Union commissioners will consider repealing monthly internet stipends for elected officials Monday, Oct. 19. The caucus meeting also includes discussion of e-bike and utility terrain vehicle regulations and a zoning update on the Arlinghaus I LLC property.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Union City Building, 1843 Bristow Drive.

E-bikes and UTVs

Rules for UTVs and e-bikes on city streets top the caucus discussion. The topic has been building for months.

At a July 27 special meeting, Mayor Larry Solomon said Boone County was drafting legislation to regulate electric bikes. He recommended Union follow the county's lead to make enforcement easier for the Boone County Sheriff's Department. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kremer said at that meeting that Union wanted to coordinate with the City of Walton on the rules.

Commissioner John Mefford raised safety concerns for riders and pedestrians and said he wanted an enforceable ordinance. Commissioner Doug Bine agreed the city should follow state and county guidelines and adjust them to fit Union's needs.

At the commission's Sept. 9 meeting, CAO Kremer noted that Boone County scheduled its own Motorized Micromobility Devices discussion for Sept. 24 at the Boone County Administration Building in Burlington. The Oct. 19 caucus agenda now lists UTVs alongside e-bikes for discussion.

Internet stipend repeal

Commissioners are set to consider Municipal Order 2026-20, which would repeal Order 2025-35. That earlier order authorized a monthly stipend to offset internet expenses for the mayor and commissioners.

The Oct. 5 commission meeting agenda also included a discussion item labeled "Technology Stipend for Elected Officials." When commissioners approved the internet stipend in June 2025, meeting minutes described a $50 monthly reimbursement requiring receipts. Under Ordinance 2026-06, the mayor's annual compensation is set at $9,000 and each commissioner's at $8,100, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Arlinghaus zoning update

The caucus agenda lists an Arlinghaus I LLC item under the Economic Development Committee Report, described as a zoning map amendment at US Highway 42 and Old Union Road.

The ordinance rezoned about 22 acres at 9944 Old Union Road from a mix of agricultural, rural suburban and town center designations to Suburban Residential Three with a Union Town Overlay.

Drees Homes applied on behalf of Arlinghaus I LLC. Commissioner Bine voted no, and Commissioner Kimberly Tuyn recused herself, citing an unresolved complaint with Drees Homes at her primary residence.

Separately, the Sept. 9 meeting minutes show a plan for a bank and funeral home on four acres at the US-42 and Old Union Road corner is still moving forward. Schutte told commissioners the funeral home would not include a crematorium. The Fowlers Creek Homeowners Association board agreed to the proposed development, and the developer committed to installing a sound barrier fence at residents' request.

Mayor Solomon is also expected to give an update on the Streutker/Witt property. The Boone County Planning Commission voted 11-2 to deny a proposed 340-unit apartment complex on about 33 acres near Old Union Road and US-42.

The public may attend the caucus to observe but is not guaranteed comment time. The next regular commission meeting is Monday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m.