# Urban County Council - August 17, 2023 > Auto-transcribed civic record · August 17, 2023 - **Permalink**: https://meetings.lexingtonky.news/meeting/5888 - **Source video**: https://lfucg.granicus.com/player/clip/5888?view_id=14&redirect=true - **Date**: 2023-08-17 - **Last revised**: August 17, 2023 - **Length**: 11,164 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 Urban County Council convened on August 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The meeting included three agenda items, featuring two informational presentations and one legislative matter that received its first reading. Council members heard four public comments from citizens during the session and conducted three formal votes on various matters before the body. The agenda focused on both community recognition and municipal business, with presentations acknowledging Black Soil and celebrating the 5th Anniversary of CivicLex. The legislative portion of the meeting addressed budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2024 Schedule No. 5, which advanced through its initial reading phase. The combination of ceremonial recognitions and substantive policy work reflected the council's dual role in both celebrating community achievements and conducting the ongoing business of local government. ## Attendance The following members were present at the meeting on August 17, 2023: **Present:** • Sheehan • Worley • Wu • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Elliott Baxter • Fogle • Gray • LeGris • Lynch • Monarrez • Plomin • Reynolds • Sevigny All 15 members were in attendance with no absences or late arrivals recorded. ## Votes and Decisions The council took action on three resolutions during the August 17, 2023 meeting, with all items passing unanimously. **Resolution 0777-23** [timestamp: 04:00] - Accepting the bid of Lagco, Inc., for Police West Sector Cooling Tower Replacement was motioned by Ms. Reynolds and seconded by Ms. Plomin. The resolution passed unanimously with 15 ayes and 0 nays. All council members voted in favor: Sheehan, Worley, Wu, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Elliott Baxter, Fogle, Gray, LeGris, Lynch, Monarrez, Plomin, Reynolds, and Sevigny. **Resolution 0797-23** [timestamp: 05:00] - Accepting the bid of Connhurst, LLC, for Lyon Dr. Stormwater Improvements was motioned by Mr. Sevigny and seconded by Ms. Plomin. This resolution also passed unanimously with 15 ayes and 0 nays. The same 15 council members voted in favor of this infrastructure improvement project. **Resolution 0816-23** [timestamp: 06:00] - Purchase of Magnet Forensics Software was motioned by Ms. Reynolds and seconded by Ms. Plomin. The technology acquisition passed unanimously with 15 ayes and 0 nays, with all council members supporting the purchase. All three votes demonstrated complete council consensus, with no opposition or abstentions recorded on any of the resolutions. The items covered infrastructure improvements for police facilities, stormwater management, and technology upgrades for forensic capabilities. ## Budget and Financial Actions The meeting addressed three significant financial contracts totaling over $8.6 million in municipal expenditures. **Police Infrastructure Maintenance** Resolution 0777-23 authorized a $237,900 contract with Lagco, Inc. for the Police West Sector Cooling Tower Replacement project. This infrastructure maintenance project addresses critical cooling system needs at the police facility. **Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements** Resolution 0797-23 approved a substantially larger contract worth $1,393,232 with Connhurst, LLC for Lyon Dr. Stormwater Improvements. This project represents a significant investment in the city's stormwater management infrastructure to address drainage and flood mitigation needs in the Lyon Drive area. **Major Park Construction Project** The largest financial commitment came through Resolution 0816-23, which authorized a $7,050,000 contract with L-M Asphalt Partners, Ltd. dba ATS Construction for Cardinal Run Park North Construction. This multi-million dollar parks and recreation investment represents the most substantial single expenditure discussed during the meeting. The three contracts collectively represent $8,681,132 in municipal spending across diverse city services including public safety infrastructure, stormwater management, and parks development. The resolutions demonstrate the city's commitment to maintaining existing facilities while expanding recreational amenities for residents. ## Public Comment Four residents addressed the council during the public comment period, covering topics ranging from conservation funding to homelessness concerns. **Conservation District Support** John Wright spoke in support of the millage increase for the Fayette County Conservation District [timestamp: 02:00]. He highlighted the district's important role in protecting natural resources and providing cost-share programs to residents. Christine Smith also advocated for conservation funding, specifically supporting the millage increase for the Fayette County Soil Conservation District [timestamp: 03:30]. Smith emphasized the district's valuable support for local agriculture and environmental programs in the community. **Homelessness Issues** Two speakers addressed homelessness from different perspectives. Brittany Price urged the council to take a compassionate approach to addressing homelessness [timestamp: 02:30]. She emphasized the need for more drop-in centers and better shelter facilities, calling on council members to address the issue with empathy and increased support services. Erica Strecker shared a contrasting viewpoint based on a personal experience [timestamp: 03:00]. She recounted a specific incident involving a homeless individual in her neighborhood and expressed safety concerns. Strecker called for better management of homelessness issues, focusing on the impact on residential areas and community safety. The public comments reflected ongoing community discussions about both environmental stewardship through conservation district funding and the complex challenges surrounding homelessness services and public safety. The speakers represented diverse perspectives on how the council should prioritize and address these local issues. ## Appointments The meeting included three appointments to various city boards and commissions. **New Appointments:** • Paige Smith was appointed to the Arboretum Advisory Board • Denise Gray was appointed to the Commission on Veterans' Affairs **Reappointments:** • Branden Gross was reappointed to the Board of Adjustment These appointments fill vacant positions and continue representation on important municipal advisory bodies that provide guidance on specialized areas including environmental stewardship, veterans' services, and zoning matters. ## Recognition of Black Soil [timestamp: 01:00] Mayor Gorton presented agenda item 0617-23, recognizing Black Soil Kentucky and its contributions to black farming operations and local businesses in the community. The presentation highlighted the organization's work supporting agricultural initiatives and economic development within the black farming community. During the presentation, Mayor Gorton was joined by Ashley C. Smith, who participated in the recognition ceremony. The discussion focused on Black Soil Kentucky's efforts to promote and sustain black-owned farming operations while fostering connections with local businesses throughout the region. As part of the recognition, Mayor Gorton officially declared August 25, 2023, as Black Soil Day, acknowledging the organization's ongoing contributions to the agricultural sector and broader community. The proclamation serves to highlight the importance of supporting diverse farming operations and recognizing the historical and contemporary role of black farmers in the local agricultural economy. The agenda item was presented as an informational presentation with no formal action required from the governing body. No concerns or objections were raised during the discussion, and the recognition proceeded without debate. The presentation concluded with the formal declaration of Black Soil Day, cementing the community's commitment to acknowledging and supporting the work of Black Soil Kentucky and the farmers and businesses it serves. ## 5th Anniversary of CivicLex [timestamp: 01:30] Mayor Gorton and Ms. Reynolds presented agenda item 0818-23 to recognize CivicLex on its fifth anniversary and significant contributions to civic engagement in the community. During the presentation, the officials highlighted CivicLex's role in promoting civic participation and community involvement over the past five years. Richard Young was among the key speakers who participated in the recognition ceremony. As part of the commemoration, Mayor Gorton and Ms. Reynolds officially declared August 17, 2023, as CivicLex Day, formally acknowledging the organization's ongoing efforts to enhance civic engagement within the community. The agenda item was informational in nature, serving as a ceremonial recognition rather than requiring any formal action or vote from the governing body. The presentation provided an opportunity to publicly celebrate CivicLex's milestone anniversary and its positive impact on local civic participation. ## Amending Budgets for FY 2024 Schedule No. 5 [timestamp: 04:30] The council considered Ordinance 0833-23, which would amend certain municipal budgets for Fiscal Year 2024 to reflect current expenditure requirements and appropriate necessary funds. This represents Schedule No. 5 of budget amendments for the fiscal year. The ordinance was presented for first reading without recorded discussion from council members or staff presentations. No specific details were provided during the meeting regarding which budget categories would be amended or the amounts involved in the adjustments. As a first reading item, the ordinance was introduced to begin the formal legislative process but did not receive a final vote. The measure will require additional readings and potential public input before final adoption. The council took no action beyond accepting the first reading of the ordinance. No concerns or questions were raised during this initial presentation of the budget amendment legislation. --- ## Decisions - **Resolution 0777-23** — passed (15-0): Accepting the bid of Lagco, Inc., for Police West Sector Cooling Tower Replacement - **Resolution 0797-23** — passed (15-0): Accepting the bid of Connhurst, LLC, for Lyon Dr. Stormwater Improvements - **Resolution 0816-23** — passed (15-0): Purchase of Magnet Forensics Software --- ## Full transcript Music Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. It is 6 o'clock, so I'll go ahead and call to order the August 17, 2023 council meeting of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council. And first up on our docket is the roll call. 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 Elliot Baxter? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Fogle? Present. Council Member Gray? Here. Council Member Legree? Here. Council Member Lynch? Present. Council Member Minaris? Here. Council Member Plowman? Here. Council Member Reynolds? Here. Council Member Sivigni? Here. Thank you. Thank you, we have a quorum. At this time, I would like to welcome to the podium Carmen Russell, the pastor at Calvary Church of the Nazarene. Welcome. She's going to give our invocation. Let's pray. God, creator of all the universe, we thank you for the opportunity to be a part of creating. You have made us into people who can lead and serve. And God, I just pray that you would make your presence known in this place tonight. That those who are making decisions for our city, those who are leading, who are serving us, God, that you would help guide them and let them know your will and your way. God, I ask that you would help us as we learn what it means to love our neighbor and that we would consider that in every decision that is made. in every thought that is spoken, in every word that is exchanged in any disagreement or discussion, God, that above all, we would love you and love each other. We love you, and we ask all this in your name. Amen. Thank you so much. At this time, I'll entertain a motion to approve the June 29th, July 11th, and July 13th minutes from the council meetings. Now, do I have a motion? Is there any question, any additions or corrections? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. And now at this time we have two presentations. Will Ashley Smith please join me at the podium? And do you want to bring your twins? No? Yeah, you never know. I thought you might want to. We'll take the picture. Oh, Ashley is the co-founder and CEO of Black Soil Kentucky. Black Soil Kentucky is a one-of-a-kind small business that has invested over a million dollars into black farming operations, culinary businesses, creators, and craftspeople through grants, strategic parent ships, sales, and agritourism activities. Black Soil is doing that good work of investing in its neighbors while promoting the importance of supporting local businesses. Ashley, thank you to you and your team for showcasing such innovation and creation. We want you to keep up the great work, and at this time, it is my pleasure to read this proclamation and present it to you. Thank you. Whereas Black Soil Kentucky was founded August 25, 2017, by co-founder and CEO Ashley C. Smith and co-founder Trevor M. Claiborne, Sr. And whereas the organization serves as Kentucky's only statewide agritourism company with a mission to reconnect Black Kentuckians to their heritage and legacy in agriculture. And whereas over the past six years, Black Soil Kentucky has served farmers, chefs, craftspeople through grant writing, education, and outreach, strategic partnerships, and procurement opportunities. And whereas the work of Black Soil Kentucky has increased, sustained, and explained critical market share for Kentucky black farmers, 1.4%, Kentucky black chefs, a little less than 1%, and black artisan craftspeople through its institutional sales, strategically partnered farm-to-table dinners, community outreach through flagship heel over a meal series, workshops, and exploring the commonwealth through their homesteader farm tour series. Now, therefore, I, Linda Gordon, Mayor of Lexington, do hereby declare August 25, 2023 Black Soil Day in Lexington. Thank you for your good work. Thank you. Thank you. You want to say a few words? Sure. All right. We'll hear a little bit from Ashley. Thank you, Mayor Gordon, and thank you to our council members for this recognition. As Mayor Gordon said, next Friday, August 25th, 2023 will be Black Soil KY Day here in Lexington. And to celebrate, we will be working with six non-profits and local agencies. Casa de la Catora de Kentucky, Community Action Council, Aval, Sisters Working Against Gun Violence or Swag, and the Georgetown Street Neighborhood Association to ensure that 300 families across our city will be blessed with groceries valued at $30 per share. So we will have that information on our website. I'd also like to thank our staff, Amber Fuller, our marketing and CSA administrator, as well as our co-founder, Trevor Claiborne, and our junior co-founders, Trevor and Caroline. Thank you so much. Thank you. Would you like to have a picture of the council? Do you want to invite some other folks? Come on. Come on. Okay. In my back? Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Now, I'd like to ask Richard Young, where did you go? And council member Reynolds to join me at the podium. Don't be shy. Richard Young is the founder and executive director of Civic Lex. Civic Lex is an outstanding organization that connects our people with the government, and the workings of government with the people. The organization is celebrating its five year anniversary. Five years of building a community where neighbors participate in the decision making that shapes where they live. Richard and his team have poured countless hours into organizing Civic Lex to be a hub of information for our community, and I so appreciate the hard work that you and your team do. I have been told that in a few days, Richard will be celebrating his birthday. So, and I didn't ask how old. So Richard, happy early birthday from your government friends. And at this time, I am happy to present this proclamation. OK. I don't think there's anything about your birthday in here. Next time. Whereas Civic Lex is a unique nonprofit organization working to improve the civic health of Lexington by helping residents understand local government and local government connect with residents. And whereas Civic Lex is celebrating its five year anniversary, and whereas Richard Young, founder and executive director of Civic Lex, and his staff are committed to finding practical ways to share important government happenings with the public. And whereas the organization has been selected for many prestigious grants and awards from organizations and agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Trust for Public Land, and many others. And whereas the work of Civic Lex has been featured in the Library of Congress, WUKY, PBS NewsHour, my old Kentucky podcast, and more. And whereas Civic Lex is a strong and dedicated contributor to local democracy, now therefore, I Linda Gorton, mayor of Lexington, do hereby declare August 17th, 2023, Civic Lex Day in Lexington. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Are you a team here? Yeah. Some of them. Can the team members stand up, please? We want to see you. And then in a minute after Councilmember, after Richard speaks and Councilmember Reynolds, we want to have you in the picture. Okay? Do you want to say a few words? Okay. Thank you all so much. I was not aware that this was happening today. And for me to not know something that's happening in local government feels like I'm not doing my job. But thank you all so much. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you all so much for this and for all of your partnership and work over the years. We've come a long way in five years. It started with me and my laptop at a desk at the plantery, and now we have eight of us lurking around different city meetings. And when I set out to build Civic Lex, we wanted to build something that wasn't to advocate for any particular outcome or advocate for any particular policy, but to help everyone in Lexington be their own best advocate with local government, no matter what they think, no matter what they feel, no matter what their perspective is, because we think local government is the antidote to so much of the toxicity of politics today. So I want to thank you all so much for this. I know we sometimes might get on your all's nerves a little bit, sometimes, maybe frequently, but we're really grateful to you all for your partnership and for all the hard work that you all do to build a better city that incorporates the views and perspectives of so many folks across Lexington. So thank you so much. Thank you very much, Richard. Now we'll hear a few words from Council Member Reynolds. Thank you. Thank you so much, Mayor. Well, I am really thrilled that we were able to do this tonight, and I thank the mayor. I've known Richard for 10 years, and when he first told me the idea of starting Civic Lex, I could never imagine what it has turned into. And so I'm so excited that we're celebrating the fifth year anniversary and his birthday because his vision has, I think, really transformed a lot of aspects of our community and local government. Civic Lex has helped change the process of civic engagement. Public input has given us a way that we had input for our comprehensive plan. And we are just so grateful for all of the ways that it has helped residents have meaningful involvement with local government. And I especially appreciate the way that you all take information, things that we're doing, and you put it in a way that is just more easy for the general public to understand. So congrats to all Civic Lex employees that we see at so many of our meetings. and the hard work that you all do, it has not gone unnoticed. So cheers once again for your anniversary and your birthday, and thank you for being the creative and genius behind an organization that promotes democracy here in Lexington. Thank you. Thank you. Shall we get a picture? Thank you. Thank you very much. Now, it's time for first reading of ordinances. Yes, ma'am. Item one, an ordinance amend the budget, the Lexington Fair Urbain County Government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures and appropriating repurpating funds, fiscal year 2024, schedule number five, item two. An ordinance amend the budget, the Lexington Fair Urbain County Government to provide funds for purchase orders and prepaid expenses rolling from FY2023 to FY2024 and appropriating repurpating funds, schedule number six, item three. An ordinance amend the budget, the Lexington Fair Urbain County Government to reflect current Requirements for funds in the amount of $122,100 to provide funds for council capital projects. In the divisions of traffic engineering and parks and recreation appropriating funds, Schedule number seven, item four. An ordinance by creating one classified position of computer systems manager senior, grade 526E. In the division of police, creating one classified position of open record supervisor, grade 521E. In the division of police, abolishing one classified position of nuisance control officer, grade 515 in the division of code enforcement creating one classified position of housing advocate grade 517 in the department of housing and advocacy and community development creating one unclassified position of administrative specialist grade 516 in the office of the chief development officer and creating one unclassified position of construction manager grade 531e with the term date of four years expiring june 30th 2027 in the department of environmental quality and public works all effective july 1 2023 item 5. An ordinance meant in the classified civil service authorized to include changes resulting from the administrative review as follows. Abolishing one position of engineering aide senior grade 514N and one position of engineering technician grade 515N. And creating two positions of traffic sign technician grade 515N. And creating one incumbent from the position of engineering aide senior grade 514N. And one incumbent from the position of engineering technician grade 515N to the position of traffic signs technician grade 515N. adjusting the hourly rate of the affected incumbent all in the Division of Traffic Engineering effective November 7, 2022. Item 6. An ordinance levying ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for the fiscal year, July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, on the assessed value of all taxable property within the taxing jurisdiction of the Lexington Fair Urban County Government, all taxes on $100 of assessed valuation as of January 1, 2023 assessment date as follows. General service district, .076 on real property, including real property of public service companies, .0891 on personal property, including personal property of public service companies, non-commercial aircraft, non-commercial watercraft, .150 on insurance capital, .015 on tobacco and storage, and .0450 on agricultural products and storage, full urban and partial urban service district based on urban service available on real property, including real property of public service companies, .139 for refuse collection, .027 for street lights, .009 for street cleaning, .092 for insurance capital, .015 on tobacco and storage, .045 on agricultural products and storage, urban property $1 and living and ad valorem tax for municipal purposes at the rate of .088 on each $100 of assessed value on all motor vehicles and watercraft and then taxing jurisdiction of Lexington Fair or Mechanic Government as of January 1, 2024, assessment date. Item 7. An ordinance adopting the request of the Lexington-Farre Urban County Health Department under KRS 212.755 and levying a special i valorem public health tax for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 on the assessed value of all taxable real and personal property within the taxing jurisdiction of the Lexington-Farre Urban County Government, including real and personal public property service companies, non-commercial aircraft, non-commercial watercraft, and inventory in transit, Excluding insurance capital, tobacco, and storage, and agricultural products in storage at the rate of .0243 on each $100 of assessed value as of January 1, 2023 assessment date. And levying a special ad valorem public health tax at the rate of .0243 on each $100 of assessed value on all motor vehicles and watercraft within the taxing jurisdiction of the Lexington Fair Urban County Government as of January 1, 2024 assessment date. item eight an ordinance loving and ad valorem taxes for purpose of support of this of the soil and water conservation district for the fiscal year July 1 2023 through June 30 2024 on the assessed value of all taxable real estate within the taxing jurisdiction of the Lexington Fair Urbana government including real property and public service companies at the rate of 0.001 on each $100 of the assessed valuation as of January 1 2023 assessment date thank you thank you is there a motion to approve thank you council member Ellinger second by Councilmember Sheehan oh sorry we aren't doing that never mind we're done are there any walk-ons any walk-ons are there any motions to give second reading to any of the items I think they all have schedules no all right let's go to first reading of resolutions item one a resolution sending the bit of like home incorporated in the amount of seven hundred and sixty four thousand eight hundred twelve dollars from Metter Northland Arlington six C1 a and B for the division of grants and special programs and authorizing there on behalf of their mechanic government to execute an agreement with a lack of corporate related to the bid item two a resolution accepting the bit of lack of incorporated the amount of two hundred thirty seven thousand nine hundred dollars the police west sector cooling tower for replacement for the Department of General Services. And authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute an agreement with Leco Incorporated related to the bid. Item three. A resolution of the bid of Conhurst LLC in the amount of $1,393,232 for Lion Drive Stormwater Improvement for the Division of Water Quality. And authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute an agreement with Conhurst LLC related to the bid. Item four. A resolution ratified in the permanent classified civil service appointments of Brandon Destin, Information Officer Grade 518E, 2,21.12, Bi-weekly in the division of government communications, effective August 6th, 2023. Terry Thomas, accounts payable specialist, grade 516N, 22.100. Hourly in the division of accounting, effective July 30, 2023. Jamie Davis, staff assistant senior, grade 511N, 19.337 hourly. In the division of revenue, effective August 13, 2023. Christine Thomas, revenue manager, grade 524E, 2916.96. Bi-weekly in the division of revenue, effective August 13, 2023. Gabriel Thatcher, attorney, grade 526E, 2916. Bi-weekly in the Department of Law, effective July 23, 2023. Whitney, golf, golf, Paul, golf pro supervisor, grade 522E, 2,584.64. Bi-weekly in the Division of Parks and Recreation, effective July 23, 2023. John Dixon, golf services assistant, grade 512N, 17.937 hourly in the Division of Parks and Recreation, effective January 5, 2023. Stacy Granville, grants manager senior, grade 526A, 2,916.08. Bi-weekly in the Division of Grants and Special Programs, effective January 18, 2023. John Pinson II, Grants Manager, Grade 524E, 2689.04 biweekly. In the division of grants and special programs effective July 30, 2023, Jennifer Epperly, Grants Manager, Grade 524E, 2636.16 biweekly. The division of grants and special programs effective August 6, 2023, and ratifying the permanent sworn apartments of Thomasina Grider, police lieutenant, grade 317E, 4278.10 biweekly. In the division of police effective July 30, 2023, Christopher Sylvester, police lieutenant, Grade 317E, 4194.21 biweekly, individual police effective July 2nd, 2023. Wayne White, Police Sergeant, Grade 315N, 40.490 hourly individual police effective July 2nd, 2023. David Lawson, Police Sergeant, Grade 315N, 40.490 hourly individual police effective July 2nd, 2023. Item five. A resolution accepting the bid of LM Asphalt partner LTD DBA ATS construction in the amount of $7,050,000 for Cardinal Run Park North construction for the Division of Parks and Recreation and authorizing the mayor on behalf of the Urban County Government to execute an agreement with LM Asphalt Partners LTD, DBA, ATS, Construction Related to the Bid. Item 6, a resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of the Urban County Government to execute an agreement with the final form of which is subject to the approval of the Department of Law and the Division of Grants and Special Programs with New Beginnings Bluegrass Incorporated under the Home Investment Partnership Program to allocate $1,457,822 of federal funds awarded under the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA, to acquire and rehabilitate eight units of housing and to provide housing and supportive services to individuals or households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or other vulnerable populations and further authorizing mayor to execute any other amendments related to this agreement item seven a resolution authorizing the division of police to purchase magnet forensics software from magnet forensics social social provider and authorizing mayor on behalf of every kind of government to execute any necessary agreement with magnet for forensics related to The procurement, Etacoste Nocto Seed, $12,333.33. Item 8. A resolution changing the property street name of 834 East 7th Street to 832 East 7th Street, 834 and a half East 7th Street to 834 East 7th Street, and changing the street name and property address from 4040 to 4044 Todd's Road to 1085 Jouette Creek Drive, 4618 Willman Way to 4618 Lark Hill Lane, and 1500 Continental Square to 1555 Eastland Parkway, all effective 30 days from passage. Item 9. A resolution authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to accept a donation of queried limestone from Vulcan Materials for construction of the Athens-Boonesboro Road Welcome Sign and Corridors Commission project at no cost to the urban county government. Item 10. A resolution approving the Fayette County Sheriff's Settlement 2022 property taxes for taxes collected as of April 18, 2023 and granting the sheriff a quietus. Item 11. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a purchase of service agreement and a vehicle lease agreement with Lexington F.A. Animal Care and Control LLC for animal control services at a cost in order to exceed $1,871,590, item 12. A resolution establishing Brown Equipment Company as a sole-suit provider of parts, material, and labor to maintain closed-circuit television sewer inspection equipment for the Division of Water Quality at a cost not to exceed $25,000 in FY 2024 and authorize the mayor or her designee on behalf of the urban mechanic government to execute any necessary agreement with Brown Equipment Company related to the procurement, item 13. A resolution authorizing and directing mayor on behalf of the urban mechanic government to execute a release of easement releasing a certain utility easement on the property located at 3151 Maple Leaf Drive, item 14. A resolution formally requesting a product development initiative grant on behalf of the University of Kentucky from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in the amount of $625,000 to add an internet exchange point to its Coldstream Research Campus and authorizing directly to the mayor or her designate on behalf of the Republic of Government to execute any necessary documents related to the grant to accept and distribute the grant funds to the University of Kentucky upon award of the grant and to take any other necessary related actions. Item 15. A resolution authorizing directly to the mayor on behalf of the Republic of Government to execute a release of easement, releasing a certain sanitary sewer and utility easement on property located at 330 Newtown Pike. Item 16. A resolution authorizing direct the mayor on behalf of the beginning of the government to execute a federal equitable sharing agreement and certification with Department of Justice, Department of Treasury for participation in the federal equitable sharing program. Item 17. A resolution formally requesting with Madison and Scott Counties a product development initiative grant from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in the collective amount of $3,750,000 on behalf of the Central Kentucky Regional Product Project in Madison County and Scott County to acquire one or more properties for a regional business park with any required match being paid by Scott and or Madison Counties and authorizing and directing the mayor or her designee on behalf of the Urban County Government to execute any necessary documents related to the grant and to accept the Urban County Government's share of the grant and distribute said funds to Scott and Madison Counties upon award of the grant and take any other necessary actions necessary related to this grant item 18. A resolution authorizing mayor on behalf of the beginning of the executive agreements with Nestor Gomez, Terry Dumford, Corey Dunn, and Stephen Overstreet to serve as crisis response mediators for one Lexington at a total cost knock to exceed $16,000 item 19. A resolution authorizing director mayor on behalf of the beginning of the government to execute change order number one to the grant agreement with Bluegrass Contracting Corporation for construction of Davis Park increasing the the grant award by $421,325 and raising the total grant to $1,141,801, item 20. A resolution authorizing Director of the Mayor on behalf of Lexington-Fett Urban County Government to execute professional services agreement with Bethany Loggin and Kayla keeping a sexual assault nurse examiner to provide on-call forensic examinations and services under the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at a cost of not to exceed $10,752, item 21. A resolution authorizing Director of the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute Amendment number one to the agreement with Bluegrass Area Development District to accept additional federal funds in the amount of $1,921 and additional state funds in the amount of $6,374 for total increase of $8,295 for operation of Lexington Senior Center in FY 2024. Item 22 has a public hearing. I'm sorry. Item 22 has a public hearing. Oh. Thank you. Okay. So I'll go ahead. This is a public hearing on the annual action plans for the CDBG and community development block grants. And this is specific to the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden. And I'll open the public hearing right now and see if there's anyone who wishes to comment on it. Public hearing is open. No one wishes to speak? All right, I'll go ahead and declare the public hearing closed. Thank you. Item 22, a resolution authorizing and directing mayor on behalf of the county government to approve and adopt substantial amendments to the 2018, 2019, and 2020 annual action plans in order to reallocate federal community development block grant funds in the amount of $50,000 to the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden for the installation of a shade structure, item 23. A resolution of authorizing and directing mayor on behalf of a mechanic to execute an agreement with the Kentucky Department of Military Affairs Division of Emergency Management in order to accept $930,050 in federal funds awarded under the FY2023 Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program for the purpose of protecting the community-enhancing emergency response in case of chemical accidents during and after construction of the chemical weapon. and stockpile at the bluegrass army depot the acceptance of which does not obligate the urban county government to the expenditure funds and authorizing mayor to transfer other funds within the grant budget item 24. a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the beginning government to renew the data license agreement for up to three years with the street light data incorporated so it may complete an online transportation analytics platform to monitor multimodal travel within fayette and jasmine counties at a cost not to exceed 148 918 dollars in fy 2024. Item 25. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute a test security agreement between Ergo Metrics Incorporated for testing applicants applying for the community corrections cap and promotional process at a cost not to exceed $800. Item 26. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the government to execute a purchase of service agreement with Roots and Heritage Festival Incorporated for the Roots and Heritage Festival planned for September 8th through 10th, 2023 at a cost not to exceed $35,500 plus additional in-kind services. And item 27, a resolution authorizing, Dr. Mayor on behalf of Rebecca Agarwal to execute an agreement related to neighborhood development funds with the 16th district PTA incorporated, DBA, Kevin Tree Oak, PTSA 150, Hill and Dale Neighborhood Association, Incorporated 500, University of Kentucky Minorities in Agricultural Natural Resources and Related Scientist 450, Spindletop Community Association, Incorporated 800, Bluegrass Green Source Incorporated 500, Indover Forest Homeowners Association, Incorporated 500, Bryan Station Band Association, 1000, Chevy Chase Business Owners Association, Corporation 1000 and Old Paris Place Community LLC 1000 for the office of the Urban County Council to cost not to see the sum stated thank you thank you very much are there any walk-ons all right if you have a motion to suspend the rules please log in councilmember Reynolds Thank You mayor I move to suspend the rules and get second reading on behalf of the administration on items 2 6 7 16 and 19 is there a second all right councilmember Plum and seconded are there any questions can you just repeat them all please yes 2 6 7 16 and 19 All right, any other questions? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Council Member Worley. Thank you, Mayor. I move to suspend the rules and give second reading to resolution number 13, a resolution releasing certain utility easements at 3151 Maple Leaf Drive in order to expedite construction of that project. So moved. All right, Council Member Ellinger seconds. Are there any questions, comments? All those in favor, please say aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Council Member Sevigny. Thank you, Mayor. I move to suspend the rules and give second reading to items number three and items number five. Number three and five, did you say? Okay. Do I hear a second? Councilmember Plowman seconds any discussion that's numbers three and five all right all those in favor please say aye is anyone opposed all right that motion passes councilmember James Brown thank you mayor I'd like to suspend the rules and give second reading to number 25 and this is a resolution authorizing a test security agreement with our Department of Corrections. So moved. All right. I think Vice Mayor Wu seconded. Are there any questions? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right. That motion passes. thank you i think somebody else so okay council member james brown thank you mayor on behalf of the administration i'd like to spin the rules and give second reading to number 26 this is the agreement with the city and the roots and heritage festival so moved thank you council member legree seconds are there any questions all right all those in favor please say aye Aye. Is anyone opposed? Okay that passed. Councilmember, did you have another one? Okay. Councilmember Sevigny? I got to find it again, excuse me. Was it 17? I think it's so, yes. KDPI grant. Yes, that's it. Yes. I'd like to suspend the rules and give second reading to number 17 so moved thank you is there thank you vice mayor Wu seconds are there questions all those in favor please say aye I have one more too is anyone opposed all right that motion passes councilmember Savigni yes and I'd like to suspend the rules and give second reading to number 14 so moved thank you councilmember Ellinger seconds any questions all those in favor please say aye is anyone opposed all right that motion passes are there any any other motions? So if we can just review, we have 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 25, and 26. Okay. When you're ready, if you'll give those second reading, please. Item two, a resolution accepting the bid of Latko Incorporated in the amount of $237,900 for the police west sector cooling tower replacement for the Department of General Services and authorizing the mayor on behalf of our county government to execute an agreement with Latko Incorporated related to the bid. Item three, a resolution accepting the bid of Conhurst LLC in the amount of $1,393,232 for Lion Drive Stormwater Improvements for the Division of Water Quality and authorizing the mayor on behalf of American government to execute an agreement with the Conhurst LLC related to the bid. Item 5. A resolution sent that a bid of LM Asphalt Partners, LTD, DBA, ATS Construction in the amount of $7,050,000 for Cardinal Run Park North Construction for the Division of Parks and Recreation. And authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with LM Asphalt Partners, LTD, DBA, ATS Construction related to the bid. Item 6. A resolution authorizing on the direct and mayor on behalf of every county government to execute an agreement, and the final form of which is subject to the approval of the Department of Law and the Division of Grants and Special Programs, with new beginnings Bluegrass Incorporated under the Home Investment Partnership Program to allocate $1,457,822 in federal funds awarded under the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA, to acquire and rehabilitate eight units of housing and to provide housing and supportive services to individuals and households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or other vulnerable populations and further authorizing the mayor to execute any other necessary amendments related to this agreement. Item 7. A resolution authorizing the Division of Police to purchase magnet forensic software from magnet forensics, a sole source provider, and authorizing the mayor on behalf of our mechanic government to execute any necessary agreement with magnet forensics related to procurement at a cost of not received at $12,333.33. Item 13. A resolution authorizing and directing mayor on behalf of her mechanic government to execute at a release of easement releasing certain utility easements on the property located at 3151 Maple Leaf Drive. Item 14. A resolution formally requesting a product development initiative grant on behalf of the University of Kentucky for the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in the amount of $625,000 to add an internet exchange point to its Coldstream Research Campus and authorizing and directing mayor or her designee on behalf of the American mechanic government to execute any necessary documents related to the grant to accept and distribute the grant funds to the University of Kentucky upon award of the grant to take any other necessary related actions item 16 no 16 a resolution authorizing and directing their behalf of our mechanic government execute a federal equitable shareable sharing agreement and certification with Department of Justice Department of Treasury for participation in the federal equitable sharing program item 17 a resolution formally requesting with Madison and Scott counties a product development initiative grant from the Kentucky economic development finance authority in the collective amount of three million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars on behalf of the central Kentucky regional product product product project in Madison and Scott County to acquire one or more properties for a regional business park with any required match being paid by Scott and or Madison counties and authorizing and direct the mayor or her designee on behalf of the urban county government to execute any necessary documents related to the grant to accept the urban county government's share of the grant and to distribute said funds to Scott and Madison counties upon award of the grant and to take any other necessary actions necessary related to the grant. Item 19. A resolution authorizing direct the mayor on behalf of the county government to execute change order number one to the grant agreement with Bluegrass Contract Incorporation for construction of Davis Park increasing the grant award by 421,325 dollars and raising the total grant to 1,141,801 dollars. Item 25. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of our mechanic government to execute a test security agreement between Ergo Metrics Incorporated for testing applicants applying for the community corrections captain promotional process at a cost not to exceed $800. And item 26. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of our mechanic government to Executed Purchase of Service Agreements with the Roots and Heritage Festival Incorporated for the Roots and Heritage Festival planned for September 8th through 10th, 2023 at a cost not to exceed $35,500 plus additional in-kind services. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? I approve. Council Member Ellinger moves. Council Member Fogle seconds. And when you're ready, if you'll please take a roll call vote. Council Member Sheehan? Recuse on 14, yes to the rest. Councilmember Worley? Yes, ma'am. Vice Mayor Wu? Yes. Councilmember Fred Brown? Yes. Councilmember James Brown? Yes. Councilmember Ellinger? Yes, ma'am. Councilmember Elliott Baxter? Yes. Councilmember Fogle? Yes. Councilmember Gray? Yes. Councilmember Legree? Yes. council member lynch yes council member monarist council member plumbin customer reynolds yes and council members to take me thank you those all pass now uh... council members all entertain a motion to approve the communications from the mayor member warly Councilmember Sevigny seconded. Are there any questions? Okay all those in favor please say aye. Is anyone opposed? All right that motion passes. Next we have communications from the mayor price contracts. Thank you. Vice mayor moves approval. Do I hear a second? Councilmember Sheehan seconds. Are there any questions? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Next, we have a few pages of communications from the mayor, and I trust you've had a moment to look those over, and those are for your information only. And next we have, we do have a police disciplinary item and Chief Weathers is here to present it. Welcome, Chief. Hello, everybody. Good evening, everybody. This is a short, short discipline, so, but I'll read what I have here. On June 9, 2023, an internal formal complaint was made that Officer Daniel Hempel violated General Order 1973-02K, Disciplinary Procedures of Sworn Officers, Appendix B, Operational Rule 1.35, violating any rules of the department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the employee met with Chief Weathers and has accepted a written reprimand. On March 2, 2022, Officer Hemple submitted a tattoo and body alteration request for a tattoo on his forearm. Prior to receiving approval from the Chief's Office approving such tattoo, Officer Hemple had the tattoo completed. On March 17, 2022, Chief Weathers denied the request and said notice was provided to Officer Hemple. On May 18, 2023, Officer Hemple's supervisor became aware of the unapproved tattoo. Officer Hemple has since received approval and completed a cover-up of the tattoo to be in compliance with department policy. This is Officer Hemple's second formal complaint since his employment began on October 23, 2017. In our tattoo policy, of course, we don't allow anything vulgar or racist or anything like that. But there's also some things that can just be inappropriate. And some of those things that I consider to be inappropriate, and this is not specific to his tattoo, but I don't want any of our officers having tattoos that show a gladiator chopping off somebody's head. I think that's kind of inappropriate for a police officer. I really don't want them to have tattoos that might cause fear in the general public. And I'm thinking about even something as simple as a skull and crossbones. I mean, we live in a time now where people might be afraid of the police. So I look at things like that, and I look at how is it going to reflect on the community. So I just want to make that clear, that it doesn't have to be something that's vulgar. It doesn't have to be something that's racist or anything like that. But it can be something that, quite frankly, is insensitive to the people that we serve. Thank you, Chief. Do I hear a motion to approve? So vote. Wait a second. I heard Council Member Worley, and then did I hear Council Member Foley? Okay. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that's approved. Thank you very much, Chief. Council Members, it's time for announcements. Please log in. Council Member Worley. Thank you, Mayor. First off, I just wanted to, while we don't really talk about these issues, say thank you to the Chief for how candid and straightforward he is with us. And kind of oftentimes, a pun in the situation wears his heart on his sleeve with us a little bit in the decisions that he makes. So thank you, Chief, for being so straightforward and candid with us. And then also I wanted to recognize and welcome our scout in the back, presumably working on a government badge, but glad to have him here and welcome. Thank you. Councilmember Fogle. Thank you, Mayor. And I'll piggyback off of that. Thank you, Chief Weathers. I am so excited about this announcement. I have a person in the audience and if you'll stand up, it's Mr. Christian Adair. He is our new executive director of the Lyric Historic Disc Center. So he's at the Lyric. Historic Lyric Theater. I couldn't get it. I'm so excited that you're here. So I just wanted everyone to know, just in case you hadn't seen it in the press, what an addition it is. He has wrote so much. And I'm sorry, I had something planned. And so you'll have to come back and we'll do it again. But the Lyric has just become alive. It's blossomed. And Tuesday night, I think it was about, it looked like 80 to 100 people were down doing the line dance. It was every Tuesday night at 730, 7, at 7. If you want to lose a few pounds, there's line dancing every Tuesday at the Lyric. We've had cultural arts. We had the 50 hip hop and Contagians of the Commonwealth was there with Reverend William Barber. And it's just so much has come down to the Lyric since this young man has taken over. He was the interim director and then we voted him in to be the executive director. And for that, we want to say thank you for your service. We can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve next. I heard you told me something about jazz on Thursday at the Lyric and it's free to the public. So just want to throw that plug out there. Thank you, Mr. Adair, and we're so glad to have you. Okay, good. We're tag teaming. We're tag teaming. Council Brown and I are tag teaming. So I'm done. gonna he's gonna do some more announcements that has something to do with the first district okay thank you very much congratulations christian it's good news council member james brown thank you mayor and and congratulations christian on your appointment i think you've served the lyric well as a as a board member and former chair and uh look forward to all you'll bring as a executive director so congratulations uh mayor i just have a few announcements one of them is a wee ball and t-ball signups at douglas park august the 23rd and 24th for three-year-olds and six-year olds they have in-person signups those days um from six to six to eight o'clock and then this weekend in east end is the east end family reunion weekend so on the 18th they're going to have the old school dance. On the 19th they're going to have the family barbecue and on the 20th they're going to have the gospel explosion. So it's going to be an exciting time in the East End. I'd just like to say thank you to our Parks and Rec Department and our Public Safety Partners for supporting this neighborhood and this event and the East End Family Reunion Coalition for bringing this event back and putting it together. And then also in East End on Saturday as well they're going to have the second annual East End Art and Music Festival in the Artist Village off of Goodloe. Mark Johnson with Arts Place does a good job of showcasing local and neighborhood artists. They're going to be there and have an opportunity to showcase their artwork. It's a free event, free food, free music. So if folks are out and about and aren't at Woodland, then they can stop by East End and have a good time in that neighborhood as well. So thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Vice Mayor Wu? Thank you, Mayor. So we've been on recess for a few weeks now, but for a lot of us, we kind of don't know how to take time off. So some of us take a little bit of time off and then we're doing all kinds of stuff in the community. So I want to highlight a few of the things that some of us were up to in the last couple of weeks. I got invited by Parks and Rec. So thank you, Laura Hatfield and Adrian Thacker. They were doing a community summer teen retreat, and they had different themed weeks, and this week happened to be Top Chef week, so I couldn't help myself but come along, and we did a couple hours where we did a food demo, and the kids got very hands-on and hopefully learned a few things about cooking, so that was super-duper fun. Also, a couple weeks ago, the Carnegie Center hosted a Queer Literary Hoedown featuring a bunch of literary luminaries, including LaTanya Jones, Willie Carver, and of course our Kentucky Poet Laureate, Silas House, there in the middle. And then in the next slide, you'll see my wife Lauren and I, we dressed the part. I guess that's Queer Literary Hoedown. I don't know. I'm not sure how you dress for it, but we tried. And if you all haven't checked out Tyler Childers' new video, In Your Love, it was written by our very own Silas House and his husband, Jason Howard. It's a very powerful video, and it's a very homegrown talent. This next slide here, this is my colleagues and I attending the FCPS State of the Schools Leadership Breakfast, where we got to hear an update about all the great things that are going on in our school system. Last Friday, I got to go to this very cool show. It was called The Future of Fashion. It was at the Living Arts and Science Center, and it was a bunch of local innovative fashion designers. And the next slide, you'll get a little bit of a runway thing there with a lot of great young people participating, but just all kinds of cool stuff happening artistically in the city. It's always exciting to be a part of. And then just this Monday, some council members and I and the mayor, we joined Governor Beshear at Funai Microfluidic Solutions. It's a company that's been in Lexington. They were celebrating their 10-year anniversary here and also celebrating them moving a division headquarters from Osaka, Japan to Lexington, so a truly international company. I did not 100% understand what they do, but it has to do with ink. And it's not just printer ink, but also there's a little macaron that has a little printing on it, so all edible. And then I got to experience something that was even cooler than seeing Governor Beshear speak. I got to witness Council Member James Brown get his first tattoo. There you go. So he's joined the tattoo club now. And then speaking of Japan, today we got the honor of a visit from Japanese Deputy Council General Masahiko Mitsumoto. For those who don't know, which included myself until about a week ago, the Japanese Council General has 18 offices all over America. and this council general is based out of Nashville and they cover Kentucky, Tennessee, and I believe Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas. It's five southern states. So it was great visiting with him and his team, and I hope this kind of shows you what an interesting array of things are always happening right here in Lexington. Thank you. Thank you very much. council member reynolds thank you mayor well there's been a lot of really great things happening in the 11th district we had the opening of the manchester hotel over the summer we had the groundbreaking of town branch park and i wanted to just highlight two things that happened this past week this is a greater garden side back to school event that was held off of alexandria Drive in the Gardenside Plaza. And this is the community farmers market that we have. And Mayor Gorton came out and did a proclamation for a greater garden side and the community market day. The greater garden side association has partnered with the Lexington farmers market for several years to have a market out there every Wednesday, four to seven. We still have several coming up. We had several elected officials with us and people that are running the organization all the time. Susan Spaulding and Francisco Castro are there. And then Dave and I are on the board. And I've actually been on the board since before I was elected in 2018. and we work to try to serve that area to try to bring up and support the local businesses and the residents just to make the area better for everyone. So this market is one of the ways that we do that and once again I want to thank Mayor Gorton for coming out and doing the proclamation. There's a lot of residents that put a lot of sweat and energy into making the area better and they put in a lot of volunteer hours. so it was nice to be able to recognize them. And I'm so thankful that Vice Mayor Wu was there to join us as well in his Farmer's Market shirt. We all wish we had a Farmer's Market shirt as cool as his, but he had vegetables all over his shirt. So anyway, that was a really great event, and a ton of people came out. It was a wonderful turnout. We had lots of kids for back-to-school supplies and just a lot of people in the community that didn't even know that we were there every week. So I want to thank everybody involved in the Greater Garden Side Association. And then the next day, we had the dedication of the new Waypoint Center at El Centro de San Juan Diego. And that is also off of Alexandria Drive but further down. in Cardinal Valley. And this Waypoint Center is just going to really help serve the community well. It's going to be a place that anyone can come and they can get resources and get connected to city resources. This is through the United Way. It's a partnership with them. And we're so thankful. That is the Bennetts. The picture of me is with the Bennetts. So that is their community center. They built it with their own money. They bought the place with their own money. And so they are partnering with the United Way to have this waypoint center. And I can't say enough about how the Hispanic community has really said over the years that they need a place where they can go for basic services and know what services are available in Lexington. So they're going to have a full-time staff person that's bilingual there that will serve them through business hours and then try to expand to evenings and weekends. And one of the main ways that they said that they have people coming in and asking for translation services and knowing how to read letters that they get in the mail or things like that. So this is very needed in the community there. And I want to thank Vice Mayor Wu and Council Member Savigny and LeGree for joining me at that dedication. So also just want to remind you about the Gulfview Estates Yard Sale this Saturday, 9 to 5. Please stop by. And that's all I have for the moment. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much. Council Member Lynch. Thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to report out on a few things that happened during recess that I was excited to participate in in the second district. One being the many back to school rallies, I was very excited to participate in them. The one at Douglas Park, they invited me to do a fitness class with the kids and we had a blast. I had a full on boot camp for all the kids at the back to school rally and I think I sweat more than they did. We had a blast. So I enjoyed doing that at that back to school rally as well as attending the one at Coventry Oak Elementary School, Highlands Park and Whitney Young Park. There was just great attendance and the kids walked away with bellies full of candy and hot dogs and popcorn and lots and lots of school supplies. So thank you to all of the many, many folks that came together in our community to bring about that awesome event for our students. I also had the awesome opportunity to visit with Station 24 in my district. They gave me a great tour of the fire station. I was particularly excited about the fitness room there. I do plan. They gave me an open invitation to come work out with them, which I plan to do. So I was really excited to meet our wonderful firefighters that are at Station 24 and to tour that facility and to learn more about the awesome things they're doing to serve our community. Next, I also attended Yappy Hours in Madison Station Dog Park. Our parks and recreation always put together awesome events when it comes to our yappy hours. And I got to interact with lots of dog mommies and daddies and many, many cute dogs and provide information and resources to those at the dog park. So I was very excited to participate with that. And then lastly, just want to remind everyone, because I know you haven't forgotten, that August is Bystander Awareness Month. So don't forget to wear your green this month, especially on Thursdays. And keep in mind that even you can intervene to prevent sexual and domestic violence here in our community. This is definitely a violence prevention month that you want to be aware of. We have a great Green Dot training that our city personnel offers. If you have not become Green Dot trained, please do so that you can be an engaged bystander to prevent violence in our community. And that's it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Council Member Sevigny. Thank you, Mayor. I had all the same slides that Councilmember Reynolds had, so we're not going to look at those. No, I didn't have any of those. But I do want to say that this Friday in the music capital of Lexington in District 10 at Moondance, and it is not the Lyric Theater, it's Moondance, we have summer nights in suburbia, and it's Honey Child. It's going to be 80 degrees, you guys, and sunny. It does not get any better than going out to Moondance on Friday night. And as an added bonus, my grandchild might be there with me. And so I'm very, very excited about this experience. So come on out and join us to see Honey Child, which is a total fan favorite, 7 to 9 at Moondance. Awesome. Thank you. Yes, Council Member Ellinger. Thank you, Mayor. And the communications from the mayor and the information only. we had 11 pages of new employees and people who were resigning. And I noticed with Commissioner Armstrong, I didn't ask you ahead of time, but I was just doing up the numbers. Could you, it looks like with community corrections, we had 24 probationary community corrections and four resignations. And then we had with firefighters, we had 37 new recruits and two resignations. And police, I didn't see any new, but I saw five resignations. It looks like in two of them we were adding to it, it looked like pretty good. Yes, actually I hope to have some good news specifically about corrections coming up here soon that we'll be sharing with the council. But I don't want to put the cart in front of the horse on that. We had a plus 20 on this. I'm sorry? We had plus 20 for this. Yes, but we're getting to a good number out there right now. Again, it's not mentioned in there, but E911 is experiencing an uptowing in personnel as well. The police department is going to be hiring later in the year. That outlines the new upcoming class for the fire department that's going to be coming on. So, yes, we lost some people in police, but the class, I can't remember, is the class starting? I think it's in October, if I'm not mistaken. It was good to see two of the three are making positive strides, and I was curious about the police, so we'll have. I think the fire department's going to be 40 that we'll be adding there, give or take. And corrections, as you know, they have multiple classes, so it's 10 here, 15 there. But I hope they have some good news in the next month or so, coming back to you all about a number that we may hit that we haven't been able to hit in a long time. Sounds good, thank you for the hard work. Thank you. Does anyone else have an announcement? All right. Next up, we have four folks who've signed up for public comment. And the way this works is when I call your name, if you'll please come to the podium. And for the record, you need to state your name and your council district. And then you'll have three minutes to speak. And first is John Wright, and after John will be Brittany Price. Welcome. Good evening. My name is John Wright. I'm District 4. I am here as the chairman of the Fayette County Conservation District, which I know I've spoken to several council members. We are in the process now of the millage increase, which we were here Tuesday. I know there were some voices of concern and just wanted to speak and give everybody a little bit more information about who we are, what we do in the community, and address anybody that has any questions because we are trying to increase our public awareness in Fayette County. So we are derived from 1946, so we're technically a little older than the urban county government itself. but since the inception our goal has been to protect and conserve our natural resources for all beneficiaries here residents of Fayette County. We are essentially a cost share organization educational and technical resource for all the residents again of Fayette County. We are able to generate a huge economic impact for the county itself. Our latest figures from June show that We have paid out $106,000 in cost share, but a total of $326,000 has been spent in Fayette County because of the cost share programs we have. One of our most popular programs is backyard conservation, which is open to any resident of Fayette County. For any program that we can justify, our most popular ones are pollinator habitats, bat habitats, food gardens. We try to use this to address food insecurity and nutritional needs for those residents that have those issues. So with the remainder of my time, if there's anyone who has any questions, concerns, I'd be happy to fill those out. If not, I appreciate your all's time. Thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate you. Next is Brittany Price, and after Brittany will be Erica Strecker. Welcome. My name is Brittany Price. I live at 650 Tower Plaza, resident of the 11th District. There needs to be more drop-in centers, better shelters for the homeless, and more help for the community. I would like to see City Council address these issues of homelessness. I want to gain trust and treat people who are in need with dignity and respect. During the last few months, I've been eating lunch at a soup kitchen and have a caring heart. Also, I put a smile on my face and listen to what they have to say. Maybe city council could do the same. I believe that the Lexington community needs to have a better understanding of homelessness situation in our communities. I have learned that by having regular friendly visits with the homeless can help their well-being. This helps build trust with them to make things better in their life. In society, homelessness is a growing problem in our communities and that everyone can be homeless. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, being homeless can happen to you. Moreover, on the news we see catastrophic events from our weather resulting from climate change. There are many reasons why homelessness can occur, such as being unemployed, physical disability, mental illness, and being evicted from your home. I would like to know what the City Council is going to do about the increase of homelessness in our city. Lexington has less problems than other communities that are facing issues from catastrophic events due to climate change. Also, we'd like to see more programs to help the homeless find housing. Although some homeless individuals do not know how to get out of their situation, but you can still be their friendly visitor. This being said, I am a student at Bluegrass Community Technical College and will be taking a math class this semester and try to graduate for BCTC by the end of this year and receive my student arts degree with focus in social work. Thank you, Mayor, thank you, Vice Mayor, and thank you, City Council, for allowing me to speak this evening. Thank you very much. Next is Erica Strecker and then following Erica is Christine Smith. Welcome. I hate public speaking, so I apologize. I'm the worst at it. I'm Erica Strecker. I think I live in the 3rd District, but the majority of my commercial property is in the 11th District. I was born in Quixing, Kentucky. My father worked for the University of Kentucky Wood Energy Research Center there, and they drove into Lexington for me to be born at Central Baptist. I grew up near Shaker Town in Mercer County, went to Kenyon College in Ohio on a full academic scholarship. I've lived in Seattle, North Carolina, Illinois. I was in Illinois for my master's degree in art at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I returned to Kentucky in 2000. I'm an international artist that does public art installations all over the globe. I purchased a house in the 3rd district on Ransom Avenue and I renovated into a proper a wonderful property. Since then I've bought and renovated many properties all in Fayette County. I currently own 13 properties and I pay $26,000 a year in property taxes. I pay early for the 2% discount. I'm a taxpayer. I've owned in the 11th district for 20 years. I know my neighbors and I know who's transient. I walk all over downtown. My neighborhood, the 11th district is a food desert. There is a rallies. There's a lack of services. My tenants at Blue Stallion Brewery have a lovely restaurant inside that salt and vinegar. People in my neighborhood by toilet paper at the liquor store near Raleigh's. My properties lie between two places that serve the homeless population, the Salvation Army and the Hope Center. As you well know, they kick them out each morning at 8 a.m. and they don't let them return until 5 p.m. However, if you're drunk or on drugs or crazy, you are banned from these places, so the craziest and most dangerous homeless people roam our downtown neighborhoods. This Monday, August 14th at 8.05 in the morning, three days ago, a homeless man who is a frequent flyer of the system tried repeatedly to stab myself and my dog on my property at 3-3 Henry Street. This is the bluegrass grain elevator and I apologize. RJ Corman had a train that was coming down the tracks. They literally had to break the train to not run over the man who was trying to stab me and my dog on my own property that I own. I called 911. My first 911 call, the man verbatim dared me to call 911. He said, I'm going to kill you. I know where you live, and I'm going to come back and fuck your shit up. He's lunging at me repeatedly. No one arrives. The first officer that's dispatched, and I guess I can stop, or should I go on? Well, I'm sorry. Your three minutes is up, although if you want to, we have some folks here who work for us who could talk with you about this. Well, and I've talked to the Fayette County Attorney's Office and the police. I know they're understaffed and shorthanded. I'm exhausted of dealing with other people's problems on my property, and I'm exhausted of the homeless people that use the railroad tracks as a corridor. So thank you, council people and mayor, for your time. Thank you. And I have my commissioner of housing here who might be available to talk with you or my commissioner of public safety, if that would be helpful. They're both in the back. I would love follow-up from all parties. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much. Christine Smith. Welcome. Hi, my name is Christine Smith. I live in District 11, but I'm here speaking as Director of Seedleaf and we primarily operate in District 1 and more recently in District 12. And I wanted to speak here to you all today in support of the millage increase for the Fayette County Soil Conservation District. I am fully in support of this and I want to talk a little bit more about what they do for us. I know that there's been a push on their end to make sure that you're all aware of what they do in Fayette County. And just through how they've supported seed leaf, it speaks a lot to their mission. So in the past, say, five years since 2020, from the Soil Conservation District, we have gotten support for high tunnels. They provide high tunnel support for homeowners in Fayette County. They have supported through seed leaf various tree giveaways for fruit trees that have gone out to first district residents through our garden spaces. And these are free giveaways of trees like pawpaws, chestnuts, persimmons that go out to neighbors. They provide support for education that we do monthly at the Grayline Station in the first district. And more recently in district 12 when we've had to cultivate 30 acres of new farmland that we have acquired, The soil conservation district makes available for farmers throughout Fayette County the ability to get a seeder. And you might not know what this is, but it allows you to sow a whole lot of seed really quickly without disturbing the soil. And he mentioned, John here mentioned that they were started in 1946. They come directly out of the depression, where our soils during the depression, you see those images of dust bowls where our soil was flying away. They were a response to that to make sure that around our country, we had soils that protected our agricultural integrity. That we could grow food and continue to support our country. As Central Kentucky is very agricultural based, they are a really critical part of our infrastructure and our agricultural community. And I encourage you all as council members to learn more about what they do, bring them into your districts, and share their programs with your constituents. Thank you. Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment, folks, so I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. Second. All right, all those in favor of adjournment, say aye. Aye. We are adjourned, thank you very much.