Union's elected officials could soon face formal rules on how they dress, behave and represent the city, after the commission spent its Aug. 17 caucus hashing out the specifics of a proposed code of conduct.
Mayor Larry Solomon laid out three categories for the proposed code: professionalism, behavior and dress. The goal is to adopt the standards as a binding municipal order at a future commission meeting.
"I heard three points: professionalism, behavior, and dress, and those are the key elements that we're looking for," Solomon said at the caucus, reported by LINK nky. "We want to make sure that we represent the City of Union and we act and look professional."
The professionalism provisions would require officials to arrive on time for meetings and serve as positive representatives of the city at community events. On behavior, the commission discussed requiring civility toward fellow officials, city employees and residents. Solomon proposed language that could penalize, censure or even remove an official who faces serious law enforcement charges, citing a DUI as an example.
The dress code drew some of the most specific discussion. Solomon recommended officials avoid T-shirts, tank tops and shorts at meetings, favoring business-casual attire such as polo shirts, khakis or dress jeans. City-logo apparel would also be acceptable.
Commissioner Kimberly Tuyn voiced broad support, calling the proposal "a good starting place" focused on professionalism and behavior while leaving room for the commission to address meeting procedures later.
The idea originated with Commissioner John Mefford, who pitched it at a July 27 special meeting. Mefford tied the push to Union's growth, saying at that meeting that when the city had 1,000 residents, jeans and T-shirts were fine, but with more neighborhoods and more people attending meetings, officials should project a more professional image. At that same July 27 session, Solomon proposed that two commissioners work with Kentucky League of Cities attorney Michael Simon to draft the code, as we reported when the review launched on Aug. 4.
No vote was taken on Aug. 17.
Discussions are expected to continue at upcoming commission meetings, with the aim of eventually adopting the code as a municipal order.
What's next
The next regular Union City Commission meeting is Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the city building, 1843 Bristow Drive. The following caucus/commission meeting is Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.
