Union City Borough Council unanimously approves ordinance amendments, tax exoneration and CDBG application

The Union City Borough Council unanimously approved a slate of routine measures during its Sept. 16 meeting, including ordinance amendments, a tax exoneration and authorization to seek federal-block-grant funds for stormwater repairs.

Councilors voted to advertise an amendment to the Tenant Registration ordinance and to approve technical amendments to Parking Ordinance No. 1137 and Zoning Ordinance No. 1118. The zoning amendment adds definitions and rules for redemption games (games of skill) and adds a new provision governing accessory structures on adjoining lots. Each ordinance motion passed on unanimous votes.

Council also approved a resolution exonerating taxes totaling $5,563.49 on the property at 121 East High, which the Land Bank purchased. Councilor Kerns moved the tax-exoneration resolution; Councilor Steadman seconded. "We appreciate the work on this property," Councilor Kerns said during the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

The borough backed a resolution supporting Erie County’s effort to develop a new countywide comprehensive housing plan. The county plans to use MAP grant funding and Act 137 (Affordable Housing Act) deed‑transfer funds as part of that effort; borough officials said several residents had applied for Act 137 assistance. Councilor Osborn moved the housing-plan resolution; Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Council set Halloween trick-or-treating for Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and approved a motion to submit a CDBG application for up to $100,000 to help pay for a portion of stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot No. 1.

A brief public-comment exchange touched on the local Hometown Heroes project. Council President Riley Cross said he had spoken with Lance Greer about a civil case and said Greer would not be accepting money from that suit. Bev Ballog of Hometown Heroes thanked the borough and said she was "happy to hear that Lance is not accepting the money."

Votes at a glance (all motions carried unanimously by the councilors present — Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns; absent: Joyce, Winkler and Uber): - Approve agenda — Motion by Councilor Kerns; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved. - Approve Aug. 27 minutes — Motion by Councilor Osborn; seconded by Councilor Kerns; outcome: approved. - Accept Secretary’s Report — Motion by Councilor Kerns; seconded by Councilor Osborn; outcome: approved. - Approve payment of bills — Motion by Councilor Osborn; seconded by Councilor Kerns; outcome: approved. - Advertise amendment to Tenant Registration — Motion by Councilor Steadman; seconded by Councilor Osborn; outcome: approved. - Tax exoneration, 121 East High, $5,563.49 — Motion by Councilor Kerns; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved. - Support Erie County countywide housing plan (MAP grant / Act 137 funds) — Motion by Councilor Osborn; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved. - Approve trick-or-treating hours, Oct. 31, 6:30–8:00 p.m. — Motion by Councilor Steadman; seconded by Councilor Kerns; outcome: approved. - Amend Parking Ordinance No. 1137 — Motion by Councilor Steadman; seconded by Councilor Osborn; outcome: approved. - Amend Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 (redemption games; accessory structures) — Motion by Councilor Kerns; seconded by Councilor Steadman; outcome: approved. - Authorize CDBG application (up to $100,000) for Municipal Lot No. 1 stormwater repairs — Motion by Councilor Steadman; seconded by Councilor Osborn; outcome: approved.

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. with no action taken.