Union City Council Hears Updates on Borough Projects, Approves Several Agreements

Union City Borough Council heard a series of updates and approved several motions during its March 10 meeting.

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Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council that discussions continue with county officials and the Erie County Land Bank about the possibility of placing small “tiny homes” on some land bank properties in the borough. The homes would range from about 450 to 750 square feet and would require foundations and completion of interior work before being sold. The concept is still in the early stages but could potentially provide affordable housing options for lower-income residents if the details can be worked out.

Wells also reported progress in a long-standing property code enforcement case involving a property on South Street. Borough solicitor Andrew Schmidt said the borough recently received a default judgment against the property owners. The ruling includes a monetary judgment of more than $40,000 and orders the owners to correct numerous code violations, including garbage accumulation, nuisance vehicle issues and other sanitary problems within 30 days. If the property owners fail to comply, Schmidt said the borough will pursue further action through the court.

The borough is also continuing to seek volunteers to fill vacancies on the Union City Planning Commission. Wells said notices have been posted seeking candidates, but so far the borough has not received any responses.

Wells also announced the borough has been awarded a $230,000 grant through the Highway Safety Improvement Set-Aside Fund administered by the Erie Metropolitan Planning Organization. The funding will be used to install rapid rectangular flashing beacons at the school crossing along South Main Street. The project was recommended in the borough’s 2024 Main Street Pedestrian Crossing Study.

In addition, the borough previously secured a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant for new sidewalks along the east side of South Main Street. Because of grant timelines, both the sidewalk project and the flashing beacon installation are expected to occur in 2027. Wells said borough officials will attempt to coordinate the projects so they can be completed at the same time.

Wells also told council that borough officials recently met with representatives of the local ambulance service to discuss ongoing financial challenges facing EMS providers. She said the borough plans to begin discussions with other municipalities in southern Erie County to explore the possibility of creating a regional EMS system that could provide more stable long-term service.

The borough’s ordinance codification project is also moving forward. Wells said borough officials are reviewing draft materials and expect to complete the process later this spring.

In other business, council approved a four-year service agreement with Hyer Electric to maintain the generator at the borough building. The agreement costs $200 per year and includes routine servicing.

Council also approved advertising an ordinance to update the borough’s police pension plan following recommendations from a recent pension audit. Wells said the update will add a required joinder document so the ordinance properly references provisions contained in the police collective bargaining agreement.

Council approved an agreement with The EADS Group for $2,500 to prepare site development plans and complete an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a potential park improvement grant. The grant application will explore the possibility of constructing restrooms near the Little League fields as well as other potential park improvements, depending on project feasibility.

A retroactive motion was also approved to formally place the 2026 contract for Police Chief David Pernice on record.

Council also discussed the borough’s 2013 Chevrolet Silverado used by the streets department. Officials said they are not planning to replace the truck at this time but will instead continue looking for a replacement plow for the vehicle while also exploring potential grant funding opportunities for a future vehicle purchase.

Council also voted to relist the borough’s former police vehicle, a Crown Victoria, on the Municibid auction website. The car had previously been sold but the sale was cancelled after additional problems with the vehicle were discovered. It will be sold as-is with a starting bid of $1,000.