# Urban County Council - March 9, 2023 > Auto-transcribed civic record · March 9, 2023 - **Permalink**: https://meetings.lexingtonky.news/meeting/5781 - **Source video**: https://lfucg.granicus.com/player/clip/5781?view_id=14&redirect=true - **Date**: 2023-03-09 - **Last revised**: March 9, 2023 - **Length**: 21,777 words - **Speakers**: Mayor, Tim > ⚠️ **Auto-generated content.** Audio from the official Granicus video was auto-transcribed with OpenAI's open-source Whisper large-v3-turbo model, run locally by The Lexington Times. Structured facts were extracted with GPT-4o; the narrative summary was written by Anthropic Claude. Verbatim wording may contain errors. See [methodology](https://meetings.lexingtonky.news/about/methodology) or [report a correction](mailto:editor@lexingtonky.news). --- ## Meeting Overview The Urban County Council met on March 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The meeting focused primarily on recognition and informational presentations, with two agenda items addressing community achievements and volunteer service. The council heard two public comments from citizens and took two votes during the proceedings. The session included recognition of RJ Corman's 50th anniversary milestone and acknowledgment of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers for their service to the community, both serving as informational presentations to highlight important community contributions. ## Attendance The following members were present at the March 9, 2023 meeting: **Present:** • Mayor Gorton • Sheehan • Worley • Wu • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Elliott Baxter • Fogle • Gray • LeGris • Lynch • Monarrez • Plomin • Reynolds • Sevigny All 16 members were in attendance with no absences or late arrivals recorded. ## Votes and Decisions The council conducted two roll call votes during the March 9, 2023 meeting, both passing unanimously. **Ordinance 0210-23** [timestamp: 02:00] The council voted on amending certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Council member Ellinger made the motion, which was seconded by Elliott Baxter. The measure passed with a unanimous roll call vote of 15-0-0 (15 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions). All 15 council members voted in favor: • Sheehan • Worley • Wu • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Elliott Baxter • Fogle • Gray • LeGris • Lynch • Monarrez • Plomin • Reynolds • Sevigny **Ordinance 0161-23** [timestamp: 07:00] The council voted to accept the bid of C3 Mechanical, LLC for HVAC York Fan Boxes. Council member Ellinger made the motion, which was seconded by Gray. This measure also passed unanimously with a roll call vote of 15-0-0. The same 15 council members voted in favor of this ordinance as well, with no opposition or abstentions recorded for either vote. ## Budget and Financial Actions The meeting addressed two significant contract approvals totaling $122,350 for county infrastructure and facility improvements. **HVAC System Upgrade - Division of Community Corrections** The board approved Contract 0161-23 with C3 Mechanical, LLC for $73,850 to provide HVAC York Fan Boxes for the Division of Community Corrections facility. This contract represents the larger of the two financial commitments and addresses critical climate control infrastructure needs for the corrections facility. **Gainesway Park Drainage Project** Contract 0181-23 was approved for Gainesway Park Drainage Improvements, awarding $48,500 to Haire Construction, LLC. This project focuses on addressing drainage issues at the park facility to improve functionality and prevent water-related damage. Both contracts were processed as part of the county's ongoing infrastructure maintenance and improvement initiatives, with the combined expenditure of $122,350 representing investments in essential county facilities and public amenities. ## Public Comment Two speakers addressed the council during the public comment period, both focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and community concerns. **Uma Juuls** [timestamp: 01:00:00] presented a petition containing 4,000 signatures to the council. Juuls asked the council to take two specific actions: affirm the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and condemn anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The petition represented a significant community effort to engage local government on LGBTQ+ issues. **Jason Shubert** [timestamp: 01:02:00] followed with a more detailed presentation outlining five specific demands from the LGBTQ+ community. Shubert's requests focused on ensuring safety and security for LGBTQ+ residents. His demands included condemning anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and expanding minority business criteria to be more inclusive. Shubert presented these as concrete steps the council could take to support the local LGBTQ+ community. Both speakers addressed similar themes around LGBTQ+ rights and the need for local government action in response to broader legislative concerns. The public comments demonstrated organized community advocacy, with the petition's 4,000 signatures indicating substantial local support for LGBTQ+ affirming policies. The speakers requested both symbolic gestures of support and practical policy changes to benefit LGBTQ+ residents and business owners. ## Appointments The meeting included two appointments to municipal boards and commissions. **New Appointments:** • Hannah LeGris was appointed to the Affordable Housing Governing Board **Reappointments:** • Hartley Feld was reappointed to the Board of Health These appointments represent the ongoing effort to maintain active membership on key municipal boards that oversee important community functions including affordable housing policy and public health oversight. ## Contested Items The primary contested item during this meeting centered on LGBTQ+ rights and related state legislation. The disagreement involved community members expressing strong opposition to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being considered in the state legislature. **Nature of the Dispute:** Multiple residents used the public comment period to voice their concerns about proposed state-level legislation that they viewed as discriminatory toward the LGBTQ+ community. The speakers called upon the city council to take a public stance affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. **Participants:** The opposition came from community members during the public comment portion of the meeting. The specific number of speakers and their individual identities were not detailed in the available meeting data. **Community Position:** Residents who spoke during public comments urged the council to actively support LGBTQ+ rights and oppose what they characterized as harmful state legislation. They sought the council's formal affirmation of the LGBTQ+ community's rights within the city. **Outcome:** The available meeting data does not indicate what specific action, if any, the council took in response to these public comments. No information was provided about council member responses, formal resolutions, or commitments made during the meeting regarding this issue. This item represents a case where community members brought state-level political concerns to their local government, seeking municipal support or opposition to broader legislative efforts. The contested nature arose from the community's desire for the council to take a position on what they viewed as discriminatory state legislation affecting LGBTQ+ residents. *Note: Specific transcript timestamps were not available in the provided meeting data for this contested item.* ## RJ Corman 50th Anniversary [timestamp: 10:00] Mayor Gorton presented a proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of R.J. Corman Railroad Company, officially declaring March 9, 2023, as R.J. Corman Railroad Company Day in Lexington. The presentation celebrated the milestone anniversary of the railroad company founded by Rick Corman. Ed Quinn also participated in the presentation, though the specific nature of his remarks was not detailed in the available materials. The agenda item was designated as 0187-23 and served as an informational presentation to acknowledge the company's significant contribution to the community over five decades. The proclamation recognized R.J. Corman Railroad Company's long-standing presence and service in the Lexington area since its founding in 1973. This ceremonial recognition highlighted the company's role in the local transportation and logistics industry throughout its 50-year history. The presentation was purely ceremonial in nature, with no debate or concerns raised during the discussion. The outcome was informational, serving to formally acknowledge and celebrate the railroad company's anniversary milestone through official city recognition. ## Recognition of CASA Volunteers [timestamp: 20:00] Mayor Gorton presented agenda item 0188-23, recognizing CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers for their service to the community. The presentation focused on honoring volunteers who had earned President Biden's Volunteer Services Awards for their dedication to advocating for children in the court system. Melynda Jamison joined Mayor Gorton in the recognition ceremony, helping to present the awards to the distinguished volunteers. The CASA program relies on trained community volunteers who serve as advocates for abused and neglected children navigating the court system, ensuring their best interests are represented throughout legal proceedings. The President's Volunteer Services Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteer service in their communities. The recipients being honored had met the rigorous criteria for these national awards through their sustained advocacy work with CASA. This was an informational presentation with no formal action required from the council. The recognition served to highlight the valuable contribution these volunteers make to child welfare in the community and to encourage continued civic engagement through volunteer service programs like CASA. --- ## Decisions - **0210-23** — passed (15-0): Amending certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government - **0161-23** — passed (15-0): Accepting the bid of C3 Mechanical, LLC for HVAC York Fan Boxes --- ## Full transcript The Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome everyone. It's 6 o'clock, so we'll go ahead and I'll call to order the urban county council. Excuse me, council meeting of Thursday, March 9th, 2023. And I'd like to preface the meeting tonight with a statement about the way some of the things will work here tonight. So the council asks that no one approach this horseshoe please. If you have a need to talk with a council member, we'll be sure that that happens after the meeting. And so if you have handouts during public comment, if you will please give them to the clerk over here. And she'll see that they're distributed to the council. All right, with that, I'll ask you to call the roll, please. Council Member Sheehan? Here. Council Member Worley? Yes, ma'am. Vice Mayor Wu? Here. Council Member Fred Brown? Here. Council Member James Brown? Here. Council Member Ellinger? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Baxter? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Fogle? Present. Council Member Gray? Here. Council Member Legree? Here. Councilmember Lynch? Present. Councilmember Menares? Here. Councilmember Plowman? Here. Councilmember Reynolds? Here. And Councilmember Savigny? Here. Thank you. We have a quorum. So now I would like to invite Reverend Rodney McFarland from First Baptist Church, Bracktown, to join us, and he's going to offer our invocation tonight. Welcome. Every head bowed, every eye closed. Our Father and our God, the very fact that we pause to pray is really an honor and a privilege. It is in this moment that we recognize our limitations, but we recognize your divine wisdom. and now God I pray that you would touch this meeting as you have in the past we ask now God that you would touch these fellow members that represent this city and whatever the agenda is tonight we trust that you would give them the wisdom and the knowledge to make it right and we thank you and we acknowledge your presence in this room. Be with us, and we thank you for it all. As you're known by many names, I seal this prayer with my own convictions. In the name of Jesus, amen. Thank you very much, Reverend McFarland. Council members, I will entertain a motion to approve February 9th, 2023, and February 16th. 20 23 minutes. So moved. Council Member Ellinger moves and Council Member Sheehan seconds. Are there any questions or comments? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. And at this time we have two presentations. Thank you. At this time, I'd like to ask Ed Quinn with RJ Corman Railroad Group to join me at the podium, please. And you're right behind me. Well, he's efficient. I should have known. Come on up. Ed is president and CEO of RJ Corman Railroad Group. Ed, welcome. Thank you, Travis. Yes, and welcome to several members of the R.J. Corman family who are with us tonight over on the side of the chamber. They're here as support and for the recognition. We've got a lot to celebrate tonight. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of R.J. Corman. The company has many accomplishments. And Ed, first, I want to thank you for the good jobs you continue to provide right here in our city and in our state. Over 500 Kentuckians work for RJ Corman. And I also can't resist the opportunity to thank you, you know what I'm going to say, for hosting our 4th of July Fireworks. RJ Corman makes it possible for Lexington to enjoy the fireworks downtown. And I believe within about a month of my first year as mayor, Ed called me and offered to do this for our city. So thank you for that also. It is my pleasure to present this proclamation. And then, Ed, I'll ask you if you'd like to say a few words afterward. Come stand right beside me. Yes, ma'am. Whereas our J. Corman Railroad Group was founded in 1973 in central Kentucky by visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard J. Corman, fondly known as Rick, who started with a single backhoe and a dump truck. and whereas today the company operates in 23 states and has more than 70 locations throughout our nation and whereas R.J. Corman Railroad Group employs more than 1,400 people, over 500 of whom are based in the state of Kentucky, and whereas R.J. Corman Railroad Group's numerous services include railroad construction, short line railroad operations, industrial switching services, transloading operations, emergency response services, track material logistics, distribution centers, signal design and construction, and my old Kentucky dinner train. We can't forget that. And whereas RJ Corman Railroad Company Central Kentucky Lines contributes to the economic development of the bluegrass, and whereas the company, through its dedicated employees, strives to be the best-in-class service provider in the industry, And whereas R.J. Corman Railroad Group celebrates its 50th anniversary with gratitude toward its customers, collaborators, and stakeholders, reflecting on the achievements of today and focusing on a bright future, now therefore I, Linda Gorton, Mayor of Lexington, do hereby declare March 9, 2023, R.J. Corman Railroad Company Day. Congratulations. Thank you for all your viewers. Do you want to start? Thank you, Roy. So I'm going to be a little bit redundant here with a couple of these facts, but on behalf of R.G. Corman Railroad Group, our board of trustees, our board of directors, and every single employee, I want to thank Mayor Gordon. Thank you. I thank the council members for this recognition, and the constant support to our company. As she said, our history started off a half a century ago with a guy with a backhoe, a dump truck, a vision, and one heck of a work ethic. Our late founder, Rick Corman, his story really is one that is the definition of the all-American success story. and we're proud to be part of it. So our 50th anniversary again we're celebrate the legacy of RJ Corman and we celebrate all the people that have been part of this organization for all 50 years or throughout the 50 years to help make us who we are. Mayor Gordon mentioned you know 1,400 plus employees in 70 locations across 23 states. We now have 19 short lines with almost 1,400 miles of track and a reputation to be in a safe service provider but also the best service provider in the rail industry in the nation really so as we reflect on our past I want to reiterate our commitment to economic advancement of the city of Lexington you know our day-to-day operations as a key supply chain partner for this for many of the city's businesses our substantial and steady investment infrastructure we have a project coming up downtown Lexington and the in the Lexington yard that we're very excited about and our involvement in charitable activities you know our founder was a very philanthropic guy had a big heart big laugh and we continue that tradition on with with with the company that he's left us. So again, in 2023, we celebrate 50 years, half a century of stories about people who helped shape our company, the rail industry, and helped shape this city as well. So we look forward to the next 50 and building a bright future together. Thank you. Thank you. Can we try to get a photo of William Herb? Yes, ma'am. All right. Thank you very much, Ed. And we'll ask the group to come up here front of the council and we'll get a photograph. Thank you. Excuse me. Now, is Melinda Jamison in the house? There you are. Hey. Hey, how are you? How's it going? All right. Tonight, do you have the list? Yep. I think he has the highlight of this. You keep talking out of the booth. Okay. Well, this is taking a little coordination here. Tonight, I want to welcome some very important volunteers who are with us. Our court-appointed special advocates, or fondly known as CASA volunteers. Okay, thank you. And first, I'd like to welcome Fayette County's four family court judges. and if you'll please stand as I call your name. Judge Libby Messer, Judge Tracy Brislin, Judge Ross Ewing, and Judge Tiffany Yar, who work closely with our CASA volunteers. Thank you all very much. You have a difficult job that is so important to all of us. Thank you. So as our family court judges know better than anyone, Kentucky is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to the number of new abuse and neglect cases each year. Our family court system is filled with cases of children who deserve a stable, loving home, but are instead navigating a chaotic world filled with uncertainty. Fortunately, for more than 440 Fayette County children in 2022, they had someone looking out for their best interests. They had a CASA volunteer, and I think I heard Councilmember Sevigny say he is a CASA volunteer. Is that correct? Yes. You've got a second one coming, too. We've got a second one coming, I believe Vice Mayor Wu. And I'm taking applications of anyone in the room. You do not have to be a council member. If you're 21 years of age and have a heart for children, please see one of us. We would love to have all of you. If you don't know, if you don't already know Melinda Jameson, who was actually my legislative aide for four years when I was a council member, she's the executive director of CASA and is a ball of fire. Yeah. Okay. Now, shall we go on? Yes. 51 of our Fayette County CASA volunteers have earned President Biden's Volunteer Service Award for the number of hours they volunteered in 2022, and several of them are with us tonight. So as I state your name, if you'll please come forward, and Melinda is going to give you your certificate. So actually, we're headed the right way. So if all the CASA staff would come up on this end with the council members, they have the actual certificates and awards based on your level. And then we would love, as Mayor Gorton reads, for you to walk up, and then we'll all take a photo together. When we have, do you want to introduce? Sure. So we have a special guest. You might see her. She's a little furry. She's got on her blue vest tonight, which means she's working. Folks, this is Matilda. She is the only courthouse facility dog in Kentucky. And if you don't know, children, unfortunately, have to testify in front of their perpetrator, which can be quite traumatic here in the state of Kentucky. Matilda knows over 40 commands. She is a true service dog that came from Canine Companions for Independence. And we can turn the leash over to the child. and she downstays for up to four hours. That's even a feat for us, right? Doesn't talk or make any noise and provides a sense of comfort, not only for the children, but some of our judges have been known to call a recess and go in the back to see Matilda. And tonight she may be available in the overflow if things get serious, so come out and see us. She'll be available, but she's a real rock star, as are these volunteers that you're about to meet. And I've got a feeling some are going to want to do a standing ovation, but let's keep it until the end because there's an agenda tonight, folks. Thank you. Now, the bronze level recipients are those who have volunteered at least 100 hours in 2022. And they include Rita Klein, if you'll come up, please. Christy Dunn. Christy, are you here? She's here, but maybe in overflow. She may be out in the overflow. They're calling. Okay. Kim Lyon. There's Christy. Christy. Christy Dunn. Kim Lyon, Bonnie Savage, Kamisha Boyd Power, and last but not least in our bronze honorees is Dave Savigny. All right, thank you very much and I believe the certificates are right here. Do you want to go? Yeah. We're so proud of you and your good work that you have done for CASA. Let's have another round. Thank you. Now, stay right where you are. We're moving on to our silver level, and silver level recipients are those who volunteered at least 250 hours in 2022 if they are over the age of 25, or at least 175 hours if they are 25 or younger. So they include Jan Colbert, if you'll join us, April Gilbert, Patty Overing, And Heather Padilla. Thank you to our silver level volunteers. And our gold level recipients volunteered at least 500 hours in 2022. 500. And they are Brittany Thomas and Deborah Gabbard. Now, I have to ask this. Have we missed anyone? Do we have anyone who you think we're good? Melinda says we're good. All right. So let's hear, now Melinda's got 10 pages of notes here. But we're going to hear maybe one page of her notes. You know, you only tease the ones you love, right? So Melinda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA. Welcome. And the great news, I'm not even using the notes. But one thing we'd like to point out is that, yes, 440 children in Fayette County had the power of a CASA volunteer last year. But there were over 1,000 that did not. These are actual children that are victims due to no fault of their own of sexual or physical abuse. And they all deserve that voice. And so although we had a little fun tonight, I'm also very serious in saying if you have a heart to make a change, CASA is one way to do that. We'd love to hear from you. Our website is casaflexington.org. We're all in this together, and it will take all of us to get to where we're going. And then I might run for council because I'll have nothing left to do, right? But in all seriousness, oh, I thank God. I hope the media got that. No. But in all seriousness, we do think that our volunteers are rock stars that are literally changing some children's lives and saving other children's lives. So we're going to take a picture, and if we could have one final round of applause for these people doing the work. Very nice. All right, let's go up there. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We have a few seats up front. Five, if we can bring some more folks in. All right. Now I'll ask our clerk to give second reading to ordinances. Number one, an ordinance meeting certain of the budgets of the election to pay urban county government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures and appropriating reappropriating funds fiscal year 2023, schedule number 30. Number two, anointing submitting articles 1-4, 8-5A, 8-9A, 8-10A, 8-11A, 8-12A, 8-13A, 8-14A, 8-15A, 8-16A, 8-17A, 8-18A, 8-19A, 8-20A, 8-21A, 8-22A, 8-23A, 8-24A, 10-1, 11-1, 22-1, 22-1, 22A-1, 22B-1, 23A-5A, 23A-6A, 23A-7A, 23A-8A, 23A-9A and 23A-10A of the zoning ordinance to update the intent statement of the various zoning categories to more clearly align with the adopted comprehensive plan. And number three, an ordinance amending the authorized strength by abolishing one vacant unclassified service position of eligibility counselor, grade 514N, and creating one classified civil service position of eligibility counselor, grade 514N, and the division of community and resident services effective upon passage of counsel. Thank you. Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve? right council member Ellinger second by councilmember Baxter and when you're ready if you'll take a roll call vote please councilmember Sheehan yes councilmember Worley vice mayor Wu councilmember Fred Brown yes councilmember James Brown councilmember Ellinger yes ma'am councilmember Baxter councilmember Fogle yes councilmember Yes. Councilmember Legree? Yes. Councilmember Lynch? Yes. Councilmember Menares? Yes. Councilmember Plowman? Yes. Councilmember Reynolds? Yes. And Councilmember Sevigny? Yes. Thank you. Those all pass. And when you're ready, if you'll please give first reading to ordinances. Number four, an ordinance enacting Article 51 of the Chapter 2 of Code of Ordinances to opioid abatement commission number five an ordinance modifying a conditional zoning restriction in the neighborhood business b1 zone for 0.92 net 1.15 gross acres for property located at 2400 for sales road calder properties llc council district 10. number six an ordinance changing the zone from neighborhood business b1 zone to a high-rise apartment r5 zone for 2.29 net 2.52 gross acres for property located at 340 legion of drive calc development llc council district 10. number seven an ordinance changing the zone from a neighborhood business b1 zone to a planned neighborhood residential r3 zone for 0.10 net 0.12 gross acres for property located at 712 lacester avenue lexington habitat for humanity council district one number eight in ordinance changing the zone from a single family residential r1d zone to a planned neighborhood residential r3 zone for 0.97 net 1.15 gross acres for property located at 28 19 liberty road liberty park development llc council district number six number nine an ordinance changing the zone from a professional office p1 zone to a planned neighborhood residential r3 zone for two net 2.5 gross acres for property located at 410 sporting court a portion of au associates in council district number nine number ten an ordinance changing the zone from an interchange service business b5p zone to a neighbor highway service business b3 zone for 30.24 net 37.36 gross acres for property located at 5380 athens boonesborough road and 5354 athens boonesborough road a portion of ivcp athens south llc council district 12. number 11 an ordinance demanding certain of the budget such as lexington bay urban county government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures and appropriating reappropriating funds fiscal year 2023 schedule number 31. number 12 an ordinance submitting article 45 of the code of ordinances to create the neighborhood investment fund and authorizing the affordable housing governing board in collaboration with the office of affordable housing to manage that fund and any other funds that the council allocates to affordable housing number 13 an ordinance amending the unclassified civil service authorized strength by creating one unclassified position of community re-entry advocate grades 517 and for a term of one year ending march 31st 2024 with a potential of a 24-month month extension renewal in the department of social services effective the first payroll Monday following the passage of council. Number 14, an ordinance amending section 21-33A of the code of ordinances to increase the vacation leave balance carry forward for the classified civil service employees to 336 hours amending section 21-33E to provide that. Upon separation of service, classified civil service employees may be entitled to receive payment for accumulated vacation leave at their current pay rate computed on the hourly basis, an amount not to exceed 336 hours of accumulated pay, amending section 21-33 to provide that an employee granted a vacation leave carryover extension who separates from service shall be paid for not more than 336 hours of accumulated vacation leave, and amending ordinance number 104-2021 relating to the vacation leave carryover extension to provide that employee shall not carry forward more than 336 hours of vacation leave after December 31st, 2023, or the end of the first payroll period in which December 31st, 2023 falls. I further provide that employees who separate from service prior to December 31st, 2023, shall be paid for accumulated vacation leave. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any walk-ons? No? Are there any suspensions to give second reading? Councilmember Lynch. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to say that I am going to recuse myself from item number seven to avoid any appearance of impropriety because I serve on the Board for Habitat. Thank you. Thank you. Any suspensions to give second reading? Motions to suspend? All right, then we'll go right on with second reading of resolutions. Number one, a resolution accepting the bid of C3 mechanical LLC in the amount of $73,850 for HVAC York fan boxes for the vision of community corrections and authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement with C3 mechanical LLC related to the bid. Number two, a resolution accepting the bid of hair construction LLC in the amount of $48,500 for Gainesway Park drainage improvements for the division of Parks and Recreation, authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute agreements with the hair construction LLC related to the bid. Number three, a resolution ratifying the permanent classified civil service appointments of Martha Cromwell, Staff Assistant Senior Grade 511 and 18.067 Hour five, hourly division of revenue effective February 1st, 2023, Andrew Shuck, Safety and Loss Control Specialist, Grade 520E, $2,456.16, biweekly division of human resources effective March 1st, 2023, Carlos Ross, Managing Attorney, Grade 534E, $4,486.96 by weekly in the Department of Law, effective February 8th, 2023. Ashley Spicer, Telecommunicator Senior, Grade 519N, 24.569 hourly in the Division of Enhanced 911, effective November 9th, 2022. Kelly Etheridge, Telecommunicator Grade 517N, 22.866 hourly in the Division of Enhanced 911, effective February 1st, 2023. Barnetta Jennings, Telecommunicator Grade 517N, 22.256 hourly in the Division of Enhanced 911, effective December 6th, 2022. Rebecca Longo, Telecommunicator, Grade 517N, 22.859 hourly, Division of Enhanced 911, effective February 8th, 2023. Heather Puckett, Telecommunicator, Grade 517N, 22.256 hourly, Division of Enhanced 911, effective December 6th, 2022. Taylor Grayson, Public Service Supervisor, Grade 516N, 22.411 hourly, Division of Parks and Recreation, effective February 1st, 2023. Sean McState, Public Service Worker Senior, Grade 510N, 16.615 hourly, Division of Parks and Recreation, effective January 18th, 2023. Grant Long, grants administrative aid, grade 518 and 23.374, only division of grants and special programs effective December 1st, 2022. Number four, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a lease agreement for residential park property with the following individual for listed property in consideration of the sum stated in the annual one, Brian Huddle for 3561 Shamrock Lane, $6,600. Number five, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute purchase of service agreement with the Children's Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass for forensic interviews and extended hours of operation, a cost note to exceed $50,000. Number six, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed a memorandum of agreement with the Bluegrass Community Technical College for participation of fire personnel and college courses at a cost not to exceed $100,000. Number seven, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to accept a donation from American Heart Association of Adult Anytime CPR kits for use at the community paramedicine program at no cost to the urban county government. Number eight, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed an agreement awarding a class B education incentive grant to Providence Montessori School, Inc. for a stormwater quality project at a cost not to exceed $7,150. Number nine, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed agreement awarding a class B education incentive grant to Bluegrass Green Source, Inc. For a stormwater quality project that it costs not to exceed $40,000. Number ten, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed agreement awarding a class A neighborhood incentive grant to Walnut Hill Club at Childsburg Owners Association, Inc. For a stormwater quality project that it costs not to exceed $79,500. Number eleven, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed agreement awarding a class A neighborhood incentive grant to Friends of Wolf Run, Inc. For a stormwater quality project that it costs to exceed $65,520. Number 12, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute an agreement awarding a Class A neighborhood incentive grant to Friends of Parks and the Fayette County, Inc. For a stormwater quality project that it costs to exceed $38,475. Number 13, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the use of integrated public alert and warning system. Number 14, a rescinding resolution number 398-2022 and in its place resolving to authorize the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement with the Hope Center Inc. Allocating $2 million of federal grant funds awarded pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, ARPA, for the construction of a transitional housing addition. And authorizing the mayor to execute any other necessary agreements or amendments related to the use of these funds. Number 15, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a supplemental agreement number seven and a modified sunset agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Lexington Community Land Trust for the Newtown Pike Extension. Number 16, a resolution authorized in the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement awarding a Class A neighborhood incentive grant to Cardinal Valley Neighborhood Association Inc. Personal and Water Quality Project at a cost note to exceed $3,412.60. And number 17, a resolution authorized in directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed an agreement with the Lexington Fayette and County Parking Authority to increase parking rates paid for urban county government employees in parking in the garage owned by the authority beginning July 1st, 2023. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? Second. All right. Let's see. Councilmember Plumman moved and Councilmember Gray seconded. And when you're ready, if you'll take a roll call vote, please. Councilmember Sheehan yes councilmember Worley I had a question but it did not there's something I'm sorry is it about an item on this item 14 Okay. Discussion of a motion to take the vote. Yes. What is your question? Number 14, and if Mr. Rufus, I think he's in the overflow room from the Hope Center, with your permission, if he could take the vote. I think that's fine. Is counsel good with that? Mr. Friday, did you have a... We're just... Hold on. Hang on. What's your pleasure? Councilmember Fogle and I think she, Mr. Friday, did you have a question for Mr. Friday? I did. Okay, he's here. If you'll come to the podium, please. Welcome. Good evening. Good evening. Just for the record, I'm Rufus Friday, the Executive Director of the Hope Center. Thank you. Sorry for mispronouncing your name. And thank you for coming, and thank you for the hard work that you do at the Hope Center. And I have asked your office for some clarifications that I needed in order to support this motion. And I've just had some issues, and it only concerns Lexington residents. And in your previous exchange to us, you stated that the new building that is proposed to be built will house veterans and Lexington residents for the permanent housing. Is that correct? For the transitional housing component of that is correct. Yes, that will be used with the $2 million opera money. Yes. Okay, that's great. And the only thing that I'm having trouble with is also in the LexExchange, you notified our office that you all don't have a way of tracking who is from Lexington. So can you explain to the council how will you do that if you don't keep data now? What will you do to keep up with the data so that we will know that Lexington residents has an opportunity to come to the Hope Center and receive those great services that you provide. I think that when I sent your information back to you, it was a two-fold question. I believe it was one regarding our recovery center clients as well as those that are Lexington residents. In our intake for anyone who comes to the shelter, we do ask that question. It is left up to them to give us that answer to that question. But it's not a requirement that they provide that information with us, but we do let them know that our shelter is for Lexington residents only. Yes, sir. So if we have 80% of beds that are giving to people who are on parole from across the state of Kentucky, and that leaves just a small margin for Lexington folks to come in recovery to receive your services in one of your houses. So we are proposed to just take the two million, apply it to the new part of the residence that you're proposed to build for the veterans in the Lexington residence. I'm on track? I'll repeat that again because I'm a little confused with your question as far as it pertains to the emergency shelter versus the recovery centers that we operate? No sir, none of these questions pertain to the emergency shelters. Because what you informed us was the money that you all have asked for is not eligible to go to the shelter. So this is straight recovery programs offered by the Privet Center, the people that you place in those beds. So that's what these questions are about. But what I'm gonna do right now is just let you know that I'm gonna go ahead and support this motion. I have reservations and I hope that you will work with me. I have 25 years of recovery, so I'm gonna have my finger on the pulse to help you if you need my services to navigate through this to ensure. The biggest part of this that I'm supporting is to make sure Lexington residents, because this is city council, this is their tax pay and money. So Lexington residents are provided with those same services and have opportunity to get in those beds just like people who are on parole that's coming from across the state of Kentucky. Well, Councilmember Fogel, I assure you that, I do appreciate you supporting this, but I assure you when we can get you to come out for a visit, I'll be more than happy to visually show you what the plan is and also give you an opportunity to speak with our directors and they can speak specifically to the concerns that you may have. But like I said before, the project that we are wanting to construct on the property that is, of course, owned by the Lexington-Faylor Urban County Government, it is for VA residents as well as transitional housing for those that come to us through the homeless shelter that are Fayette County residents that we want to try to find a way to move them into some additional services that we will be providing in the new transitional housing addition on the shelters grounds. It will have nothing to do with Department of Corrections clients that we serve for the state of Kentucky. Okay, that pleases me very well. Thank you, sir. you I appreciate very much thank you thank you Rufus now if you'll go ahead please and take a roll call vote councilmember Sheehan yes councilmember Worley vice mayor will councilmember Fred Brown yes councilmember James Brown councilmember Ellinger councilmember Baxter councilmember Fogle yes council member gray yes councilmember agree yes councilmember Lynch yes councilmember monares council member pluman council member reynolds yes and council member savigny recuse on 11 because i'm on the board but yes on the rest thank you those all pass and when you are ready if you'll please give first reading to resolutions Number 18, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement awarding a class B education incentive grant to Fay County Public Schools Education Foundation Corporation for a stormwater quality project at a cost not to exceed $6,000. Number 19, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to exceed an agreement awarding a Class B infrastructure incentive grant to First United Methodist Church of Lexington, Kentucky for stormwater quality projects that cost not to exceed $359,814. Number 20, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to accept an in-kind donation of books from the International Book Project for use at the William Wells, Brown, Dunbar, Castlewood, Kenwick, and Tates Creek Community Centers. Number 21, a resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of the government to exceed a revised drain easement, an agreement for 4196 Weber Way with Atkins Homes LLC for a drainage easement. Number 22, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to exceed a partial release of easement, releasing a portion of drainage and sanitary sewer easement on the property located at 121 Sand Lake Drive. Number 23, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to exceed an agreement awarding a Class A neighborhood incentive grant to Neighbors United for South Elkhorn Creek, Inc. for a stormwater quality project at a cost not to exceed $120,000. Number 24, resolution authorized in the mayor on behalf of the government to execute an agreement awarding a class B infrastructure incentive grant to LCP Holdings LLC for a stormwater quality project at a cost not to exceed $20,000. Number 25, a resolution authorized in the division of fire and emergency service to purchase stretchers from striker emergency care as sole source provider and authorized in the mayor on behalf of the government to exceed any necessary agreement with striker emergency care related to the procurement at a cost not to exceed $168,38.37. Number 26, a resolution authorized in Division of Fire and Emergency Services to purchase inventory tracking software from Station Automation Inc. due to business as PS Tracks, a sole service provider and authorized in the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an answer agreement with Station Automation Inc. DBA PSTS Tracks related to the procurement at a cost not to exceed $36,000. Number 27, a resolution authorized in directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to accept an additional award of $112,647.91 in federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, but from the Kentucky cabinet for health and family services department for community-based services in order to support child care expenses in the extended school program. In the division of parks and recreation in the acceptance of which does not obligate the urban county government to the expenditure of funds and authorizing the mayor transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 28, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an amendment number one to the agreement with Strand Associates Inc. for the East Lexington Trail connectivity and traffic safety study to the extended performance period through June 30th, 2023. Number 29, a resolution authorizing the Division of Fire and Emergency Services to purchase Lucas devices from Stryker, a sole service provider, and authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute any necessary agreement with Stryker related to procurement at a cost of exceed $82,000. Number 30, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute change order number two to the agreement with Lagco Inc. For construction of the Meadows, Northland, Arlington Public Improvements projects Phase 6B1 and 6B2, increasing the contract price by $147,110.64, raising the total price to $2,772,879.64. Number 31, a resolution approving pursuant to KRS 62.055 in section 22-55.1 of the code of ordinances. With the bond with surety of Susan Land, county clerk, $400,000 in directing the vision of human resources to record the bond with surety, along with a certified copy of this resolution in the office of the Fayette county clerk. Number 32, resolution approving pursuant to section 22-55.1, The code of ordinance is the bond surety with Andrea Welker, 1st District Constable, $25,000. Jim McKenzie, 2nd District Constable, $25,000. Edward Sparks, 3rd District Constable, $25,000. Derek Talbert, Deputy Constable, $10,000. Robert B. Berbick, Deputy Constable, $10,000. James Smith, Deputy Constable, $10,000. Matthew Hedges, Deputy Constable, $10,000. And Dean Roberts, Deputy Constable, $10,000. Directing the Division of Human Resources to record the bond with surety along with a certified copy of this resolution in the office of the Fay County Clerk and to provide payment to those officials seeking reimbursement for the cost of their bonds in the amount not to exceed $352.65 collectively. Number 33, a resolution authorized by the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement awarding a class B infrastructure incentive to sanitary United Methodist Church Inc. for stormwater quality projects at a cost not to exceed $302,672. Number 34, a resolution authorized by the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute supplemental agreement number two with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the acceptance of federal funds and $408,000 for the construction phase of Mount Tabor Road multimodal project as funded under the service transportation SLX program for capital improvements projects. The acceptance of which obligates the urban county government for the expenditure of $102,000 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 35, a resolution authorizing the urban county government to participate in Kentucky Utilities KU solar share program by purchasing 24 solar capacity shares at a cost not to exceed $19,176. Number 36, a resolution authorizing directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to accept an in-kind donation of laptops from the UnitedHealthcare for the William Wells Brown Community Center. Number 37, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to exceed a professional services agreement awarded pursuant to RFP number 69-2022 with Solar Energy Solutions, LLC, for an installation of a roof mounted solar photovoltaic system at Fire Station number 9 at a cost not to exceed $29,784.21. Number 38, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to exceed a consultant services agreement awarded pursuant to RFP number 1-2023 with Patrick D. Murphy Company, Inc. Inc related for professional design services for the government center annex and police headquarters replacement project for the department of general services at a cost note to exceed $60,000. Number 39, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute supplemental agreement number two with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the acceptance of federal funds. In the amount of $141,093 for the construction phase of Squires Road sidewalk project as funded under the congestion mitigation and air quality program. The accepted which obligates the urban county government for the expenditure of $35,273.25 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 40, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute supplemental agreement. Number four with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the acceptance of federal funds in the amount of $740,000 for the construction phase of the Wilson-Downing Sidewalk Project, as funded under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, the acceptance of which obligates the Irving County Government for the expenditure of $180,000 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 41, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute agreement amendment with Educational Media Foundation for a radio tower lease at a cost not to exceed $21,920.61. Number 42, a resolution of rescinding the council's prior determination to preliminarily award $6 million in federal funds, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to the Salvation Army $2 million, and the Lexington Farmers Market $4 million. And allocating $1 million of these funds to the Black and Williams Community Center Gymnasium Building Improvements Project, $2 million to the Office of Affordable Housing for the Affordable Housing Projects, $1 million to the Phoenix Park Reimagined, $2 million to the Community Land Trust for a proposed community center, and further authorizing the mayor or her designate to take any additional necessary action related to these matters. Number 43, a resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed agreements related to neighborhood development funds with Lex Project Prom Inc., $1,100. Georgetown Street Area Neighborhood Association Inc., $250, Open Door House Ministries Inc., $250, and Sisters Road to Freedom Inc., $400 for the office of the urban county council at the cost not to exceed the sum stated. Number 44, resolution accepting the bid of Vogelpole Fire Equipment, establishing a price contract for self-contained breathing apparatuses for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services. Number 45, a resolution accepting the bid with Brown General Contractors LLC in the amount of $399,970 for waste transfer station replacement payers for the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works. And authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to exceed an agreement with Brown General Contractors LLC related to the bid. Number 46, a resolution accepting the bid of NAC Heavy Highway Inc. In the amount of $213,482 for the Jack's Creek Pike Improvement Project for the Division of Engineering. Authorized in the mayor on behalf of the government to execute an agreement with NAC heavy highway Inc related to the bid. Number 47, a resolution accepting the bid of Unite Private Networks LLC in accordance with the provisions of ordinance number 69-2016. Creating and offering a sale for sale of franchise for the operation of a non-exclusive telecommunications or related non-cable system in Fayette County. Authorized in the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a franchise agreement with Unite Private Networks LLC incorporating the terms and conditions of ordinance number 69-2016. Number 48, a resolution ratifying the permanent classified civil service appointments of Case McMillan, customer service specialist grade 511 and 17.038, our only division of Lexical effective March 1st, 2023. Christopher Stone, staff assistant senior grade 511 and 17.229, our only division of revenue effective March 12th, 2023. Madeline Schuberg, laboratory technician grade 516 and 21.756, our only division of water quality effective February 22nd, 2023. Troy Ballard, staff assistant grade 509 and $17, our only division of engineering effective March 6th, 2023. Alfred Wingate, Public Service Supervisor, Grade 516N, 22.763 Hourling, Division of Parks and Recreation, effective February 15, 2023, and ratifying the permanent classified civil service appointments, permanent sworn appointments of John Barden, Police Lieutenant, Grade 317E, $4,194.21, 5-weekly, Division of Police, effective January 18, 2023, Ronald Willis, Police Sergeant, Grade 515N, 40.490 Hourling, Division of Police, effective February 1, 2023. Number 49, a resolution authorized in the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a release of easement releasing a portion of a utility easement on the property located at 3509 Harper Woods Lane. Number 50, a resolution authorized in the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute agreement awarding a class B infrastructure incentive grant to Huber Real Estate Number 1 LLC for a stormwater quality project that it cost not to exceed $180,000. Number 51, a resolution authorized in the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a site specific agreement with the Jessamine South Elkhorn Water District and Cassidy Family LLC to provide sanitary sewer conveyance and treatment capacity to the Turner Trace property in Jessamine County. Number 52, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a purchase of service agreement with the University of Kentucky on behalf of its community innovation lab to evaluate one Lexington strategic plan at a cost to exceed $26,000. Number 53, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute certificates of consideration and other necessary documents and to accept deeds from the owners of record for property interest needed for Barnard Drive Stormwater Improvements Project at a cost not to exceed $3,000. Number 54, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to approve and execute all commitment letters, loan agreements, mortgages, promissory notes, deed restrictions, releases, and any other documents related to the disbursement of neighborhood investment funds established in Chapter 2, Article 45 of the Code of Ordinances. Number 55, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement awarding a Class B infrastructure incentive grant to Windswept Ventures LLC, a stormwater quality project at a cost note to exceed $316,564.80. Number 56, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute and submit various grant applications to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to provide any additional information requested in connection with these grant applications And to accept these grants, if the grants are awarded, which grant funds are in the amount of $965,515, $452,000 FHWA planning, $72,600 Federal Transit Administration Section 5303, $440,915 Service Transportation Block Grant, SLX, and federal funds, and $28,250 in Commonwealth of Kentucky funds for fiscal year 2024 transportation planning activities and Unified Planning Work Program, UPWP, the acceptance of which obligates the urban county government to the expenditure of $213,129 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 57, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute and submit a grant application to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department of Environmental Protection to provide any additional information requested in connection with this grant application and to accept this grant if awarded, which grant funds in the amount of $102,000 in Commonwealth of Kentucky funds and for the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works Division of Waste Management To support a one day household hazardous waste recycling event, the acceptance of which obligates the urban county government to the expenditure of $25,500 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 58, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement awarding a class A neighborhood incentive grant to Waterford II Homeowners Association, Inc. For a stormwater quality project at a cost not to exceed $40,000. Number 59, a resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement with Strand Associates, Inc. For design for the salt dome and associated facilities at 1791 Old Frankford Pike at a cost not to exceed $196,780. Number 60, a resolution amending resolution number 42-2022 to increase the cost of easement acquisition and other property rights necessary for the Wolf Run Main Trunk F Sanitary Sewer Project, a remedial measures project required by the consent decree from $27,714 to $134,614. Number 61, a resolution authorizing a directive mayor on behalf of the Irving Kennedy Government to exceed an amendment to an agreement with Community Action Council for Lexington Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas County Inc for administration of One Lexington's Gun Balance Prevention Grant Programming in order to increase the total contract price by $55,500 extend the agreement to December 31st, 2023 with the automatic renewal for one year. Number 62, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a memorandum of understanding with Town Branch Park, Inc. and Lexington Center Corporation to memorialize the responsibilities of each party as it relates to roadway and pedestrian improvements to Town Branch Park at no cost to the urban county government. Number 63, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute change order number four to the agreement with Pace Contracting for Splash, Charles Young Park construction for increasing the contract price by $28,297.75 and raising the total contract price to $1,508,345.90 and extending the completion deadline to July 3, 2023. Number 64, resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute an agreement with iConnective LLC to access to phone numbers database at a cost not to exceed $6,000. Number 65, a resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of the government to exit an agreement with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security for acceptance of a grant in the amount of $52,700 for federal funds in the fiscal year 2022 state Homeland Security Grant Program for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services in order to purchase approved FEMA courses, the exception of which does not obligate the urban county government to the expenditure of funds and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 66, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute agreements related to neighborhood development funds with the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, Inc. $1,450, 16th District PTA, Inc. Care of Hayes Middle School, $350. Allegro Dance Project, Inc. $1,950, Sisters and Supporters Working Against Gun Violence, Inc. $1,350, and on the move Art Studio, $1,575 for the office of the Urban County Council at a cost not to exceed the sum stated. Number 67, a resolution initiating for planning commission to review and recommendation zoning ordinance text amendments to define short term rental, hosted short term rental and unhosted short term rental to provide general regulations for short term rentals to make hosted short term rentals and accessory use in zones R1A, R1B, R1C, R1D, R1E, R1T, R2, R3, R4, R5, EAR1, EAR2, EAR3, B1, P2, 1, MU1, MU2, and MU3 to make hosted to short-term rentals and unhosted short-term rentals a principal use in zones B2, B2A, B2B, B4. Rentals a principal use when part of an adaptive reuse project, industrial reuse project, or entertainment mixed use project. I1 when part of an adaptive reuse project, industrial reuse project, or entertainment mixed use project. I2 when part of an adaptive reuse project, industrial reuse project, or entertainment mixed use project. CC, B6P, MU3, and to make unhosted short-term rentals at conditional use in zones R1A, R1B, R1C, R1D, R1E, R1T, R2, R3, R4, R5, EAR1, EAR2, EAR3, B1, P1, MU1, MU2, and MU3. And number 68, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a letter of engagement to retain the professional services of Dean Dornan Allen Ford PLLC awarded pursuant to rfp number three dash 2023 to conduct an audit of utility franchise fee revenues received from the kentucky utilities company columbia gas of kentucky and bluegrass energy cooperative corporation and to enter into a letter of engagement related to the services at a cost not to exceed 47 000 fiscal year 2023 and authorizing the mayor or her designee to enter into any related agreements thank you well done madam clerk Oh, that's a great affirmation. Thank you. That's it for your life. Now, I think we have at least two walk-ons, if you'll log in, please. Council Member Reynolds. Thank you. Yes, I have a walk-on. I move to place on the docket for tonight's council meeting a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement, award persuasion to RFP number 5-2023 with Mahan Multimedia LLC for a citywide domestic violence prevention campaign at a cost not to exceed $220,000. I also request that this resolution receive two readings at tonight's meeting. Is there a second? Council Member Legree. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Council Member Plowman. Thank you, Mayor. I move to place on tonight's docket a resolution expressing the support of the Urban County Council for the proposed Legacy Business Park Project and its support for a request to obtain up to $14 million in federal community project funding with assistance from the Office of United States Representative Andy Barr and authorizing and directing the mayor or her designee to submit any necessary forms or documents related to such request. And this does not need matching funds, and I also will be asking for a double reading. So moved. Thank you. Second by Council Member Baxter. Are there any questions? All right. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Thank you. Are there any other walk-ons? All right, if you will please give those first reading. Second reading. First reading, excuse me. A resolution authorizing to direct the mayor on behalf of the Urban County Government to execute an agreement awarded pursuant to RFP No. 5-2023 with Mahan Multimedia LLC for a citywide domestic violence prevention campaign at a cost not to exceed $220,000. And No. 70, a resolution expressing the support of the Urban County Council for the site design, infrastructure improvements and site preparation of the legacy business park project and for a request to obtain up to 14 million in federal community projects funding with assistance from the office of the united states representative andy bar and authorizing and directing the mayor or her designate to submit any necessary forms or documents related to such requests thank you thank you now if you have a motion to suspend the rules please log in council member reynolds yes i move to suspend the rules and give second reading to i think it's 69 about the violence prevention campaign and then uh 66 for ndf funds and then 61 for one lexington's violence prevention grant programming all right 61 66 and 69 all right and council member ellinger seconds that Are there any questions? All right. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? No. On 69. All right. One, Council Member Brown, on 69, one no. All right. Council Member Worley. Thank you, Mayor. Resolution number 38 is a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for design services to replace the roof on the government annex building and the police headquarters building the administration's asked to expedite that so we can get that work done so I move to give second suspend the rules give second reading to item number 38 thank you councilmember Reynolds seconds are there any questions all those in favor say aye is anyone opposed all right that motion passes thank you councilmember Baxter thank you mayor I move to suspend rules and give second reading to item number 31 as it relates to the surety bond for our county clerk so moved vice mayor wu seconds are there any questions anyone all those in favor say aye is anyone opposed all right that motion passes council member sheehan thank you mayor i move to suspend the rules to item number four this is the execution of a supplemental agreement for the acceptance of federal funds for the construction phase of the mount tabor road multimodal improvements project so moved all right was that which number was that again 34 34 34 thank you are there any questions all right all those in favor please say aye Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Councilmember Civigni. Yeah, thank you, Mayor. I move to suspend the rules and give a second reading to item number 41 on behalf of the administration to enter into an agreement for 21,920. And I move to suspend the rules for a second reading to item number 64 at the request of the administration. I move to suspend the rules on item number 43, NDF funding. All right. Is there a second? So moved. Council Member Ellinger seconds. So you had 34, 41, and 64? 41, 43, and 64. I'm sorry. 41, 43. Okey-doke. All right. Any questions? Comments? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Council Member Plowman. Mayor, did you say me? Yes. I'm sorry. Okay, I move to suspend the rules and give second reading to number 70, which was just added to the docket tonight, and this is in regards to the proposed legacy business project. So moved. Is there a second? Thank you. Council Member Sheehan. All right. Are there any questions or comments? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? No. All right. One no vote. Council Member Brown. Council Member Menares. Thank you, Mayor. I move to suspend the rules and give second reading to item number 40, relating to the acceptance of federal funds for the Wilson Downing sidewalk project so that this can move forward without delay so moved. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Legree seconds. Are there any questions? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right that passes. Councilmember Legree. Thank you mayor. I move to suspend the rules at the request of the administration to give second reading to item number 62. This is for roadway and pedestrian improvements in relation to Town Branch Park. So moved. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Vice Mayor Wu seconds. Are there any questions? All right. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? All right. That motion passes. Thank you. And Council Member James Brown. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to ask to suspend the rules and give second reading to number 59. This is a design of the salt dome on old Frankfort pipe. So moved. Thank you. Is there a, I'm sorry, Council Member Baxter seconded. Are there any questions or comments? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. Thank you. And did you have another one? Yes, ma'am. Mayor, I'd like to suspend the rules and give second reading to number 68. This is in regards to our audit for our franchise fees. So move. All right. Is there a second? Council Member Plowman seconds. Are there any questions or comments? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. That motion passes. Are there any other motions to suspend the rules? now we need to just repeat which ones we're going to do if you don't mind i've got um so way back i think we have 31 34 40 38 oops i skipped yep we've got 38 40 41 43 59 Yep And then we've got 61 62 64 66 68 And 70 69 and 70 69, I'm sorry And 70 Yeah, 70 Yep Okay, very good And Mayor, was it four also? 34. 34 excuse me okay. I thought I heard four. It was 34. Yep. Okay when you're ready if you'll give those second reading please. Number 31 a resolution approving pursuant to KRS 62.055 and section 2255.1 of the code of ordinances the bond with surety of Susan Lamb County Clerk $400,000 and directing the division of human resources to record the bond with surety along with a certified copy of this resolution in the office of the board. of the Fay County Clerk. Number 34, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a supplemental agreement number two with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the acceptance of federal funds in the amount of $408,000 for the construction of Fay's of Mount Tabor Road multimodal improvements project as funded under the Service Transportation SLX program for the Capital Improvements Project, the acceptance of which obligates the urban county government for the expenditure of $102,000 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 40, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a supplemental agreement, number four, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the acceptance of federal funds and the amount of $740,000 for the construction phase of Wilson Downing Road sidewalk project as funded under the congestion, mitigation, and air quality program, the acceptance of which obligates the urban county government with the expenditure of $180,000 as a local match, and authorizing the mayor to transfer unencumbered funds within the grant budget. Number 41, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute agreement amendment with Educational Media Foundation for radio tower lease at a cost not to exceed $21,920.16. Number 43, resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the Urban County Government to exceed agreements related to neighborhood development funds with Lex Project Prom, Inc. $1,100, Georgetown Street Area Neighborhood Association, Inc. $250, Open Door House Ministries, Inc. $250, and Sisters Road to Freedom, Inc. $400 for the Office of the Urban County Council at a cost not to exceed the sum stated. number 59 your resolution authorizing direct the mayor we have your mckinney government execute an agreement with strand associates inc for the design of assault dome and associated facilities at 1791 old frankfurt bike at a cost to exceed 196 780 dollars number 61 a resolution authorizing the mayor and you have their own kind of government execute an amendment to an agreement with community action council for lexington fayette bourbon harrison and nicholas counties Inc. for administration of one Lexington's gun violence prevention grant programming in order to increase the total contract price by $55,500 and extend the agreement to December 31st, 2023 with automatic renewal for one year. Number 62, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government indexing a memorandum of understanding with Town Branch Park, Inc. and Lexington Center Corporation to memorialize the responsibilities of each party as it relates to roadway and pedestrian improvements to Town Branch Park at no cost the urban county government number 64 a resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed an agreement with i connective llc for access to phone numbers database at a cost not to exceed six thousand dollars number 66 a resolution authorizing direct the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to exceed agreements related to neighborhood development funds with the kentucky lions eye foundation Inc 1,450 16th district bta Inc care of Hayes middle school three three hundred fifty dollars Allegro dance project Inc 1,950 sisters and supporters working Against Gun Violence $1,350 and on the move Art Studio $1,575 for the office of the Urban County Council to cost not to exceed the sum stated. Number 68, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a letter of engagement to retain the professional services of Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC awarded pursuant to RFP number 3-2023 to conduct an audit of utility franchise fees revenues from the Kentucky Utilities Company, Columbia Gas of Kentucky Inc and Bluegrass Energy Cooperative Corporation and to enter into a letter of engagement related to the services that are cost not to exceed $47,000 fiscal year 2023 and authorizing the mayor to transfer or her designate to enter into any related agreements. Number 69, a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement awarded pursuant to RFP number 5-2023 with Mahan Multimedia LLC for a citywide domestic violence prevention campaign at a cost to exceed $220,000. number 70 a resolution expressing the support of the urban county council for the site design infrastructure improvements and site preparation of the legacy business park project and for a request to obtain up to 14 million dollars in federal community projects funding with assistance from the office of the united states representative andy barr and authorizing and directing the mayor or her designate to submit any necessary forms or documents related to such request. Thank you. Thank you. All right, is there a motion to approve? And who said Councilmember Gray seconded it. So when you're ready if you'll take a roll call vote please. Councilmember Sheehan? Yes. Councilmember Worley? Vice Mayor Wu? Council member Fred Brown yes council member James Brown council member Ellinger council member Baxter council member Fogle yes council member Gray yes council member Legree yes council member Lynch yes council member Minaris council member Plumman council member Reynolds yes and council members of Vigne. Yes. Thank you. Those all pass. And next we have communications from the mayor. And it's my understanding you all had a confirmation hearing and Vice Mayor Wu is going to make a motion. Thank you, Mayor. I would like to walk on the recommendation for the appointment of Carrie Howard to fill, I guess, the unexpired, his own term. She's a reappointment, I think. He's a reappointment. Yeah, he's a reappointment to the Ethics Commission, so moved. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Council Member Sheehan seconded. Any comment, question? Yes. Well, I don't think this is necessarily a requirement to recuse. I'd like to recuse. Mr. Howard is a member of my law firm, and he'll do a great job, but I think just to avoid any inference, I'll recuse from this. Thank you. Okay, very good. All right. Thank you. All those in favor of walking that on to the communications, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. That motion passes. Now I'll need a motion to approve the communications from the mayor. So moved. Thank you. Vice mayor moved and Councilmember Fogle seconded. And are there any other comments, questions, or additions? All right, all those in favor of approving communications with the walked-on addition, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Next, we'll need a motion to approve the price contracts, please. Moved. Thank you. Council Member Savigny, is there a second? Second. Council Member Lynch? Any questions? No? All right. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. That passes. The next section, Council, is for your information only, communications from the mayor. And following that, I will call to the podium Fire Chief Wells. We do have one fire discipline. Welcome. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening. On Monday, November 28, 2022, an internal allegation was made that firefighter Colin Pinkston 58668 violated Uniform Disciplinary Guideline 1.07 at-fault collisions. At the conclusion of the investigation, the employee met with me and has accepted a written reprimand. This was secondary to an at-fault collision in which he failed to come to a complete stop and safely clear an intersection. All right. Thank you. Is there a motion? Moved. Second. Council Member Worley moved. Council Member Ellinger seconded. Is there any discussion? All right. All those in favor of approving the discipline say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Thank you, Chief. Council members, it's time for announcements. Council member Sheehan. I have a special presentation, so I'm going to go do mine from the podium. Okay. I'm going to say my opinions and my actions are my own. I have a special performance for you today. We have had some performances recently. So. I would like to introduce my friend, the incomparable, the Majules. We are family. I've got all my sisters with me. We are family. Get up, everybody sing. We are family. I've got all my sisters with me. We are family. Get up, everybody, and sing Everyone can see we're together As we walk on by And we fly just like birds of a feather I want you to know All of the people around us they say Can they be that close? Just let me stay for the record. We're giving love in the family door. We are family. I've got all my sisters with me. We are family. Get up, everybody, and sing. Sing it to me. We are family. I got all my sisters with me We are family Get up everybody and sing Living life is fun and we've just begun To get our share of this world's delight Our hopes we have for the future And our golden rule Have faith in you and the things you do You won't go wrong, oh no This is our family Jew We are family I got all my sisters and me We are family I can hear you, God. Tell everybody, say, ooh. We are both in your hands, baby, tell. Hey. Thank you, Uma, and all the other performers who have joined us today. I hope everyone enjoyed that joyful performance, because we are family. In queer culture, we often find ourselves building a chosen family of our loved ones that accept us as we are. I want the LGBTQ plus folks in Lexington, particularly our young people, to know that you are my chosen family. Finally, in celebration of National Women's History Month, I would like to honor two incredible Kentucky women. There's a delay. One of those women is here, Rebecca Blankenship, the first. She is the first trans person elected in the state of Kentucky. And I would also like to recognize one of my friends Tuesday, Meadows, a long time advocate and trailblazer for the trans and non-binary people in our community. She couldn't be here tonight because she's taking care of her grandkids. I know. Thank you to everyone who has come together today to show support for our LGBTQ plus community. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. All right, next for announcements is Vice Mayor Wu. Thank you, Mayor. I seem to always have really tough acts to follow, so. What's happening in the state right now is very personal to me and family and I think to a lot of you in this room but I want to say that you don't have to have a family member or a relative or even somebody you know who's being hurt right now to be able to just care about your fellow Kentuckians so I want to read something that a number of the council members have signed we the undersigned members of Lexington's urban County Council affirm the value of the LGBTQ plus community. We recognize that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a rich history of queer and gender non-conforming people breaking barriers and building community. Lexington has been on the forefront of many hard-won battles for LGBTQ plus Kentuckians. We were the first to pass a comprehensive fairness ordinance that specified gender identity and expression as a protected class. We We have elected and reelected a number of openly LGBTQ plus officials. We require all recipients of city contracts to abide by our non-discrimination policies. And we recently banned LGBTQ plus conversion therapy for minors in Fayette County. These milestones reflect a history of the resistance and persistence of Lexington's LGBTQ plus neighbors and allies. This room here. As local representatives, we want to assure LGBTQ plus peoples, particularly our youth, we see you, we hear you, and we affirm you just as you are. Lexington will continue to be a welcoming and affirming community. Our diversity is our strength. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Next is Councilmember Legree. Thank you, Mayor, and thank you to everyone who's here tonight and for all of the organizing that's been going on in Lexington and elsewhere to stand up against legislation in Frankfurt that harms our LGBTQ plus community. I have to say I'm so glad that so many members of council came together to make the statement that Vice Mayor Wu just shared with you. And thank you for sharing it publicly. And thank you to Council Member Sheehan and to our performers. Tonight, I have to say I felt very moved to see you, and it was wonderful. And I think we all know that the fight is about so much more than health care. We know that it is our duty as elected officials to represent all members of our community and to ensure that they can live full and healthy and vibrant lives. And I want to be clear and reiterate what we shared a moment ago, that you're cared for, that you're respected, and that you have allies in our local government. So thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Next up is Councilmember Baxter. Thank you, Mayor. It has come to my attention that we need to make some changes in the eligibility criteria for our assistance programs in the Division of Community and Resident Services to better align the programs with one another, expand and modernize eligibility criteria, and improve their ability to meet community needs. These changes have budgetary impacts that we will need to align with the new fiscal year, so it's important to implement them prior to July 1st. Therefore, since Council has to approve some of the program changes, I'm asking to accelerate the review and place on the March 21st work session agenda a presentation on proposed program adjustments in the Division of Community and Resident Services. So moved. Thank you. Council Member Reynolds seconded. Any questions or comments? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Anything else? Council Member Reynolds, I mean Council Member Gray, I'm sorry. Thank you, Mayor. Before I do my announcement for my district, everyone here and everyone watching, we see you. and we represent all citizens, all citizens in Lexington. And you should be safe, free from harm, wherever you are. And I'm so glad to be up here with so many people who believe the things that I believe. And which is a great thing for Lexington and for our youth. So all my students, my former students, they're still my babies, my students, who are members of the LGBTQ plus community, I love you, always have, and we will fight for you. I will fight for you every single step of the way. So that being said, on to what I was going to say. Y'all got to me. Members of the 6th District, you know what time it is. Buckle up. It's our first 6th District district-wide meeting. I hope to see you there. I will be out personally in the Joyland neighborhood canvassing, knocking on doors to make sure that the residents know that this meeting will be in their neighborhood. And I do see them over in Joyland and Mary Todd. At this meeting, we have confirmed, by the way, the meeting is on Monday, March 13th, beginning at 6 PM at Mary Todd Elementary School. The confirmed speakers are the commanders of both the east and west sectors. We also have a member of the paving team. I know many of you in the sixth district, this is a big issue for us. I hear you, and we will have someone there to speak on this concern. And also, you all, we will have the paramedicine team. The paramedicine team is doing mighty work in Lexington. It happens to be housed at this moment in the 6th District. And I hope to see you there and I want to answer any and all questions that you may have, so bring them. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, next up is Council Member Reynolds. Thank you, Mayor. Well, I just want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. And I want to say that I hope you know that you have people in your corner and that you have elected officials that care about you and see you and are fighting for you to have the rights that you should have. I think when I think about a free country, and I've lived different places in the world, when I think of a free country, I think of a place where everyone can be who they want to be. And it's not really free unless that can happen. So I hope you hear tonight that we genuinely care, and I just really appreciate Councilmember Sheehan and Vice Mayor Wu for taking the lead on helping us get that statement together to send to Frankfurt. But in addition, I just wanted to make an announcement about a few things happening in Lexington this weekend. So at Rep Arena, we have Girls Suite 16 this weekend and next weekend, Boys Suite 16. So I hope that you will go out and see the games. And if you see all of these families and young people walking around downtown, please be nice to them. A lot of them are not from Lexington and are here from other places. So make them feel welcome and go ahead and cheer them on. I know my son is really excited about going to the games. And then we're having St. Patrick's Day festivities a little early coming this weekend. And so this weekend, the St. Patrick's Day parade begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday. And an Irish festival will be at Tandy Centennial Park from 11 to 7 p.m. So come out and celebrate St. Patrick's Day, have some fun, and watch the parade. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Council Member Fogle. Thank you, Mayor. And thank you all for being here. It's a good thing I left my purse upstairs. I have some dollar bills, but I would have dropped them. We are family. Not only that, just thank you for just being who you are. You know, I know that with the ridicule and everything that we face, and you all face, who would choose that to be treated like secondhand citizens that we see happening in Frankfurt? So thank you for staying strong and for making us stronger. And when Aval, the fundraiser come around, I can do a mean Barry Wright, so how long? Thank you. So my announcement for the, I would like everyone to know that in the first district, we are going to have our first advisory board meeting. What that means is when I ran and one of those underdogs that ran for this seat, I knew I could not do this alone. And so I have reached out to the first district neighborhood associations and And I have formed an advisory board that will lead me into the next year so that I can hear from the community that voted me in because I work for that community and I work for the rest of Lexington and that's the way it should be. So this is women's month, women's history. And it is my honor for the woman that I have chosen to recognize tonight is Miss Sally Hamilton. Could y'all stand with me? Ms. Sally Hamilton began her career in state government in 1975 at the Kentucky Department of Local Government after she had received her PhD. That's what I said. She's a bad sister. In German. She's a bad sister. In German. In German. In German. In German. Ain't that how we do it? So, never did she expect to have a career in public service. But she continued with positions in finance cabinet at the Kentucky Education Television and in the Kentucky Department of Education. For the last 11 years, she has served as Chief Administrator Office right here, which has provided her the opportunity to oversee all aspects of the city government and worked closely with the mayor and the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council. Her public service has given her so much. She has been a part of many initiatives that have improved people's lives. Public service has taught her to listen and appreciate the struggles and differences that affect our residents. Public service has been a rewarding challenge that she has enjoyed. You are my hero. Thank you, Ms. Sally. All right. I feel totally underdressed. Anybody got a tiara I could borrow? Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. And she has a great sense of humor. Council member Savigni. It's hard to follow all of these wonderful people. Hey, I just want you guys to know I want to thank you all for being here. When I decided to run for office, I decided to be very authentic to who I am, and I'm very proud of you for being very authentic to who you are. And I just want you all to know that you're perfect just like you are and we are family. Thank you. Are there any other council announcements? All right. Before we go on to our public comment, just a couple of things. I want to say something very brief and thank all of those of you who came tonight. And I know that there is a lot of fear and angst and uncertainty out there for you. But what I'd like to say is that in 1999, the reason that I voted for our fairness ordinance was respect of people. Because all people need respect and deserve respect for who they are. So thank you for being here. now I sometimes have to be the bad guy or gal we're about to enter public comment and the council normally we've had lots of wonderful applause tonight and the council knows that our rule that the rule in here is that there's no applause. What I'd like us to try to do is listen to every one of the people who's going to speak, which there are several of you signed up, and then have one big gigantic applause at the end. Does that sound good? All right. Okay. So let's start here with public comment and here's how it works if when I call your name if you'll come to the podium and you can adjust the mic and if you'll state your name and your council district for the record and you'll have three minutes and I apologize ahead of time if I massacre your name I'm sorry so first up is Uma Jules Here, let's do this. Yes, you can snap. There you go. Welcome. Thank you. Uma Jules, District 8, and I have here 4,000 signatures for a petition that we've been doing online for the last four days. I appreciate the time and energy you have committed to public service. The sacrifices you make are immeasurable. I understand what it means to commit to service for the greater good. I was elected by my peers to serve as the face of a local nonprofit. I dedicated a few years of my life to serving in a leadership position within that charitable organization, a drag charitable organization. Drag is good. Drag is not a crime. The LGBTQ plus community is good, does good. our community's contributions to the social fabric of our great nation, to popular culture, and to individual families speak to our community's perseverance and inherent dignity. We have a long and storied history of showing the world that it's okay to be yourself. It's okay to live a life a little differently. Well, now we're not okay. Our trans brothers and sisters of all ages are under attack. The most vulnerable amongst our community are under attack and are seeking our protection. Our whole community should stand in solidarity with them, not just the entire LGBTQ plus community, our whole community. I implore this council to look at our community. We are strong, we are united, and we have love. We ask for your affirmation. we need you to affirm our right to exist. We want our city to affirm our right to thrive in our public and personal lives. The LGBTQ plus community will continue to contribute to the achievements of this great city. We are business owners, faith leaders, community organizers, politicians, clinicians, educators, parents, and entertainers. We bring a lot to this city. Forces outside the safety of this harbor seek to tarnish the reputation of this city. Our Commonwealth will be economically impacted, potentially heavily, by these kinds of animus-motivated legislation. And our city would be negatively impacted as well. conventions move elsewhere traveling productions find other theaters and musical artists will seek alternative venues to hold concerts personally I appreciate the opportunities provided by this safe stable and diverse city I love our city I loved being the Empress of Kentucky when I was elected to serve as the face of and leadership for a local nonprofit, I did my best to represent Lexington. I loved traveling to other states and representing our Commonwealth. I'm so sorry. That's okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate you. Next is Jason Schubert. Is that correct? Welcome. Hi, Jason Schubert from District 5. I'm not a lifelong Lexingtonian, but this city has become my home. As a gay man, I feel safe here. Lexington is an incredible community of open, accepting, welcoming, and diverse people. The Lex Have Pride initiative was born out of this community, representing LGBTQ plus individuals and allies, as well as businesses and organizations from across our great state and city. Elected leaders assembled tonight, thank you for the love and support and acknowledgement earlier. We are here before you with a simple list of five demands for the city of Lexington to enact to protect the LGBTQ plus community. We want to ensure it is clear what we are asking the council to do. First publicly condemn anti LGBTQ plus legislation, stand up for trans kids, and affirm Lexington is a safe and welcoming place for their community. Lexington has been a leader in LGBTQ plus rights and acceptance for decades. In 1999 we were the first in Kentucky to enact a countywide fairness ordinance. Down the block from where we stand right now, the LGBTQ plus community has been gathering regularly since 1939. Our community has always had a home in Lexington, and you can ensure we do in the future. Second, clearly add trans health care to the city employee handbook. This is a metric tracked by the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index, and Lexington fails to meet this important test of trans equality. Trans health care is health care and must be protected. Third, fund and develop resources to LGBTQ plus youth housing insecurity. 28% of queer youth report housing insecurity in their lifetime, and Lexington must provide additional funding for more beds and more programming to intervene in this specific type of housing insecurity. Fourth, expand minority business criteria for vendors to include LGBTQ plus run businesses and permit permanent residents to benefit. Prioritizing minority owned businesses at a cornerstone of improving outcome equity, however LGBTQ plus owned businesses and businesses not owned by US citizens are currently excluded from the city's guidelines. Fifth, automatic reporting of demographic data across all boards and commissions for minority groups. All board and commission applicants are required to submit minority status information, including LGBTQ plus identification, but there's no automatic tabulation of demographic breakdown. Having boards and commissions reflect the full diversity of Lexington is critical to ensuring political leaders have access to the most complete sets of perspectives. Our five demands are simple. They ensure safety and security for the LGBTQ plus population and promote Lexington as a fair, equitable, and desirable place to live. We are not asking you to break any laws or direct anyone else to break any laws. We're asking you to use your powers as a city to advocate for and protect the LGBTQ plus community in Lexington. Against a backdrop of state legislature trying to take us backwards, all y'all as elected leaders must set an example in this commonwealth and move us forward. The city council has done this before and we ask you to follow precedent and do it again. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much. Next is Rebecca Blankenship. Welcome. Hi there, you all. My name is Rebecca Blankenship. I live in Berea. It's not my fault. But you're welcome here. Thank you. I love Lexington. I've lived here for a better part of seven years. And in fact, ten years and three days ago today, this is where I came out. I think that a lot of LGBT people like me who grew up in small towns and communities that were not affirming, came to Lexington and found security, that this is where we not only learned who we are, but learned to love who we are. Now, I doubt that I have to tell you that because of the actions of the state legislature, much of what made Lexington a safe place for me, an affirming place for people like me, is at risk. The legislature is attacking every person in this community, not only who is queer, not only who knows or loves somebody who is queer, but every person who cares about fairness, decency, and the Constitution. And boy, are we feeling it. the anger, the fear, and above all else, the pain. Now, I won't pretend to know the solutions for this particular city. As I pointed out, I don't live here, and frankly, this is my very first Lexington City Council meeting, but I do know that we have a lot of friends up here. Counselors, I know that you need to listen to your LGBT neighbors. I know that you need to think deeply about how to make this city as inclusive and as loving as it can possibly be, trusting that the law and the courts will deliver whatever the legislature cannot in terms of justice. I urge everybody to respect the legislature and their constitutional rights, even if they do not do the same for us. But I also want to say that there is a lot of hope. We believe, believe it or not, that every one of these heinous anti-LGBT bills can still be stopped. But we need your help for that to happen. We need you all to be part of the fight. I ask that you be part of speaking with the legislators who represent Fayette County, that you call, that you email, that you communicate to them the devastating impact that these bills under consideration will have not only on the economy, but on the people of this wonderful city. I'm so grateful to each of you. And Mayor Gorton, I want to say to you that in 1999, that's the year that I turned six. I didn't know what a gay person was, much less that the actions of somebody in a faraway city would change my life. And I want to thank you for that vote, ma'am. Thank you very much. All right. Next is Adriana Fuentes. Welcome. Good evening. Adriana Fuentes, District 8. My name is Hernando Kagan, but my professional name is Adriana Fuentes. I chose to show you this form tonight as it is an important part of who Hernando is. There are many things I'm proud of, including my identity. I'm an immigrant from the country of Venezuela, a country that lacks behind our beautiful nation we live in that flourishes with opportunity. My mom, rest in peace, brought me to this country at the age of 15 in the hopes of better opportunities and the American dream. I've called Kentucky home for the past 23 years and became a U.S. naturalized citizen on January of 2020. That is three years and counting as a proud U.S. citizen. I've made Adriana Fuentes my full-time career for the past 16 years. This is my livelihood, the way I provide for myself, the way I feed myself, and provide a roof over my head. I have represented the city of Lexington and the state of Kentucky on national pageants and have brought three national crowns back to our home state of Kentucky. Not only that, I also give back to my community by raising money for local cancer foundations. These bills not only will take away from my form of income, the money I raised for one of my monthly shows for our charities, but also taking away my American dream and my freedom that my mom brought me here for. So I stand in front of you, not as a criminal as they're trying to paint us in Frankfurt, but as a hard working US citizen asking you to condemn these bills coming out of Frankfurt. This is not the Kentucky I was raised in. Please affirm tonight that Lexington will continue its mission to help our LGBTQ plus and its dark artist community be visible in public places. We hope you will consider our list of actions of items to make our city an even better place to live. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you very much. Next is Kurt Gode. There you are, welcome. Thank you. Kurt Goady, District 11. I'm a professor of art at Transylvania University. I'm also an artist, a baker, a spoon carver, a husband, the product of a childhood on a small pig farm in upstate New York, and a father of two children, one of whom identifies as non-binary. All of those identifiers of who I am are enabled and supported by these. I am a cisgender straight white man. I'm aware of the privileges last four identifiers grant me in our shared world, and as a teacher at Transylvania, I am aware of the anxieties and all too real dangers that come with LGBTQ plus identities even in supportive environments I worked to create in my classroom. A student named M who took sculpture with me last semester granted me permission to share this story about how they completed a project for that class. For this assignment students had to create as realistically as possible a miniature sculpture of themselves. M took the idea of creating a realistic likeness of their body seriously and crafted a miniature version of their physical body that matched not who they appear to be today but who they know they are and what their body will look like in the future post-surgery. It was incredibly brave for M to invite open conversation about their physical body in this way. This is an act of bravery today that may actually be illegal in the near future if it were done in a public high school. If I were at a public high school and encouraged or perhaps even allowed a student to complete this kind of project, I'm at any risk losing my job. We are entering a future where faculty, even at private universities, may weigh their own risk tolerance every time they support a student who vocally or visibly identifies as anything other than straight but really why and how could a college student identify as anything other than straight if they had just finished a high school experience where their theater teacher who for years was known as an ally and creator of safe spaces for queer students had to stop acknowledging conversations about gender and sexuality entirely at risk of losing her job it is not a coincidence that these bills will criminalize the compassion teachers extend to students who need support in a world that is actively working to erase their existence. It is not a coincidence. It is the point. These bills attempt to mandate teachers become agents of marginalization for anyone who identifies as something other than straight and cisgender. Like M, students will still know who they are. They will simply be expected to learn in spaces where their teachers actively ignore or at least some of their identifiers, perhaps the ones that feel most important. Standardized tests, as problematic as they are, happen in quiet rooms that are made to feel safe. These bills will make high school and college classrooms feel unsafe to LGBTQ plus students. This would be similar to mandating all students take standardized tests while sitting at a desk in the center of a highway. We wouldn't do that to anyone. Let's not do it to queer students either. Please do everything you can from your positions to fight these and any future anti-LGBTQ bills that target our children. They are my future students and future friends to all of us. Let's not make them suffer. Thank you very much. Next is Wanda McCants. Welcome. Hi. Wanda McCants, District 1. I'm a licensed therapist in private practice. I already have a hard job to do. So it's a lot of years of serving this community, young and old, dealing with all kinds of things, depression, anxiety, religious trauma. And my job just got harder with, sorry, with legislation like this, it shows people further into the closet to a darker place. Thank you. That makes it colder and a lot harder to see themselves for who they are. But this hurts me personally. As somebody who grew up in Alabama and came to Kentucky, wanted to serve my community, provide safe spaces for people, and give them a chance that I didn't necessarily have as a kid. even though I grew up in the heart of racism I didn't feel as unsafe as I do now I'm living in a space where I already feel invisible as a person of color, as a queer woman and a local drag king, myself, formerly known as come see me. You know, but drag being one of those things that has really given a new light to my life. I've seen people live their lives authentically. They've made a living out of this career, out of this art form, showing a respect for our history. And legislation like this undermines that. Drake around for hundreds of years so that we know it's something that I think has a wonderful representation here here all over across the state of Kentucky which is a beautiful state of so many shades of drag that should be respected so many students that have come out to the Lexington Pride Center which I'm the president of the Pride Center board currently so many students young and old little little kids who come out and had such a beautiful time and it's what all of you to know that as we show up for you whether it's in face or otherwise we just want you to show up for us thank you thank you very much next is Kyle May Welcome. Kyle May district 12. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor. I've been working as a therapist since 2011. I started my own practice in June, 2020, which is called open doors counseling center at At ODCC, we provide counseling for issues related to identity, trauma and grief, mood and anxiety, and more. We specialize in working with LGBTQ people, allies, people who want to learn how to become allies, and anyone else who may want to come receive services from us as long as they show our staff and our clients' respect. We have an office building in Lexington where we can provide in-person and telehealth services. of telehealth our staff and clientele are located all across kentucky many of whom live in or near this city we had successfully operated an office in prestonsburg in eastern kentucky for about one and a half years until last year when we were forced to close that building due the rising number and severity of safety issues that our staff and clients were experiencing since opening over 550 people have contacted us about our services. Of those people, we have signed up about 375 people for services or treatment, and we have about 15 to 20 on our wait list at the moment. 47% of our clients identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, or gender questioning. Youth under the age of 18 have accounted for about one quarter of the clients that we have served thus far. Within the first two and a half years of operation, we have spent over 4,000 hours with our clients, their revenue has grown a total of 870% so far. As you may already know there are many bills going through the legislative process in Frankfurt during this cycle. There are currently 15 bills pertaining to LGBTQ plus Kentuckians. Of these bills 11 would inflict harm upon them if they become law. If these bills pass there will be many unintended consequences to follow. They will cause an overwhelming surge of treatment inquiries by potential clients to for our already short-staffed counseling center they will significantly increase the likelihood that lgbtq plus people of all ages will complete suicide they will complete they will create a culture across homes schools and communities that further promotes violence and abuse toward lgbtq plus people they will hinder parents from making informed and necessary decisions that are in the best interest of their family and their children finally they will prohibit mental health professionals from adequately referring to the appropriate resources for an entire segment of their clientele. Many of the services that the bills are trying to eliminate are in fact the best practice for producing positive mental health outcomes for trans people according to all other reputable organizations in the field and the available research. Therefore, I stand before you today to implore you to formally admonish the anti-LGB bills that are being voted on in Frankfort and stand in solidarity with our people. This is a pivotal moment in history where your actions could directly or indirectly take or save lives thank you very much thank you next is joanne brown welcome my name is joanne brown my pronouns are she her i'm in district four thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today and for the ways you've demonstrated your support for the lgbtq plus community. I recently retired from my full-time position as a nurse practitioner in student health at UK. While at UK I was one of the founders of the Transform Health Clinic, a partnership of UK healthcare providers who have a shared goal of meeting many of the unique medical needs of people who identify in the broad LGBTQ plus spectrum in a way they can feel safe and affirmed and receive evidence-based care. I'm proud of the work that we have done to improve the health of the LGBTQ plus community in Lexington and in Kentucky and to address many of the unmet needs of this community. Unfortunately, we find our work and our goal for a healthier Kentuckier for all at jeopardy by legislators in Frankfurt who have put forth an anti-LGBTQ plus agenda, including an anti-drag bill, a bill to erase trans kids, and one of the worst anti-trans health bills in the country. Health Bill 470 will deny transgender persons below the age of 18 gender-affirming health care. The legislation doesn't stop there. It will criminalize the provision of services and revoke the license per proprietors of services such as medications or surgeries, and denies parents the right to seek consultation and health care to address gender dysphoria and alleviate the distress of their children. Any legislation that inhibits the practice of evidence-based medicine erodes trust in health care services and interferes with patient-provider relationships, causing more harm to a group of young people who are already at risk. I'm frustrated by proposed bills that are asking me to ignore evidence-based medicine and my professional code of ethics. In a personal conversation I had with the sponsor of House Bill 470, she quoted an outdated study from 2011 in Sweden whose lead author has gone on record to refute the claims being touted by supporters of such bills. The spread of this misinformation further adds to my frustration. I have been honored to care for young people who trusted me to be part of their very personal journey to becoming who they are meant to be. I have watched countless times as they went from being depressed and unable to even make eye contact with me to thriving, completing their undergraduate degree and even pursuing graduate degrees. When young people are affirmed in their gender identity, their mental health is the same as their peers, they become hopeful and happy. I will continue to practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person and advocate for and protect the rights, health, and safety of my patients. But my colleagues and I cannot do it alone. Thank you for standing with us to protect Kentucky's kids and oppose these harmful bills. Please publicly condemn any anti-LGBTQ plus legislation and stand up for trans kids. Thank you very much. Next is Mark Johnson. Welcome. All right. Mark Johnson, District 1. Thank you for having me in this opportunity. It's 2023 and I can't believe that we're still dealing with this kind of hate, discrimination, and ignorance. It's like we're going back in time and people feel like they have the right to dictate others' happiness. Local trailblazers like Sweet Evening Breeze, who now has a mural, Leon Jelik, Mr. Willie, and others fought tirelessly and went to jail numerous times for us to have our right and to live our authentic lives. It saddens me that we're here again. And yes, I was here before, you know, talking about discrimination. I'm a little older than a few of the others. Anyway, again, my name is Mark Johnson. I am a proud African-American gay man. I am a husband, a son, a brother, a father, a social worker, the director of a homeless shelter, a Lexington public health hero, and I am a drag queen. I am not a criminal, and drag isn't a crime. I started doing drag about 25, maybe 30, some would say years ago because it simply looked like fun and it challenged my creativity. Once involved, I was able to educate my community about this unique and misunderstood art form that has been around for thousands of years. Along the way, I found out that drag was an important part of the lyric theater in the 50s and 60s and a big part of the Chitlin Circle for African Americans. I also became a drag queen because of the fundraising aspect. Over the years, my friends locally and across the country have raised millions of dollars for issues like mental health, suicide prevention, child protection, HIV AIDS, homelessness, hospice, cancer, disaster relief, memorial services, and the list goes on and on. What's criminal about that? We are about community because we are community. When hate, racism, homophobia, and bigotry affects one group, it affects us all. Who's next? Lexington has been a wonderful place to live. I love it here. It's not always been easy. I thank you for the support you've shown, and I hope that it continues. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Taylor Steele. Welcome. It's Taylor Steele, 12th District. So good evening Mayor Gorton and ladies and gentlemen of the council. My name is Taylor Steele. I'm a teacher with Fayette County Public Schools and a large board member of Frontrunners Lexington and Ace of the Blue Grass. I'm coming to you this evening to talk about my kids. While these may not be my biological children, my students are my kids. Daily I run into kids who feel inadequate. They may be falling behind with coursework or struggling with a sport. For these students a simple, you got this, or I know you can do it, will make them feel better and I can do this with a smile and go about my day. Then there are the kids like me. They know they are different than their peers. Some have accepted this, many have not. I was the latter in high school. The inadequacy for these kids is entirely different than the above. High school is hard enough when you're LGBTQ+. For many, a teacher or a staff member is the only confidant making school their safe place. Recently, our state leaders have taken aim at our LGBTQ plus kids, threatening to erase them from schools, take away those one or two people who support them, and ultimately destroy their safe space. I come to you as our city leaders to live up to the legacy of the Fairness Ordinance. I hope you will consider meeting the reasonable request listed in the Lex Have Pride petition and show our kids that no matter what is happening at the Capitol, they are supported at home and that you support our teachers and staff who are there for these kids every day. No matter what happens with this, excuse me, no matter what the outcome is of this legislative session, I'm going to continue to do whatever I need to do to support my students. I thank you for your time this evening, and I hope that you can join me in showing the support and kindness for all 41,203 kids in Fayette County Public Schools. Thank you all very much. Thank you very much. Next is Dottie Bean. Welcome. Thank you, Mayor. I want to change the channel a minute. I want to comment on a recent news report that citizens must now go online to let the local government know of any damages they received from the power outages last weekend to help assess Lexington's emergency disaster declaration. We know many people who lost the use of their home appliances for almost a week and had to throw away the food they had just purchased to last for several weeks. They don't have any more income right now to buy it, by the way. These are not people who can afford to replace this food. I am curious as to how many responded online to your request, especially since their phones and computers were down because of the power outage. I also would like to know if there is any other way they can let you know of the damages they have incurred from this unnecessarily long period without power. I have scoured the newspapers for this information, and I want to point out this discriminates against people without computers and those who use their phones only for phone calls. Also, is there any way they can be compensated for the loss of their food? I am not one of them, by the way, as I have bluegrass electric, and our power remained on. Now, why was there, our lines are buried underground. Now, why has there been no effort to bury, from Kentucky Utilities, to bury lines underground? And this could have been done coordinating with the cable people, and nothing has been done about it. So I want to thank you, and don't take this as disrespectful, but I'm going to go, I'm going to leave so I can go home and watch President Biden. and thank you thank you next is Brittany Price welcome my name is Brittany Price and I live at 497 Angliana Avenue, the 11th District. My gender identity is female, and I believe in all female rights and women's rights should not be violated as people. I hope that the world can see the rights of all women and equality, that all women are important in this world, that all women can join together as one in this world we live. Also, people of color should not be discriminated as well. People of color should have the same rights as everybody else and not be discriminated against because of color. People of color should not be discriminated against from adequate housing, education, the workplace, public eating establishments, city bus transportation, medical care, and the right to vote. My preferred gender is female and I believe in civil rights, social justice, and believe in racial justice and that all lives matter. I believe in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. That we are a democratic society and believe in what our country stands for with the freedoms we have as a nation, the United States of America. Thank you, Mayor, thank you, Vice Mayor, thank you, City Council, and thank you, General Reynolds of the 11th District, and thank you, Lisa. I don't know your last name. Yes, thank you. Have a good day. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Emma Curtis. Welcome. Hello, council. Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. My name is Emma Curtis and I live in District 4. I am originally from Woodford County. I've lived in Lexington for about a year and a half, but unfortunately I've had to spend the majority of the past month in Frankfort. I'm sure many of you can guess why. I do so not out of any personal desire, but rather out of a sense of obligation as a transgender woman to go and speak directly to legislators and to be seen in my humanity and so that they can start to see the humanity of all transgender people. Now I want to say first and foremost, I genuinely appreciate everything you have said and done tonight to affirm the LGBTQ community in Lexington. It is a welcome change of pace from many of the legislators I have spoken with in Frankfurt. And I would like to also suggest that being in Frankfurt, you see a lot. You see a lot from politicians, you see a lot from lobbying groups, and you see a lot of grassroots activists, some of whom I see here tonight. It is wonderful to see you all again. But the thing that I hate seeing most in Frankfurt is the children who are being used as political props. I know many of them are from Lexington. I have spoken with many of them. I have seen the distress that not lack of access to care or anything like that is causing them, but the simple climate that is being created in Frankfurt and nationwide with these legislative attacks that are focusing on specifically transgender children. So I want to encourage you, in addition to the five specific requests that were presented earlier, to put everything you have within your power. And I want to acknowledge, I think we all know, you are not the state government, you are not the federal government, and you cannot supersede any of them. But what you can do is push to provide mental health care for those children who are impacted, not even by legislation. None of this has become law yet, but just by the climate, the environment that has been created. And I think tonight is an excellent first step towards that. But I think I speak for a lot of us here when I say that while this might be my first city council meeting, I certainly don't intend it to be my last. And I would very much, very, very, very much appreciate if you could take whatever capacity you have and push it towards giving those kids access to health care and to make sure that they know that this government is theirs as well and they have access to their public servants. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Next is, I believe, Tom Baker. Okay, you're up. Welcome. Tom Baker, District 10. I don't know if I'm a boy, but I know I'm not a girl. When they were five, Leo came to us and told us this. It was just a simple matter of fact. It wasn't some great confession. It wasn't life or death. It wasn't a crisis. It was a simple truth. Leo's truth, I know I'm not a girl. In my experience, trans children don't wrestle with their sense of self. They wrestle with a world of adults, a world that places them in a box that they don't fit in and won't let them out, a world that insists that they are something that they know, not question, not believe, but know that they are not, a world designed to make them believe that they are less than, that they are wrong, and that they don't belong. No parent wants this for their child. No parent wants to see their child wince in pain when they are called the wrong name and told that they are something that they know that they are not. No parent wants to see their child be more vulnerable than the other children their age, more likely to be bullied, more likely to become a tragic statistic. No parent wants to see their child become one of the 40% of trans children and youth who attempt to take their own life not because of who they are, not because of who they know themselves to be, but because they are constantly told that they are something that they are not and that they are less than. Proponents of these bills are going on and on about parents' rights. According to these bills, parents have the right to determine what teachers can teach other children. Parents have the right to determine what books are in a library. Parents have the right, strangely, to make sure that drag can't be performed anywhere in public. Homophobic and transphobic parents have all manner of rights, but affirming parents. Parents who simply want their children to be able to exist as who they are. Parents who want their children to be able to live in a world that respects them, that honors them, that acknowledges them and loves them, not in spite of who they are, but because of it. Parents who want their children to be able to receive the best possible medical care available without big, bigoted government interference. These parents, parents like me, we have no such rights. None. Leo is not a girl. No law will change that, and no one, no one has the right to force Leo to be something that they know that they're not. Anyone who would try to do that should be ashamed of themselves. These bills must be condemned in the strongest possible way, and they must be fought against as though lives depend on it, because they do. Real lives. Children's lives. Leo's life. Thank you. Thank you very much. Next is Lori Brock. Welcome. I'm the Reverend Lori Brock. I am the rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and my church and my residence are in City Council 3. Yay, Hannah! Who hears from me a lot? I am here on behalf of the millions of people of faith that agree that Jesus on a Friday night would be on the disco at a gay bar. Probably with a gin and tonic. Because I am tired of Christians hogging the microphones to discriminate and hate. And I am tired of people using children and Jesus and the weather and the day of the week ending in a Y to offer up legislation that is toxic, hatred, and filled with nothing we need in the state of Kentucky. And I encourage you, and I am so thankful for your support, and I encourage you to continue that support vocally. I encourage you to follow the Lect Have Pride positions, but I will stand with you as a person of faith and remind us that major faith traditions and many humanist traditions follow that we should love our neighbor. And love is wanting for my neighbor what I want for myself. And what I'm willing to do myself and what I call you to do is to use your prophetic civil witness to speak out publicly against any law that is passed. And unlike Jason, I am actually going to say that civil disobedience is a holy and loving thing. And that if they are hate-filled laws passed in Frankfurt, that the city of Lexington says, no, we will not enforce them. and we will have bail money for the people who try to get arrested. I will join you, and I want a tiara, too. This is a city of courageous love. This is a community of prophetic love, and this is a place where we come to and say to those who offer hate, the line is drawn and you will not pass because we are here and we are not going away thank you thank you very much next and i apologize you'll have to tell me about your last name gary should dester i am so sorry where are you Maybe outside? We'll wait just a second here. No? All right. then we'll have Logan Rainey. Welcome. So my name is Logan Rainey and I'm actually from Clark County. But I spend a lot of my time working in Lexington. I work for PCC, NECO, Independent Living. I've done a lot of social work. I've been in this field since I graduated from college. And what I just want to remind you guys is that these are my kids, not my biological kids, but just as the teacher said before, I consider these kids my own. We work with kids who are over the age of 18 to 21, but I still have those same kids coming to me crying, terrified, in tears, and they have no idea what to do and what comes next. Today I was able to get one of my kids to legally change his first and full name. I thought it was going to be beautiful and amazing, and I'm making a big deal about it, and I'm taking pictures, and I'm trying to give him back that joy that was taken from him. And instead I get pictures where he's outside terrified, and he's like, okay, man, come on, hurry up. Like, I don't want this to be a big deal. and I try to teach them that this isn't anything to be ashamed of. You guys have probably seen me in the news. I will not stop wearing these trans shirts. I am very visible and vocal and with my company I'm sure that they love the fact that I'm here. But this is what we need. We need people to stand up and stick to us and for us because we don't have it out there and our kids are so it's their suffering. So with NECA we also work with people who are in the foster care so we have kids who are under 18 and thankfully I've been able to make a support group because I'm not a therapist but I'm also not technically a social worker so I can provide those services and I'm finding loopholes in order to help my community. We have we personally had suicides from our trans community ones that I've went personally all the way to Bowling Green for a memorial service and I didn't even know this person and it was gut-wrenching because like so many before me I've testified this isn't them this isn't because they don't like who they are it's because the people around them my kids want nothing more than to be successful and to be seen I've got kids right now going through like harassment at their jobs because they want to use a unisex bathroom. Where are we at here? So I'm very thankful. I was very surprised just to be honest that you guys were so affirming. I had a different speech prepared so this is awesome. So I just I want you guys to remain visible and seen and make sure that you stand up for all of us because we can't do it alone. Well damn sure try though and I'm very proud of my community. I just wanted to say that guys thank you very much next is USA Cox USA Lisa hi my name is Lisa Cox district 3 wasn't really sure what I was gonna say or if I was even gonna speak but I'm an older sci-female there are very many Many more people came ahead of me that spoke pretty much everything that I wanted to say. I just wanted to add my voice to all of yours. And hopefully they'll hear us in Frankfurt. You all have an ally. And I'm constantly surprised when I leave Lexington how much hate and ignorance is out there. And I feel fortunate to have grown up here and enjoyed the acceptance and the love of this community. since I was in my teens. So thank you all. I'm here to raise my voice and hopefully you'll hear us in Frankfurt. Thank you, I apologize for misstating your first name. We have three speakers left, Olivia Jinger and you'll be followed by Keisha Fallon Bennett. Welcome. Thank you, my name is Olivia Jinger. I'm a resident of District 4. I'm also a member of the LGBTQ plus community and an associate professor and chair of music therapy at the University of Kentucky. I'm here to thank you for all that you have said tonight to affirm the LGBTQ plus community. I'm also here to request that you affirm and listen to the requests that Lex Have Pride has made, particularly to publicly condemn anti-LGBTQ legislation and stand up for trans kids. I work with a team of researchers at the University of Kentucky, including Kisa Fallon Bennett, who was the next speaker but had to leave because her kids were getting antsy. But we work together with Rachel Farr in developmental psychology and Aubrey Jones in social work, conducting research to address health disparities and promote health equity for LGBTQ plus families. And what we know from decades of research is that stigma and discrimination impact the mental health and the physical health of LGBTQ plus people. The anti-LGBTQ plus bills in Frankfurt put lives at risk. I implore you to publicly affirm that LGBTQ plus rights are human rights and to do everything possible to protect the lives of all in the LGBTQ plus community. Trans youth in particular are marginalized by virtue of being children and further marginalized when laws made by adults deny their access to mental and physical health care. And so my children are here with me tonight. Two of them really wanted to speak and learned that they couldn't because they're under 18. So I told, I'm also, I wanted to read to you something that, written by a 10-year-old who cares deeply about their LGBTQ plus sibling. I feel that LGBTQ plus identity is one of the most important things in some people's lives. And by taking that away, you are basically taking away a part of them. This can lead to depression, suicide, and loneliness. Please don't take away LGBTQ plus identity from the people of Kentucky. Thank you, thank you. And then our final speaker is Saturn Starshooter. Welcome. Hi, my name is Saturn Starshooter, District 5. Yes, the issue with drag and trend the trans bill or an act of discrimination, though the issue that these bills are rooted in is class. Class enables the government and the top rich people to pin folks against each other. In Kentucky, I've noticed people are by far some of the most heartfelt people I've ever met. I'm originally from Chicago, and let me tell you, after attending and graduating from the University of Kentucky, finding the performance world and engulfing myself in the beautiful pockets here in this city, I have been given more than I would have ever imagined. To Kentucky, I thank you for the community you've given me. What hurts me is that folks are pushing for these bills to be passed, are being fooled into thinking that these bills are in their ivory, sorry. That folks are being fooled into thinking that these folks in their ivory towers are looking out for them. I empathize with those that are unaware of this ongoing attacks on their psyche. And the real issue at hand follows as the increasing amount of homelessness, the ongoing increase of drug addiction, healthcare, children that are getting killed from lack of gun control. These bills only serve as a smokescreen from the overall issue and in fact, push marginalized communities into these issues and able to formulate profit. How have these folks lost the meaning of quality of human life? The lack of empathy is a true monster here and what do we do about this? We focus on the issue of class and we as people have power. It is a question of if we allow ourselves to submit to the disciplinary power structure. It's a question of where we put our dollar in our pockets, looking out for our local businesses, barbers, stores, performers. We need to become more skeptical of the structure that has been seasoned from the grounds of slavery. It is up to our government officials to show up and to hold each other in their towers and step up to the plate. The issue should be an ongoing discussion and incorporate it into our everyday calculus. It is saying no and empathizing with those who are ignorant to the system that they have been born into. It is being able to have critical discussions and learning from where people come from. This manifest is sitting across from the kitchen table as someone you don't agree with and learning from each other. It is moving away from the militaristic art of seeking ships and learning that we can build them and sail the world together. I leave this discussion with a parting question. At what point do we look beyond ourselves and look towards the collective? Do not be fooled by mere branches. Be convinced at the roots of the issue. We as a collective have come into this room, and we as Kentucky will be able to push against this. if we unite and look beyond racism, gender, all of the isms and phobias which have been created to separate us from the beginning of Christopher Columbus setting foot on the state that was not theirs to begin with. Where is our state? And I really push everyone in this room to lick their internal wounds of capitalism and the structures that have enslaved all of us. Thank you. Thank you very much. that takes us to the end of our public comments sign in folks and I promised you an opportunity for applause Thank you all. And with that, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. All right. All those in favor, say aye. We are adjourned. Thank you very much. so