Music Good morning. I think we're ready to convene the meeting of the General Government Committee, June 4th. Welcome everybody. First item on the agenda is approval of the summary. Motion. Motion and second to approve the summary. Any discussion? All in favor, please say aye. Opposed? That motion carries. The next item on the agenda is the bluegrass ad and Commissioner Hamilton and Commissioner Mills. Are you going to flip a coin to see who goes first? Commissioner Mills is really going to make our report, and we've met with several people, and she has, and I think we are making progress on sort of getting us back into the center of workforce. And so I'm going to let her sort of come up, and this is going to be a – and some of the things that we think we've accomplished to date, if that's okay. Okay. Thank you. And excuse me for mischaracterizing you again as a commissioner, CAO. Thank you. I'll take it back. Thank you all very much. I just have a brief report for you. If you'll look on page 38 of your packet, I sent some bullet points, and some of those things I'll update with you. We've been working for a long time to try to get a handle on how Fayette County fits into the web and how our particular county is getting services in regard to the others. So we had some meetings. CAO Hamilton had some folks from the state workforce come and talk to us, and we talked about what options we could do. And the main thing we decided is that one way to get a handle on what we're doing is to become a managing partner in the one-stop shop because we have adult and tenant services. Actually, that's our building, but we have agencies in there that work together. So we had a meeting on Friday with Jennifer Compton and Amy Glasscock, Connie Godfrey of my staff, and the purpose of the meeting was talked about how we could become a managing partner of the one-stop shop. So these are the bullet points of how we were going to move forward on that. First of all, the Central Kentucky Job Center, they're rebranding the one-stop shops. It's going to be called the Kentucky Career Center. They're just changing the name of it. We're getting new signs. So what we want to do is we've been having meetings of the partners in the building, but it's been about what's the carpet like, why do we not have security. It's not been on anything of substance. So we're going to start having regularly monthly meetings in July, and it's going to be with the Bluegrass WIB staff, Connie Godfrey of my staff, and the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, which was formerly known as the Unemployment Office. They're there on a regular basis. And then there are some lesser partners who are there, not year-round. BCTC Adult Ed is there when BCTC is in session. Kentucky Vocal Rehab has an office there that they staff intermittently, and then the Three Rivers Native American Program. which is a special grant. Those six people will meet monthly, and the discussions are supposed to be more about what kind of job opportunities are there, who's doing what, when grants come in, how do people apply for them. So we should be more on the in-session of management. Also, we have learned that the WIB has a committee for all the one-stops, and I'm going to start attending those meetings because those are attended by people who are the supervisors of people in the one-stops. We went out to the senior center, and you all may have seen we have a key tag like you have at Kroger's. People come in on the kiosk, and they mark in what they're there for, and it collects great data. And if the people sign up ahead of time, it gives us demographics, what they're there, and what they're using it for. So we demonstrated that with the workforce people, with the WIB folks, and we have decided that it would be of great value to put one of those in the lobby of the career center. That way when everybody comes in, we have an idea of what they're coming in there to do. Who's coming? What's their age group? What's their gender? What's their race? What's their neighborhood? Blah, blah, blah. So they like that system. We can get it customized. As a matter of fact, Jennifer Compton committed that the WIB would pay for the system. We put it in for about $9,000, and we maintain it for about $1,500 a year. So it's relatively inexpensive, and it gives you point-in-time data. So we figured we're going to need that to actually know what's going on over there. The other thing we talked about was the Pats of Success grant, and I just want to tell you all a little bit about that. That's the first WIA grant that urban county government has had in four years. And our Department of Youth Services took 39 out-of-school dropouts, and they're harder. The ones at Community Action has got kids who are in school. We've got out-of-school dropouts. Of those 39 kids, 22 of them have GEDs, 18 of them have jobs, and two of them are enrolled in BCTCS. So we have accomplished a whole lot. We have reapplied for that grant, and we will here in June. With those kind of outcomes, I don't know why we wouldn't get that grant. And then the only other thing I wanted to mention are workforce initiatives that don't seem to be a part of the web, but something that in conversations with people in this government we really need in Fayette County. We've talked a little bit in here about entrepreneurial kind of things, small business things. Those are really good for ex-offenders, you know, to start their own businesses. We talked about the refugee sewing thing. We need to keep talking about how to grow small businesses because everybody is not employable in a traditional business. One thing that we are missing, we have community ventures, but it doesn't seem to serve as broadly as it should. First of all, I don't think it's Fayette County only, but we need to look at micro-lending opportunities. From my research, it seems the communities that's done best with small businesses and entrepreneurs, they have good micro-lending opportunities. So that's something we need to explore as a community. We want to continue to advertise and promote job fairs. And, of course, our summer youth, we're going to continue to work with employers, and there will be an update on the Summer Youth Employment Program at the Social Service Committee in June. I really think the youth are doing better than the adults. We still have a long way to go with workforce and adults. I think it's an answer to a lot of the homeless problems. If people have jobs, they may not be homeless. So we've got a lot of work to do, but we've got a plan to move forward, and this is kind of our blueprint for right now. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Council members, questions, comments? Council Member Akers. Thank you, Chair. Commissioner, could you tell me those numbers again on the dropouts, GEDs, jobs, BCTC? Sure. We had 39 youth enrolled, and of that number, 22 have successfully completed their GED. 18 of those 39 are working, and two of those 39 are enrolled in BCTCS. Excellent. That's really great. Thank you. Anything else? Thank you. Council Member Myers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Commissioner. I guess my question is sort of a broad-based question. When you look at the different levels of unemployment in Fayette County and the different demographics, they're unemployed or underemployed. And then when the WIB came here last time that they spoke, they talked about how they're targeting emerging industries. And we talked about the industries like HVAC repair and those kinds of things. and they didn't have a group at the time that was the focus group for those industries. How do you see, since the AG said that the ad can't do anything unless we as a government initiate it, and then they're supposed to help us get done what we want to get done, how do you see what the next steps should be in terms of looking at unemployment and underemployment in Fayette County and putting together a comprehensive program that maybe we can take advantage of the ad's resources to roll out? We're hoping this is going to come through this collaboration because up until now when we go to the web and say what kind of grants are available, individual training accounts, it's like, well, the money's already allocated. So we've come late to the party. So with this partnership, meeting once a month every month starting in July, those kind of things will be on the agenda regularly. Who's hiring in Fayette County? What are clients telling you that are coming in the door? How has unemployment changed? Because they'll be there. So by having these six partners at the table, we ought to be able to have more information once a month so that we can target resources. I would also envision that we would work really closely with economic development here in Fayette County. I mean, Connie can talk to Kevin regularly about, you know, what kind of jobs. At one point, for example, we needed CDLs in this government really badly. And we talked to them about it, but the only workforce they had were the folks in the ex-offender program. and we can't hire people with the record in Fayette County. But if we have all the other partners together, we may find another stream of applicants. So that's just an example. Well, and my question would be, you know, you talked about the micro-lending, and that's a great program to start. But, you know, the Chamber has that part of the entrepreneurial program that you can go through and then present your business plan to local banks or financial institutions to see if you can get funded. Is that something that would work in collaboration with them, or is this something separate? I think that's to be discovered. Okay. We went there with one of the programs, and it kind of lost traction. So I think you've got more voices at the table. We'll just have to see how that works. Okay. And I'm not sure if the vice mayor is going to speak to this, but I think she said that their link is working with economic development and all the people who do economic development in town to get them to begin to work more closely together, and maybe this is something that gets plugged into that. But I guess my final question would be, I know we look at things like the ex-offender programs, and they have people ready-made on a list that are looking for employment opportunities or training opportunities. But how do we go out as a government, go out and look at the unemployed and underemployed from across the spectrum in Fayette County? Software should have us that. Okay, so we can figure out who they are. We don't have it, and that's why we want to start with this data collection. Okay. Because we don't know who's coming in that center and why they're coming. Excellent. So then once we get that in place, then we can start to look at developing, based on who's in that category, what their skill sets are, what their interests are. We're in our infancy. I mean, we've got to collect the data first, and then this group that meets once a month has to look at the data and figure out what does this mean and where are the gaps. Excellent. We don't even have that right now, so we're starting. Well, thank you for your leadership, and I'm glad that we have a seat at the table now. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Any other council members at this time? Seeing that, I just have one kind of peripheral comment, I guess. I want to pick up, Commissioner Mills, on something you said about the CDL license and the city not being able to hire ex-offenders. My understanding was that there are certain categories where ex-offenders, where it's relevant to the job, and that we have a policy about not hiring, but that that's not across the board and that that policy was being looked at. Can you speak to that? Many of the CDLs, well, a lot of them are in youth services, so they're driving kids, and we had a need for them. And then they did have some ex-offenders, for example, that were riding on solid waste trucks, but if they're sex offenders, there are certain neighborhoods they can be in and others they can't. It's a very complex issue. So I don't know how to say all this. You can hire ex-offenders, but it has to be in a position where you know that it's something that meets the law. And Janet Graham has looked at this in great detail. So what happened was we had a list of the CDL jobs we needed, and then they said before we put people through training, look at their backgrounds and see if they would cut mustard. And like in our department, they even have to have polygraph tests. So we couldn't find enough candidates to fit the training. So we still need CDLs. But the thing is, maybe we need, it's not that we can't hire some ex-offenders, but they were all ex-offenders. So we need a group, a list of people. There may be some ex-offenders we can hire, but we also need other people that are looking for work. They're good-paying jobs. And the ad was willing to do the training. We just couldn't find the people to hire. Thank you. Council Member Myers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Are we going to talk about other segments of the ads, programming, and services, or is this it for today? This was just my part. So the other things that you all have about the ad, I'm sure someone else can. Ms. Sally, can you come up for a second? Thank you, Commissioner. It was easy calling her Commissioner Sally. Now it's like CAO Sally is kind of weird to say, so I'll just call you Ms. Sally. I know that you guys are now engaged with the ad, and you're starting to look at all the different opportunities that they have. So is this just going to stay in committee, and this was the workforce piece of it, but you're going to come back and talk about what they can do? Because what I'd like is a comprehensive understanding of all the different programs and services that the ad provides. We certainly can do that, and do that as each of these committee meetings go forward. We started with the workforce because that's where we were not a player at all. Sure. And I think, and you heard Beth, I think we've made a lot of progress. Absolutely. And Daryl Smith is just delighted that I think we're just in a perfect position because Daryl is just delighted as the head of that workforce board that we are sort of back in the game. So I think when you were talking about, I think once Beth sees what we really need, I think they will tailor anything that we need and deliver it for us. I agree, because one of the things that Darrell said last time was that I brought one program to him, but he said I'm the only person in Fayette County that's ever brought anything to them and said, will you fund this? So once they get their database set up and they get the information on who is unemployed or underemployed, then you guys can tailor programs to their needs, and then the ad will be on board, or the Workforce Development Board will be on board. That's exactly right. Our goal sort of is for Daryl to say, away, we've had enough at County. So, I mean, we just need to be there in their face. Okay. But we'd certainly be glad to pursue whatever the committee would feel on other programs that the ad offers. Okay. Could you help us in that regard? Because I think because we don't go to those meetings, we're not privy to what all they do and what they can do. I think it will help if you guys can tell us what all is available. That would be fine. Kevin represents the mayor at those board meetings. And, of course, my early part of my career was ads. Right. So I am fairly familiar with them. So what we'll do is we'll sort of work up a plan that I can work with Paul or whoever on of just updating you on some of the programs and services. Okay, and then could you give us an update on, I know that you guys are trying to get the bylaws changed for the ad so that the mayor's destiny can be a voting member. How are you coming on that? Kevin, I asked Kevin the other day, and he said that he thought that there was still, he sees no resistance to that. It has not been done yet because, you know, changing the bylaws over there is a pretty big deal. But he was not seeing any resistance. So I will double-check with him to see if there's any timetable, but it has not been done to date. Could I ask if you will ask our law department to look at their bylaws and take a stab at drafting an amendment to them? I certainly will. And then as the mayor goes to the next meeting as a voting member, he can maybe bring that forth? I certainly will. And try to make it happen? Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Council Member Akers. Thanks again, Chair. Sally, I want to say to you and to Beth and commend you, because I think that the data collection is really the key. It is, too. And as someone who loves research and data, I think that's how we can determine where we go forward, which will guide these efforts, and what I also love is the collaboration. And so I think if we can collaborate with Kevin Atkins and with Wia and Wib and Beth's office, that then we can look at what are the needs in the community from the employer's side, and then we look at who is unemployed and underemployed and where those skills meet in the middle, and then hopefully to solve some of the needs on both ends for economic development as well as for citizens who are out of work and looking for work and need to be reeducated or need job training or specific skill sets, and we can actually have data sets from the employers as well as from those looking for work. So I'm thrilled and look forward to it. We totally agree. And then the links, when we're in with the links, we're talking about economic development and coordinating all this. Then we can sort of be a piece in that, too. So I think it will help. We just had not been a player. And now, you know, we're going to get into this, and I think we can just accomplish all kinds of things. That's our hope. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Akers. Can I have one more thing? Yes, you might. Council Member Myers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Vice Mayor and I are kind of having a sidebar up here. You know, the Chamber has that entrepreneurial program, and they have lenders that come to the table if your business plan is solid, and they try to help you get it that way and fund. But I'm sure there are going to be situations where they're not able to loan to someone who may have a different legal background and things like that. So maybe, you know, the Commissioner talked about the microlending. maybe that's where that comes in. And they are able to have a different set of criteria for who they can lend to. So I think it's really going to be important to see if we can marry all these great things that you guys are doing with what we're contracting with the chamber to do and their programs so that we can make sure we're not siloing and make sure that everybody's being covered. I think that's a great point. And when you mentioned that, I was sort of on the same thought wave. We at least need to approach them and talk to them about this and to see what they could do to help us. And, you know, if they couldn't loan the money, they may have staff that could certainly be of assistance to these people in preparing what they need. Right. So I think it's a good point. And it may be that some of the people that come through their program that they can't lend to could come over to our program with the micro-lending, and they've got the expertise on that side to get their business plan and things in shape and then come over and get the micro-loan to help do what they're trying to do. So great stuff. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. I have a comment and then a suggestion. Well, yeah, a couple things. The comment is that this is very specific in the area that I've been tracking. In local food systems, the Penny Rile ad recently received a significant grant to begin a statewide project to do mapping, gathering of data for local food systems. And they will be engaging each of the ads around the state to do their own region. So the Bluegrass ad now has someone who is beginning to work on that. And this is a mapping. Tell me again what this is. They're going to be looking at the producers, the consumers, the infrastructure, all of the things that contribute to the local food system and how to enhance that. But they're beginning with a data gathering and mapping system. And I don't think I'm speaking out of turn here, but I would say at this point they're not exactly clear what that entails. So I think there's an opportunity for our government, through Kevin in particular, to be involved in that activity so that the kinds of data, as they decide what they're going to gather and how it's relevant and how they're going to use it, that we're at the table on that with our ad. So that's a very specific project and a way that we can, I think, become more of a player with the ad district. More generally, it seems to me what I've heard is that there's an interest in getting an update probably maybe in the August meeting, specifically on the bylaws and what's happening with that, but more generally, if we are to be a player, what does that mean? What are the ways in which we will be more engaged? How are they responding to that? What does it mean going forward? And perhaps information about specific projects that we're either applying for or aware of or whatever. Does that seem reasonable as a suggestion? I'll see if the committee is also open to that, and if so, we'll put it on our August agenda. Looks like we have one more comment at least. Council Member Clark. Thank you, Chair. Sally, I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I was glad to see this topic on the agenda. We've put a lot of effort into economic development here in Lexington, and my link was involved in some of that, as a matter of fact, and see the work that's being done, the potential there. I have been a little, I've questioned our efforts on a regional basis. And I just wonder if there's reason why we haven't focused more on developing the regional basis, because I think that's going to play a major role in the development of Lexington, not just for Fayette County but the surrounding region. And I just wonder, it seems like to me there's less effort on the regional basis than maybe there should be. And would you speak to that and correct me if I'm wrong? Well, I'm not sure I would be the – I don't think I can really speak to it because we're talking about regional economic development, correct? Yes. And I think Kevin is going to be much more versed in this than I. And I'd rather, Councilman, I'm not trying to dodge the issue. I'm just, I don't know enough about it to be able to talk to you intelligently about this. And I think we need Kevin to talk about, and that may be a good topic for us, about regional economic development. development because those, and I don't know how Kevin approaches it from a regional basis. Kevin's probably watching downstairs and will be here in about two minutes. They always cringe when I start to make this stuff up in Ad-Lib. So you'll always see the doors swinging open. I understand. But I think it's a great question and a good topic, but I would feel more comfortable with Kevin regressing. I understand that. When I've mentioned it to people who are involved in economic development, I have not talked to Kevin about this, but they seem to be surprised at my interest in that, as if that's a topic that is not very serious. And so I just think maybe we ought to talk about that a little bit, because I think regional development is going to play a big part in the opportunity to make Lexington the heart of the region. And so I just want to mention, and I understand your reluctance to speak on that, but thank you very much. Thank you, Chair. Thank you. I thought so. There it is. They're taking longer, if you've noticed. It's usually just two. It's even less than two minutes. They're usually slowing down down those stairs. Mr. Atkins, would you? When Sally calls, I always try to answer. We watch that TV real quick. Yes, we do. We do, even through our, obviously through the work we do with Bluegrass Add, through the work we do with Commerce Lexington. There is a regional focus. We participate, for example, the regional fly-in, which is all the surrounding counties around Fayette, are getting ready to go to Washington and discuss our priorities. We're involved in setting those priorities, so we work that aspect. Economic development, obviously, is a large regional issue. We periodically have meetings of what's called the Bluegrass Lines, which is a meeting of all the economic development partners in the region, all the folks who do economic development on a daily basis in each of the counties that surround Lexington. So we do have an emphasis on regional. Good. You know, Kevin, I'd be very interested in attending some of those meetings if I was permitted and I could be informed. I think we'd be glad to have you. Give me that opportunity, and that might help me, as a matter of fact. Glad to have you. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Council Member Clark. And before I recognize this, I've got a line of people. Kevin, you probably don't want to go too far away. I just want to be clear with the committee. We started, this is essentially about the ad district, and we're slowly but surely marching into economic development in other areas. Okay, I just want to kind of point that out. And then if we want to go there, we can either go there or, yeah, Yeah, I think they do. But it may be a topic also for the Economic Development Committee at greater length and with more preparation. Having said all that, Councilmember Beard. Thank you, Chair. I've totally forgotten why I pushed the button here. And then you came, Harry, with your comment about the regionalism and the attempt that has been going on for at least 10 years, I know, to get some type of communication going with the counties. Unlike Fayette County, we've got judge executives and we've got mayors. And if one of them says blue, the other says red. It all depends on who's doing the talking at first. It is a big issue. They're doing better than we are in many cases because their land costs are a lot lower than ours. And we've lost numerous companies that would have moved here in Lexington And if we could have gotten them to land and gotten them to land at a reasonable price. So it gets more complex than just let's go do it. There's more to it behind it than all that. It's frustrating. We have small counties, and we ought to have some type of a unit. Maybe it isn't the 17 counties that the ad has. maybe it's just the seven counties adjacent to Lexington, at least for a start, if for no other reason than the cost of gasoline is high. And we should never just quit because of some of the hurdles we've got to run through the hoops. So we'll see how it goes. Good luck, Kevin. I spent four years doing that, and we got to two annual dinners, one in Paris and one of our sales. We called up and asked, could we come, we'll pay. and in one case Bob Quick and I went to one and then Bob Quick, Luther Deacon and I went to another one. Just to show them that we had some interest in what they were doing. They didn't care, to be perfectly blunt about it. I mean, nobody was mobbing our table, I'll tell you that, to chit-chat with us. We walked in and somebody took us to the table and said, there's the table, food comes, goodbye, and that's it. It's a shame, but that's just kind of the way it is. So, thank you, Chair, and I'll let him, I guess. Yeah, I think one thing I would like to add, when it comes to regionalism, I think we have to determine what region means at times. We have the region that immediately surrounds Lexington. But then when we talk about regional cooperation, we've got projects like BEAM going on, which the final study is about wrapped up on. And that is what the both mayors, Mayor Fisher and Mayor Gray, referred to as the super region, which is the counties surrounding Louisville, the counties surrounding Lexington and Franklin. So, I mean, we have work going on on a regional basis, and sometimes even a larger region than we typically think about. in those areas. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Sketchfield. Thank you, Chair. Kevin, go ahead and stay up. I think we have Commerce Lexington, we have ADD, we have all these different organizations, and one of the things that you just mentioned is you're getting ready to go to Washington regarding initiatives that Lexington wants to move forward. And I think there seems to always be this hesitation to let the legislature of Lexington be in on some of these discussions, because I feel like we don't know what the administration is always pushing forward. And I implore you and the administration, make us part of these discussions. I think on that line, I hope I'm not out in front of the vice mayor on this, But we're working, and we've had a meeting with the Vice Mayor, Judy Taylor, myself, and the Vice Mayor, to discuss how we do that moving forward, especially when it directly involves the General Assembly. and we're going to be coming back probably in early September, I think is what we decided, to meet with you all and try to start putting a system and issues that are on your forefront in place so we know what those are moving forward and be able to share ours to the degree we have them together at that time as well. And I guess to add to that, I think you say your initiatives, your plans, we are all wanting the best for Lexington. And both the administration and this body up here, and I think the best way to get to the results that we all want to make Lexington the best it can be is we've got to stop looking at it as your and our. It has to be the group collectively. Well, what I meant by that was sometimes there will be things on your radar that haven't gotten to ours and the awareness needs to get highlighted. And I think that lends to them even more important that we figure out a way to communicate these together so that definitely we can push them all. A group of 15 plus the administration working towards a common goal is going to get there a lot faster. Yeah, and it's going to be important that I think anybody that's spent, Jeffrey did this before I did, and anybody that's spent any time dealing with the legislative process knows that we somewhat have to get these in place before, because once the session starts and the deeper it gets into the session, it's, you know, 10 o'clock at night decisions. Thank you, Chair. Thank you. Council Member Myers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Kevin, for coming in today. Thank you, sir. Could I ask when the date is for the D.C. flying? It's July 17th and 18th. Okay. Do you guys already have set what you're going to be talking to the folks in D.C. about? We do not. So then there's time for the document. That is a document that is evolving. Great. So here's my question. To whatever degree you guys can, I wouldn't suggest that you just send us that document because you may not want to do that, but you still have time, you've got a month and a half, to include the council in on whatever it is that we present in D.C. So will you guys do that? Yeah, I'd be glad to hear from you about what you think we ought to include. It is time-sensitive because the document has to be printed before we go, so we don't have a full month and a half. We probably have about two weeks. Okay, so then you'll be trying to schedule that, I guess, as soon as you get out of this meeting, probably. So the reason I ask that question is because of this. What we've always heard as council members from Frankfurt, our Frankfurt delegation, is that any time you can come up here, as one council member already said, together where the mayor doesn't want one thing and the council wants another the things that we all agree on are the things that they'll focus on and so if you guys are going to go to dc it would be great that even if we don't have the same focus completely administration and council those things where we're together on can be highlighted in that letter so that we can at least try to get those things accomplished so to that regard i i appreciate you being willing to not only get from us what our preferences are. It would also be nice to hear what you guys' are. And remember, these are strictly federal related. Exactly. For the Washington trip. Exactly. So that's my ask, is that you guys will provide us whatever information you can about what you guys are asking for, and then I'm sure the Vice Mayor will take the lead of the council to get our recommendations and then see how they work together and then maybe have a couple conversations before you go and send a letter that at least these are a couple of things that we all agree on, and we'll try to... I'll be glad to do that. Keep in mind the priority for this is each of the communities submits their priorities. Not all those priorities get listed in this document. The entire group has, on a regional basis, has to submit the list together. Sure, but I just go back and say that, like they tell us in Frankfort, anytime you've got the mayor and the council together, those are the things they're going to look at. And so whatever we send forward that the consensus is built between the administration and the council ought to get the best look, I would think. We saw it last session with the pension issue. So thank you very much. Chair, let me. If, yes, Councilor, if the committee is willing to let Councilmember Beard get in here out of order, go right ahead. Well, this is not, again, this is not what I really pushed the button the other time for either. When will you share that with us? I'll pass you a note. Okay. I've been on five or six of those trips myself, and that's what has got to happen is that we have a delegation that's part of that delegation. and that way you can mingle with the various and sundry, primarily mayors, but some judge executives of other counties that go. I assume they still go. Yes, sir. And it's pretty valuable. We get to talk to most everybody legislatively that would be of any help to us. and they're quite happy to do so, to talk to us also. Again, you know, it's blocking and tackling. It isn't in runs and long Hail Mary passes. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Chair. Thank you. And if I can jump in before Council Member Akers to follow on with this as well, It seems to me that the issue for council is how that priority list gets determined for Fayette County and whether it, in fact, reflects the priorities that this council itself would support. I'm not suggesting that they're not, but my understanding is kind of prior, kind of the normal way of acting is that the administration says that, and then you meet with, I don't know, who else sits at the table when setting the priorities for Fayette County for this fly-in? Well, we have asked, because the chamber will have priorities as well as far as business issues on a broader scale than just the Fayette County government. We have asked individuals like Commissioner Paulson, for example, what are the priorities that we have right now within transportation needs? So we try to gather that in, and then we're going to look at them, look at what we've been given, and then we will move that forward. So in other words, the commissioners will help us in gathering that information. And obviously, if you all have priorities, we're interested in going at them as one. I guess what I'm asking is the final list, there's a set of priorities in priority order or just a set of bullets and they include? It will be a set of bullets. What we get to include in the final document, in concert with Andy Johnson at Commerce Lexington, we will then take the bullet form and put more detail into the items that the group has within the document itself. Okay, so at this point, the procedure has been essentially the points have to meet muster with administration and with Commerce Lexington. Yes. Nothing goes in that's... And not only Commerce Lexington, but the regional committee as well. The regional committee, Commerce Lexington acts as the facilitator. the regional committee, the mayor of Winchester is on there. There's a representative from U.K., representative from BCTC, so the Jesmond Chamber, all those type of groups. There has to be a consensus within the group that, yes, we want to pursue this on behalf of the region. Okay, so I guess what I'm hearing is that the concern on council is that That consensus should also include the council weighing in on those priorities in some way, whatever that would be, kind of going forward. Okay, thank you. Council Member Akers. Thank you, Chair. Two things, Kevin. First, I didn't know that there was this priority list and that there was this work being done. And so perhaps it's because I'm newly elected or perhaps it's because of a lack of communication from your office to the council. So I would recommend that either we have more during our economic development committees, that we have a report out from your office, or that we do collaborate in a better way so that we can provide input from our districts and from our perspective to this priority legislative list, because I'm confident that everyone here has their own thoughts and maybe needs of their own districts and what we need to be looking at as a city. And again, not that you all's priority list is not what we would agree to, but it would be helpful, I think, if you all create a list that we are aware of so that when you bring that list back and say this is what we want to spend our $2 million allocation for economic development fund on, that we agree to that because otherwise you all sort of wasted your time in D.C. Secondly, what I originally wanted to weigh in on or ask was, can you speak to any efforts? I know Commerce Lexington just recently launched a minority business project that they're going to help promote that. And maybe that's a question for them. but can you speak to how the city and maybe Bluegrass Ad and Commerce Lexington are working to encourage minority business ownership or support for minority businesses and how that might be a legislative priority or not? And I know specifically in my district, you know, there's a big interest there, and people need help and support along the way. And is that a priority for your office or Commerce Lexington? Yeah, let me take the first part of the statement first before I take the second part of the statement. And that's one of the reasons that Judy and I met with the vice mayor is to establish how we can better communicate on issues, whether they be federal or state legislatively, moving forward. Part of that is issues are not always legislative issues. They're sometimes agency issues. So if you as a council member have something that you need to communicate more timely so if we can address it outside a legislative process, we can go ahead and work on that. Back to the minority business accelerator. There's an announcement at Commerce Lexington in the morning, actually, on one of their projects for that. Tyrone Tyra, who does the minority business programs as well as the small business programs for the Chamber, is the director of that. The funding that they receive from the urban county government helps with that initiative. It helps with the outreach on those initiatives. They've got a partner who is getting a very good contract, to put it in mild terms, tomorrow that will be announced. So Tyrone markets that every day with people from not only Kentucky but outside this area. I don't know if that gets to your question. Do you know if there are any efforts with the ad or with Workforce Investment or specifically with your office that are making concerted efforts for those that are maybe underemployed or unable to be employed due to criminal backgrounds or other barriers? Are there any efforts to be proactive in supporting those individuals with business ownership? Through Commerce Lexington, we do all kinds of new job recruitment and helping companies expand, which obviously would present an opportunity for any of those individuals to obtain a job. Workforce investment works with those folks. Yesterday I had a meeting with some of the board members from a group called Jubilee Jobs here in Lexington that is very focused on reentry type of work. So, yeah, we're all focused on it. We're focused on providing everyone who wants the opportunity to work to have the opportunity to have a job. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Thank you. Vice Mayor Gordon? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think this is a really good discussion, and it kind of shows me that, Kevin, the council members are also wanting what we met about. When I originally met with Judy Taylor and Kevin Adkins, it was more oriented toward a common legislative agenda going into the state legislative session. and although I hesitate to paint my first years here as the old days, but they are becoming the old days. In the old days, we used to have a council committee which would meet with our economic development folks and the chamber and the U.K. folks. We would meet in common and kind of hash out a legislative agenda together. And I think that's what we're all talking about, so that, like Council Member Scotchfield said, so that we have 15 plus the administration on the same page. So I think it's a really good discussion that we're having and will probably lead us to a place where we will be crafting a common agenda. which will be good for everybody. And each of us might not totally 100% agree with every item on it, but at least everybody will feel like they had equal representation and input. And I think that's what we're kind of talking about. And I think what we may want to even suggest for Commerce Lexington as we continue this regional policy group, which is probably now six or seven, maybe eight years old, is perhaps not only having our office on there, but a member of the council on that working group as well. Yes, I think that's a great idea. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Council Member Akers. Vice Mayor, when did this meeting happen with you in the Economic Development Office. I don't even remember knowing anything about it. It was just my personal meeting. I invited them to come talk with me about how legislative agendas are set. Okay. Because if you recall the legislative session that just ended not too long ago, So, well, council members, I think there were some surprises about issues that were taken up on behalf of Lexington. And it was an effort to start a conversation with the two people that I felt like could have a big impact and then move forward to the whole council. And I remember we talked about this in the retreat and everything, but I just didn't want Kevin to be under the impression that we all were represented by you at that meeting or that we were coming back to you after you did have that meeting and saying, I just wanted everybody to know that it was not an organized, you know how we said in the retreat, we would like to set an agenda. So you did not go forward as a representative of the whole council in that meeting. Well, I went forward as having a concern that was brought up at the retreat. Right. Which I thought was my, you know, we didn't. I was supposed to do. I thought that was something that the council wanted me to bring up. Yeah, I mean, the representation during the meeting was that had been an issue that had been discussed at you all's retreat, which is the reason Judy and I and the vice mayor discussed putting together maybe a workshop or some type of session where we all get together and sit down about the process moving forward. Does that help? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, and Council Member Myers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So to recap, how are we going to move forward so that we can get some input from the Council on this particular fly-in that's going to happen in a month and a half, but the letter has to go forward in a month or less? I think what I can do is send you last year's policy statement, which is what the rest of the group looks at when crafting theirs. The current document, Andy's still waiting on everybody's information to come in so it's not put together. I think when you see that document, you can see the type of things that are addressed as part of that process. Okay. And then all I would ask is I will send that to you this afternoon, and then all I would ask is maybe sometime by the end of the week, if you have issues, federal issues that are specific that you would like us to at least submit on our behalf, all our behalves, that you let me know so I can go ahead and get those in. And then it will be up to the group total to make the final decision on what issues are in the document. Okay, a couple follow-ups on that. When you send us this information, will the administration's requests or priorities already be in there? We don't have those put together yet. Okay. And then could you give us a little bit more time so that I think the real value in this process is if the council can come together and agree on something, and then the administration and us can agree on that. If you just have 15 people send you stuff, then there's no consensus even among the council. Right. Council Member Bynes, I'm glad to give you all the time that you would like. We don't set those deadlines in this case because Commerce Lexington has to put them together, has to send them to print. I mean, I'm always glad to have the priorities even for future consideration as well. But for this session, I mean, we're getting pretty close to a deadline. Okay, so we have to have it back to you by the close business on Friday in order to make it happen. If that's it, that's okay. I'm not saying a hard yes, but I'm saying that is the most workable solution. Okay. Okay, thank you. Oh, one more question. Someone talked about having representation from the council. Is it possible to have, I don't want to put the vice man on the spot, I don't know where his schedule is and that kind of thing, but is it possible to have somebody from the council on this fly-in this year? The registration is open. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Beard Thank you Chair I was going to ask a similar question except I was going to say one or more Council Members It worked pretty well previously and I don't know reason why it couldn't again but there needs to be more I won't say unity because I don't think that's the right proper word, but there's things going on on the fifth floor and there's things going on on the first floor, and sometimes it doesn't always get communicated. It's a more formal communication, and you don't get the real story behind it. And somewhat the same situation with dealing with Congress Lexington. So I would say that if you wanted to go, you got it in your budget so well one I don't think it ought to come out of the council budget because this is about building consensus for the council and taking that forward at the national level or federal level I don't know whose schedule can permit this this is kind of last second also but I would ask if I could how many people are going from the administration I think Jamie Emmons and myself along with the mayor. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. I guess I'll just add one additional comment. It seems to me that clearly we're working against a deadline at this point for this year, and I'm sure that the administration and the council will do what we can to make something happen that reflects the concerns that have been expressed this year, but that going forward, ideally, we would not be in this position next year when there's another fly-in, and hopefully there'll be a system in place for council input by then. But thank you. Thank you for coming up. We need to have these on the first floor, and your office is on the second, so you can... Actually, we have one more. I'm sorry, one more comment. Vice Mayor. I just had one more comment. I think that registration is maybe through the Chamber of Commerce, correct? Yes, ma'am. And so any council member who was interested in attending the fly-in could talk to the Chamber about details. You can call Andy Johnson. Okay. And I will just say for the record, unfortunately I will be at the beach on July the 17th. So I cannot represent you, Council Member Myers. And duly noted that the reason we thought about September for the meeting on legislative issues is because the Vice Mayor will be doing other duty in August with a grandbaby. I think that, again, thank you for coming up on short notice and addressing an issue that was not really on our, it's kind of related to our agenda, but not front and center. If there's nothing else on that, I'm just going to thank Commissioner Mills for coming here, but she's already taken her leave. So I think we can just go on to the next item, which is the procedure for underwriting or sponsoring one of our facilities or parks. An update. Commissioner Reid. Welcome. Thank you, sir. If I could just make one observation on the fly-ins. I'm probably the only person in the room that's been involved on both ends of the process coming from the administration and also being on congressional staff. And I just wanted to let you know I have been banned on both ends. Well, he never did anything. He was in my con. I've been banned on both ends of the process from ever attending again. So if anybody needs my place, you're welcome. Donations and naming guidelines. I appreciate the opportunity to have what I consider as an interim step in the process of finalizing these guidelines and donation policies. This process started when Sally was the commissioner, and we kind of got hung in the transition. When I took over, I decided I was going to change a lot of what had been done, and I changed, and then I ended up basically going back to what initially was done as I further examined the policies and the issues involved. I saw the light and saw what a good job Sally had done in initially doing this. What we really have here is something that's beyond an initial draft, but is what I consider a working document to go from. What we'd like to do today is give a presentation and an overview.