Union City Borough Council approves grants, removes lien and accepts canoe launch quote

Union City Borough Council met at First Global Methodist Church on Aug. 27, 2024, and approved a series of routine motions while taking several small-step actions on local projects and property matters.

The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. with the borough’s vision statement: "The Union City area is a thriving rural community of families, businesses and organizations dedicated to encouraging growth while maintaining small town values," followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Councilors Joyce, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns were present; Cross, Winkler and Uber were recorded as absent. Borough Manager Cindy Wells and Police Chief David Pernice were listed as officials present.

Councilors moved and unanimously approved the meeting agenda, minutes from the Aug. 13 meeting, the secretary’s report and payment of bills. The minutes record who moved and who seconded for each procedural motion; the motions carried without recorded dissent.

Police Chief David Pernice told council he has been unable to reach a candidate previously approved for hire and assumes that person is no longer interested. He said the department will pursue candidates from the consortium list (32 candidates on the list) and will check with the Civil Service Commission to schedule oral exams; the department’s preference remains to staff two part-time officers although only one position is currently authorized. Council agreed to continue searching for one part-time officer.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells provided multiple updates and notices: an EMS meeting at Fort LeBoeuf on Aug. 28; the Devereaux Day kickoff for park and trail improvements on Sept. 13 to promote the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail Head (invited participants include Representative Banta’s office, a representative for Sen. Dan Laughlin, County Executive Brenton Davis, and Jessica Horan with Erie County Planning); a public hearing on a zoning amendment and an advertised vote on an amended parking ordinance set for the council’s next meeting on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.; a Sept. 25 meeting to review health insurance plan options for council members; free Community Emergency Response Team training Sept. 27–29; and the Erie County Firefighters Association safety awards dinner Sept. 27 at UPMC Hamot. Wells said the borough will send a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application along U.S. Route 6. Council also opted not to advertise for towing bids under the towing ordinance.

On property matters, Wells said the borough holds a lien of approximately $2,690 on 121 East High Street, a property donated to the Erie County Landbank; the Landbank requested the lien be removed. Councilor Kerns moved to remove and satisfy the lien for the full amount; Councilor Steadman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The council reviewed quotes for installing a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field. Because the project total was below the $23,200 bidding threshold, bids were not required; the borough’s engineer at The EADS Group reviewed two quotes: Blum Property Services, LLC ($18,541.50) and Construction Services of PA ($16,679). Councilor Osborn moved to accept Construction Services of PA’s quote for $16,679, contingent on obtaining an easement from the American Legion; Councilor Kerns seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Council approved seven Renaissance Grant applications for the 2024–2025 period. The applications request $23,600 against combined project costs of $60,606; Wells said $90,547.35 remains available in the Renaissance Grant fund. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the recommended applications totaling $23,600; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Finally, the council passed a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Government (EACOG) audit report after members of the council of governments reviewed and accepted the audit; Councilor Osborn moved the resolution, Councilor Steadman seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

The council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., which will include a public hearing on a zoning amendment and a vote on a parking ordinance.