Several personnel, infrastructure and planning matters were discussed during Union City Borough Council’s June 10 meeting.
Council accepted the retirement of Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips, effective May 31, and approved rehiring him beginning June 1 under the same pay and benefits package. Because Phillips has retired after more than 27 years of service, he will no longer participate in the borough’s nonuniform pension plan.
Borough Manager Cindy Wells said Phillips’ continued employment will provide stability within the department and allow him to help train other public works employees.
Council also approved applying for $16,099 in Erie County funding to support the borough’s 2026 seal coat program. In addition, members authorized using $88,034.12 in liquid fuels funds toward the 2026 paving project, with any remaining money directed to seal coating work.
During his report, Phillips said paving work had been completed and Suit-Kote crews had begun crack sealing operations. He also noted that street department employees have been busy rebuilding catch basins throughout the borough.
Council approved renewing an agreement with Building Inspection Underwriters to conduct exterior inspections of selected properties under the borough’s Property Maintenance Code. The inspections are intended to help address blighted and nuisance properties when directed by council.
In other action, council retroactively appointed Mike Krause to fill an unexpired term on the Union City Municipal Authority board following the resignation of Jeff Ferringer.
Members also approved a resolution supporting a grant application through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program. If awarded, the funding would help implement additional recommendations from the borough’s strategic plan.
Council additionally authorized submission of a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant application seeking approximately $382,000 for a sidewalk project along Parade Street.
A request for a peddler permit for retail sales was denied.
Among department reports, Police Chief David Pernice said warmer weather has brought an increase in criminal activity, particularly theft-related incidents. Mayor Herb Reide reported receiving interest from a prospective business tenant looking at available space in the borough.
Wells said the borough intends to decline a PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Grant after another grant was secured to cover engineering costs associated with improvements at the South Main Street school crossing.
She also recognized students and staff involved with Union City Unites for their participation in Community Service Day activities, which included invasive species removal, mulching projects, litter cleanup and other beautification efforts.
Council continued discussions regarding a proposed ordinance addressing data centers. Borough officials said revisions will be made before the proposal returns for further review.
Council also postponed a decision on a request for financial assistance for fireworks during this year’s French Creek Festival.
During the meeting, Union City Action President Morgan Kelly asked the borough to contribute $5,000 toward the fireworks display planned for Saturday, July 12.
Council members requested additional financial information before making a decision, saying they would like to review a more detailed budget outlining the organization’s overall revenues and expenses.
The information that was provided to council indicated the fireworks display is expected to cost approximately $10,000. Festival organizers also reported seeking support from businesses, community organizations and other fundraising efforts to help cover the expense.
Council President Riley Cross said he has concerns about providing taxpayer funding to an organization when council has limited involvement in its operations and financial oversight. He noted that changes made to Union City Action’s bylaws in recent years eliminated a borough council representative from the group’s board.
Rather than approve or deny the request, council voted to table the matter until additional information can be reviewed at a future meeting.
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