Union City Commission August 4
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said and Roll was Taken. Present were Mayor Larry Soloman, Commissioners Doug Bine, George Eldridge and Kimberly Tuyn, City Administrator Amy Safron, City Attorney Greg Voss and City Clerk Tammy Wilhoite. Commissioner John Mefford was absent due to a family illness.
The July minutes were approved for the July 7 Commission Meeting, July 9 Special Meeting and the July 21 Caucus Meeting.
Attorney Benjamin B. Hayden was introduced from the law firm of Bricker Grayden., LLP. He is helping to oversee the Union Town Square Contract. Resolution No. 2025-05 was proposed authorizing the mayor to enter into a letter of engagement with this firm, but it was decided that they would defer the vote to further negotiate the paralegal fee included in the contract. Kimberly Kuhn felt it was excessive and asked if that could be reviewed.
Mr. Hayden provided a 2nd reading on Ordinance NO. 2025-08. An ordinance for the City of Union, Kentucky, authorizing the issuance of general obligation public project and refunding bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $20,000,000 for the purpose of: 1) refunding the city’s outstanding City of Union, Kentucky, general obligation bond anticipation notes, serial 2022, the proceeds of which were used to acquire real estate for the development of a new city building; and 2) paying or reimbursing the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping a new city building and related appurtenances and improvements; approving the form of the series 2025 bonds; authorizing designated officers to execute and deliver the series 2025 bonds; providing for the payment and security of the series 2025 bonds; creating a bond payment fund; maintaining a sinking fund; authorizing the acceptance of the bid of the bond purchasers for the purchase of the series 2025 bonds and authorizing the competitive sale of the series 2025 bonds; authorizing the execution of certificates necessary or required for the issuance of the bonds; and repealing inconsistent ordinances. This was approved unanimously. The Financial representative of the bond selling company said that the city was given a AA3 rating and that they are finalizing the documents needed and could begin selling the bonds as early as next week.
Financial Report given by Amy Safron. Since this is the first month in the new fiscal year there was not much to report however the interest rate remains at 4.08%. Also approved was a part time position assisting Public Works Director Paul Kremer. It would be 20 hours per week seasonal employment. Maximum pay of $20.00 per hour. Job to be posted next week. There were 2 signage applications for Union Town Center businesses that were approved to send to the county for approval. A vote was taken to purchase a new server for the office as the current one works erratically. A budget of $11,000 was already planned and this was approved.
Economic Report by Kimberly Tuyn. A Groundbreaking Celebration for Union Square will take place August 19th at 10 am. A budget was established of $936 to Cincinnati Circus for the rental of tables and chairs etc. The Union Planning Commission has a scheduled meeting with The County on September 16, 2025 at 6:00 to update the current Town Square Plan.
Communication Report was a joint effort. Senior Picnic Tickets are selling fast They had 125 tickets last week with only 8 left. They are planning to get more, so don’t delay if you want to go. That is always a great day for Boone County! The survey sent to residents regarding the Pocket Parks was a huge success! There was lots of response and excitement about the parks, and ideas for various activities. Pocket Parks are being funded by the City Growth Fund, which is monies collected from payroll taxes. Chick Fila is scheduled to open September 17.
Public Works Report given by Doug Bine. The job of removing a lot of invasive pear trees has begun in the Pocket Parks. There are a lot of native trees left and they are planning to plant another 180 trees. The sod project has been delayed until fall. It is too hot for the sod to survive. The water lines are complete in Cardinal Park and required security fencing is being erected. The need for the part-time employee was discussed.
Special Guest was Peggy Kennedy, Constitution Week Chair, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She presented a Proclamation to designate September 17-23 Constitution Week to commemorate the 232th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. They want everyone to respect the privilege of being an American and know how important the Constitution is to this country and our freedom. There will be a celebration and events. It was approved and celebrated by the Commission.
Mayor’s Comments by Mayor Soloman. The old Kroger Store on 42 is now owned by the Boone County Board of Education. It will house a preschool for 400 students. There will be 50 employees. The gas station stays by request of the city. September 26-28 Braxton Brewery will hold Octoberfest. Apparently, the Brewery went to Germany to learn what an authentic celebration looks like. The Board of Elections has made changes in Union, due to the debacle with the last election. There will now be four precincts for City of Union residents only and one precinct for those residing outside the city limits. Affected residents will be notified. The meeting ended at 7:55 and the participants went to Executive Session.