Greetings. Did you say? I said to you too. To you too. Happy Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day. We'll call the meeting to order. This is a meeting of the work session of the Council, February 14th, Valentine's Day. Well, we'll call the meeting to order in a minute. When we get a quorum, right, Vice Mayor? Yes, that's right, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. We just finished. Oh, there was just, okay. Good idea. I'm sorry. Forgive me. Yes, you all just finished. Some of us are. So the committee meeting was just held, so we won't call the meeting to order for five minutes. How's that? Thank you. We'll reset. Yes. Thank you. second by Councilmember Blues. Is there any discussion? Councilmember Farmer, then Vice Mayor Gordon. Councilmember Farmer. Thank you, Mayor. On the docket, I think the new business item that is the one about the parking authority is on here. I had it before me. I guess my question was, this was blue-sheeted by the Commissioner before the Council had given its input last week. And I don't believe that the way it's been, or I'm asking, has the way it's been blue-sheeted at this point changed, or does it reflect the input that the Council gave during their comments and questions last Tuesday? Commissioner Hamilton, do you want to help us with that question? Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. And I may use the wrong terminology here because I've never blue-sheeted before. But anyway, what you see in the blue sheet is the same, what was blue-sheeted, is the same that you saw last week. We had three questions that were asked last week. and we are working on, and there were large questions about employee parking, the cash flow, the bonding of the garage. We are working on those answers now. Okay. What we thought was, and we may have been incorrect, but what we were trying to do was to go on and proceed with the memorandum of agreement. Then when we bring back the management agreement, we would talk about the management agreement and these issues all together so that you would see this as a whole again. But what you see, you're exactly right, today is what was submitted last week, and it does not include the answers to those questions. That's exactly what I was after. I would just be voting against the docketing of this issue because it doesn't reflect the council's will at this point and the fact that it was blue-sheeted before it was presented to us. Thank you, Mayor. But I think, yeah, let me comment to that. It's on the new business. I'm ahead of myself then. Okay. And my understanding was that we were, my interpretation of the discussion last week was that the memorandum of agreement reflected the will of the Council to move in this direction, but that there was no binding agreement until the agreement itself was presented to the Council, that there would be more opportunities to examine these questions that were presented last week. Was that, that was, there's some nods of heads. Do you want me? Council Member Farmer. I don't doubt that at all, and I think that's exactly what happened. I'm just saying that as a matter of personal course. Yeah. This was blue-sheeted before it was presented to the Council. It should have been presented to the Council and then blue-sheeted. Therefore, my distaste. Okay. Okay. All right. That's my point. I think that's wrong. I apologize. Well, okay. And the confirmation of confirming what's the conversation, I think, is that I don't know that anybody's necessarily right or wrong here. because it's just been introduced as new business right now. Okay. All right. Vice Mayor Gorton. Thank you, Mayor. I have a motion to amend the docket, and Council members and quite a few people in government who were copied received this last week and then again today, and it refers to the Town and Gown Commission ordinance. The Town and Gown Commission has been working very hard to update the ordinance, particularly in light of the fact that the Bluegrass Community and Technical College will be moving to Newtown Pike. And so with that, I move to place on the docket for February 16, 2012, council meeting an ordinance amending Article 39, Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances Town and Gown Commission to add bluegrass community and technical college representation and otherwise change the makeup and requirements for representation on the commission. Second. Motion by Vice Mayor Gordon, second by Council Member Lawless. Is there any discussion on the motion to amend? Council Member Martin. Vice Mayor, does this change who makes these appointments? It does not. Except for Bluegrass Community and Technical College, they would appoint a person. And then we also added the council member for the first district. Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion? Okay. Hearing none, we can take a vote on the motion to amend. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Motion carries. Okay, back to discussion on the original motion. Is there any further discussion on the motion to approve the docket? Council Member Beard. I've got a question concerning resolutions, second reading. Second reading? Second reading. Yes, of resolutions. Number 7. Is Charlie Martin here? His name is attached to this. Mr. Martin, would you come up when you get a chance? Thank you, sir. Did you understand which one? No, sir, I did not. It's resolution number 7, second reading. concerning, well, not knowing what a riprap channel is. I'm a little at a disadvantage, but I know what a channel is, but I don't know what a riprap is. Essentially it's rock line channel that protects the channel from being eroded if it's exposed dirt or things like that. This is one of those incentive grants that are funded out of the water quality management fee. I thought, at one point anyway, there is a creek that runs behind Mint Hill Lane that has had severe erosion for several years. And we were told that it was a blue line creek, and we had to fight the Corps of Engineers to do anything to it. Do we know if that's, we're talking about the same waterway? A blue line stream is a whole lot different than a channel. A channel can be something you can construct in your yard. A blue line stream is obviously a navigable stream, or at least in the vernacular of the Army Corps of Engineers. They have full permitting authority over all blue line streams. And so they have a different set of rules than we would have for a swale or a channel that may be, you know, through somebody's backyard as part of a stormwater control. Do we know if we're talking about the same body of water, though? I guess that's the question. I would assume not. Not for $8,000 we're not talking about that. Well, you know, I question the Blue Line Channel, too, because it's at best on a heavy, rainy day, it's no more than two and a half feet deep. I'd be happy to sit down with you and your legislative aide and look into it a little bit more deeply. this would not be applicable to a blue line stream because we would not be allowed to do that. No, I understand. I thought maybe somebody was spoofing me six years ago. Don't know. I don't think I was part of that conversation. I don't think you were. Good. Again, thank you. Thank you, Charlie. We'll be glad to sit down and talk about that. Thank you, Council Member Whitebeard. Council Member Martin. Thank you, Mayor. Commissioner Mason, I have a short question for you about an item on the docket. Item 42 in our first reading is really just an NDF, and I think that's what this is, but I'm not sure. It's become sort of practiced for council members to sponsor members of the police or fire department at their banquet, but they have been listed on their programs as sponsors, and that violates our council rules. Do you know whether that's what this is? I do not know, but I'll be glad to look into that and see. Our council rules, we each are allowed to make community development grants and subjects of the council's approval, but we're not allowed to be listed in programs and things like that as a donor, like me individually or something like that. I just wanted to see if that's what this was and if you would just look into that. Will do. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Yes, sir. All right. Is there any further discussion? Okay. Hearing no, we can take a vote. All in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Motion carries. All right. Next on our agenda is approval of the summary. Is there a motion? No approval. Second. Motion by Councilman Myers, second by Vice Mayor Gorton. Is there any discussion on the summary? Discussion? Okay. Hearing none, we can take a vote. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed, no. Motion carries. Thank you. Next on our agenda, budget amendments. Is there a motion? Motion by Council Member Myers. It's labeled by Council Member Beard. Is there any discussion on the motion? All right. Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The motion carries. New business? Second. It's a motion by Council Member Beard, second by Council Member Ellinger. Are there any questions? Council Member Stennett. Thank you, Mayor. I think we've already covered item D, and I agree with Council Member Farmer that I think it's a little premature to blue sheet this, so I won't support item D. And then letter N, can we get an update on what's going on with letter N? This was the consultant we hired, I believe, on the radio system, and we had that RFP come to us already. We removed it from the docket back in January. So this looks like we're extending his contract, I believe, to bring in another RFP. Yes. It's an extension of the technical consultant contract to come out with another RFB, which is a drastic re-scope of the project for police radios. So this is the consultant that did not offer an opinion, just gave us technical advice? Yes, he was a technical, yes. And we paid him $100,000 to do that, and now we're going to pay him another $55,000, again, not to give his opinion, but just technical advice. Because I'm trying to see where the new technical advice is. if we're not going to ask him to help us make a recommendation? He helps make recommendations in terms of designing the program, not in awarding the contract. But hasn't he already done that? I mean, what did he do the last seven months? Well, since we pulled it back to re-scope it, we needed adjustments in the RFB because what we're asking for is different this time than what we did in the first time, and we needed technical assistance in drafting those documents and gauging what the program is going to be. And $55,000 is the best we could get? That was a very good negotiated price, yes. It seems like we paid them an awful lot of money for our radio system. We still are unsure about what direction to go on. Well, we're sure on what direction we're going now. It's a smaller version. It's a smaller, yes. All right. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Councilman Martin. Thank you, Mayor. Commissioner Graham, can I ask you a short question? I understand the concerns of my colleagues about item D, about the transfer of the parking. Does this MOA bind the council if when we get more information and we decide this is not a good deal, are we still bound to do that? My understanding, and if we need to get some others up here, is that the MOA is sort of the precursor to the management agreement, which will have the real give and take and what they're going to do and what we're going to do. But let's say we, and Dave, I appreciate it. What's going to happen is, Emma, if we can't reach an agreement on the real agreement, which is coming down the road, then I think that will be the end of the deal as a practical matter. But, I mean, technically this binds you to move forward with the idea of we're going to do this. But given who's on the other side and everything else, are we concerned that if it falls apart at that point in time that someone's going to be suing each other to make sure it happens? I think the answer to that is no. But the idea is the next agreement is going to supersede this. So we do not have liability if this falls apart? I think technically the idea is you're going to move forward with this, and hopefully we will be at a point where we can provide you with the appropriate final agreement to be consummated to transfer all these over. When that happens, that's when the real liabilities will start. Is there a plan to double-read this on Thursday? Not that I'm aware of. So we've got two weeks from Thursday to chew on it. So maybe we can get some information. So at this point, I will support adding it to the docket, but I think we do need to get some questions answered before we have to vote on it final. Thank you, Mayor. Okay. Anybody else? All right. If no one else, then we can take a vote. All in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. I think there's two. No on D and letter N as well. No on D for me, Mayor. All right. So there are three no's on D. And one on N. All right. Councilman Stennett, Farmer, and Myers were no on D. and stand it on N. Thank you. All right. Next on the agenda, continuing business and presentations. First, is there a motion? Motion per. NDF? Yes. Motion by Council Member Ellinger, second by Council Member Myers. Is there any discussion? All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Motion carries. Next on our agenda is an update from the Downtown Lexington Corporation. This is Renee Jackson, Executive Director of the Downtown Lexington Corporation. Thank you, Mayor and Council, for having us here today. I'm Renee Jackson with the Downtown Lexington Corporation. We have many of our board members here in the audience as well as most of my staff and many of the divisions that have made all of these events possible. I wanted to give you some background on the project that we're talking about. In January of 2011, the Gray administration approached the DLC about possibly taking over some of the events that had formerly been managed through the city. And after a discussion with our board of directors, we decided to proceed with seeing how that might work out. So in February, we began working with the Division of Law to come up with a PSA to transfer the event production over to the DLC. And then on May the 13th, the council approved that PSA, and the mayor and I signed that agreement. And then later in the month of May, $120,000 was transferred to the DLC from the mayor's office of special events sponsorship budget. And it's worth noting that all of that money was privately raised through the events, either from sponsorship or through proceeds from the events. The events that we're speaking about particularly are the Fourth of July Festival, and you can see all the different aspects of that event, the Vintage Kentucky Wine Festival, the Tree Lighting Festival and those events, and then the Kentucky Christmas Chorus. Of that $120,000, there was $107,000 that was put into the Fourth of July, $2,500 that was put into Vintage Kentucky, and $10,500 that was put into the holiday events. And then I just wanted to speak about Red, White, and Boom because there seemed to be some confusion last year just to make sure you all are clear. That was never the name of the entire festival that was celebrated here in Lexington. That was one component. It was a Clear Channel event, and up until about 2009, it was free to the public. It was subsidized by the festival committee for many years with cash and also in-kind sponsorship from you all through your various divisions. And it was also a great segue from the street festival, which ends at 6, into the fireworks show that began at dark. I've been on the festival committee for many years, and there's always been a discussion about what it would look like if it wasn't right downtown. Because from a logistical and security standpoint, it's very hard to do that type of event and charge for the tickets, which is something that was needed to continue to bring in the talent. So I just wanted to clear that up. Just because they both happened in 2011 doesn't mean that it was something that by making this decision to transfer those events that that event moved out to Whitaker Bank Ballpark. And we were able to replace that with an event. And then I wanted to give you some comparisons from year to year. You can see the net incomes from 2010 and 2011. we were able to increase sponsorships in 2011 but we also had some increased expenses. And again, the Vintage Kentucky Wine Festival it had roughly the same revenue and expenses from year to year however there was a grant that was received when it was a first time event in 2010 from the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council that was not renewed but we were able to make that up in sponsorships. And then same with the holiday. There wasn't a lot of change this year, but we are hopeful, you know, as we go forward year after year to be able to make some changes. And then, of course, in addition to the large and kind sponsorship that you all provide, we were able to maintain many of the partnerships that had been established over the years. You can see a list of people there. I would like to add Claire Channel and the Herald Leader, who I accidentally left out of this PowerPoint. But, you know, it's great that you all have developed those relationships and we were able to continue them. Then as we look ahead into 2012, we've already been able to secure this year a deal with Pepsi to be the official non-alcoholic beverage provider for the festival and some of the other events that we produce. And the great thing about that is Pepsi's always been involved, but they've never committed to a multi-year deal in the past. And so as we move forward, I think we'll be able to establish more of those type of situations that will benefit the entire community through these events. We've also created several new sponsorship opportunities. The Kids Zone is something that is currently people have to pay for it. We're trying to recruit a sponsor so that during that Fourth of July festival that we can offer those activities to the public for free. and then as we move forward now that we have been able to do these events for a year we're hopeful that we'll be able to continually improve on them and to create those efficiencies and increase sponsorships which was the whole idea behind transferring them in the first place and we've continued to work with all of the divisions to try to cut costs where we can you all provide us in kind on many events and Mayfest is a good example where we've worked with the police and we believe that we'll be able to save money in their budget, which is good, even though it's not necessarily these events that we're talking about. We've also been trying to capture e-mails to alleviate some postage, looking at that money, that $120,000 base. You need that to get started on the events. For example, we've already paid for a deposit on the fireworks this year, which is almost $10,000. But we're also looking at other ways that can improve these events through maybe some capital improvements with bicycle barricades. Those could be used by many events and eliminate some of the necessary police at intersections and things like that and also having a multipurpose stage. And I'd like to thank all those divisions here today that helped us out, and that would be fire and emergency services, parks and recreation, the police, public information, streets, roads, and forestry, waste management, and, of course, the mayor's office. And that's all that I have. I would be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. we have several council members or at least two signed on for comments or questions council member beard and then council member lane renee let me ask probably a stupid question to many people but i just don't happen to know what a bicycle barricade are you corralling them or are you keeping them out or what do you actually do oh both it depends on which side of that barricade you're on. For example, during Mike Lexington, we would be corralling them to get going and start. And at the Fourth of July parade, we might be trying to keep them out of the street for safety. That also, that happens at many events. Thriller is another one that I can think of where you try to keep the crowd back. So again, it really depends on which side of the fence you're on. But also you can set them up at Farmer's Market. There's a temporary barricade that goes up there every Saturday. It would be similar to that, but a little nicer looking. What about people? Do we barricade people also? With those? We could. Okay. I just was curious exactly how it worked. Thank you. Sir. Councilman Wood Lane. Thank you, Mayor. Good afternoon. Just a couple of quick questions. Could you Tell me what your annual budget is for the downtown Lexington Corporation. With the addition of these events, this year it's going to be about $900,000, $850,000 to $900,000. And a good portion of that is from the private community. Can you give me a solid, how much is private money versus government money? Well, I'm not going to count that $120,000 transfer because that was private money. But our budget is about 5% to 6% government funds. The rest is private. What was the percentage again? 5% or 6%. Okay, so that's very good. The other question I had is you mentioned that Pepsi had just made a sponsorship, and I was curious how much does that cost, and do you have any other opportunities for sponsorships available for other types of companies? I would rather not disclose the details of that sponsorship agreement because we did it. Well, could you just give me a right? Well, the reason I'm asking the question, there may be other companies who would like to sponsor. Let's say it's product and cash. It's a significant portion of cash that we've never had from them before and product, which is huge. Because during the Bluegrass 10,000, for example, you have to have lots of water. All of those events, water is a huge component of that. But even providing just soft drinks throughout the year for other events, I mean, it is a very generous offer for them. Plus there's an opportunity to make money through sales of product at events. For example, at Commonwealth Stadium, groups can go in and they can sell drinks and food at those concession stands, And there is an opportunity for that that we can explore with them that they've offered. So it would be a way not only for the event to make money, but potentially some community groups. Okay. Thank you so much for your answers. Appreciate it. Councilman Crouse. Thank you. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you all are doing. I was probably one of the most critical council members when you all proposed this idea of us relinquishing. Some of our big major events that the city had put on for years, but I just want to say job well done, and I think it seems to have transitioned without a hitch. So as someone who was critical, congratulations and thank you. Thank you so much. I really feel like going forward, given time, they will just continue to improve. Anyone, anybody else wish to speak to the Downtown Lexington Corporation presentation? Okay. I don't have anybody else signed up. Renee, thanks very much for joining us today. Thank you. Next on our agenda is a report by Mr. Ed Gardner on the collective bargaining agreement for corrections. While Ed is coming up to the podium, I want to recognize several members of the FOP Lodge involved in the bargaining and negotiations, including Jim Capillo and Connie Carter and Kevin Johnson. Kevin, I got it right this time, buddy. And Sean Hubbard. Thank you all very much for joining with us today and for all the work and the effort that you all have put into this agreement on behalf of your colleagues and our city and working together. We'll hear more about it from Mr. Gardner. Thank you all. Thank you, Mayor, members of the Council. The administration is here today to ask you to accept a collective bargaining agreement that has been negotiated with FOP Lodge No. 83. It's the town branch lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, and it's on behalf of the corrections officers and sergeants. I acted, along with Leslie Jarvis, Acting Director of Human Resources, as co-lead negotiator in these proceedings, and both she and I are very proud to bring this contract to you. It was not any fun to have to ask fellow employees sitting across the table from you to take reduced benefits in order to help the government during a time of financial crisis. But frankly, I think the fact that Leslie and I had been here a long time and had hopefully some credibility with that team helped us to get on the same page, and I think that the union would feel the same way. I also want to thank the other members of the bargaining team. from corrections. There was Jim Kamer, Edie Dabney, and Nolan Hill. Ashley Case, also from HR, helped in a great measure by taking notes and being there to keep us on track. And then, last and certainly not least, Ryan Barrow from budgeting to keep us straight on the numbers. I also want to equally thank the other team, and that includes someone the mayor didn't mention because she's not here, but Victoria White, who was the lead negotiator in these proceedings, was very helpful. We maintained good relationships throughout. We had some difficult negotiations that went long into the night, but I think both sides would agree we stayed professional and we stayed very respectful, and we walked out of the room at the end totally in respect of each other and with what we think is a very good agreement. You all should be proud not only of our team, but particularly with this union group for stepping up to the plate at the time and understanding that we have financial situations that need to be addressed and being willing to make concessions. The specifics of the new agreement are in your packet, pages 62 to 65. I'll hit some of the highlights for you. The cost savings that we were able to come up with through this agreement are going to be more than $1.2 million over the four-year contract period. In the first two years is when the main savings will be, and that's purposeful because this is when we're really having the most financial problem. Those cost savings come from several things. Reductions to vacation, holiday, and sick leave in the first two years of the agreement. An agreement to not have any step increases for the first two years of the agreement. An agreement that there be no structure movement for the first two years of the agreement. Also, a reduction in the health insurance benefit pool in the amount of $25 in the first year, going back to where it is in the second year, and then a $25 increase in the third and fourth year, which will add some costs toward the back end. One thing to keep in mind is these numbers that this union has agreed to on the health insurance benefit brings them in line with the fire union. They are still ahead of most of the employees, but they are in line now with the fire union, and we're willing to make that concession to get on the same page there. there will be 1.4 million dollar savings in the first year then in the first two years total and that breakdown is on page 65 of your of your packet in the third and fourth year there would be some increases because at that time steps will return and there will be a 400 dollar structure movement in both in each of those years but nevertheless the savings over the course of the contract will be over $1.2 million. And one thing I want to emphasize is this is a four-year contract, and that is a very good thing because it is a long contract. It will benefit both parties, obviously, particularly looking at the back end, no matter what happens in the economy. And it also provides labor peace for four years and hopefully gets us off track where all of our contracts don't come due at the same time. Some of the non-economic provisions kind of had to be adjusted because the government had to make some concessions in order to get the concessions from the union. Nothing, however, that is certainly not reasonable and nothing that can't be lived with. There now is a provision in the agreement that will allow written reprimands to be grieved before it had to be a more serious discipline. There were some changes to the promotions process that the union had expressed interest in that we were able to do. And while it's economic, It's actually cost neutral. One thing that we think is going to benefit both parties is the fact that there will be a uniform allowance now for these members. But we're going to be spending about the same amount on uniforms, but they'll be operating under a quartermaster system as fire will be starting, hopefully starting July of this year. That's supposed to be online by then. There were also some changes to the disciplinary process. I won't go through all those details with you. They are all in your packet. If there are any particular questions, I would be willing, obviously, to try to answer those, or somebody else that's here may be able to answer them. So, again, we're proud of the agreement. We think we did a good job. We think the union did a good job, and we ask you all to accept this. Thank you. Thank you, Ed. Thank you, Mr. Gardner. Any comments? Four questions from Council Members. Council Member Stennett. Thank you, Mayor. Mr. Gardner, do you have the total annual savings for each year? Again? You want me to say them? Yes, if you don't mind. I understand. Yeah, they're in your packet at page 65. The first year savings, and these are approximate, but first year approximate savings is $702,607. They don't sound approximate when I say them, but they are. approximate savings in the second year goes up to $772,000. And then in the third year, there's a slight increase up to $44,500 with the increase of $25 to the health insurance at that point and then also the return of the steps for half an effective year there because all steps don't happen on the same day. And then finally in year four, there's an increase of just less than $200,000 because that will be a full year of steps and the $400 increase. But if you total it all out, the government's saving $1.2 million. Okay. And then I guess, as Commissioner Driscoll here, how does this, in relation to what we budgeted this year, do we budget the $702,000 savings in our budget piece? Are we on target, over target, under target on that $702,000 savings? We estimated the savings in total for the three collective bargaining agreements. and that was $5.6 million. So we didn't break it out per unit? We had estimates, but again, in the spirit of collective bargaining, we had some estimated targets. But this is in line, and particularly when you look at fire, the settlement, it is comparable, and we are happy with the level. So how much do we have left of that $5.3 million? Well, we have the largest. So $702 plus the fire savings of $2? $2, $3, I believe, for the year. So we still have $2 million left to find. Okay, very good. Thank you. I just want to thank all the men and women at the corrections for their sacrifices and the work they do out there as well as approving this agreement. I know it's tough, especially when those job levels are not the highest paid in our government, but we appreciate you all working through this and appreciate our team, Mr. Gardner, you and Leslie Jarvis, everyone involved in getting this done. Thank you, Mayor. Yes, sir. I just want to correct it. It's $700,000 for the first year. Yeah, thank you. Okay. So 5.6. We still have a larger gap to go. So I understand. Thank you. Great. Council Member Beard, then Council Member Lane, then Vice Mayor Gordon. Thank you, Mayor. As soon as, Ed? Yes, please. I'm sorry. This death in the line of duty from $50,000 to $100,000 and then life insurance for $25,000 to $50,000, why wouldn't they be rolled together into an insurance program? It's implied that we write them a check out of the general fund for the death in the line of duty? I understand your question. I'm not sure I can answer that. I do know that the health insurance, or not the health insurance, the life insurance part of it, just the life benefit, is just handled in the same way that we do. We're just providing that amount out of the normal, what I understand to be our normal life insurance company that we provide to everyone. Now, on the death in the line of duty benefit, as to whether or not we have a separate rider for that, I don't know, Julian. We well may. I just do not know the answer to your question. It would be interesting. It would be better than writing a check. I understand. Obviously. And we may have that. I'm just not. I can't answer that question, but we can get that answer for you. That would be great because it's dirt cheap. Right. Through a life insurance company. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Councilor Lane. Thank you, Mayor. Yeah, my question is the savings estimate. Is that based on the current number of employees we have at the jail, or is it based on what was budgeted for the number of employees at the jail? I may have to look over my shoulder for Ryan, but I believe it was based on the budgeted number. Okay. I guess that's the answer. Thank you. You got one right. Vice Mayor Gordon. Mr. Gardner. Thank you very much for your presentation. Are you hoping for a motion? It's actually on the docket. We've actually put a resolution on the docket for a second reading for Thursday night. All right, very good. Thank you. Thank you for your hard work, and I appreciate all the work of our employees. Councilmember Lawless. Thank you, Mayor. Yes, I appreciate the employees and everybody that worked hard on this and the sacrifices you all make doing a really tough job. Back to the question, is this on savings on budgeted employees? Because I know we are grossly understaffed at this time. So this is a... That's what Ryan nodded when I said. So yes, ma'am. New employees added. Yes, ma'am. Okay, great. Thank you. All right. That's all the council members that have signed up, so thanks again, Mr. Gardner, and thanks to all who participated in this effort, in this initiative. That's all the presentations that we have for today. Next on our agenda is council reports, and the floor is available for council reports. Councilmember Stanley. Thank you, Mayor. I just have one item I'd like to place into budget and finance. We've been talking a lot about funding sources and possible potential ways to improve our park system, as well as other places in government. So I'd like to make a motion that we put into the Budget and Finance Committee, a review of the hotel-motel tax and what options are available and what we're currently getting from that tax. So moved. Second. There's a motion and a second. Council Member Stennett? Is there any discussion on the motion? Yes. Council Member Beard. Council Member Standard, could we add a tax on rental cars at the same time while we're doing this study? Would that make some sense? Well, this is just the information from the administration to kind of go through exactly what we're doing. I'd better keep that separate because since they're separate taxes, I don't want to confuse the issue. Well, I just want to be sure that we are looking at everything. Oh, I understand that clearly. Yeah, I know you do. Thank you. Thank you. Any other discussion on the motion? Pardon? Would you repeat the motion? Yes. I place into budget and finance a review of the hotel-motel tax and what is currently being collected and what it can and cannot be used for. Is there any further discussion on the motion? All right. You can take a vote then. All in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, no. Motion carries. Thank you, Mayor. Vice Mayor Gordon. Thank you, Mayor. I have two items. First is to remind Councilmembers that Thursday, February 16th, we have our confirmation hearing hearing for the Mayor's Planning Commission nominee, Mr. Derek Paulson, and this is February 16th at 4.30 p.m. on the fifth floor. And then secondly, I wanted to highlight the latest in kudos for Lexington. Most of you are familiar with National Geographic magazine, and National Geographic also has National Geographic Traveler, and its most recent issue, the March-April issue, has an entire column entitled Lexington with Kids and talks about how the horse capital of the world welcomes families. It specifically mentions the Arboretum and the Children's Garden, the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Course. it mentions several of our venues here which appeal to families and children and people without children so I think this is huge that National Geographic has recognized that we're a friendly place with lots to do so I just wanted to bring that to everyone's attention thank you thank you Vice Mayor Councilor Blues Thank you, Mayor. I have one meeting announcement, and that's the Meadowthorpe Neighborhood Association will hold its monthly meeting tonight. That's at 7 p.m. in the Community Center at Louie Mack Park. Hope to see everybody there to cap off what's been a stellar Valentine's Day. And second, I do have a question for Commissioner Driscoll. If we could get a brief update on where we are with the streetlight issue, it would be helpful to know where we stand with that. Are you asking for that right now? A few sentences now would be helpful to those of us who stand in wait. Commissioner Driscoll is racing to the podium. We presented options, the last we being the collective group from the different agencies that were represented. So I'm not sure what you're asking for from, I think that there were some thoughts put on the table and that maybe you could help us with some direction on your expectations. So are you suggesting that the ball is in council's court, that we should? It's my understanding we presented options and then you put it into committee. So I guess I'm asking, are you looking at, we just thought we would be providing support during those committee discussions. Well, if this is a council issue, then I guess we could go forward. Am I not correct? Did we not move it to committee for discussion? All right. Can I? I've got the mic. Yes. That's what the model is. Okay. So that then this will be discussed in budget and finance on the 28th. I wasn't trying to be. I just didn't. Okay, I understand. Okay, we're trying to. The Vice Mayor wishes to speak. Well, according to my notes, which I took that day, we did move it to budget and finance, but the administration agreed you were going to make a recommendation. And so I was thinking that maybe in that meeting we would look at what your recommendation of those choices is. I guess I didn't know what else I was to add today. It was that it was moved to committee. We had presented some options, and we were going to be further discussing that at the committee. And the information on the landfill fund was going to come with that as to what our obligations are in the future? I believe in some legal issues regarding that fund. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Sorry, but... Okay. I think the question was, is there anything new from the administration then between now and the 28th? And I think what I'm hearing Commissioner Driscoll say is no, that there's nothing new to report or recommend from us, from the administration today. Thank you. Is that correct? Yes, sir. Okay. We'll look forward to that discussion. On the 28th, there will likely be more information. Council Member Lawless. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to remind people that you can go to lexington.gov backslash remedial measures to find out where, and you can put your address in, find out what your watershed is. There are plans to fix Lexington's sanitary sewer system. Extensive sewer line repairs and upgrades may be coming to your neighborhood, and increased sanitary sewer fees are possible with these improvements. To learn more about the remedial measure plans, you can attend the meeting that focuses on your watershed. Kane Run Watershed will be Monday, February 27th at 6 p.m. at the Northside Library at 1733 Russell Cave Road. The Town Branch Watershed will be Monday, March 5th at 6 p.m. at McConnell Springs at 416 Redmond Lane. I also want to make people aware that the South Hill Neighborhood Association will have their Neighborhood Association meeting at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. And it is, you kind of have to go behind the church and there's a door leading down to it. So if you don't see anybody there, hang around and they'll be showing up and you can get in. I'd also, there was an issue council members didn't put in at some point planning or about parking in barkyards, backyards. We've been talking too much about animals today. Do you know if that's in committee? Okay. So I'd like to place into the Planning and Public Works Committee the issue of backyard paving and for use as parking lots in the R1 and R2 zone of the infill and redevelopment area. That was a motion. Would you repeat the motion, Council Member Lawless, please? Place into the Planning and Public Works Committee the issue of backyard paving for parking lots in the R1 and R2 zones in the infill and redevelopment area. Second. Motion by Councilman Lawless, seconded by Vice Mayor Gordon. Is there any discussion on the motion? Hearing none, we can take a vote. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, no. All right. Motion carries. Sorry, Councilmember Farmer. That's all. Thank you. All right. Councilmember McCord. Thank you, Mayor. Just wanted to thank Hillary for working with us for Thursday night to honor the U.K. cheerleaders and having the national champions in to receive due honor from us as a council on Thursday evening. I also wanted to thank Commissioner Bush. I wanted to thank you and Keith Levin for working on the Claysomale Road project where we didn't have to close it down for any length of time. That was very nice. We didn't have to reroute people through a neighborhood, and I appreciate your all's creativity in working with Woodall and all the folks to make that a lot easier on folks coming down Clay's Mill. I appreciate that immensely. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilman McCord. Councilman Myers. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to call Mr. Jonathan Ware up to the microphone, please. Jonathan is the president of Friends of the Skate Park. and he wanted to come down and kind of give the council a little bit of an update on where they're at and some of the good things they have going, and then I'll follow up with some comments. Welcome, sir. Well, thank you. Thank you for having me. I really appreciate everyone's support. I had an opportunity to actually watch February 8th's broadcast of council, and just wanted to come here today to thank the council and the Department of Parks for their support for the work that we really had begun this past summer. The council has also given us a great deal of support in launching our website, and that's been invaluable to us and wanted to thank you especially for that. Since we started our work this past summer, there's been a slow but sure increase in interest over this issue, and it's really been a pleasure, and it's been exciting to see stakeholders within the community working together with council members and the department of parks. It's really been a wonderful process to watch. coming up very soon will be our fundraiser on February 26th I think you can see up on the overhead right now that will be at Land of Tomorrow Gallery here in Lexington, Kentucky and I hope you all will consider attending thank you very much thank you for coming forward, also we want to thank the administration for working with us also on the website and could you go through Jonathan, could you go through just a couple of things, maybe explain for this fundraiser on the 26th, some of the activities that are going to be there, and kind of explain the game of skate competition? I think that's pretty cool. Sure. Well, right now in Lexington, there are really no indoor skate parks, any facilities like that at all. And I don't know if you've ever been by woodland on a sunny day when it warms up to, say, around 50 degrees in February. but there is a huge crowd out there. People are basically just sort of chomping at the bit, waiting for warm weather to come along. And so as part of this fundraiser, we'll have a small but still an indoor skate area throughout the day. There'll be, as a component in that, there'll be a skate competition, which is essentially like the game of horse that we all played with basketball when we were kids, except it's done with skateboards. There will be other activities. There will be, of course, some T-shirt sales, some silent auctions. There will be an art exhibition that will include various area artists, live music there, and we also have a couple of companies here who will be donating food for the event. Thank you. And then you can visit us at the www.friendsforskateparks.com. Certainly. And can they contribute to the cause on the website? Oh, yes, and often and generously as well. Unlike voting, you can do more than one. There's no amount too large that we will not accept. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. And then last but not least, we have an opportunity with WUKY radio, and there's a sign-up for a volunteer for the WUKY pledge drive. And they will in turn promote Friends of the Skate Park throughout their public service announcements if we can get some folks to sign up for that. Can you talk to us a little bit about that? I think we have a sign-up sheet in the back. Yes, essentially every six months or so, UKY has their fundraiser. They need folks to staff those phones, and various organizations are permitted to come in, staff those phones. In exchange for that, we get public service announcements, and our work is highlighted there. So we're looking forward for that opportunity as well. Okay, thank you. If you're here for the Friends Escape Park, could you raise your hand or maybe stand up? I know school's getting out, and we've got some people that are going to come after school is out, but we just want to thank you all for coming out today. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilman Myers. Councilman McCord. Just to follow up on that, Jonathan, I just appreciate you. You don't have to come to the mic. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who are working on this. But I'd also challenge you because unlike anything else in parks or any other activity, I think we've got a unique opportunity with this, and I don't want you all to miss the bigness of this. And you've got a situation, it seems like to me, where there's kind of a perfect storm where you've got a blank canvas, you've got opportunity with a lot of talent in this town to put their signature on this. And for every kid that skateboards and for everybody that this is their thing, I would ask you, when have you ever had a chance to build it? When have you ever had a chance to put your hand into the wet concrete versus just going to a cool skate park? And that's the difference that this thing affords us is, yeah, you can go to Louisville and they've got a really cool thing, and you can go to this town and they've got a cool thing. That was built by somebody else. You get to build this, and you get to have a hand in it, and so future generations you can point back and say, that was our baby. And it starts with this nonprofit. it starts with this website but i would again challenge every single one of you all involved every one of you all knows the major names and the major players in this sport uh in this activity and what i would tell you is uh councilman myers and i have talked a lot about this there are some folks in this geographic area there's some folks that have their own shows that are in this world that would probably love if we packaged it correctly to come and help us build this park because it's all about legacy that's what every single person every one of us and everybody walking around right now is talking about and thinking about and that's what this project is so I would just challenge you to elevate your thinking to to take it to a whole different level of what is possible with this because again I think that we had this one shot at doing something really cool and I saw it with the legacy trail where we had many many many opportunities just to build a trail like every other trail. And we could have done it in a way that would have probably cost a whole lot less and would have been very functional and utilitarian. But we chose to do a lot of things that were a lot more difficult, a lot more hurdles, and we have something that is a magnificent thing that we all worked on. You all have the exact same opportunity. We all have the same opportunity. So don't miss this window and really look right now while you have a chance to have wet concrete, so to speak, before that thing sets up and do some great things with it. So I encourage you and keep going as hard and as fast as you can. But, again, I thank Council Member Myers for having the vision and keep pushing this because it's been our conversations over a lot of lunches that you've always had this vision of this is what this place could be. And I think it's starting to take shape. So well done. All right. Thank you, Council Member McCord. Don't show any other Council members on the monitor for Council reports. Next on the agenda is Council Member Wallace. I just wanted to give a shout out to Council Member Ford and his wife on the birth of their new baby this week. And so I hear mother and baby are doing well, and council member Ford will be back with us on Thursday, I believe. So, yeah, that makes four boys. And I had two and barely made it. Okay, yep. Devin and your Ford. Seven pounds, 14 ounces. I have a basketball player with grass. Yeah, the Vice Mayor said they have a basketball team with Chris. All five. There you go. All right. Next on our agenda is the Mayor's Report. Second. It's a motion by Council Member Crosby to approve and second by Vice Mayor Gordon. Is there any discussion? Okay. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Motion carries. Mr. Mundy, is anybody signed up for public comment? All right, then. We don't have anyone signed up for public comment today. Thank you all for joining us. Is there a motion to adjourn? Motion to adjourn by Vice Mayor Gordon, second by Council Member McCord. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed, no. Motion carries. We are adjourned. Thank you.