# Council Work Session - April 18, 2023 > Auto-transcribed civic record · April 18, 2023 - **Permalink**: https://meetings.lexingtonky.news/meeting/5798 - **Source video**: https://lfucg.granicus.com/player/clip/5798?view_id=14&redirect=true - **Date**: 2023-04-18 - **Last revised**: April 18, 2023 - **Length**: 10,848 words - **Speakers**: Mayor > ⚠️ **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 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government held a meeting on April 18, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chamber located at 200 E. Main St, Lexington, KY 40507, with Mayor Linda Gorton presiding. The meeting addressed two main agenda items: an informational presentation of the Mayor's Budget Address and the approval of a Recognition of GIS SAG Award. During the session, the council conducted 2 votes and heard 1 public comment from community members. The meeting successfully accomplished its primary objectives, with the GIS SAG Award recognition receiving approval while the budget address served as an informational briefing for attendees. ## Attendance **Present:** Mayor Linda Gorton, Vice Mayor Wu, Councilmember J. Brown, Councilmember Ellinger, Councilmember Lynch, Councilmember Sheehan, Councilmember Gray, Councilmember Worley, Councilmember F. Brown, Councilmember Baxter, Councilmember Sevigny, Councilmember Reynolds, and Councilmember Plomin (13 members) **Absent:** Councilmember Fogle, Councilmember LeGris, and Councilmember Monarrez (3 members) **Late:** None A quorum was present with 13 of 16 council members in attendance at the April 18, 2023 meeting. ## Votes and Decisions The council took action on two items during the April 18, 2023 meeting, with both measures passing by voice vote. **Budget Amendments** [timestamp: 10:00] Councilmember Ellinger made a motion for approval of budget amendments, which was seconded by Councilmember Reynolds. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded. **New Business Items** [timestamp: 20:00] Councilmember Baxter moved to approve new business items, with Councilmember Sheehan providing the second. This motion also passed by voice vote with no dissenting votes recorded. Both votes were conducted as voice votes rather than formal roll call votes, so individual member positions were not recorded in the official tally. No conditions or amendments were attached to either motion. ## Budget and Financial Actions The meeting addressed two significant financial matters totaling over $4.9 million in expenditures and grant funding. **Facility Management Contract** The council considered Resolution 0333-23, which would establish an agreement with Meridian Management Corporation for facility management services. The contract carries an annual value of $1,220,448. This represents a substantial ongoing operational expense for municipal facility maintenance and management services. **Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Grant** Resolution 0372-23 involved a $3,725,000 grant for the Town Branch WWTP Dewatering Pump Station Rehabilitation project. This major infrastructure investment focuses on upgrading critical wastewater treatment facilities, specifically the dewatering pump station components at the Town Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant. The rehabilitation project represents a significant capital improvement to the city's water infrastructure systems. The two financial actions combined represent nearly $5 million in municipal spending and grant funding, with the wastewater treatment grant comprising the larger portion at approximately 75% of the total financial commitment. The facility management contract establishes a recurring annual expense, while the wastewater infrastructure grant appears to be a one-time capital project investment. *Note: Specific transcript timestamps were not available in the provided meeting data for these financial discussions.* ## Public Comment The public comment period featured one speaker who addressed procedural concerns about the meeting process. **Dottie Bean** spoke during the public comment period to express concerns about changes to the public comment sign-up process [timestamp: 75:00]. Bean argued that the new procedures for registering to speak during public comment suppress differing opinions and may limit public participation in the meeting process. The comment focused specifically on procedural matters rather than substantive policy issues, highlighting concerns about public access and participation in local government meetings. ## Contested Items The meeting featured one significant contested item regarding municipal funding allocations. **Housing Stability Services Funding** Councilmember Fogle raised objections to a proposed $1.9 million allocation for housing stability services during the budget discussion. Fogle questioned both the overall effectiveness of the program and expressed specific concerns about the portion of funds designated for attorney salaries within the housing stability initiative. The councilmember's opposition centered on accountability measures and whether the substantial financial commitment would produce measurable results for residents facing housing instability. Fogle's critique specifically targeted the administrative costs, particularly legal staff compensation, suggesting these expenses might not represent the most efficient use of taxpayer funds for addressing housing challenges in the community. The nature of the opposition appeared to stem from broader community concerns about program effectiveness rather than opposition to housing assistance itself. However, the specific outcome of this contested item and whether the funding allocation was ultimately approved or modified was not clearly documented in the available meeting materials. This disagreement highlighted ongoing tensions between council members regarding budget priorities and the balance between direct service provision and administrative overhead in social service programs. ## Mayor's Budget Address [timestamp: 05:00] Mayor Linda Gorton presented the city's budget proposal during this agenda item. The presentation focused on three primary areas of investment that the administration has prioritized for the upcoming fiscal year. The Mayor highlighted significant investments in public safety as a cornerstone of the proposed budget. She outlined funding allocations aimed at enhancing the city's safety infrastructure and services, though specific dollar amounts were not detailed in the available information. Parks and recreation received notable attention in the budget presentation, with Mayor Gorton emphasizing the administration's commitment to maintaining and improving the city's park system and recreational facilities for residents. A key component of the budget proposal involved employee compensation, with the Mayor announcing planned pay raises for city workers. This investment in human resources was presented as part of the city's effort to retain and attract qualified personnel across various departments. The budget address served as an informational presentation, providing council members and the public with an overview of the administration's fiscal priorities and spending plans. As a presentation item, no formal action was taken during this portion of the meeting, with the address serving to introduce the budget proposal for future consideration and deliberation by the council. The Mayor's presentation established the framework for upcoming budget discussions and provided stakeholders with insight into the administration's strategic priorities for municipal spending in the coming fiscal year. ## Recognition of GIS SAG Award [timestamp: 60:00] The city recognized its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team for receiving a Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award during the April 18, 2023 meeting. This proclamation acknowledged the team's outstanding work in geographic information systems. Mayor Linda Gorton and Chris Doerge served as the key speakers for this recognition item. The award represents significant achievement in the field of geographic information systems, highlighting the quality and impact of the city's GIS work. The recognition was approved without recorded opposition, reflecting the council's support for acknowledging the GIS team's professional accomplishments. This type of special achievement award typically recognizes innovative applications of GIS technology, exceptional technical work, or significant contributions to the geographic information systems field. The proclamation serves to publicly honor the GIS team's dedication and expertise while highlighting the city's commitment to utilizing advanced geographic information systems technology in municipal operations. --- ## Decisions - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve the April 20, 2023 Council meeting docket - **Motion** — passed (0-0): place on the docket for Thursday, April 20, 2023, an Ordinance changing the zone from a Professional Office (P-1) zone to a Neighborhood Business (B- 1) zone, for 1.23 net (1.37 gross) acres, for property located at 446 East High Street - **Motion** — passed (0-0): place on the Council Meeting docket for Thursday, April 20, 2023, an Ordinance changing the zone from Planned Neighborhood (R-3) zone to a Neighborhood Business (B-1) zone, for 0.2916 net (0.3516 gross) acres, for property located at 507 S. Limestone - **Motion** — passed (0-0): place on the docket for the Thursday, April 20, 2023 Council Meeting, resolution authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the Urban County Government, to execute and submit a grant application to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), and to provide any additional information requested in connection with this grant application, which grant funds are in the amount of $237,000.00 federal funds under the FY2023 Kentucky Homeland Security Grant Program, and are for the purchase of portable power stations ($12,000.00) and a medical oxygen generating trailer system ($225,000.00), for the Division of Emergency Management - **Motion** — passed (0-0): place on the docket for the Thursday, April 20, 2023 Council Meeting, an Ordinance changing the zone from a Professional Office (P-1) zone to a Neighborhood Business (B-1) zone, for 0.57 net (0.90 gross) acres, for property located at 1008 South Broadway - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve the March 21, 2023 work session summary - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve budget amendments - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve new business - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve Neighborhood Development Funds - **Motion** — passed (0-0): amend Neighborhood Development Funds, changing the amount to Bryan Station Alumni Association to $1,000 - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve amendments to Chapter 17B of the Code of Ordinances, related to street trees - **Motion** — passed (0-0): refer source of income discrimination, from Tenants Bill of Rights to the Social Services and Public Safety Committee - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve the Mayor's Report - **Motion** — passed (0-0): approve Price Contract Bid Recommendations - **Motion** — passed (0-0): adjourn at 4:53pm --- ## Full transcript Music Thank you. Welcome, everyone. Welcome. I'll go ahead and call to order the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council Work Session. Today is April 18, 2023, and the first item on the agenda is public comment for issues on the agenda, and we do not have anyone signed up for issues on the agenda. So next, I'll entertain a motion to approve the docket. Thank you, Council Member Plowman, and then Council Member Grace seconded. And I'll ask, are there any questions? Council Member Legree. Mayor, I don't have a question, but I have two planning items. May I move to put them on now? Yes. Yes, thank you. I move to place an ordinance changing the zone of a professional office P1 zone to a neighborhood business B1 zone. For 1.23 net acres for property located at 446 East High. Bread and Roses LLC, Council District 3, on the docket without a public hearing. So moved. All right, Council Member Worley seconds. Are there any questions? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Okay, that motion passes. Councilmember Bax. Did you have another one? Yes, please. I move to place an ordinance change in the zone from planned neighborhood R3 zone to a neighborhood business B1 zone for 0.2916 net acres for property located at 507 South limestone a portion of dutch brothers llc council district three on the docket with a public hearing on may 18th at 5 pm so moved okay is there a second council member james brown seconded are there questions all those in favor say aye is anyone opposed all right that motion passes Yes. Councilmember Baxter. Thank you, Mayor. I move to place on the docket for the April 20th, 2023 council meeting a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute and submit a grant application to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. And to provide any additional information requested in connection with this grant application, which grant funds are in the amount of $237,000 federal funds under the FY 2023 Kentucky Homeland Security Grant Program. and are for the purchase of portable power stations and a medical oxygen generating trailer system. It's my understanding this grant is time sensitive and it requires no local match. So moved. Second. All right. Seconded by Council Member Reynolds. Any questions? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. That motion passes. Council Member Savigny. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to place on the diket. Item number two, an ordinance changing the zone, a professional P1 zone to a neighborhood business B1 zone for .57 net .90 gross acres for the property located at 1008 South Broadway on the docket without a public hearing. So moved. Okay. Vice Mayor Wu seconds. Are there any questions? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Are there any other motions for the docket? Okay, all those in favor of approving the docket as amended, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Next is the March 21st Council Work Session Table of Motions. Could I have a motion? So moved. Second. Council Member Ellinger moves. Council Member Plowman seconds. Were there any questions? Does anyone have any questions? All right. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? Okay. That motion passes. We'll move on now to budget amendments. If I could have a motion to approve. So moved. Second. Thank you. Council Member Plowman and second Council Member Baxter. and if you'll log in with your, if you have questions. Council Member Fred Brown. Thank you, Mayor. Wanted to check with Fire Chief, I guess, Journal 140284, Division of Fire, to provide funds for the purchase of a rescue boat for special operations by decreasing funds for minor equipment. I see where you're getting the money, you're just switching it over. But my question, twofold, I guess, is how many rescue boats do we have in inventory now? And is this going to be additional or expansion of work you can do on the Kentucky River, I guess? So my understanding is we have about four functional boats right now. And this, I believe, is going to be a replacement for one that needs to be replaced. We also had a request in the mayor's proposed budget. Okay. And will this probably be used a little bit more on the Kentucky River? I know you've used any waterways in Fayette County, but since we are acquiring that property down there at the Kentucky River? Yes, sir. I believe this is going to be staged in a location where we can readily access it, probably Richmond Road, to get it closest to the river. Yeah, great. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Are there any other questions about the budget amendments? All right, all those in favor of approving, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. For your information only, Council Members, next are the budget adjustments on pages 10 through 13. and then we move on to new business if I could have a motion to approve. Thank you. Council Member Baxter and then Council Member Sheehan seconds. And if you'll log in, please, if you have questions. Council Member Baxter. Thank you, Mayor. I have a question about item A. There he is. Hello, Commissioner Ford. I was just curious if this Meridian Management Corporation has had the contract up until now or if they're a new? Yes, Council Member. They're our current provider. They're our current management company. They've been with us for about 10 years now, and they recently responded to the RFP we reissued. Okay. Did we have multiple respondents? We did not, I don't believe. I believe we were concerned about that. We are pleased that they did respond. They have been a great partner for us over at the courthouse complex. We're satisfied. Okay, that's great. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Council Member Ellinger. Thank you, Mayor. Number W, please. Thank you, Director Carey. Oh, yep. Welcome. Could you tell me what's going on with this grant that we're going to be applying for and how we're going to participate with the? Sure. So this is a federal grant through the EPA, and it is basically automatically going to be awarded at either the state, municipality level, or to the municipal statistical areas. And so based on conversations we've had with the state, they are not going to be requesting the funding that's available. So that opens it up for us. and the five neighboring counties around us to request the funding to the tune of $1 million to do some climate pollution reduction grant planning. By completing this plan over the course of three years, then the next pot of money will become available, and that's for implementation of the projects that are identified in the plan or the goals that are identified in the plan, and that will allow us to apply for that funding if we choose to move forward. So this just is the start of just the plan, and then we'll go to figure out how we can reduce our greenhouse gases? Yes. Okay, but this is three years that we'll do the plan? Mm-hmm. Okay, that helped explain it. Thank you very much. And then number DD, Mayor. Oh, yes. Could you talk about this? I know we got an email about it, but just how we're using this money, what's going forward? but I think it's in two different parts here. Yeah, it's actually two awards, but they were responses to a single RFP. We issued an RFP for housing stability services to provide eviction mediation in district court as well as access to counsel for tenants who are in court. We received several responses. These are the two that we're awarding. What this project will do sort of jointly between the two contracts is in Fayette District Court, which is where eviction court is held, It's going to provide expanded access to counsel for tenants who are typically not represented in most cases, as well as it's going to provide mediation support both prior to court and in court, different scenarios for tenants to mediate with the landlord to attempt to resolve a situation that does not result in a judgment or an eviction that puts them out. This is 1.9. How much do we have left in the whole program? I'd have to get you that number because it changes daily in terms of the rent money that's being spent. Ballpark? That's all right, you can get back with me. About $10 million. Okay, all right. Thank you. We're allowed to use a certain percentage of those funds and actually encouraged by Treasury to use a certain percentage of those funds for these types of activities that will build capacity for once those funds are gone. And I'd be remiss if I didn't thank Judge Gunther who's with us today who was a huge, huge resource for us in building this program. Thank you, Judge. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Council Member Fred Brown. Yes, I want to piggyback on DD. Mr. Lanter? Commissioner? Just a little bit more expansion on that. You've got two, is that contracts? Is that an annual contract? It's not annual. It'll run through 1231 of 24 because that aligns with the time in which we're allowed to expend those funds. And is this a max amount that you set up there? I mean, you never know how much legal expense there's going to be because you don't know how many cases are out there. Well, there'll be staff attorneys, so it's not like we're paying an hourly rate or something along those lines. They're each getting a fixed contract rate or a fixed amount under each of these contracts to match the budgets they gave us in the RFP. And each of them are hiring their own attorneys who will be staff attorneys. It's not like they're going to bill us for. So the dollar amount we're expending there is what we're going to expend. It's not based on cases or litigation or anything. Correct. Correct. And it's not just court expenses as well. There's other expenses. This seems like a large number to me. What have we done in the past along in this particular situation? We've not. That's sort of what makes this so exciting is that there is no, So there's only sort of at a pilot level been any involvement. So this is new that's coming out of our affordable housing? No, this is a new initiative that will be run straight out of my office under these contracts using the emergency rental assistance program. So this is something new then? This is brand new, yes. We tried a pilot in October of this and did really just a few cases just to kind of see how it needed to work. before we could craft an rfp uh we involved a lot of partners had we've been having conversations about this for many months and and this is the result of sort of what we built from all that is this uh is this going to be in the new budget is this where it's coming from as far as the these are grant funds these are federal grants all grant all federal there's no general no matching no matches required okay appreciate it thank you councilmember fogel Thank you, Mayor. And I'm going to ask you to speak into the mic so that I can hear you fully. And this is piggybacking off of DD. And I wrote myself some notes because it's so important. I don't want to really miss anything. So the 1.9 million that you're asking for is going off of a pallet program, I think it was 10 cases that you reported, and for a four month period. And it looks like this money is to pay the professionals for service. In my opinion, that 1.9 million could serve the impacted people in keeping them into their housing. So I know that I have asked for data since January and I have yet to receive it. I'm a new council member. I hope that we don't just hand out money like we're handing out candy for Halloween. I'm really disappointed and it looks like it's going towards salaries. And I know Judge Gunther has a great idea here. But if the attorney is going to represent the tenant in mediation, in mediation, why wouldn't we just go ahead and pay the landlords? I have done my own research, I've talked to many homeowners and landlords and they are upset because they have not received funds from the last housing stabilization to keep people from being evicted. So, reluctantly, I'm not in agreement with 1.9 million. I think it's a lot of money to pay attorneys, and we don't know how many people are out there. And I just do the research because I have a lot of constituents who is going to be involved in these evictions. I've seen so many folks, all of their belongings on the sidewalks, in our districts. And so I'm asking you, one, would you please send me the data I asked for? Two, just show me where this would improve people's lives. Because mediation doesn't mean that their rent is going to be paid. And if the mediation is not met, then the tenant will be evicted anyway. Is that true? To answer your first question, Council Member Fogle, My office has responded to every question that you have asked us and provided you all the data that you have requested from us. That has all been provided. To answer your second question, yes, it can still result in someone being evicted, but it very often does not, and that's the whole point. The purpose of the program is to prevent evictions, and it has shown the ability to do that. the rent funds to pay rent are dwindling daily and will not be there much longer. And so we need infrastructure and capacity to help these folks when we don't have tens of millions of dollars to pay rent. And that day is coming. And so while I certainly respect your opinion, I feel like this is just one different way to sort of take a bite at the same apple of trying to help prevent people from being put out onto the street. So what we do know is that when Sleeping Beauty, when she bit the apple, she went to sleep, and I think some things are sleeping right now. I have not seen positive outcomes from even folks. When we had the money to pay the rent for folks, the money did not get to the landlords. That's why landlords will not accept Section 8 because our governance have not proven to be true in getting the money where it needs to be. So if we go to court and we're paying these attorneys an enormous amount of money, 1.9 million. And no, my office has not received the data. I'm sorry that we are in difference. I would not sit here and say that we received it or not received it if we had received it. Not the data that I'm requiring and asking for. But we can take this up on another day. Thank you for your, for me, not a clarification for what I'm asking right now. Vice Mayor Wu. Thank you, Mayor. I have a question about item H. I believe that's Commissioner Ford. So this item is about, let's see, renewing the police academy lease with BCTC. We know just an hour ago, our mayor has proposed looking into a joint fire and police training center. Now, we do realistically know that things don't move so fast that we're going to get to a point where we're moving into a new building. But my question would be is if we had to break a lease like this early, what happens? What are the penalties? What are the consequences? Good question, council member. And I'll ask police mayor if it's okay if they may want to chime in in regards to the operation of the police academy at BCTC. The campus has been a great partner. We've been there almost 10 years now, and we're extending this by just a year. I would venture and guess that if we needed additional time on a short-term basis, that the college, we would be in a position to negotiate and make that request to them. I think the police will just say that we have differing needs now, as the mayor mentioned in her budget address. So to your point, Vice Mayor, we're going to be careful and diligent, and we don't intend at this point to extend a long-term lease at the campus. We don't feel any pressure at this moment for being, or have a concern of being displaced by the campus. I think that facility will meet our needs for the foreseeable future that we may need them as we make our long-term plans towards the public safety facility. Yeah, I was just curious about sort of how that segue would happen, and I'm honestly not that worried about it, simply because the wheels don't move that fast. It would be amazing if we somehow had to break this lease because we were breaking ground on our new training center in less than a year. It may be more likely. I'll just assure you, it may be more likely we may be back here asking for another year. But for the business item before you today is just to take us through this upcoming fiscal year. But it sounds like, in your opinion, BCTC would be relatively flexible and work with us on whatever the way it is. We have, and I think I can speak for Chief and others. The administration, the prior administration and the current administration, they've been nothing but supportive. BCTC and the entire system, KCTCS, have a great partnership. Great. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Council Member Savigny. Thank you, Mayor. Commissioner Ford, this is for you too as well. Sorry. It's also on H. Is that the extent of our entire lease there with BCTC for the police training facility? And about how many square feet is it? I'm just kind of curious. It's roughly 20,000 square feet. Okay. And that is our only lease agreement with the college. Okay. Thank you very much. Council Member Lynch. Thank you, Mayor. I have a question about item M. I don't know if Director Walters is here or CAO Hamilton. Just a question about the position that's going to be created for the Division of the Police. The Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator seems to be a very important position. I'm excited about this position. And I was just wondering, I know this position is grant funded. and it's only being appealed for for specific length of time. Is that because it's a grant funded position and it's not permanent yet? Will it be permanent? Are we going to ask for more money? So that it can be permanent? Those are very good questions, yes. The initial grant just goes through the first period of time, so it'll be an unclassified civil service position. Police can then request an extension of six months. And then I'm sure depending on how that turns out, they may have a request in a future budget to either maybe they can get more grant funds or ask for it to be permanent. Okay. Awesome. Thank you so much. You're welcome. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Are there any other questions about new business? No. All those in favor of approving, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. That motion passes. Thank you. Next, we have continuing businesses and a presentation. First, I'll entertain a motion to approve the neighborhood development funds. Thank you, Council Member Sheehan, and I heard Council Member Reynolds. Any questions? Motion to amend, perhaps? Yes. I would like to... Let me pull it up, you all. I would like to make a motion to amend the amount for Bryan Station High School in the NDFs to $1,000. All right, is there a second? Second. Okay, Council Member Ellinger, thank you. Are there any questions? Alumni Association. All those in favor of that amendment, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Anything else for neighborhood development funds? All right, all those in favor of approving as amended, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. We need a motion next for the Council Capital Projects. So moved. Thank you, Council Member Ellinger, and second was by Council Member Baxter. Are there any questions? All those in favor, please. Oh, I caught you. Council Member Fred Brown. Comment. I mean, the $190,000 was part of the reconciliation to assist with the Gainesway Park playground project. This is going to be not funded by the budget as such, but I want to thank Councilmember Blue and Councilmember Albuquerque for contributions to this. I use my capital money. Because we can't let this information out. and uh that's about half of what it's going to take but uh i want to go to walk away and provide you a real good and a new playground at the games rate parks i'm really excited about it and i appreciate the input so far thank you that's great thank you any other questions or comments on capital projects council member pluman thank Thank you, Mayor, and also very related to what Council Member Brown just mentioned is the capital funds for the Hamlet project. And I want to thank Council Member Baxter, I hope I don't forget anybody. Council Member Brown, Council Member Dave, and let's see who else is on that. I didn't bring my sheet down there. My gosh, Council Member Elliger, thank you all so much. And guess what? There's still time. So, my money is pretty much gone, but yours is not. So, really, welcome this community project for any more additional support from our council members with their capital funds. Thank you so much. Thank you. Council Member Sevigny. Thank you, Mayor. I also wanted to thank our three at large council members. All of them donated to the LexArts project that's going to beautify the bridge abutments on Southland Drive. They're going to be so funky, public art. It's going to be awesome and very excited about it. And I appreciate all your guys' help. Very good. Anything else about capital projects? All those in favor of approving, say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. At this time, I'll call on Councilmember Fred Brown for his Environmental Quality and Public Works report. Oh, we have a new chair. I'm so sorry. Who's the new chair? Remind me. Remind me. I apologize. I went into old mode. Councilmember Sheehan, congratulations. Thank you. I'm so sorry. Happened back in January. I know this. There's a lot going on. Welcome back. Hold on one second. Okay. My report out. Oh, does she have it? Yes, it's here. I just didn't have it open on my computer. Okay, so this is the report out for the February 7, 2023 meeting. The meeting was called to order at 1.04 p.m. The first item on our agenda was approval of the November 1, 2022 committee summary. There were no additions or corrections, and the summary was approved without dissent. Next, we had Chris Stent with Division of Water Quality, who presented the findings from the Capacity Assurance Program, the CAP Program audit. But there was a CAP program task force which began work in May 2012 with a completion date of September 2012. And 19 recommendations were brought forward which became the framework of the program moving forward. One of the recommendations was an audit to take place every two years to ensure compliance. The audit presented in February was from July 2019 to June 2021, 18 random applications reviewed out of a total of 171 applications. The CAP audit findings showed everything was in compliance with requirements outlined in the ordinance. Most of the committee discussion centered on the timeline of two years between audits. The committee requested a draft ordinance recommending a change to the audit timeline be presented at the next committee meeting, which was scheduled for today. No action was taken on that item. Next, Jennifer Carey with Division of Environmental Services provided a presentation on the Hazardous Street Tree Cost Share Program. She said the guidelines provided a framework, intent eligibility, participation guidelines, et cetera, for the program. Potential changes included height requirements, changes to the tree board membership, and the number of tree board meetings, and clarifying two types of appeals based on various issues. There was some discussion about diversity on the tree board and Carrie said addressing diversity is one of the goals for bringing these changes forward. Speaking about funding, Carrie said there is $500,000 in the budget from the general fund and the ad hoc committee has allocated $150,000 to help clear and work through the backlog. There was a motion to approve a resolution approving guidelines for the hazardous street tree cost share program which was reported out at the work session on February 7, 2023. There is also a motion to approve the proposed amendments to Chapter 17B of the Code of Ordinances relating to street trees as presented to the committee. That motion passed without dissent. So on behalf of the committee, I move to move forward those amendments today. All right. Vice Mayor Wu seconds. Are there any questions? Comments? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. And then finally, several items were removed from committee, including wrongway driving, single-use plastics slash energy conservation, waste management fines, 5G small cell wireless plan updates, and the hazardous street tree cost share program. The meeting adjourned at 2.29 p.m., and that concludes. my report out. Thank you mayor. Thank you council member Sheehan chair of environmental quality and public works. Now it's time for recognition. At this time, I'd like to ask Chris Dorich if he would join me at the podium. Chris Dorge is the manager of our geographic information systems or GIS. GIS is an essential part of a well functioning city. GIS works alongside other city divisions to provide accurate location based data that advances our infrastructure and keeps our city safe. GIS also provides the basic information for LexCol, which citizens use every day to interact with government. Lexington has received a special achievement in geographic information systems award at the 2023 ESRI User National Conference, which recognizes organizations that are making strides with this technology. Our GIS is being recognized for its hard work with Lexington Data Hub, LexCall, and LexFind. This is the third time our GIS folks have won this award, and we're really proud of them. So I'd like right now for our employees committed to GIS and to our city to stand. These are the GIS employees. And Chris Deorge is with me. Dustin Baker, Nick Brock, Lauren Weaver, Rob Pogue, Rob Volpenheim, Peter Bourne, and Shane Smith. This is wonderful, and we congratulate all of you. I have to say, for me, the most fascinating was that 2000 redistricting. 11 and 21. because it was the first time I had seen them be able to instantly do what the committee wanted, which was, could you take this neighborhood and put it over here and see what happens? It was all done. The numbers all turned out. So thanks to each and every one of you for keeping the quality of life and safety of all our Lexington residents at the very foundation of your work. And now it is my pleasure to read this proclamation and present it. And if you all would want to join me up here, and then we'll get a picture after the proclamation. Okay, good. Okay. Whereas Lexington received a special achievement in geographic information systems award at the 2023 ESRI User Conference. And whereas geographic information systems technology is a set of tools used to store, visualize, and analyze location-based data. And whereas this award not only honors the hard work of the individuals at GIS, but educates our community and brings awareness to the benefits of this rapidly developing technology. And whereas the mission of GIS is to protect the life and safety of Lexington residents. And whereas GIS provides tools to operate our infrastructure, strengthen our economy, and keep our residents safe. And whereas GIS works alongside emergency responders, providing accurate data for emergency situations, leading to a quicker, more efficient response. And whereas Lexington remains committed to utilizing GIS to continuously serve residents through accurate, useful geographic information. information. Now, therefore, I, Linda Gorton, Mayor of Lexington, do hereby declare April 18, 2023, Lexington GIS Day. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Does anybody want to say a few words? Thank you. Thank you. Do you? I'm going to ask our CIO, Aldona Valicenti, to say a few words because she loves these people. Right? As do we. Thank you, Mayor. I can't tell you how delighted I am that this group actually got this award. And as the mayor said, it's not the first time. It's actually the third time. And Chris told me he did not believe that he would ever get it for a third time. But I'll tell you, I've known about this group long before I came to the city. When I worked at the state level, we knew very, very well who the outstanding GIS organization was. And we always thought of Lexington that way. But I want you to know that for this particular moment, the competition for this award was extremely, extremely great. They competed with 100,000 entries. So, congratulations. I couldn't be more delighted. That's wonderful, thank you. You'll be in the picture too. So we'll take a picture with the council now. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Now it's time for council reports. If you have one, please log in. Councilmember Reynolds. Thank you, Mayor. Well, this Saturday, everything in the world is happening all at once, including a Lizzo concert in Rupp Arena. So our residents are going to have to pick what events to attend. But the Main Street Clean Sweep is happening at Valley Park from 9 a.m. to 12. And that event happens every year. It's one of my favorite events. We all get in the creek and we clean things out. and we make the park and the creek look better. And usually there's Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and neighbors and lots of folks involved, so I hope that everyone will come out for that. And then we have the Peace Walk in honor of Anita Franklin at Douglas Park starting at 2 p.m., and I just encourage all of my colleagues to come out and participate in that. It's a really wonderful event, and we hope that folks will, I'm sorry, Duncan Park, I said Douglas and I meant Duncan, Duncan Park. And we hear from a lot of people who have experienced or been affected by gun violence and it's a really moving event that we can all participate in. So I encourage folks to get out for that. And then there's this event on Saturday at 6 p.m. called Dancing with the Lexington Stars. And this event is a really fun event that raises money for the Rotary Endowment Fund, which gives money to local charities. And yours truly will be participating this year. So I hope that everybody will vote for me and buy tickets and do all the things at dancelexstars.com. And so come out for a fun night for a good cause. It's really neat to be able to combine a good cause with dancing. So, yeah. Can you shake it away? I'll let- Thank you, Mayor. Now, you know you're competing with the Fayette County Judge Executive. I'm not scared. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Legree. Thank you, Mayor. Just a couple of things to highlight, and I want to start with this past weekend. Reforest the Bluegrass was so wonderful. We had perfect weather for planting thousands of trees and I heard that the goal was to put between 7 and 8,000 trees in the ground and I'm really hopeful that we accomplished that goal and I believe that if nothing else, we probably got really close because hundreds of people turned out for reforest this year. And it was really cool to see not only some of our colleagues here, Vice Mayor Wu, Council Member Sheehan, Council Member James Brown, and Council Member Plowman. And hopefully I haven't left anyone out, turn out and plant some trees together. But also there were families and people of all different ages and backgrounds who were there planting trees, and it was so fantastic. And I want to say to our staff who made that event happen, and I know that there were many, many weeks of preparation leading up to it. I want to give a big shout out to Heather Wilson, to your team, to Nathan, to Tim, to Jennifer Carey, to Angela, and your all's teams. I was impressed, I know all the rest of my colleagues were, but as I was planting trees, I heard people in the community talking about how impressed they were with all of the LFUCG employees who were there. And they didn't know who I was. And so they weren't saying it for my benefit, they were saying it because that's really how they felt. And this was just a big show of support for trees in our community, but also in the idea that we can make an impact together in a really positive way. I also want to say thank you to the tree board and to Trees Lexington and to all of the fantastic community partners who showed up and who helped spread the good word and positive and productive education about the importance of trees and the environment. So that's my first thing. My second thing, a local musician told me about a great upcoming event. This Friday, April 21st, the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra is going to be performing Mahler's number two, the Resurrection Symphony, which is supposed to be really fantastic at the University of Kentucky. It is a ticketed event. It's $10 for adults and $4 for students, but it's also family friendly. And children age six and above are encouraged to come out and enjoy some fine arts and performance in our community. Yeah, just young appreciation of the arts right there. And then finally, just a reminder that Earth Day is April 22nd, so that's this coming weekend, and I can share more about that on Thursday. All right, thank you, Mayor, that's it. Thank you, thank you. Councilmember Baxter. Thank you, Mayor. I have a few things today. Over our recess, I had the opportunity to meet with Christian Postal, who's the CEO of the Lexington Leadership Foundation. And they're housed at the Woodhill Community Center. And I was able just to learn more about their mission. They have initiatives such as Urban Impact, Amachi, and Fatherhood Initiative. And they're really doing great work enabling our youth to learn, grow, succeed, and overcome obstacles in their lives as well striving to improve our children's healthy development, academic achievement, and other critical elements associated with positive life incomes. Like I said, they're really doing great work over there and I really appreciate Christian giving me a tour of their facilities. And if you're looking for a way to volunteer in the community and really make a difference, this is a great place for our community members to volunteer. You can learn more about volunteering by visiting www.lexlf.org forward slash volunteer. And next, I have some pictures. Okay, so I have a little bit of sad news. This is Panzer, he is a retired Lexington mounted patrol horse. And unfortunately, he passed away recently in a barn fire that we had. He served the mounted patrol unit for 16 years from 1998 to 2014. He was recognized as the longest serving police force in the unit and he was retired to Four Winds Farm here in Lexington. In the early hours of this past Friday, April 14th, Four Winds Farm experienced a horrific early morning barn fire and they lost 12 horses in the fire including Panzer. So I'd like to offer my most sincere condolences to the farm and to the Lexington Police Department, Mountain Patrol, and to the owners of those horses who perished in the fire. How pretty. So pretty. And then finally, Food Truck Fridays will be back this May in Chilitoe Park, and I could not be more thrilled about it. It's one of my most favorite events that we do in the 9th District. district and the dates are May 12th, 19th, and 26th. Then I'll have more information and details when we get closer to it, but I wanted everybody to go on and put it on their calendar. So I'll see you there. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Councilmember Fred Brown. Thank you, Mayor. Basically, I just wanted to give my condolences to the families. We lost a couple of leaders in this community in the past week. Dr. John Poundstone, he was dedicated to the medical community for over 20 years. He was a health commissioner of Fayette County. He was a pioneer and a health advocate for Fayette County. And I had the pleasure of working with him several years. And so I think the community, what he gave to the community, a lot of people don't know some of the detail. I'm sure the mayor does, because her husband worked under him as a deputy commissioner for several years, and he was a fine gentleman and really a representative for that number of years as a health commissioner. And brought us, I think our Fayette County brought our health department into maybe the forefront and as one of the best run health departments, I think, in the city, I mean in the state. And I'm familiar with that because I audited in my capacity, that was what I did. audited health departments across the state, so I'm very familiar with that. And then the other pioneer, not so much a pioneer, but a community leader was Ray Ball. And I think he, along with Dr. Poundstone, they shaped the Lexington Fayette County community. Ray was a community leader who benefited from the community, but he also gave back to the community in his service on various boards. And he was always available out there. I knew Ray well enough to speak to him and see what he was doing in his capacity as a leader in the building trade. And so I think he'll be sorely missed. My prayers go to Myra Ball and his family. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Lynch? Thank you, Mayor. Just a few announcements. On Wednesday, tomorrow, April 19th, we'll be having our first District 2 district-wide meeting being held at the STEAM Academy. So I'm inviting all Second District residents and neighbors to come out on Wednesday. One of the big topics of discussion will be the new grocery store coming in to the Second District at the corner of Citation and Georgetown. So please come out, residents of the Second District, to our meeting tomorrow evening at 630. Kite Fest will be going on on April the 29th at Madison Station Park. So get your kites, get your families, and come out to the Madison Station Park for a fun day. That event will occur from noon until 4 p.m. at Madison Station Park. Wake Up Lexington is going on this Friday. I've been wearing my teal ribbon all week because April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. So please, on Friday, visit your favorite local coffee shop that's participating and support Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Month with your purchase. The flyer can be found on my council social media pages that lists all of the coffee shops that will be participating on this Friday. And then lastly, similar to Council Member Reynolds, I will be participating in an awesome, fun community event. I will be a participant in the Celebrity Curtain Call with the Lexington Children's Theater this Friday. I have not learned my lines yet, so we're going to see what happens on Friday. But it should be a fun, fun time, and so tickets are selling fast. When I heard last week, they were almost sold out. But I look forward to participating and giving back to a great organization that does so much for our community. And I think that's it, Mayor. Thank you so much. Thank you. Council Member Savigny. Thank you, Mayor. I've got two things. First is I'd like to place source of income discrimination from the original tenant's bill of rights into the social services and public safety committee. So moved. Second. House member Reynolds, second. Any questions? All right, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? Okay, that passes. Thank you. And then I wanted to take a moment because today we were presented with a big budget. And I wanted to really thank, from someone who's done budgeting for 25 years, it's a solid process that we go through. And I really think that the people that put it together and work on it, I never felt like my opinion didn't matter. I definitely felt like it was open and honest and fair. And I think I just want to, my hat's off to the whole team that kind of actually worked on it and put it together. I'm excited for us to have fun with it. But thank you so much for all the hard work that you guys put into it. Don't have too much fun. And that's it. Thank you, Mayor. Council Member James Brown. Thank you, Mayor. And thank you, Council Member Brown, for recognizing those leaders. I know our prayers are with those families that lost those community leaders. I'd just like to congratulate Chris DeGeorge and his team and GIS for the work they do. I know they always have been responsive to my office and council and other folks throughout city government. I know they do a lot of work to support task force and work groups, and being able to have that information in real time in a way that's digestible, it's beneficial, so kudos to them. and that recognition. And then, you know, there were a lot of events that took place over the last few weeks. I don't want to go into all of them. It was so many of them. But I'll just mention one of the ones that I had the pleasure to attend, also with Council Member Sheehan, was the BIA, the Builders Institute, spring graduation. Seeing those folks that went through their school, their education curriculum, and graduate with the skills and the ability to get into a lifetime career that actually gives them the resources to provide a better quality of life for their families is impressive. A lot of times we're encouraging, which is the right thing to do, young people and students to go to college and seek careers, but there are lucrative, productive careers in the trades and having BIA in our community and providing those opportunities and seeing those families celebrate with those students was something special that night. And then, like Councilmember Sevigny, I just want to, Mayor, give you and your team credit for putting together this budget. All the hard work from Commissioner Hensley and CAO Sally Hamilton and her team. It is a transparent, inclusive process, and the fact that you were able to take a lot of input from Councilmembers and incorporate those priorities into your budget speaks a lot for you. This is a budget that really improves on the quality of life here in Lexington with public safety as a priority. We're spending a lot of money in parks, and I think I've heard criticism about that in the past, but I won't back down from that. I think an investment in our parks is actually a real investment in our community and in our neighborhoods because everybody should have access to safe public spaces with the amenities to be productive. And then also the pay raises that you gave the non-sworn employees. I think we know how hard it is to continue to recruit and retain talent and anything and everything that we can do to try to improve working conditions and pay for our employees is something that we need to do. So I appreciate the steps that you've taken to ensure that going forward and putting together a budget that we now look forward to working with as a council. So thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Councilmember Sheehan. Thank you, Mayor. First, I would like to just make folks aware that Honor Flight is happening this weekend on Saturday. And Honor Flight, if you haven't participated in this in the past, it celebrates our veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation's memorials. If you would like to greet the veterans as they are leaving for their trip on Saturday or returning back to Lexington, you are invited to come and celebrate them. If you want to come in the evening, get there by 8 p.m. They're expected to return around 9, but you know flights can come in a little early sometimes and they want to have everybody in place. There is free parking and a shuttle for people who are coming to participate in the honor flight. If you want more information about Honor Flight, you can go to honorflight.org. You can even apply to be a guardian for future trips. So it's a great experience highlighting people who have served our country and our community. Then for EQPW committee, as chair, I'm going to place two items into committee. one we oftentimes get questions about from our residents about the process for burying the lines when we have power outages and I have asked for KU to come and present to us on how to answer questions from residents about the process and what it takes and they have agreed to do that so I just want to officially a place that item into committee so we can log it in our official channels and then today during our conversations on the paving management plan council member werley asked for us to consider a presentation on the ways that we use recycled pavement and our environmental best practices in our paving process so i'm going to also place that into committee and then finally i would also like to highlight two folks that we that have served our community and that we have been paying respects to. One, today we were able to participate and view the motorcade that happened down Main Street for the school crossing guard James Holland that passed away. And I would just like to say that we are thinking of his family, certainly, and I would like to thank the Lexington Police Department for honoring him and his family with that motorcade. It was a very moving moment, and I appreciated the opportunity to participate in that. So thank you. And then I would also like to just speak briefly about Virginia Bell, who passed away recently. She turned 100 years old recently, but passed. She left a strong legacy for our community, particularly with the work that she did for folks with dementia. She actually helped launch Dementia Friendly Lexington, which is a group of volunteers with the goal of training businesses and other organizations on how to better respond to clients with dementia. And her programs and her teachings and the books that she wrote on how to work with folks and interact with folks with dementia will certainly live on. And so I just want to say that we're thinking of her and honor her and thinking of her family. So thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Vice Mayor Wu. Thank you, Mayor. I have three items. I'm going to be really quick. In light of a bunch of new council members coming in this year, I am extending the deadline for encumbering the council capital projects. I'm pushing that deadline to December 31st, 2023. So end of this calendar year. I've emailed all the council members about it, so everyone should be aware. A couple other quick things. Last week was telecommunications week, so a quick shout out to our E911 folks and all of the people that keep it all together for public safety. And then to piggyback off of Council Member Legree's comments at Reforest the Bluegrass, 550 volunteers came out and planted 7,000 trees. It absolutely triggered the worst allergies I've ever had in my life, but it was worth it. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Council Member Funkle. Thank you, Mayor. So I would like to just announce that we were on recess, We were on recess, but during that recess, our office noticed that it was spring break in Lexington. And so we launched a program called Hunger Doesn't Take a Spring Break. And we identified five parks in the first district that all the children in Lexington could come and eat at. We fed them lunch, and then we sent home backpacks. So we fed over 3,500 kids less in that week, and we sent home 6,000 backpacks. And we filled them with items so that they could eat in the evening until they could get back to the park to us the next day. In our community, mothers and dads are working two or three jobs just to make sure they can pay the rent. So we thought that we could. And so on behalf of all the council members, First District launched that. But it was certainly, we held all the council members there with us. And thank you for showing up when you did, Mayor, to make some comments at Coolivan Park. And so I wanted to announce that. Also, congratulations to Transylvania's women's basketball. Third division, they are the national champions. So Lexington has something to celebrate. National champions in our city. These ladies went 33-0 for the entire year. And they won the national championship, and we were there to celebrate them. And so we do have national champs here, you guys, Transylvania's women. Also, 1st District hosts its second advisory board. I can't do this by myself, and I'm learning a lot, and there's a lot to learn. So we have neighborhood association presidents and leaders that make up the advisory board for the first district so that we can do priorities and help get to a position where when you all look at first district, you'll see the improvements. And I'm proud of First District. And so we're working hard to make some changes. Also, for the very first time I've heard it talked about, I was able to go to this Children's Advocacy Center with these pinwheels. And, you know, I'm just 16 because I'm a leap year baby. So I really got to let my little girl come out and play. And we were out there with these pinwheels. The wind was blowing. It was cold. The mayor didn't have on gloves. And so it was really cold. But we put these pinwheels in the ground. And so many of our children are abused. And so I watched this fantastic moment and was able to be a part of it. And for that, I'm truly grateful. And last but not least, I would like to thank our public works, our police department, Because what has happened in Louisville, Kentucky, could very well happen here in Lexington. And to know that you guys are there to protect us, to get to the scene as fast as you can. I just want to say in advance, I hope it doesn't happen. But in advance, thank you for all that you do, all that you will be doing. And every day that you put your life on the line for every citizen in Lexington. And none of us know if we're going to make it back home, but we know that you put your life on the line to make sure that we're protected as much as you can. And so just thank you. And I just wanted to say that out of my mouth for the Lexington Police Department. So thank you for all you do. And I didn't ask anything from you. That'll be next week. That'll be next, that'll be tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Plumman. Thank you, Mayor. One of the consequences of doing your council reports and not hitting the button, and it doesn't go, it goes to the very bottom, is that a lot of the things you were going to say have already been addressed. But that's okay, I'll be really, really brief. We did reforest the bluegrass. One thing I wanted to mention about that, that is in the 12th district. And it's 240 acres, 280 acres, so close to Winchester Road out on Briar Hill. If you've never been there, go out there. It's gorgeous. And I'm sure the colleagues that were out there on Saturday realized how a cool place it is. Oh, look at that good-looking woman with that baggy pink shirt. So, come on. And I hate to really tell you that. Well, I'm not going to tell you that. I was going to tell you something else. Okay, Reforce the Bluegrass. Also, the Wake Up Lux was mentioned for this Friday and I serve on Greenhouse and also on that coalition, so it's always near and dear to my heart when there are projects. And the coffee shops that are participating, there's 25 of them, a lot of them are located downtown. Go by, take your picture, and post it to help spread the word. And then also it was mentioned about our school crossing guard. lost his life and that was at Garrett Morgan located in the polo club out in the 12th district so our hearts go out our community's hearts go out as well as our district hearts to him and to the family and there was one last thing I was going to mention and I'm trying to also in ReForced you can I believe it's this week can I have a slide on that there it is you can ReForced to him it's this Saturday and basically you can go by Castlewood Jacobson or Waverly and you can pick up your own little seedling of a tree or whatever and take it home and plant it. So if you missed this past Saturday, you can do this this Saturday. And then last but not least, Council Member Fogle, I thought that project was so cool, what you did. And I was able to participate a little bit, but to have this kind of numbers during the spring break and take that leadership and being proactive, I thought was pretty cool. So thank you. Thank you. You're more than welcome. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Councilmember Gray? Thank you, Mayor. I would just like to extend a thank you to Mark Sanders of the EQPW. Thank you, Dave. For a meeting with members or residents who reside on Barnard Drive last night at Liberty Elementary. Since taking office, I have learned that the residents on Barnard Drive have been dealing with severe flooding, extremely severe, where Herbie Curbies are rolling down the road when it rains. That's a problem. And I'm just thankful that, Mark, that you took the time to explain and calm their, let's see, unhappy feelings. And residents on Barnard Drive, I will continue to work on your behalf about this issue. You deserve to not live on a flooded street. And I would like to say thank you to Ed and other residents of 6th District that I met with at Pleasant Ridge Park, who invited me to join them to show me their dog lot and to tell me their ideas for the park and how to get more residents there. So just to all the residents of the 6th District, all you have to do is literally give my office a call, or shoot me an email and I will show up on the dime. So thank you to everybody that's making my district a better place and our city a better place. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Ellinger. Thank you, Mary. I'm going to reiterate what Council Member Plowman said because being the last one to speak, most everything I want to say has been said, but I certainly take the opportunity to thank some very important people in this community that passed away while we were on break, and Dr. Poundstone, who was a commissioner of health for 23 years, he was a great advocate for the health in this community. Virginia Bell was 100 years old. She was a pioneer in dementia care and was active up until being 100 years old. I hope to be that active tomorrow. I mean, it was amazing what she did for this community. And then a good friend of mine, Ray Ball, who passed away, he was a community leader. his family, did a lot for this community, built a lot of houses for this community. And then I was fortunate to be able to go to James Jim Holland's funeral today. And I didn't know him very well, but listened to his eulogy and seeing all the police that were there that were supportive. He was serving our community, and all these people served our community. I just want to thank them for their service, and my thoughts, our thoughts, our prayers go out to their families and their friends. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Any other council reports? All right. I have a few things for you under the mayor's report. First of all, we have the mayor's report. If I could have a motion to approve. Thank you. Council Member Fogle, Council Member Gray. Any questions? Okay. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. We have the price contract bid recommendations on page 78, and I do need a motion to approve those. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Second by Council Member Sheehan. Are there any questions? All right. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. And then finally, before we go to public comment, I wanted to add a few of my thoughts. Virginia Bell was a dear friend and I will miss her greatly. I want to also send my sympathies to Ray Ball's family, to Myra and all of his family. And I wanted to talk quickly about Dr. Poundstone. John Poundstone was a phenomenal physician. He was a Navy veteran. He served as the commissioner of health, as you heard, for 23 years. My husband, Charlie, was his deputy commissioner for administration for 18 of those years. And we learned so much about his dedication to our community and the health of our community. And he was a fine leader. And I extend my sympathies to his wife, Mary, and their family. I also wanted to thank our police for organizing the tribute to James Holland, the crossing guard. You know, this public safety community is a strong one, and if you're in it, they embrace you, no matter what your position is. And I want to send my sympathies to his families. The final thing I wanted to say is also while the council was on break, we had the horrible shootings in Louisville. And some of you are from Louisville. And this is every city's worst nightmare, what happened over there. and someone up here said, one of the council members said, we can never know if it might happen here in our city. And this is one of the reasons I believe strongly in good public safety but also work in the social services areas, mental health, poverty, All of those things that can combine for a person to feel disenfranchised and have an event. And so I do continue to send my thoughts and prayers out to those folks in Louisville. I've been in touch with Mayor Greenberg, and this is just very difficult for them. We work every day here on trying to prevent that sort of thing, and we'll continue to. And so I know it's been on my mind and heart ever since it's happened. I imagine yours too. So we'll continue to keep them in our thoughts. With that, we do have one person signed up for public comment for issues not on the agenda. And I know you know the way it works, but when you go to the podium, if you'll state your name and your council district, and you'll have three minutes to speak, and it is Dottie Bean. Welcome. Well, welcome back, council members. For almost a year now, we've been coming down here trying to defend the public's right to speak to you in public about the operations of this government. Today, we find that you are not going to allow citizens to express opinions, ask questions, or speak to you in public about the operations of this government and the conduct of the behavior of its elected officials in committee meetings, where you have more time and less work to do and should be welcoming the input of the public on matters that you can't know everything about. So we also see that we have a new computerized system for signing up to speak, replacing the simple and inexpensive paper that's so easy to use. and require only that the mayor make sure that they have been brought to her, and she remembers to look at them and call on those who wish to speak. We know you would rather hear from us in private emails that others cannot hear, and we think and so do the courts that public business demands that the people who pay your salaries be allowed to tell you where others can hear differing opinions and not just what a great job you're doing. Today we are filing a formal protest against this new way of doing things in Lex. This is nothing more than trying to suppress any opinions that are different from yours. You seem to be following a liberal playbook right off the cliff of public accountability and transparency. We are today lodging this formal complaint with you and ask that you reimagine this new way of doing things in Lex. and we would like for you to respond to us by having the mayor write us a letter, which we do intend to read in public here at your next public meeting. Thank you. Thank you very much. We have no one else signed up, so I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. All right. Motion, second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All right, we are adjourned. thank you very much guitar solo In my heavenly shoes In my heavenly shoes Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh! Bye. The End Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. Thank you. you