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

Union City Borough Council convened a public hearing Sept. 16, 2024, to present a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 that would define and regulate "redemption games," commonly described in the record as "games of skill," and add Section 701.04 governing the use of accessory structures on adjoining lots. The hearing opened at 6:05 P.M. at First Global Methodist Church and was called to order by Councilor Cross.

The amendment as described in the meeting record would (1) add definitions and rules for permitted-use zones for redemption games; (2) add Section 701.04 to provide for the use of accessory structures on adjoining lots; and (3) include a repealer, severability clause and an effective date. The Borough's published vision statement also was recited in the record: "The Union City area is a thriving rural community of families, businesses and organizations dedicated to encouraging growth while maintaining small town values." Solicitor Tim Wachter and Constituent Services Representative Kim Tuszynski were listed as present; Councilors Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns were recorded as attending while Councilors Joyce, Winkler and Uber were absent.

Officials opened a public-comment period for the ordinance amendment; the minutes state explicitly that "No visitors were present." With no public testimony, Councilor Steadman moved to adjourn the hearing; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion. The hearing adjourned at 6:09 P.M. The record does not show a roll-call vote on the adjournment motion or further deliberation on the ordinance at this meeting.

Next steps for Ordinance No. 1118 are not specified in the minutes; the record contains only the presentation of the proposed changes, the lack of public comment, and the adjournment.