Union City Council removes landbank lien, approves canoe launch contract and $23,600 in Renaissance grants

Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 27 to remove a lien on a landbank property, approve a contractor for a canoe and kayak launch, and authorize Renaissance grant awards totaling $23,600 in requested funding.

The meeting, called to order by Councilor Joyce at 6 p.m. at First Global Methodist Church, included routine approvals of the agenda, minutes and bills before moving to substantive items. Councilors present were Joyce, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns; Cross, Winkler and Uber were listed as absent.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council members the borough holds a lien of $2,690 on Erie County Landbank property at 121 East High Street and that the Landbank requested the lien be removed. Councilor Kerns moved to remove the lien for the full amount; Councilor Steadman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

On a park-project contract, the council reviewed two quotes to install a canoe/kayak launch at the American Legion ball field. Because the total cost was under $23,200, bids were not required. The quotes were $18,541.50 from Blum Property Services, LLC and $16,679.00 from Construction Services of PA. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Kerns seconded a motion to accept the $16,679 quote from Construction Services of PA contingent on receipt of an easement from the American Legion; that motion was approved unanimously.

Manager Wells presented seven Renaissance grant applications for the 2024–2025 period. The seven projects total $60,606 with combined grant requests of $23,600; Wells said $90,547.35 remains in the Renaissance fund. Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded approval of the recommended awards, which the council approved unanimously.

The council also passed a resolution accepting the Erie Area Council of Governments audit as reviewed and accepted by COG members.

Police Chief David Pernice updated the council on staffing: he said he has attempted to contact a new hire approved at the previous meeting without success and is assuming the individual is no longer interested. He told the council he plans to reach out to the consortium and set up Civil Service oral exams; he noted 32 candidates are on the list and said he would like to hire two part-time officers although only one position had been approved. Council agreed to continue searching for one part-time officer.

Other items: the council opted not to advertise for towing bids and authorized a letter of support for a PennDOT Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program application for projects along the U.S. Route 6 corridor. Manager Wells also listed upcoming meetings and events, including a public hearing for a zoning ordinance amendment and a September meeting to present health insurance plans.

The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m. according to the minutes.