CAUCUS/COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 16, 2026 – 6:00 PM
1843 BRISTOW DRIVE
UNION, KY 41091
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Solomon called the Caucus Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Solomon led all attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
A quorum was present, and a roll call was taken. Mayor Larry Solomon,
Commissioner John Mefford, Commissioner Doug Bine, Commissioner George Eldridge,
and Commissioner Kimberly Tuyn.
GUESTS
T.J. Schutte, Realtor with Keller Williams Commercial discussed a proposed project to build a funeral home and bank on an approximate four-acre parcel at the corner of US Highway 42 and Old Union Road in Union. He mentioned that he was representing Jeff Hay, owner of Stith Funeral Homes, who was also at the meeting. He mentioned that because there is already congestion in that area any development on the property would have to have minimal impact on traffic, which both a bank and funeral would meet those criteria. Mr. Schutte has been in discussion with a bank that would be interested in the location.
Mr. Schutte explained that he and Mr. Hay met with the City of Union’s Executive Committee to present the project. During the meeting they were instructed by the city to consult with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) regarding traffic in the area and recommended they meet with the residents of Fowler’s Creek who live directly behind the proposed development.
Mr. Schutte explained that they discussed with KYTC the possibility of making a left turn into the proposed site from Old Union Road. They were instructed by KYTC to obtain a traffic study conducted by a left-turn specialist, and to have the study completed when school was in session.
Mr. Schutte mentioned that they have met with the Homeowners Association (HOA) President, and a few residents of Fowlers Creek, to show them the preliminary plans of the project. The only feedback received was they would like to see a larger buffer between the proposed buildings and Fowlers Creek residents, and they would like the buffer zones to be landscape versus white fencing.
Mr. Schutte explained that there is currently a 100-foot set back from US Highway 42 as part of the 1999 Union Town Plan that the city controls. He mentioned that after the first meeting with the Union Executive Committee the committee was agreeable to assist with getting the setback moved closer to US Highway 42.
Mr. Schutte explained that the next steps will be to go back to KYTC and let them know that they have met with the City of Union and per the city’s request they also met with the Fowlers Creek HOA and everyone is in agreement with the project moving forward through the formal review process. They will go back to Viox & Viox and redesign the layout and bring those back to the City of Union. The plans will then need to go through the process of Boone County Planning and Zoning for a zone change.
Mayor Solomon explained the process for a proposed development.
- The developer first presents the proposed development to the City of Union’s Executive Committee.
- The developer presents their project to the Union Commission at a Regular Commission or Caucus Meeting.
- The project goes through the process of the Boone County Planning Commission (BCPC).
- If the project needs a variance, it will then come back to the Union Commission. If there is no variance needed the BCPC is asked to consult with the city before making a final decision so that the city has input.
DISCUSSION
Union Celebrates America – Fireworks
Communications Coordinator Jaime Lyons mentioned she has been in discussion with the Fireworks company the city has used in previous years and a new company in an effort to get quotes for the Union Celebrates America Event on June 26, 2026. She mentioned that the new company is willing to include a drone show with the firework display at the same cost quoted by the previous company the city has used.
Commissioner Bine mentioned that the drone show should be promoted as a one-time special addition for the United States of America 250th celebration.
Mayor Solomon asked for approval to move forward with a contract for the Firework display to include a drone show at Union Celebrates America.
Commissioner Eldridge made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion.
Motion approved 5-0
Union Town Square Update
Public Works Director (PWD) Paul Kremer mentioned there is a request from Duke Energy for an easement around the future transformer at Union Town Square. The transformer will be owned by Duke Energy, and the easement will provide access rights to them to maintain the transformer. PWD Kremer is asking the Commission for approval to have Mayor Solomon sign the easement request so that work to install the Union Town Square transformer can proceed.
Mayor Solomon asked for approval to sign the easement request from Duke Energy.
Commissioner Mefford made a motion and Commissioner Bine seconded the motion.
Motion approved 5-0
Franchise Agreement
City Administrator Amy Safran discussed the current City of Union franchise agreement with Duke Energy. She mentioned that previously the city had a ten-year agreement that expired in 2023. The Commission at that time agreed to renew the franchise and included a 3% franchise fee that would expire in three years which is October 2026. Because of the time it takes to prepare the franchise agreement and put it out to bid it was suggested by City Attorney Greg Voss to start the conversation with the Commission now.
After discussion the Commission agreed, they would like to see what the franchise fee percentages are for other cities comparable in size to Union. CAO Safran will research the percentage rates received by other cities and the discussion will resume at the Commission Meeting on April 6, 2026.
Proclamation Request
PWD Kremer explained to the Commission he had a request for a Public Works Proclamation to acknowledge the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week in the City of Union. He mentioned that the Proclamation will be presented to the Boone County Public Works Department at the City of Union Commission Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve the proclamation declaring May 17 through 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week in the City of Union.
Commissioner Eldridge made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion.
Motion approved 5-0
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
City Administrator Amy Safran explained to the Commission that the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Annual membership is up for renewal. The cost of membership last year was $405 and the current cost to renew is $425. The City of Union has been a member of the NKY Chamber throughout the years and consistently for the past five years. CAO Safran mentioned that there have been representatives from the city who have attended their Eggs and Issues meetings.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to renew the NKY Chamber of Commerce membership for the current year.
Commissioner Mefford made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion.
Motion approved 5-0
CAO Safran mentioned that HB 911 was in the Capital Watch email she received from Kentucky League of Cities (KLC). She explained that if passed the bill would prohibit cities and counties ability to regulate fuel stations, and car washes under their current zoning. The KLC is asking cities who oppose this bill to contact their representatives and express their opposition to this legislation.
LEGISLATION/ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Resolutions
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 01 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 276 AND ANY ACTION BY THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PRE-EMPT CONTROL OF LOCAL ISSUES FROM CITY CONTROL.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve Resolution 2026-01.
Commissioner Tuyn made a motion and Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted yes, Commissioner Bine voted yes, Commissioner Mefford voted yes, and Mayor Solomon voted yes. Motion approved 5-0
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY, OPPOSING SENATE BILL 237 AND HOUSE BILL 758 INTRODUCED DURING THE 2026 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY BECAUSE THESE PROPOSED BILLS PRE-EMPT UNION’S ABILITY TO TAX ITS CITIZENS WHO WORK WITHIN ITS CITY BOUNDARIES AS IT WILL CREATE A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 91A TO DEFINE TERMS; REQUIRE 100% OF THE WAGES OF AN EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CORPORATE OFFICE TO BE APPORTIONED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHERE THE CORPORATE OFFICE IS LOCATED: EXCLUDE WAGES FOR WORK PERFORMED AT A SATELLITE OFFICE; REQUIRE 100% OF THE WAGES OF AN EMPLOYEE ASSIGNED TO A STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICE TO BE APPORTIONED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHERE THE STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICE IS LOCATED, FURTHER THE CITY OF UNION OPPOSES SENATE BILL 52 AS IT WILL CREATE BURDENSOME AND CONFUSING REGULATIONS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WHEN AN APPLICANT FOR A PERMIT OR LICENSE IS DENIED A PERMIT OR LICENSE. THESE BILLS USURP POLICE POWERS GRANTED TO THE CITY AND OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND ADVERSELY IMPACT THEIR GOVERNANCE, BUDGETS AND FISCAL CONDITIONS, AND FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve Resolution 2026-02.
Commissioner Mefford made a motion and Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted yes, Commissioner Bine voted yes, Commissioner Mefford voted yes, and Mayor Solomon voted yes. Motion approved 5-0
Ordinances
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF UNION, KENTUCKY APPROVING AND ADOPTING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE BOONE COUNTY ZONING REGULATIONS TO REGULATE AND DEFINE MANUFACTURED HOME; MANUFACTURED HOME, QUALIFIED; AND MOBILE HOME, AND IDENTIFY ZONING DISTRICTS WHERE SUCH USES ARE ALLOWED AS AUTHORIZED USES WITHIN THE BOONE COUNTY PLANNING UNIT FOR BOONE COUNTY, KENTUCKY, THESE TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE BOONE COUNTY ZONING REGULATIONS BEING -ARTICLE 40, SECTION 4000; ARTICLE 5, SECTION 505.1; ARTICLE 5, SECTION 505.2; ARTICLE 5, SECTION 505.3; ARTICLE 5, SECTION 505.4; ARTICLE 5,SECTION 505.5; AND ARTICLE 20, SECTION 2001, SUBJECT TO THE RECOMMENDED TERMS AND PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN THESE RECOMMENDED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS, SET FORTH IN THE TECHNICAL DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT. (SECOND READING)
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-03.
Commissioner Bine made a motion and Commissioner Mefford seconded the motion.
Before calling for a vote Mayor Solomon asked City Attorney Greg Voss to explain the purpose of Ordinance 2026-03.
City Attorney Greg Voss explained that the Ordinance was created because the legislature passed regulations regarding manufactured housing. The City of Union is passing what the Boone County Planning and Zoning Commission has prepared in accordance with the state statue. The city would be in violation of the law if they do not pass the ordinance.
Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted no, Commissioner Bine voted yes, Commissioner Mefford voted yes, and Mayor Solomon voted yes. Motion approved 4-1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Solomon announced there will be a Regular Commission meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Mayor Solomon also stated the next Caucus/Commission meeting will be held on Monday April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM; both meetings will be at the city building 1843 Bristow Drive Union, Kentucky.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to enter executive session at 7:05 PM citing reason
KRS 61.810 (1)(c) Discussion of proposed or pending litigation against or on behalf of the public agency.
Commissioner Tuyn made a motion and Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion.
Motion approved 5-0
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to exit executive session at 7:47 PM.
Commissioner Eldridge made a motion and Commissioner Mefford seconded that motion.
Motion approved 5-0
Mayor Solomon stated no action was taken during executive session.
Mayor Solomon and the Commission discussed the proposed extension of Longbranch Road in Boone County.
ADJOURN
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Eldridge made a motion, and Commissioner Bine seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Motion approved 5-0
Approved:
_________________________
Hon. Larry Solomon, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Tammy Wilhoite, City Clerk
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