Kelly Larsen

The meeting commenced with the Mayor calling the meeting to order, invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance. Monthly reports were received from the directors of Human Resources, Public Service, Public Safety, Planning, Maintenance Shop, Utility Department, and Finance. Anniversaries for several long-term employees were recognized. The Council considered and unanimously approved a proposal from Johnson Controls Inc. to update City Hall's HVAC controls using budgeted funds, as the Municipal Association Grant was denied. The Council also passed the second reading and ordinance for the annexation of 2.82 acres along Buffalo West Springs Highway and rezoning it to A2 highway commercial. Approval was granted for Union Uplifted to utilize office space at Main Street Junction to support their cradle-to-career initiative. Updates were provided on the progress of the new fleet maintenance facility, which remains on schedule for May completion. During public comment, a representative from Live Healthy Union provided an update on their community health improvement plan, focusing on access to care, behavioral health, healthy eating, active living, and resilient children and families, requesting City support in their future budget planning.

The regular City Council meeting involved receiving monthly reports from various city departments including Human Resources, Public Service, Public Safety, Planning, Maintenance, Utility, and Finance. Key actions included considering and approving appointments to fill vacancies on the Building Appeals Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Council also approved the renewal of the Heating and Cooling Assistance Program, releasing Community Change funds to qualified customers. A first reading was passed for the annexation and zoning designation of approximately three acres on 215 for a self-storage warehouse, with a Public Hearing scheduled for the following month. Additionally, the 2026 Council Meeting Calendar and the 2026 City of Union Holiday Schedule were approved. Following the regular session, a brief meeting reconvened to correct a scheduling conflict for a future meeting date, moving it from January 20th to January 13th.

The special meeting was called to order, and the council discussed the city's tax millage rollback ordinance due to the reassessment of real estate properties in Union. The proposed amended tax millage is 102.2 mills, and the council passed the first reading of the ordinance to adopt it.

The council discussed amending the business license ordinance, a proclamation for World Pancreatic Cancer Day, and the city's tax millage rollback ordinance. They also considered improvements to the Tosch Creek WWTP, accepted loan assistance monies for water plant electrical upgrades, and designated Wallace Street as Reverend Dr. A.L. Brackett Way. Updates were provided on the new fleet maintenance shop, sewer projects, and FEMA funds received. Public comments were heard regarding trash in the roadway, brush removal, hurricane preparedness, and the need for an adult daycare center in Union. The council then moved into an executive session to discuss PMPA matters and a Town of Carlisle matter.

The council discussed rezoning a property along Barnado Road, considering an annexation petition for Buffalo Creek Phase 4, and amending the business license ordinance. They also discussed adjusting the annual fee in lieu of business licenses for Union County and reviewed a wage and compensation study. A presentation was given on the Union Sidewalk Master Plan. Updates were provided on the fleet maintenance shop and grants. The council entered an executive session to discuss a funding matter related to hospitality and accommodations funds, as well as a personnel matter in the administrative department.