Union City Council unanimously approves ordinances, housing resolution and grant application

Union City Borough Council on Sept. 16 unanimously approved a slate of routine motions, including amendments to the borough’s parking and zoning ordinances, a resolution supporting Erie County’s proposed comprehensive housing plan, a tax exoneration for a Land Bank-acquired property and authorization to apply for CDBG funds for stormwater repairs.

The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Council President Riley Cross at First Global Methodist Church. Councilors present were Riley Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns. Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded to approve the agenda as presented; the motion carried unanimously.

The council also approved minutes from the Aug. 27 meeting (motion by Councilor Osborn, seconded by Councilor Kerns), accepted the Secretary’s report (motion by Councilor Kerns, seconded by Councilor Osborn), and approved payment of bills (motion by Councilor Osborn, seconded by Councilor Kerns). All motions during the meeting were recorded as carried unanimously.

On ordinance changes, Councilor Steadman moved and Councilor Osborn seconded to adopt advertised amendments to Parking Ordinance 1137—revising schedules and tightening restrictions on unlawful and disabled vehicles—and to approve an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 1118 that adds definitions and regulations for redemption games (also known as games of skill) and a provision on accessory structures for adjoining lots. Councilor Kerns moved and Councilor Steadman seconded the zoning change. Both motions passed unanimously.

The council approved a resolution to support Erie County’s development of a new countywide comprehensive housing plan, which will use MAP grant and Act 137 funds. Councilor Osborn moved and Councilor Steadman seconded the resolution; the motion carried unanimously. Meeting notes show several borough residents have applied for Act 137 funds, which are income-based.

The council approved a resolution to exonerate $5,563.49 in taxes on 121 East High following purchase by the Land Bank (motion by Councilor Kerns, seconded by Councilor Steadman). The council also set borough trick-or-treat hours for Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Council President Cross noted that he had spoken with Lance Greer regarding the Hometown Heroes civil case and said "they would not be taking any money from the civil case against Hometown Heroes." Bev Ballog, representing Hometown Heroes, thanked the borough "for all the support" for the project.

The meeting concluded with department reports and an adjournment motion by Councilor Steadman, seconded by Councilor Osborn. An executive session on real estate, personnel and contracts followed from 6:58 p.m. to 7:42 p.m.; no action was taken.