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

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

The borough's vision statement—printed in the meeting minutes—reads: "The Union City area is a thriving rural community of families, businesses and organizations dedicated to encouraging growth while maintaining small town values." The minutes list Councilors Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns as present, with Councilors Joyce, Winkler and Uber absent. Solicitor Tim Wachter and Constituent Services Representative Kim Tuszynski were recorded as officials present.

The stated purpose of the hearing was "to provide information and receive public comment" on the proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118, which include: providing definitions and regulations for permitted use zones for redemption games (identified in the record as "games of skill"); adding Section 701.04 to allow use of accessory structures on adjoining lots; and including repealer, severability and effective-date language. The minutes state that no visitors attended, so no public comments were taken.

At 6:09 p.m., Councilor Steadman moved that the public hearing be adjourned; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion and the hearing was adjourned. The minutes include an attestation line for the record.

The hearing record does not show a council vote on the ordinance amendment itself, nor does it record public testimony; the entry is limited to presentation of the proposed changes, attendance, and adjournment. Any formal action on Ordinance No. 1118 would appear in a subsequent council meeting or vote record.