Union City Commission June 2

Leadership present: Mayor Larry Solomon; commissioners Doug Bine, George Eldridge, Kimberly Tuyn and John Mefford; City Administrator Amy Safron; Public Works Director Paul Kremer; City Attorney Greg Voss; City Clerk Tammy Wilhoite.

The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Mefford said he wanted to go on record that even though he did not attend the May 7, 2025, Special Meeting, he was briefed of the agenda.

Financial Report by Commissioner Mefford. Bills were paid for May, the current revenue for 2025 is 115% compared to last year and expenses were 83%. Interest made on their savings was $155,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The new budget for July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, has been adopted. All street lights have been repaired to discontinue the blue light effect.

Economic Development by Commissioner Tuyn. The City of Union will hold a Ribbon Cutting for Orangetheory Fitness July 11 at 4 p.m. Also parking for the Town Center was discussed; tthere will be shared parking for Cincinnati Children’s.

Public Works by Paul Kremer. The first Pocket Park, “Cardinal,” is almost finished. The concrete is in, two benches have been placed and 55 trees have been planted out of 57 planned. The roundabout on Hathaway is almost completed. The Mount Zion roundabout is on hold due to bids higher than anticipated.

Communications Committee by George Eldridge. The “Union Celebrates America” parade is planned for June 27 at 6 p.m. Twenty groups and 12 food vendors have signed up. Also included are face painting, balloon artists and games. There are some volunteer opportunities available for various needs; contact the city building for more information.

Administrators Report by Amy Safran. The Pocket Parks and Union Town Center will have sections on the Facebook page. The three approved signs are now in production. They are currently conducting interviews for an assistant city clerk.

Legislation Report by City Attorney Greg Voss.

Orders and Ordinances

Municipal Order #2025-30: Reappointed Terrill Kidwell to the City of Union Board of Adjustment. Unanimous vote and he was sworn in.

Municipal Order #2025-31: Reappointed Teresa Robinson to serve on the Economic Development Committee. Unanimous vote and she was sworn in.

Municipal Order # 2025-32: Accepted the contract of Everette “Junior” Partin for grave digging services in the Union-Rice Cemetery in Union. Unanimous vote.

Ordinance #2025-07: An ordinance adopting an amended annual budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, by estimating revenues and resources and appropriating funds for the operation of city government for the City of Union, Ky. (First Reading)

Mayor’s Remarks: Mayor Solomon wanted to clarify some information regarding the new Union Pocket Parks. The state owned these parcels of land that were too small to use for housing or industrial purposes and donated them to the City of Union over a year ago. It was decided to keep them as green space for residents to enjoy. Funds to develop these spaces come from the City Growth Fund, which comes from payroll taxes collected from people who work in the city. Praise was given to Paul Kremer, Director of Public Works, for overseeing this project.

Masonic Rite of Consecration Motion May 7

Commissioner Doug Bine made a motion to reverse the decision made at the May 7 Special Meeting (he was not present at that meeting) to allow the Masonic Lodge to perform a “Rite of Consecration” at the new Union City Building, which would include a plaque permanently placed on the building. He thought further discussion should be made regarding legal neutrality, the fact that 80% of the staff using the building cannot even be a part of the organization, political favoritism, separation of church and state, conflict of interest, mistrust by residents who object to the Masonic Organization, offended residents who object to their beliefs, and what that would mean for other groups who might want to do a similar thing. While they are not a religious organization, a ritual such as this is religious in nature. The motion was seconded by John Mefford. Brief discussion followed, including input from Commissioner Tuyn that they can evaluate each group individually. Commissioner Bine thought it would be better to have none at all than to be in a position of picking and choosing, which could be a point of contention in the community. He wanted to give Union residents a chance to voice their opinion in the matter. A vote was taken with Commissioners Bine and Mefford voting to reverse the decision and Commissioners Eldridge and Tuyn voting to keep it in place. The decision stands in a tie. Mayor Solomon left the meeting briefly after saying he is a Mason and did not want there to be a conflict of interest.

Marianne Proctor, state representative for Boone County including Union, invited Mayor Solomon and the commissioners to open the lines of communication and welcomed their input on local and state issues, stating, “It would make [my] job so much easier.” She said many other local mayors regularly contact their representatives, but she never gets any input from the city leadership.

The Union Caucus Meeting is June 16 and the next Commission Meeting is July 6.