Union City Commission February 2

Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m.

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

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

• Acknowledgement of the accomplishments of the Commission during 2025. 
• Union Town Square project is well underway and the foundation should be completed soon.
• Union Promenade welcomed 15 new establishments with more 2026 openings scheduled.
• Commission has worked well together for the good of the city.
• 3 different healthcare providers in Union: St. Elizabeth, Children’s, Christ Hospital Network.
• Christ Hospital Network already owns property at Mount Zion Road and US 42, and a deal was reached to purchase the Union City Building and property for $900,000. Christ has agreed to allow the city to occupy the existing building rent free until the new Union Town Center City Building is finished or until June 27, 2027. Union has only to continue maintaining the property during this time.

GUESTS
Casey Knigga and Engineer Jim Burcham presented their plan for a storage facility to be located on the corner of Whispering Trails and US 42. Previously in 2025, they presented the plan and residents had a chance to voice their concerns about the increased traffic, lighting and overall dislike of a storage facility being located on their street. In this presentation, an updated plan showing no access to the facility from Whispering Trails, an updated decorative front to upscale the building to better blend in with the feel of the city, lots of landscaping, down lighting to not disturb the residents and a 5-board wood fence with mesh around the facility. It will also be a climate-controlled facility.

The commissioners and residents were impressed with the improvements and both thanked Knigga for listening and responding to their concerns. The consensus was that the commissioners were much more willing to back the plan as well as several of the residents who liked the idea of only 20-30 cars expected per day as opposed to an office building or restaurant that would potentially be 5 or 6 times that many. No access from Whispering Trails as opposed to another facility using that street for access was considered a bonus. Many residents were still not in favor. There would have to be a zone change and the Boone County Planning Commission would have the authority for next steps should they decide to proceed.

FINANCIAL REPORT by John Mefford
Monthly bills are being paid as well as $525,000 checks written for the Union Town Square construction. Interest for January: $52,000. 

UNION TOWN CENTER UPDATES
Not much going on due to the weather.

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATES by Doug Bine and Paul Kremer
Snow removal was done in a timely manner, with kudos to Paul who worked long hours on some streets with unique problems so schools could reopen. Care was taken so students had safe places to stand while waiting for the bus. They have plenty of salt ready for what may come next.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT by Amy Safran
Audits of the city were impeccable. The auditor recommended updating QuickBooks, which has been done, and the City is ready to take on 2026. The Union Town Plan from 1999 is being updated to include current changes to the city and looking at expected changes in the future. They are working with Kevin at the Boone County Planning Commission and expect a final draft by the March 1h Caucus Meeting. The Employee Handbook is also still reviewed and a final draft should be ready in the next few months.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS by Kimberly Tuyn
The Boone County 250th Celebrate America Celebration is planned for June 20 from 4 to 10 p.m. The Union 250th celebration will be the following week on June 26. They are working on lining up businesses and vendors for this celebration.

LEGISLATION / ATTORNEY’S REPORT by Greg Voss

• Municipal Order No. 2026-02 Authorized the transfer of the City Building Property to Christ Hospital. Unanimously approved.
• Municipal Order No. 2026-03 Authorized the sale and delivery of deed of said property for $900,000 to Christ Hospital. Unanimously approved.
• Municipal Order N0. 2026-04 Authorized the mayor to execute a lease agreement with Christ Hospital. Unanimously approved.
• Ordinance No. 2026-02 An ordinance annexing certain unincorporated territory adjacent to the present boundaries of the city of Union. This property is on old US 42 just before the Orleans subdivision. Unanimously approved.

Next Caucus / Commission Meeting: February 18, 2026, 6 p.m.

Next Commission Meeting: March 2, 2026, 6 p.m.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:20 p.m.