UC Borough approves settlement from Raccoon Refuse closure

A settlement from Raccoon Refuse's insurance company, and lights across the rooftops of buildings were two topics of discussion during Union City Borough Council's meeting on Tuesday.

Following an executive session, Council voted to add a motion to the agenda to authorize a settlement with Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., the performance bond holder for Raccoon Refuse, regarding a claim filed by Union City Borough after the closure of Raccoon Refuse garbage collection company this past August.

Council then passed a motion to authorize the execution of final release of funds contingent upon the solicitor's approval. The settlement was in the amount of $72,282.81.

Council did not make a decision on how the money will be used, but Borough Manager Cindy Wells said it will go toward recouping money spent to hire a temporary garbage collector.

"It will be put back in the general fund to pay expenses for when Raccoon Refuse closed and we used Kicker Disposal," Wells said.

In another matter, Council amended the agenda to include installing lights across the top of the City Building and the Union City Museum.

The lights would be part of a plan by Union City Pride, doing business as UC Action, to string lights across some buildings from High Street south to Stranahan Street on both sides of Main Street.

Wells said Union City Pride has secured a Shaping Tomorrow Grant from the Erie Community Foundation to cover the cost of materials and installation of the lights. There will be a timer at each location so the lights would come on at the same time.

Council approved signing an agreement to allow lighting on the museum and the City Building.

In other business, Council passed an ordinance for the borough to vacate a portion of Fifth Avenue and combine it with a parcel owned by Max and Vicky Pfaff.

Council tabled a motion to sell millings to Union Township until Council finds out a firm price the state is charging for its millings.

Council gave permission to have Building Inspection Underwriters inspect a Main Street property due to complaints about the condition of the building for needed repairs.

Under reports, Streets Supervisor Bob Phillips said he has the materials for repairs to the Bentley Run Streambank Stabilization project at Caflisch Park.

Code Enforcement Officer Terri Migliaccio's report showed she issued 19 courtesy notices, nine Qualify of Life violation tickets and eight citations during the past month.

Zoning Officer Phil Conklin issued four permits.

Wells reported that the borough did not receive any bids for a towing company per the Towing Ordinance. Council will review the ordinance to see if any changes could be made.

Wells also said the French Creek Festival, held July 7-8 on the campus of the Union City Area School District, was well attended.

"The car show had about 40 vehicles, and there were more vendors than in the past," Wells said.

Council members who were present at the meeting were Riley Cross, Matt Joyce, Brian Osborn and Charlie Steadman. Coltin Warner, Melissa Winkler and Tracy Daggett were absent.