REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 6, 2026 – 6:00 PM
1843 BRISTOW DRIVE
UNION, KY 41091
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Solomon called the Regular Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Solomon led all attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor Solomon asked for approval of March 2, 2026, Regular Commission Meeting minutes. Commissioner Eldridge made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion.
Motion approved 4-0
Mayor Solomon asked for approval of March 16, 2026, Caucus Meeting minutes. Commissioner Bine made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion.
Motion approved 4-0
GUESTS
State Representative Marianne Proctor addressed the Commission to give them an update on current state legislation. She explained the process of getting a bill passed. She mentioned to the Commission that if there is a bill that they do not agree with they should contact her as soon as the bill goes to committee. By contacting her early she can reach out to the sponsor of the bill and add amendments before the bill moves through the House and Senate.
FINANCIAL REPORT
City Treasurer Christy Everman provided an update to the Commission on the month of March financial report which includes the “bills to be paid” and the balance sheet.
Financial Summary: March 2026
- A sizable portion of the month’s checks were direct purchase orders for the Union Town Square project.
- There were Occupational tax refunds issued to Boone County Schools bus drivers who requested adjustments because they did not work full-time within the Union city limits.
- A few larger monthly bills that were processed included payment to Rumpke Waste & Recycling for trash collection, snow and ice removal, and new Public Works software.
City expenditures remain on track for the current fiscal year, except for snow and ice removal.
The interest earned from Heritage Bank is 3.3% earning just over $400,000 for the fiscal year.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve the financial report that includes the monthly bills, and the profit and loss versus actual report for the month of March. Commissioner Eldridge made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0
Public Works Director Paul Kremer explained that the snow and ice removal is 56% over budget for this fiscal year. He mentioned that the funds will be designated from another line item in budget to cover the overage.
MAYOR/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Firework Display
Mayor Solomon read a message he had recently received from Jake Rouse, owner of Braxton Brewery, asking if they could host a fourth of July firework display. Braxton Brewery is looking at two locations to have the firework display, Scheben Branch library parking lot and the old Kroger parking lot. Mayor Solomon explained that there are many logistical issues with both proposed locations on US Highway 42.
Mayor Solomon explained to Mr. Rouse that he would discuss with the Commission at a regular scheduled meeting the potential of Braxton Brewing having a firework display.
After discussion, the full Commission expressed that they are opposed to having a firework display at the proposed locations on US Highway 42. They agreed both locations are too close to residential homes and other buildings.
Mayor Solomon will notify Mr. Rouse of the Commission’s decision.
Mayor Solomon mentioned that the Union Executive Committee had a meeting with a potential developer wanting to build in Union on the 26acre parcel located on the SE corner of US42 and Mt. Zion Rd.
Commissioner Tuyn mentioned that she will be attending the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) on Thursday April 9, 2026. She will give an update to the Commission at the next Commission meeting.
Proposed Development
Commissioner Bine mentioned at the last Caucus meeting, T.J. Schutte presented a proposed development for a funeral home and crematorium at the corner of US Highway 42 and Old Union Road. He explained that after the Caucus meeting, he spoke to a couple of residents who live at Fowlers Creek located directly behind the proposed site. He was informed by the residents that they were not aware of the proposed development.
Commissioner Bine also spoke with the Homeowners Association (HOA) President of Fowlers Creek about the proposed development. He was informed that during their recent meeting with the developers they were not notified of a crematorium.
Commissioner Bine mentioned that he spoke to a realtor, and they informed him that a crematorium would affect property values.
Mayor Solomon asked Commissioner Tuyn to contact the developers and ask them to reach out to all the residents of Fowlers Creek to inform them of the proposed funeral home. He would like the city to have an affirmative answer from the residents regarding their disposition of the proposed development.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Employee Handbook
City Administrator Amy Safran mentioned that the Commission was given a copy of the drafted employee handbook for review. The Commission agreed to invite Michael Simon, Employment Law Attorney, with Kentucky League of Cities to the Caucus meeting on April 20, to present the handbook and answer any questions the Commission may have. There will be a separate meeting scheduled for staff training.
Duke Franchise Fee
CAO Safran mentioned that the Commission was provided with a list of franchise fees collected by other cities in Northern Kentucky for review. The City of Union has a three-year agreement with Duke Energy for the collection of a three percent franchise fee which is consistent with other cities in the area. She explained that the current agreement will expire in October of this year and the Commission will need to determine terms for a new agreement.
After discussion Commissioner Bine recommended lowering the rate to two percent.
Mayor Solomon recommended leaving the rate at the current three percent.
Commissioner Eldridge recommended leaving the rate the same as the current three percent.
Commissioner Tuyn recommended leaving the rate the same as the current three percent.
Attorney Greg Voss suggested to the Commission that they add a three-year renewal option to the new agreement.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to keep the terms of the agreement the same as the current agreement, three percent franchise fee with a three-year term.
Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted yes, Commissioner Bine voted no, and Mayor Solomon voted yes.
Americans with Disability Act Software
CAO Safran mentioned that there are new Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliancy requirements for the city website. She explained that the city’s website is currently ADA compliant and the new requirements do not take effect until April of 2027. The city will no longer be able to have Portable Document Format (PDF) documents on the website. Moving forward staff will upload only compliant documents to the website. In January of 2027, the city will remove all the PDF documents from the website leaving a full year of records. Official signed documents will remain available at the city building.
The city will be updating their ADA compliance software which will provide extra services. The current cost per year is $500 and the new charge will be $1,500. Mayor Solomon, as Head of Administration, has approved the cost increase.
Nuisance Ordinance
CAO Safran discussed the city’s current nuisance ordinance that was passed in 2016. She mentioned that the city has recently received calls regarding loud music. When residents contact the city with a complaint, staff needs to have a strong policy in place defining a clear process to follow internally to address the issues.
Mayor Solomon mentioned that the City of Union has a Joint Code Enforcement Board with the City of Walton. The city has a Code Enforcement Officer, Bobby McDonald, who enforces complaints and violations.
Commissioner Bine mentioned that the current ordinance needs to be updated; the city has changed a lot over the past ten years.
Mayor Solomon asked the Commission to review the current nuisance ordinance so there can be a discussion at a future Commission meeting.
Board of Adjustment Meeting
CAO Safran mentioned there was a Union Board of Adjustment meeting on March 19, 2026, to address a set-back variance request from The Christ Hospital, which was approved.
Lot #2 Union Promenade
CAO Safran updated the Commission that Primrose School plans to purchase lot number two in the Promenade.
Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget
CAO Safran mentioned that the Finance Committee will be meeting next week to review the 2026/27 Fiscal Year budget, then there will be a budget workshop scheduled with the full Commission to review.
UNION TOWN SQUARE UPDATES
CAO Safran mentioned that Summit Architects + Engineers will be attending the April Caucus meeting to address questions concerning samples of terrazzo flooring, and other items for Commission review and consideration.
The Commission and staff will meet at the new city building site for a steel beam signing on April 20, 2026, prior to the Caucus meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT
Snow and Ice Removal Bid
Commissioner Bine mentioned that the snow and ice removal bid took place on March 31, 2026. There were three companies that reviewed the bid, and two companies that attended the pre-bid meeting. There was only one company, GroundSystems, LLC, who submitted a bid; they are the current snow and ice removal contractor for the city. The Public Works Department is recommending the Commission accept their bid.
Salt Storage
Public Works Director Paul Kremer mentioned the city will need to update the agreement with GroundSystems, LLC for use of the 1876 Union School Road for the use of salt storage.
Storm Pipe Replacement
PWD Kremer mentioned he received a quote just under $20,000 to replace a section of storm pipe on Union School Road. The City Engineer has approved the project. PWD Kremer is asking the Commissioner to approve up to $25,000 to include any contingencies. The project will be completed this fiscal year.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve the allocation of $25,000 to replace the storm pipe on Union School Road. Commissioner Bine made a motion and Commissioner Tuyn seconded the motion. Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted yes, Commissioner Bine voted yes, and Mayor Solomon voted yes. Motion approved 4-0
Mt. Zion Parcels
PWD Kremer mentioned that the city is in the process of acquiring five additional parcels on Mt. Zion Road from the State of Kentucky. The parcels will require no maintenance at this time and there will be no cost to the city to have them transferred. By acquiring the parcels, it will give the city the ability to install additional pockets parks or benches in the future.
Commissioner Bine mentioned that a couple of the parcels are near the roundabout on Mt. Zion Road. If the city were to acquire the vacant parcels it would allow for more opportunities to beautify the city near Old Union Road.
The full Commission agrees to acquiring the property at no cost to the city.
Mayor Solomon made a motion to acquire five vacant properties from the State of Kentucky at no cost to the city. Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted yes, Commissioner Bine voted yes, and Mayor Solomon voted yes.
PWD Kremer discussed the current City of Union speed hump policy. The city has had two requests in the past month for the installation of a speed hump in residential neighborhoods. He mentioned that the existing policy needs to be revised to make it more concise. The Commission was given an updated draft speed hump policy to review.
CAO Safran mentioned that the city needs to have a strong policy so that staff can address and communicate the city’s process with residents when a request for a speed hump is made. She explained that the proposed speed hump policy includes an application to be completed by the person requesting the speed hump. The current policy has a petition to be signed by residents in the affected area that will also be implemented in the new policy.
After discussion, the Commission agreed to have Attorney Greg Voss prepare legislation to be read at the April Caucus meeting to update the speed hump policy.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Commissioner Tuyn gave an update on businesses that have recently opened.
- Bailey Jayne’s Bakery is planning to have a soft opening this week and a grand opening later this month.
- Fairway Room in Union Promenade is now open and planning a Ribbon Cutting at a future date
- Bella Vita Italian restaurant will be opening in the old Farmstand location on Old Union Road. No details were given on the opening date.
- Penn Station in Union Promenade is now open.
- Teriyaki Madness will have their grand opening on April 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM.
- Mason Orthodontics will have a ribbon cutting on April 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Commissioner Tuyn mentioned that the Fairway Room will be hosting the first City of Union Business Mixer for this year on April 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Commissioner Tuyn mentioned that the second round of revisions are being made to the Union Town Plan. If additional revisions can be made before the April Caucus meeting the plan is to have Kevin Costello, Executive Director, with the Boone County Planning Commission attend that meeting to present the updated Town Plan.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Commissioner Eldridge mentioned that the Easter Egg hunt that took place on March 28, was a great success and well attended. He thanked Union Presbyterian Church for hosting the event and the following sponsors, McAlister’s Deli, Taco Mama, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Florence Y’all’s, Boone United Masonic Lodge, Brightpath Childcare, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Drees Homes, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Commissioner Eldridge mentioned that there have been two requests made to the city asking for social media post advertisements. The requests include a summer baseball camp at Larry A. Ryle High School, and a Bunco fundraiser in Erlanger to raise money for a cancer patient.
CAO Safran reviewed the request policy that was recently approved by the Union Commission. The policy states that requests will go before the Commission for review and decision. Policy questions for Commission consideration include:
- How many city residents will benefit?
- Does the City of Union benefit overall?
- Does the request align with the Commissions visions and values?
- Does the request involve use of taxpayer dollars?
- Would similar requests from other non-profits be granted or denied equally?
After discussion, the Commission decided not to approve either of the social media requests.
Commissioner Eldridge mentioned that the city will have a Health and Wellness Fair on May 16, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at StoryPoint Union.
Commissioner Tuyn mentioned that Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has confirmed they will have six of their departments participating in the event. There are currently forty-four approved vendors, and three food vendors.
LEGISLATION/ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Resolutions
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 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, 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 2026-03. Commissioner Tuyn made a motion and Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Commissioner Tuyn voted yes, Commissioner Eldridge voted yes, Commissioner Bine voted yes, and Mayor Solomon voted yes. Motion approved 4-0
Municipal Orders
MUNICIPAL ORDER 2026-07 A MUNICIPAL ORDER ACCEPTING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF UNION KENTUCKY AND GROUND SYSTEMS, LLC.
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to approve Municipal Order 2026-07. Commissioner Bine made a motion and Commissioner Eldridge seconded the motion. Motion approved 4-0
VISITORS WISHING TO SPEAK
Union resident Carol Harvey addressed the Commission to give her opinion that speed tables do work to slow down traffic.
Mayor Solomon mentioned that because the city has a speed hump procedure does not mean they are opposed to installing them. He stated that the city wants them to be well thought through before putting one in.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Solomon mentioned the Caucus Meeting will be on Monday April 20, 2026, at
6:00 PM. The next Regular Commission Meeting will be held on Monday May 4, 2026, at
6:00 PM. Both meetings will be at the Union City Building 1843 Bristow Drive Union, Kentucky.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Solomon asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Bine made a motion and Commissioner Eldridge seconded that motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Motion approved 4-0.
Approved:
_________________________
Hon. Larry Solomon, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Tammy Wilhoite, City Clerk
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