UNION — Council dealt with only one piece of legislation at the Nov. 13 city of Union meeting.

Resolution 23-09 was unanimously passed authorizing a contract with the law office of the Montgomery County Public Defender to provide legal services for indigent people charged with jailable offenses under the city’s local ordinances.

“I would like to congratulate the council members who were re-elected, unanimously I might say,” said Mayor Michael O’Callaghan referring to Robert Bennett, John Bruns and Lynne Thomas-Roth, all three of whom ran unopposed. “I am looking forward to working with you for four more years.”

O’Callaghan also announced that the annual Christmas tree lighting celebration is taking place on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at the corner of West Martindale Road and Montgomery Street.

Santa will arrive on a city fire truck to visit with local children who can have their photos taken by their parents as they sit with the ‘Jolly Old Elf’ inside the fire house.

City Manager John Applegate will make his world famous hot chocolate for the event and cookies from the Covered Wagon will be provided by the park board. The city requests families attending to bring one or more canned good or non-perishable food items to stock the Northmont FISH Food Pantry which helps families in need during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Councilman Jay Niemann congratulated the mayor on his election victory. O’Callaghan also ran unopposed.

“We have a contest every year for Christmas lighting where we go around and pick houses that have gone all out to decorate. How about giving some thought to next year having the same type of thing for Halloween,” said Vice Mayor John Bruns. “I am noticing more and more people are decorating for Halloween. It’s just a thought. We have a year to kick it around so let’s give it some thought and see where it goes.”

O’Callaghan noted that one year the city gave its ‘Spirit of Union’ award to a homeowner that had decorated extensively for Halloween.

Applegate informed council members that the roundabout is now open and fully functional in the city’s industrial park, Union Airpark.

“We have gotten a lot of nice comments about it and it is interesting to see the traffic and trucks flowing well,” Applegate said. “If you get a chance, drive over at night, and take a look. It’s beautiful. There is no other way to say it. It is really gorgeous.”

Applegate also pointed out that Peters Pike between Lightner Boulevard and Old Springfield Road is now open to traffic. The trees along Main Street will once again be illuminated with Christmas lights.

The last of the city’s street maintenance program for this year would be completed by Nov. 15. Applegate also sought council approval to sell several pieces of used equipment online including three Dodge Charger police cars, various bikes, three old dump trucks, utility trailers, and other miscellaneous items.

Council voted unanimously to grant approval to sell the used equipment.

Lastly, Applegate told council the playground equipment purchased for Martindale Park has arrived and should be installed in a few days.

The next meeting of city council is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Reach Ron Nunnari by email: [email protected].