Union City Commission March 3
Staff and commissioner attendees: Mayor Larry Solomon; commissioners John Mefford, Doug Bine, George Eldridge and Kimberly Tuyn; City Attorney Greg Voss, City Administrator Amy Safron, City Clerk Tammy Wilhoite, Public Service Director Paul Kremer
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes from the February 3, 2025, Regular Meeting, February 19, 2025, Caucus Meeting and the February 25, 2025, Special Meeting were all approved.
Solar energy systems and battery storage facilities Zoning Proposal
Michael Schwartz, Boone County Planning Commission director, presented suggested amendments to the Boone County zoning regulations. The recommendations were for Boone County and all three cities. He discussed two tiers of solar energy, all zones and industrial areas only, depending on the system and noise level. Different type of units such as rooftop, ground and some newer integrated systems are being studied.
Financial Report
Mr. Mefford stated that the bank statements and financial records are balanced. They discussed ways to make up the unexpected ice and snow removal overage costs for January and February and it was decided the costs will probably need to be paid out of the reserves.
Resolution #2025-03
Union to oppose HB85 relating to sanitation districts. The bill, as explained by Mr. Kremer, gives relief to residents having to pay for storm sewers when they are not actually hooked into a storm sewer and receive no service for their storm water. It was discussed that this might actually put more cost to the city to make up the difference. Commissioners felt the $12.50 fee per three months was insignificant and residents should have to pay regardless of receiving service or not. Resolution passed and the city will formally oppose HB85.
Street Repair and Renewal
Mr. Kremer also discussed the repair of 15 potholes done internally by Public Works instead of contracting it out, with savings of $5,000. On March 10 they will start taking bids for additional roundabouts for Mount Zion Road.
Rumpke Solid Waste and Recycling Contract
City Administrator Safron discussed the contract will be expiring soon and the need to open up for bids to cover this service. Approved.
Other Administrative Issues
Safron also discussed signage for the Union Promenade and the requirement to get approval from the county. The naming of the Pocket Parks (6) is going to be decided by a survey to be voted on by the residents. Residents will be given a choice of categories to choose from. The commission will decide on the categories. Types and costs of park signage was also discussed.
Suicide Prevention Task Force
Mefford gave information regarding the task force formed in Boone County as a result of five teen suicide deaths in Boone County since November. He also gave an update regarding the Easter Celebration planned for April 12, saying it was really going to be great and fun for the kids. St. Elizabeth has stepped up and made donations to help with the cost.
Municipal Order 2025-17
Authorizes the mayor to execute an e-mail license renewal and customer agreement between NKOL and the city of Union, Kentucky. Discussion only, no vote.
Municipal Ordinance # 2025-01
Provides for the orderly succession of the office of mayor in the event of absence or disability. Approved.
Development Update
The new Publix Store will begin construction April 1, 2025. Farmview Road will be repaved by Publix as negotiated.
Steve Harper from the Boone County Planning Commission did a mapped update of progress in the new business district in Union. New water lines and fire hydrants will need to be installed on the Brilliance Avenue road extension. Sidewalks and necessary elevation changes also were discussed.
Public Comments
Brian Garner presented a formal legal opposition to the appointment of John Mefford by the mayor to replace Jeremy Ramage, who resigned. Garner indicated Ramage did not actually resign but just failed to serve. He stated the deadline for the mayor to appoint his replacement was three days before he was actually appointed, so the appointment should have been deferred to Governor Brashear. Garner is waiting to see how the commissioners respond and is considering legal action.
Joni spoke on behalf of her father, a former resident of Union now deceased, to contest the city’s opposition to HB-85. She resides in an unincorporated area adjoining Union. Her father was billed for storm sewer fees after he got city water when he lived nowhere near a storm sewer and was not served in any way by them as are many incorporated and unincorporated Union residents. She is just now getting city water herself and also not served by any nearby storm sewers. She was told by the commissioners to take it up with the county.
The next meeting, a Caucus/Commission Meeting, was announced for Monday, March 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting was adjourned.