wells also reported other upcoming items for council attention: a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment and a vote on an amendment to the parking ordinance scheduled for the Sept. 16 council meeting (advertised as required), outreach and meetings related to the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Head and park improvements on French Creek, Community Emergency Response Team training on Sept. 27–29, and a letter of support being sent for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application along U.S. Route 6.

The council adjourned at 6:19 p.m.