# Urban County Council - December 5, 2024 > Auto-transcribed civic record · Council · December 5, 2024 - **Permalink**: https://meetings.lexingtonky.news/meeting/6291 - **Source video**: https://lfucg.granicus.com/player/clip/6291?view_id=14&redirect=true - **Date**: 2024-12-05 - **Body**: Council - **Last revised**: March 28, 2026 - **Length**: 15,777 words - **Speakers**: Mayor > ⚠️ **Auto-generated content.** Audio from the official Granicus video was auto-transcribed by OpenAI Whisper-1, with speaker labels folded in from Granicus closed-captioning. Structured facts were extracted with GPT-4o; the narrative summary was written by Anthropic Claude Sonnet. Speaker labels and 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 December 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, with Mayor Gorton presiding over the session. The meeting addressed two agenda items, both ceremonial proclamations that were approved by the Council. The Council took two votes during the meeting and heard from three members of the public during the public comment period. The primary business of the evening focused on recognizing community contributions through official proclamations. The Council approved a proclamation declaring Lafayette High School Marching Band Day, acknowledging the achievements and dedication of the school's marching band program. Additionally, the Council approved a proclamation establishing Lonnie Cowan Day, honoring an individual's service to the community. Both agenda items received favorable outcomes, demonstrating the Council's commitment to recognizing local organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to Lexington-Fayette County. The meeting provided an opportunity for public engagement, with three citizens addressing the Council during the designated public comment portion of the proceedings. ## Attendance The December 5, 2024 Council meeting had strong attendance with 15 members present and 1 absent. **Present:** • Mayor Gorton • Lynch • Plomin • Reynolds • Sheehan • Sevigny • Worley • Wu • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Elliott Baxter • Fogle • Gray • LeGris **Absent:** • Monarrez No members arrived late to the meeting. With 15 of 16 members in attendance, the Council had a strong quorum to conduct business. ## Votes and Decisions The Council conducted two roll call votes during the December 5, 2024 meeting, both passing with overwhelming support. **Ordinance 1160-24** [timestamp: 03:00] Councilmember Fogle motioned to approve "An Ordinance expanding and extending the Full Urban Services District #1," with a second from Councilmember Gray. The ordinance passed unanimously with 14 ayes and 0 nays. All present council members voted in favor: Lynch, Plomin, Reynolds, Sheehan, Sevigny, Worley, Wu, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Elliott Baxter, Fogle, Gray, and LeGris. **Ordinance 1235-24** [timestamp: 02:00] Councilmember Fogle also motioned to approve "An Ordinance amending Section 13-76 of the Code of Ordinances," seconded by Councilmember Gray. This ordinance passed with 13 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. The following council members voted in favor: Lynch, Plomin, Reynolds, Sheehan, Sevigny, Worley, Wu, F. Brown, J. Brown, Elliott Baxter, Fogle, Gray, and LeGris. One council member abstained from voting, though the specific abstaining member was not identified in the available records. Both ordinances received strong support from the Council, with no opposition votes recorded on either measure. The unanimous and near-unanimous passage of these items demonstrates broad council consensus on the proposed changes to the urban services district and code amendments. ## Budget and Financial Actions The Council approved two significant contracts during the December 5, 2024 meeting, totaling $1,287,777 in expenditures. **Storm Drainage Infrastructure Contract** The Council authorized Resolution 1181-24, awarding a contract to Lagco, Inc. for the Joyland Area Storm Drainage Project in the amount of $1,083,653. This represents the largest financial commitment approved during the meeting. **Flow Monitoring Services Contract** Resolution 1225-24 was approved, authorizing a contract with Hydromax USA, LLC for temporary flow monitoring services totaling $204,124. Both contracts were approved as part of the Council's regular business agenda, with the storm drainage project representing a substantial infrastructure investment for the Joyland area of the city. ## Public Comment Three residents addressed the Lexington Town Council during the public comment period, covering topics ranging from international affairs to local business regulations. **Alyssa Rigney** spoke about Gaza-related humanitarian efforts [timestamp: 12:00]. Rigney discussed welcoming a child from Gaza to Lexington for medical treatment and urged the council to consider the plight of those in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. **Chris Huestis** addressed short-term rental regulations [timestamp: 13:00]. As an Airbnb host, Huestis spoke against both new and existing regulations governing short-term rentals in the community. He argued that these regulations are burdensome and unfairly target small businesses operating in the short-term rental market. **Ala Hassan** also spoke about the Gaza conflict [timestamp: 14:00]. Hassan urged the council to take a formal stand on the Gaza situation and encouraged individual council members to reflect on their personal positions regarding a potential ceasefire. The public comment period highlighted both local business concerns and international humanitarian issues, with two of the three speakers focusing on the Gaza conflict and calling for council action or consideration of the situation. ## Appointments The Council made one appointment during the December 5, 2024 meeting. • **Chrisandrea Turner** was appointed to the Ethics Commission. The appointment was processed as part of the Council's regular business for filling positions on city boards and commissions. ## Contested Items The December 5, 2024 Council meeting featured one primary area of contention regarding short-term rental regulations. **Short-Term Rental Regulations** Several community members voiced opposition to both new and existing regulations governing short-term rentals during the public comment period. The opposition centered on concerns that the regulatory framework places excessive burdens on small business operators in the short-term rental sector. Community members who spoke against the regulations characterized them as overly restrictive and potentially harmful to local entrepreneurs who rely on short-term rental income. The speakers argued that the compliance requirements and operational restrictions make it difficult for small-scale operators to maintain viable businesses. The nature of the opposition appeared to focus on the practical implementation challenges and economic impact of the regulations rather than opposition to any oversight of short-term rentals entirely. However, the specific details of which regulations were most problematic to the speakers and the exact number of community members who testified were not specified in the available meeting data. The outcome of this community input and any Council response or action taken regarding the short-term rental regulations was not documented in the provided meeting information. *Note: Specific timestamp references for this discussion were not available in the source materials.* ## Lafayette High School Marching Band Day [timestamp: 01:00] The Council considered Proclamation 1151-24 declaring December 5, 2024, as Lafayette High School Marching Band Day. Mayor Gorton presented the proclamation in recognition of the marching band's achievements. Robert Bishop participated in the discussion regarding the proclamation honoring the Lafayette High School Marching Band. The proclamation was approved, officially designating December 5, 2024, as Lafayette High School Marching Band Day in the city. ## Lonnie Cowan Day [timestamp: 02:00] Mayor Gorton presented Proclamation 1232-24, officially declaring December 5, 2024, as "Lonnie Cowan Day" in recognition of Lonnie Cowan's dedicated advocacy work for people living with chronic pain. The proclamation honored Cowan's efforts to raise awareness about chronic pain conditions and his work supporting individuals who face challenges accessing appropriate medical care and pain management resources. Mayor Gorton highlighted Cowan's commitment to advocating for better understanding and treatment options for chronic pain sufferers in the community. Lonnie Cowan was present at the meeting to receive the proclamation. The recognition acknowledges his ongoing advocacy work and contributions to improving the lives of people dealing with chronic pain conditions. The proclamation was approved without discussion or opposition from the Council. --- ## Decisions - **1160-24** — passed (14-0): An Ordinance expanding and extending the Full Urban Services District #1 - **1235-24** — passed (13-0): An Ordinance amending Section 13-76 of the Code of Ordinances --- ## Full transcript Thank you for watching. පැසටියක සම්බාගන් පැරන් පිපිදියකි සිටියකි ගැනිත්තනය කිරීමට දෑම කෝප්පයකි අපි පැසටියකි සම බේ දින දිනයි අපි පැටි පෙරීමට කෝප්පයකි අපි වට්ටෝවලය කරන්න අපි පොරීමට පහණය කිරීමට ස්තූතිඡි හොඳින් පොරීමට සුදු කෝප්පයකි අපට හොඳින් අපට පොරීමට කෝප්පයකි හොඳින් පොරීමට පොරීමට කෝප්පයකි දින 2 ක් පොරීම් අපි කෝප්පයකි කරන්න, ඉතා අවශ්ය එකතු කරන්න, අපි කරන්න, අපි කෝප්පීමට පොරීමට කෝප්පයකි අපි හොඳින් අවශ්ය කෝප්පීම පොරීමට පොරීම පොරීම පොරීම පොරීම පොේතු මුල් කොලුම සමගස් ඉරිඟුමට යෝගත්තම කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. මුල් කපන්න. විනාඩි එකතින්වන්න. විනාඩි එකතින්වන්න. ස්තුතියින්දීමේ අපි අතර ඔබට අවස්තියකට යිල් ප්රතියකට. මුල් කපන්න. විනාඩි එකතින්දීමේ විනාඩි එකතියින්දීමේ. හමින්න, ෂක කපන්න, ඇවල් සම ප්‍රතියින්න. කෝනන්න, සම ප්‍රතියකට සහිතින් එකතින්න. I'd like to ask Robert Bishop to join me at the podium as well as his special friends. How are you? Good to see you. Now, I just want to say we've done this a lot with the Lafayette High School band. Robert is the band director at Lafayette High School and we are joined by members of the Lafayette High School marching band as well as assistant director Chris Strange. So, the Lafayette High School marching band, Lexington's Pride of the Bluegrass, is celebrating another big win. The marching band recently secured its 24th Kentucky Music Educators Association Class 5A State Marching Band Championship. My husband, both of our children were in the Lafayette band. There are several council members who were either in the Lafayette band or had kids in the Lafayette band or grandkids. And throughout the time that we have all been involved, we have come to understand the true magic of the Lafayette marching band. I congratulate you, Robert especially, and Chris. Do you go by Chris? Yes, I do. Okay. And your talented students on your wonderful achievements. And at this time, I'd like to present a proclamation declaring today Lafayette High School Marching Band Day in Lexington. And here's how it goes. At the very top is Pride of the Bluegrass. And what do you say after that? Sir. Lafayette High School Marching Band Day. Whereas the Lafayette High School Marching Band, the Pride of the Bluegrass, has existed since the school opened in 1939. And whereas the group recently won its 24th Kentucky Music Educators Association State Marching Band Championship. And whereas Lafayette won the class 5A title with its show Four Nations. And whereas the band also recently won the Bands of America regional competition at East Tennessee State University. And whereas the Lafayette High School Marching Band has maintained an extraordinary legacy of musical excellence. With state championships spanning multiple decades. And whereas we applaud the Lafayette High School Marching Band for its determination and dedication. And congratulate its members and the leadership on their many accomplishments. Now therefore, I, Linda Gorton, Mayor of Lexington, do hereby declare December 5th, 2024, Lafayette High School Marching Band Day. Congratulations. Ladies. Would you like to say a few words? All right. Director Bishop. I just want to show our gratitude and thank you all. Council very much. And Mayor Gorton for supporting students in Fayette County schools as well as our staff and families. We thank you all so very much. And we do enjoy coming back every year. So we love that. But we hope we can come back many more. But again, thank you very much. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you so much. Now, as I mentioned earlier, several of our council members have connections to the Lafayette Band. I married into it. And when we first were married, I couldn't understand. I was in a marching band up in Ohio. And I couldn't understand why my husband had all these record albums of Lafayette High School Band. But now I understand. We understand, those of us who have been involved with it. It's very special. I first want to call on Council Member Savigne because I believe this band is in your district. You got it. And I just want to thank you. Congratulations. My children played for the other band that is in District 10. The other one. But they only won one year. In 2006 or something like that, they did. But you guys are a perennial favorite. You do great jobs. And you prove that District 10 is the music capital of Lexington. Good job. Thank you. Council Member Fred Brown. Yes. Thank you, Mayor. I want to acknowledge my daughter back here that's been a Lafayette mom and had two kids, two of my grandkids go through. And also we had four grandchildren that were champions and a daughter that was champion. And a total of 11 champions came out of my stock. I guess you owe him. That's right. I don't think anybody can beat that as far as the number of people. And I've got some money left, but it took quite a bit to get them all through, as you well know, Director. But anyway, congratulations. And it's a great program over there, and it is fantastic for our community. Thank you so much. Thank you. Vice Mayor Wu. Thank you, Mayor. I cannot compete with Council Member Brown's tally of 11 champions. Our household produced one. My wife and I worked on the food crew during those years, and it was so much fun to see how much passion, resource, and time all these parent teams put together to create these champions. And speaking personally for our kid, in the couple of years that she was in band, that was the absolute best version of her that we had ever seen as she was growing up, to see the level of camaraderie, confidence, discipline. You know, for a kid who didn't want to do a lot of stuff, they wanted to do this, and they wanted to do it well. And that's a real testament to this program and why you all are champions year after year. So thank you. Council Member Baxter. Thank you, Mayor. Don't mind if I do. I got you beat. I have four, don't quite have 11, but you wouldn't be the music capital of the world if it wasn't for the kids that live in my district. No, I have said this to you guys before because you've been here before. I'm so proud of the legacy that you have carried on year after year. 24 is huge. I mean, there's literally nobody that can compete with that. I'm so proud of you guys. And I tell people all the time that I would be not nearly as successful as I am without all of the qualities and all of the discipline that I had when I was in band. I think the biggest one is my true respect for time. I am always on time. And that's because why? Because if you're 10 minutes early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. So I thank the tradition for making a lot of champions around this city. And I think our community is a lot better because of the Lafayette Band. And I really look forward to joining you guys again next year with my daughter. So hopefully we can be back for 25. Thank you, Mayor. Council Member Fogle. Thank you, Mayor. I'm going to shut them all down. From 73 to 75, I attended Lafayette. It was the beginning of my basketball career at the University of Kentucky. I had to run 30 suicides because I would not show up on time because I was listening to the Lafayette Band. And they won every year. And so I'm going to shut everybody down. And Council Member Savicki, school, yep, the music capital of the world for the school. But you know I hold T.D. Young, and we are the music capital of the world in the first district. So stop it. Congratulations, Lafayette. L-A-F-A-Y-E-T-T-E, Lafayette. Let's go generals. Beat that one. All right. Anyone else like to speak? All right. Let's get a photo. And I'd like to invite anyone in the audience or the council who was in the band at Lafayette to join us on the floor. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. Good to see you. Congratulations. Thank you. Now I'd like to invite Lonnie Cowan and Councilmember Fogle to the podium. We're going to put him right here. Thank you. I want to thank Lonnie for being here this morning. Well, it's really this evening. It's been a long day. Lonnie is the founder and CEO of the Chronic Pain Support Group, where he is dedicated to helping those who are suffering from physical, chronic, or emotional pain. Lonnie is very active in our community and is always lending a helping hand. I want to thank you for your dedication and your service to our community. And I'd like to present a proclamation declaring today Lonnie Cowan Day in Lexington. And here's how it goes. Whereas Lonnie Cowan is the founder and CEO of the Chronic Pain Support Group, where he is dedicated to supporting those who are suffering from physical, chronic, or emotional pain. And whereas since the inception of the Chronic Pain Support Group, Lonnie has spearheaded many events, such as sponsoring special dinners to feed the poor, field trips for the elderly and disabled, and a banquet and awards show. And whereas Lonnie is a distinguished entrepreneur and activist and has addressed audiences at regional and national conferences, seminars, banquets, and corporate events. And whereas Lonnie is the former chairman of the Kentucky Independence Council and the Kentucky Council for Vocational Rehabilitation. And whereas we commend Lonnie on these many achievements and thank him for his dedication to our community. Now, therefore, I, Linda Gorton, Mayor of Lexington, do hereby declare December 5th, 2024, Lonnie Cowan Day in Lexington. Thank you. Congratulations. Can I wear this? Yes, please. Okay. Oh, he's got a portable for you. I accept this token of appreciation and for your thoughtfulness in presenting me with this honor. Thank you for your kindness. For many years I have worked and supported those who suffer from chronic pain. And now I am in a situation of my own. So I know what it is to let people know that they are not alone. You can struggle all your life trying to see others as you would like them to see you. And how one cannot do certain things. And people need to lift up each other with love and support. But together we can do so much. Alone we can do so little. And I always say let's keep the torch lit with love. And I would also like to say I have worked and supported those who suffer with chronic pain over long-term illness. And special mention is also given to every faithful and dedicated member of the chronic pain support group present and deceased. It takes everyone to make a better world, a brighter day, and a better quality of life for those who suffer with chronic pain. No man is an island and no man should stand alone. Always remember your brother and your sister. It could be you. I am thankful to God for allowing me to help those and be a blessing to others. Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you. Councilmember Fogle. What he said. Lonnie, thank you. Pastor Cowan, thank you for over 40 years of dedication of helping the poor. And I watch you and I've watched you. And so you're an inspiration to me and you're an inspiration to everyone in this room. And with Pastor Ann, I thought I saw her here. And she's still here. And so we thank you all for the dedication of Lexington. Councilmembers, help me in thanking Mr. Lonnie Cowan for all of his service. Thank you so much. Let's get a photo, shall we? Just wheel it right on up there. Everything opens up for you. That's all I got to say. Thank you. One more? One more? There you go. Thank you. Thank you. I'm so happy to have you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Thank you all so much. Now it's time for second reading of ordinances. Ordinance expanding and sending partial urban services district number three for the urban county government for the provision of garbage and refuse collection to include the area defined as certain properties on the following streets. Bay Shoal Drive, Blackford Parkway, Calista Flat, Caversham Park Lane, Clematis Way, Corsage Court, Carbot Pass, Minowar Boulevard, Night Heron Way, Peninsula Way, Polo Club Boulevard, Sandersville Road, Shady Cove, Squires Road, and Stolen Horse Trace. Item two. An ordinance expanding and sending partial urban services district number three for the urban county government for the provision of garbage and refuse collection to include the area defined as certain properties on the following streets. Harperwood Lane, Kestrel Cove, Coa Park, Spring Bay Court, Spring Leaf Court, Raven Circle, and Weston Park. Item three. An ordinance expanding and sending partial urban services district four for the urban county government for the provision of street lighting to include the area defined as certain properties located on Higbee Mill Road. Item four. An ordinance expanding and extending partial urban service district number five for the urban county government for the provision of street lighting and garbage refuse collection to include the area defined as certain properties located on following streets. Denver Lane, Hannibal Court, Plymouth Drive, Vanderbilt Drive, and Weber Way. Item five. An ordinance amending section 1376 of the code of ordinances to require certain documents to prove primary residency amending section 1377 of the code to clarify the approval of divisional planning that is necessary to apply for a special fee license. And to provide that a license shall automatically expire upon change in use from one form of short term rental hosted or unhosted to the other. Amending section 1379 of the code to amend the maximum occupancy of a short term rental to limit the number of contracts or bookings a short term rental may have at one time. And to require that only a portion of the dwelling unit not otherwise occupied may be rented at one time. All effect from passage of council. Item six. An ordinance amending and renumbering articles 313B, C, G, H, I, J, and K. Creating articles 313L, M, N, 1, 2, 3, and O. Amending articles 85C11, 85D14, 189C10, 810C10, 23A5C9, 23A5D10, 825D7, and H25E15. And deleting articles 85D15 in order to revise the allowable occupancy for all short term rentals redistrict the number of dwelling units allowed for four short term rentals in residential zones. Further define conditions applicable for short term rentals that regulate its conditional uses and allow short term rentals as an accessory use and conditional use in corridor node zones. And providing that the board of adjustment may consider up to ten new conditional use permit applications for short term rentals per month. With an effective date of December 12th or the date of passage, whichever is later. Urban county council item seven. In order to extend the budget, the latest urban county government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures in appropriating repurposing events FY2035, schedule number 14, item eight. In order to amend the civil service authorized strength by creating one classified position of engineering technician principal grade 519N. And the division of water quality and creating one classified position of program manager senior grade 525E. And the division of environmental services all affected July 1, 2024, item nine. In order to amend the civil service authorized strength by abolishing one classified position of planner grade 519N. And creating one classified position of digital content administrator grade 521E. All individual planning effective upon passage of council item ten. In order to amend the civil service authorized strength by creating one classified position of project manager grade 520N. And the department of environmental services effective upon passage of council in item 11. In order to amend the civil service authorized strength by abolishing one classified position of vehicle and equipment technician grade 517N. And the division of facilities and fleet management effective upon passage of council. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Council Member Fogle. Council Member Gray seconds. And when you're ready, if you'll take a roll call vote, please. Council Member Lynch. Yes. Council Member Plowman. Yes. Council Member Reynolds. Yes. Council Member Savigny. Yes. Council Member Sheehan. Yes. Council Member Worley. Yes, ma'am. Vice Mayor Wu. Yes. Council Member Fred Brown. Yes. Council Member James Brown. Yes. Council Member Ellinger. Abstain on five and six. Yes on the rest. Thank you. Council Member Elliot Baxter. Council Member Fogle. Yes. Council Member Gray. Yes. And Council Member Legree. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Those all pass. And when you're ready, if you'll do the second reading of resolutions. Item one, a resolution accepting a bid of LATCO Incorporated in the amount of $1,083,653 for the Joyland Area Storm Drainage Project for the Division of Water Quality and authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute an agreement with LATCO Incorporated related to the bid. Item two, a resolution accepting a bid of Hydromax USA LLC in the amount of $204,124 for the temporary flow monitoring for the Division of Water Quality and authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute an agreement with Hydromax USA LLC related to the bid. Item three, a resolution authorizing the Division of Fire and Emergency Services to purchase replacement cardiac monitors from Zole as sole source provider authorizing Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a necessary agreement for Zole related to the procurement of a cost and authority of $182,062, item four. A resolution authorizing on behalf of the Irving County and Government to execute an agreement with the Center for Patient Safety for protections under the Patient Safety Act at a cost💔≡$1,800, item five. A resolution authorizing on behalf of the Irving County and Government to execute a memorandum of understanding with St. Joseph Health System Incorporated for support for the Community Paramedicine Program, item six. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a fee-neutral multi-year letter agreement and any other necessary agreements with JPMorgan Chase Bank in a extended period to provide general banking services, item seven. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute an agreement with Charter Communications, to support an award from Kentucky's Better Internet Grant Program with local match funds for the provision of fiber optic broadband internet services to households in Fayette County to execute any related documents and further authorizing the payment in an amount not to exceed $10,000, item eight. Excuse me. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute chamber number one final to the agreement with Adelmay LLC for services related to the Pebble Creek Bank Stabilization Project for the division of water quality increase in the contract price by the sum of $40,856.25 from $83,300 to $124,156.25, item nine. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute second renewal to the contract with Hazen and Sawyer PSC for sanitary remedial measure program management consulting services for the division of water quality at a cost not to exceed $900,000, item ten. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute chamber number one to the storm water quality project incentive grant agreement with Blue Grass Green Source Incorporated, a storm water quality project decrease in the contract by the sum of $202,202.62 from $202,202.60 to $0, item 11. A resolution sending the dedication of private sanitary sewer easements located across 3050 Helmsdale Place to the public and further accepting $15,000 from the property owner for anticipated future repairs associated with the sewer lines dedicated herein, item 12. A resolution authorizing the Division of Water Quality on behalf of the Irving County Government to purchase a Huber Technology Replacement Wash Press for the Town Branch Waste Water Treatment Plant from Pelton Environmental Products Incorporated, a socialist provider at a cost estimated not to exceed $68,013, item 13. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to officially name and designate a recently acquired property located at 2490 Paris Pike as the William Floyd Park, item 14. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute the 2025 general term order for the Fayette County Sheriff establishing the number of deputies and assistants allowed to the Sheriff and their respective compensations subject to the laws, the limits for each category specified in the general term order, and the requirements established by law, item 15. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Lexington County Government to execute an agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, KYTC, for the acceptance of federal funds, which grant funds are in the amount of $1,200,000 for the design of phase three of the Newtown Pike Extension Project, the acceptance of which obligates the Irving County Government to the expenditure of $300,000 as a local match. And authorizing the Mayor to transfer adequate funds from the grant budget, item 16. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute amendment number 17 in the contracts with Stantec Consulting Services Incorporated, formerly known as Intranet PLC, formerly known as American Consulting Engineers PLC, for professional services for the Newtown Pike Extension Project. Increasing the contract price by the sum of $1,469,422 from $10,614,807.39 to $12,084,229.39, item 17. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute and submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide any additional information requested in connection with this grant application. And to accept this grant if awarded, which grant funds are in the amount of $600,000 in federal funds under the FEMA 2024 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program to acquire a boat or brush trucks. The acceptance of which obligates the Irving County Government to the expenditure of $60,000 as a local match. And authorizing the Mayor to transfer unaccompanied funds from the grant budget, item 18. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a second amendment to the Garden Meadows Home Owners Association Neighborhood Action Act Agreement to extend the period of performance to June 30, 2025 at no additional expense to the Irving County Government. Item 19. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute contract modification number 42, the agreement with Gresham Smith for expanded services on the phase three archeological data recovery in the legacy business park project at a cost not to exceed $341,201, item 20. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a volunteer income tax assistance, tax counseling for the elderly, partner sponsor agreement, and any related documents for the provision of the 2025 VITA TCE tax preparation assistance program at the Charles Young Center at no cost to the Irving County Government, item 21. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a memorandum of agreement with Miami, Lexington, and Kentucky Incorporated for any documents related to the purchase of property located at 865 through 869 Sparta Court. The final form of which shall be subject to the approval of departmental law at a cost not to exceed $141,211, item 22. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a revised agreement with St. Joseph Health System for use of the emergency room for the sexual assault nurse examiner at a cost not to exceed $3,000, item 23. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute amendments to the sub-recipient agreement with Northern Kentucky Legal Aid Society Incorporated, DBA Legal Aid of the Blue Grass, and Office of Kentucky Legal Services Program, Incorporated, DBA Kentucky Equal Justice Center for the provision of housing stability services extending the period of performance through June 30, 2025, item 24. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute agreements with Northern Kentucky Legal Aid Society Incorporated, DBA Legal Aid of the Blue Grass, and Office of Kentucky Legal Services Program, Incorporated, DBA Kentucky Equal Justice Center for the provision of housing stability services through the housing stabilization program for tenants facing potential eviction at a cost not to exceed $500,000 contingent upon approval of the necessary budget amendments, item 25. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute an agreement with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology to create an internship program related to forensic science and biology, item 26. A resolution authorizing the Director of the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to accept an additional funds awarded by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security from the FY 2024 DHS FEMA Grant Program in the amount of $490.50. We accept and which does not obligate the Irving County Government to the expenditure funds. And lastly, authorizing Mayor to transfer adequate funds within the grant budget, item 27. A resolution authorizing the Division of Police to purchase Cellebrite Insayette Pro Software Upgrade with three license renewals from Cellebrite Incorporated, a sole source provider and authorizing Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute any necessary agreement with Cellebrite Incorporated related to the procurement at a cost not to exceed $29,660.92, item 28. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a first amendment to the contract services with Kentucky Association for Environmental Education. Contract number 199-2024 for education and career development related to sanitary sewer and sustainability, increasing the contract amount by $131,000 and increasing the total contract amount to $648,636.27 per year, item 29. A resolution authorizing Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a purchase of service agreement with New Life Day Center Incorporated to replace and supersede the PSA approved pursuant to R-649-2022 for litter pickup with panhandler participation for the Division of Environmental Services at a cost not to exceed $150,000 per year, item 30. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute a memorandum of understanding with instant signs to protect the three Lexington welcome signs, the surrounding landscaping, and electrical components during the installation and removal of the 250 Lex signs, item 31. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Irving County Government to execute agreements related to council capital projects expenditure funds with LexArts Incorporated, 55,000 Community Action Council for Lexington-Fittsburg and Harrison and Nicholas Counties Incorporated, 5,000 LexArts Incorporated, 75,000. LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, $16,670.12. LFUCG Division of Environmental Quality and Public Works, $41,775.54. LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, $22,817.80. LFUCG Division of Traffic Engineering, 20,000. LFUCG Division of Environmental Services, 40,000. LFUCG Division of Aging and Disability Services, 4,200. LFUCG Corridors Commission, 196. LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, $20,735.78. Mother Throat Neighborhood Association Incorporated, $1,800. LFUCG Division of Traffic Engineering, $2,150.85. LFUCG Division of Traffic Engineering, $15,238.09. LFUCG Council Office, 1,000. LFUCG Division of Government Communications, $32,676. The Lyric Theater and Cultural Arts Center Corporation, 25,000. Ashland Neighborhood Association Incorporated, $1,274.13. LFUCG Division of Traffic Engineering, 18,725. LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, 30,000. Operation Making a Change Incorporated, 6,000. Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, 10,000. LFUCG Fire Department, $1,500. LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, 65,000. LFUCG Division of Traffic Engineering, 65,000. St. Martin's Village and Neighborhood Association Incorporated, 5,000. LFUCG Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works, 57,500. And the Living Arts and Science Center Incorporated, 9,525. Lexington Leadership Condition, 50,000. And LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation, 5,000 for the Office of the Urban County Council. And a cost of just as some stated, item 32. A resolution of the Lexington Fair Urban County Council approving the economic development partnership with Madison County, Scott County, and City of Berea, authorizing and directing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement, membership agreement, and other necessary and related documents forming the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority. And authorizing payment in the amount of $2,125,000 to the authority for the purpose of carrying out the duties and powers of the authority as limited by the aforementioned agreements and relevant state law, all contingent upon approval of the authority's creation and execution of all necessary agreements by all parties to the interlocal cooperation agreement, item 33. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute and submit a grant application to the US Department of Homeland Security to provide any additional information requested in connection with this grant application. And to accept this grant if awarded, which grant funds are in the amount of $1 million in federal funds under the 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to host a paramedic training course, the acceptance of which obligates the urban county government to the expenditure of $100,000 as a local match and authorizing mayor to transfer adequate funds from the grant budget, item 34. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to maintain a quick response team, item 35. A resolution amending section 3.1022 of Appendix A, Rules and Procedures of the Lexington Fair Urban County Council, relating to the order of business council meetings to provide a separate opportunity for public comment for issues on the docket prior to the consideration of legislative items by the Urban County Council, all effective upon passage of council, item 36. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute an agreement with the Downtown Lexington Corporation, DBA, Downtown Lexington Partnership to present public events on behalf of and in partnership with LFUCG, including Illuminate Lexington, Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade, and Thursday Night Live. Thank you. Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve? Motion to approve. Second. Council Member Ellinger, Council Vice Mayor Wu, excuse me, seconded. And now, if you will take a roll call vote, please. Council Member Lynch? Yes. Council Member Plowman? Yes. Council Member Reynolds? Yes. Council Member Savicny? Yes. Council Member Sheehan? Yes. Council Member Worley? Yes, ma'am. Vice Mayor Wu? Yes. Council Member Fred Brown? Yes. Council Member James Brown? Yes. Council Member Ellinger? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Elliot Baxter? Yes. Council Member Fogle? For my final vote, yes. Council Member Gray? Yes. And Council Member LaGrie? Yes. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much. Those all passed. Thank you again to our regional partners for being here. Thank you. All right. Now, I believe Council Member Ellinger has a motion. Thank you, Mary. I have a walk-on to the Mayor's report, a motion to walk on. I move to place on the docket under communication from the Mayor appointments a Mayor's report recommending the appointment Chrisandria Turner to the Ethics Commission. So moved. Second. Mayor, I hate to interrupt, but we need a vote on the approval of the appointments that we just walked on. So moved. Second. Thank you, Mayor. I just thought I'd get us started in saying goodbye to some Council Members. And I'll try to keep it brief and stay within my time frame because I think that I'll continue to see these folks and work with some of these folks. And even if you're retired and think that you're not going to see me, I know where you live, so you will see me. But I'll start with Council Member Fogle. I'll just say, Council Member Fogle, it's been a pleasure to work with you. You've got to be proud of yourself and what you've been able to accomplish in your life. And to go from where you were to where you are at now has just been a blessing. And it's been a pleasure to see the Lord working in your life. And I would say excited, but I think we just gave you more time for public comment in the future. So I'm interested in continuing to see you and working with you for the betterment of the community. So yeah, we'll continue to see you. You're not going anywhere. And then I'll move to Council Member Worley. Council Member Worley, I remember the day you were appointed. And I was sitting there looking at you thinking, I went through that same step. And I said, I'm going to reach out to him as soon as I can and try to make him feel comfortable. And you fit right in. The way you have been a steadfast council member, one to bring us back around. Sometimes we tend to lose our way in these meetings. And being a parliamentarian, I remember when you became the parliamentarian. I think you do an excellent job at that. And it's been an honor and a pleasure working with you. I know the folks of the 7th District are going to miss you. We're going to miss you on this council, but I look forward to your next phase and your next step, and look forward to working with you in the future. Council Member Fred Brown, Brother Brown, over in the corner. I've learned a lot from Council Member Brown. I think we all have. Council Member Brown, with your experience, with what you've shared, your willingness to listen. And actually change your mind if you hear something that you can gravitate to and to understand has been impressive. I know where you live at. I know that you play golf. I'm going to come by, we're going to hang out. And I'm going to tell this funny story real quick. One time I went over to Council Member Fred Brown's house after playing golf. And he answered the door, and he saw it was me, and we stood there and talked at the door for a few minutes. I said, you going to invite me in or not? He said, yeah, come on in. And we go in, he goes in and sits down at the bar in his kitchen, and he's got a little plate made up with eggs and bacon. And then I see some on the stove. Well, I'm thinking he's just going to offer me some, but he does not. He continues to eat his bacon and his eggs, and we have a good conversation. And then he politely ushers me back to the door and sends me on my way. But Council Member Brown, it's been an honor and a pleasure to work with you as well. And I look to continue seeing you and learning from you as this thing goes on. And then Council Member Plowman, I don't get emotional so much or often, but Council Member Plowman, and I think one of her aides said it the other night, is one of the strongest people I've ever had to work with, and I think we can all attest to that. Even when we were having a conversation, the contentious conversation about expansion. And we all know what she was dealing with personally. And she strapped up her boots and put on her council name badge and came in here and advocated for her constituents in what she thought was right for Lexington. And still had respect for us and treated us with respect even though we disagreed on this community's most important issue. I can't say any more than what your aide shared with us the other night about you and what you bring to the table and how you make people feel. And you will be missed around this dais, but I think we're still going to see your involvement and impact in this community. And I'll look forward to continue to work with you to make Lexington better. So, council members, I'll keep it short and I'll pass the mic to the next person. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Vice Mayor Wu. Thank you, Mayor. I am halfway through my first four year term, so this is my first set of goodbyes that I've ever had to do in this context. And thinking about you all this week has reconfirmed why I tried out for this job, seeing how you all serve your communities and serve your districts in the very different ways that you do. You couldn't find four more different people in personalities, in backgrounds, in demographics, in working styles even. And that diversity really inspires me, and I think if you look up at this council, at all 15 of us, you see that, and I think that's our strength. So first off, your successors in your districts, a few of whom are in this room right now, you all have some big shoes to fill, so get ready to work. I'll start down the line. Council Member Fred Brown, you are steadfast. You are not afraid to be the dissenting vote, which I've gotten to experience myself a couple of times and know how that feels, and to see you be able to do that is an inspiration. Last year, when I first got on council, I did ride-alongs with a bunch of council members to get to know their districts. And when I rode along with Council Member Fred Brown, this man knew where every pothole, every crack in every sidewalk, and every broken swing in his district. He's always been proud to say that he's a meat and potatoes guy, and he's all about parks, paving, and public safety. And you showed that, and you knew your district up and down, and you served your district well. And for that, I appreciate you. Council Member Tana Fogel, you are passionate. You have an absurd amount of dogged tenacity on issues that are important to you, and you kept us on our toes for two years straight. And no matter what we were working on, whether it was some sort of esoteric process, whether it was a zone change, whether it was budget, you constantly brought us back time and time again and remind us why we do this work, and that's to serve the people. And for that, I appreciate you. Council Member Preston Worley, you are thoughtful, you are articulate, and you made complicated and difficult and esoteric issues easier to understand, not just for us up here, but also for the public, and that's no small feat. As a chair, you ran efficient and short meetings, and you know I appreciate that. And we didn't always agree on everything, and we went toe to toe a few times on particular issues. Sometimes issues as big as how Lexington grows. But I always felt that you debated in good faith, and you believed in the process over all else. And for that, I appreciate you. Council Member Kathy Plowman, Council Member James Brown talked about your strength, your aides talked about your strength. But you encased that strength in caring and collegiality. I don't know if Kathy Plowman has any enemies, but if she does, I will fight them. And I think we will all fight them on your behalf. Of your many legacies, you have helped uplift marginalized communities and help preserve their histories and their homes. And for that, I appreciate you. All of you, I appreciate you for your service. Thank you. Thank you. Council Member Savigny. Thank you. I've already said goodbye to these folks at a previous meeting, so I'm going to say a few neighborhood announcements for you to lighten it up. Station 12, Christmas Tree Lightings. We want to invite everyone to join us to the magical evening in District 10 at the annual Southland Tree Lighting on December 6th, 530 to 7 at Fire Station 12. The festivity will have a bunch of good stuff for all ages. We've got good foods and donut days. We got hot cocoa. We got donuts. And of course, we have music from the capital of music in Lexington, the Lafayette. High school folks will be singing. The band folks said it's too cold to play their instruments, so we're just going to listen to some singers. And a special highlight of the evening will be the tree lighting ceremony by none other than Mayor Gordon. So we are so excited to have her join us. Afterwards, the Lexington Youth Ballet is doing a little treat over at their place on Southland Drive, so go see them. So you can also bring a toy for the Firefighters' Toys for Tots program. And I've got a special announcement, thanks to Director Carey and Liv Green-Lex, we have special treats, I do, for each one of you on council. These are called grubbies. For those of you who are looking for that gift, for that special someone in your life, nothing says I love you like fermenting garbage. So I want you to take one of these home, put a little ribbon on it, give it to your special person in your life, and learn how to compost. My best wishes to the folks that are leaving us. We are all so fortunate to have multiple chapters in our lives. I am so excited to read your next chapters. This one was a fun one. Thank you so much. Thank you, Council Member Reynolds. Thank you, Mayor. Tonight is a special night, so those of you that are listening might hear some repetition here, but it's a time where we close out. Not only the calendar year, the council year, but say goodbye to our colleagues. And we spend a lot of time together in situations that are sometimes very challenging. And as has already been reiterated several times, we're all very different. But I think each council group that I've worked with and now this is yet another group that I'm saying goodbye to. I appreciate the differences that we all have because we all represent different parts of Lexington. And Lexington is not the same. So I want to start by saying, Council Member Fogle, you have really challenged me to think about how government operates and how it affects people in a different way than I think I would have thought of before. You have brought up issues that we don't usually talk about sometimes, and you have brought things to the forefront that we need. be addressing. So I really appreciate that. I also appreciate the way that you supported me in the past two years and different endeavors and with gun violence and I'm just I'm really grateful that you could cause myself and I think others as well to think outside the box. So I know you're going to be successful in your next chapter as well. And then Councilmember Fred Brown you also have challenged me over the years. So when I was a new Councilmember and had only been on Council for a few months I had been told don't talk, listen, don't do anything, don't put anything in committee, and just you know kind of sit there for a while. I did that for a few months and then I decided I was going to put something in committee. And being the person that I had to be controversial right and nobody says anything except Councilmember Fred Brown. And he says no that cannot go into committee. And me not knowing what in the world I was doing I just started talking to him and responding out of turn. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to be talking and I just started going back and forth with him. And he was very gracious and and we disagreed on the issue. But over the years even if we disagreed I have so appreciated your knowledge and your wisdom and more than anything your calm presence. Because even if you disagree you are calm and you are kind and I am really gonna miss you and I'm gonna miss that presence on Council. You sticking up for what you believe in even if no one else agrees. So it's it's important and that you know you're you're willing to stick up for your perspective which is a perspective of others as well. So I'm really gonna miss you. And Councilmember Worley I this has been said but I really admire the way you use your words. And I think that comes from your profession of being an attorney. Sometimes the way you put things together I'm just like wow I wish I could be as eloquent. And that that wisdom and way of taking knowledge and spitting it back out is really gonna be missed. Especially your leadership in planning issues. And so I really appreciate you and I wish you the best in the next thing you do. You will be missed as well. Six years is a long time to spend with people and we've spent six years serving Lexington together. And I'm really grateful. Councilmember Plowman you are an extremely kind human being. And I think that when I think of you also I think of a calming presence. I've never heard you say anything mean. Even one time when you tried to tell me you didn't like something it was very kind. And when I was going through a difficult time in my life you were just extremely gracious and encouraging and generous. And I know that you have done so much for this city and you're an amazing fundraiser. I admire your ability to get people behind an issue and I'm really really gonna miss you. And I know that I'll just call you up and ask if I can come swim if I miss you. But I really I really appreciate all that you've given to Council as well. So all that to say tonight I'm wrapping up my third term and I want to wish everyone in Lexington and all my constituents a really happy holiday season. There's lots of wonderful activities happening over the next few weeks and I hope people will enjoy those. And I also want to thank all of our LFUCG employees for their hard work. They put in tireless tireless hours trying to make Lexington what it is and we live in a wonderful city. So thank you and thank you Mayor as well. Thank you Councilmember Baxter. Thank you Mayor. I would like to start with Councilmember Fogel. I don't know that in my life I have met someone with so much stick-to-itiveness as you. You never back down from a challenge and you challenged all of us as well and I really appreciate that about you and I truly can say that I'm a better person because I served with you. You brought things to I think Jennifer said the same sorry Councilmember Reynolds said the same thing that you brought things to our attention and you weren't afraid to ask questions about topics that most of us probably wouldn't and I really appreciate that about you and and I really I will really miss you and I'm really glad that you have come around to the idea of flock cameras. It made me really happy. Councilmember Worley what can I say friend you have not only been a great colleague but a great friend and the respect for this job and the respect for the institution of this government and the common-sense approach that you have to everything that we do and the way that you kind of rally us together I don't know that anybody's going to be able to do that quite like you do and yeah I'm just gonna really miss you so Kathy you I've always looked at you kind of like a mom your aides on Tuesday made so many great comments and talked about all the ways in which you've invested in them and in a way I feel like you have invested in all of us the same and you have left your mark on this community there's a true lasting impression because of Kathy Plowman and I I know that that we've been through some really tough times together I'm going to say we because we did it together and I I was so proud to work with you through all of the adversity and challenges that we've had I really miss you oh lord here it goes councilmember Fred Brown our journey began long before I was even born and we some may not know that my grandfather was ninth district councilmember as well and Fred and my grandfather served together and when I first was elected I think Fred might have been the first one to call me and his first question was are you as conservative as your grandfather can I count on you to vote with me every step of the way and I said I I hate to maybe disappoint you but no I'm not as conservative as my grandfather but over the last four years it's like I've been working with my grandfather and you have taught me so much about myself and I have so much respect for you and the way that you never falter on your faith and the role that plays in your decision-making is so admirable and I hope that I can like carry a small bit of that torch going forward just know that you are a true inspiration to me and I will truly truly miss working with you but also know where you live that's all thank you mayor thank you councilmember LaGree all right mayor thank you so much I know that I wrote notes to each one of you all sharing my sentiments a little bit more fully but I also wanted to say a few things on the microphone here today like our other colleagues for our final meeting and I'll start with councilmember Plowman councilmember Plowman you've been such a fantastic colleague and I know that we've been aligned on a number of issues and over the past several years but you know beyond our personal friendship and our connection you provided such a strong model in terms of advocacy and hard work in representing the values of your district while also really going I think above and beyond when it comes to elevating other women and being a strong mentor and as we heard from your legislative aides you know when they shared some of their thoughts with us earlier this week I mean that that kind of impact is really lasting and I think hard to measure so I want to say thank you for your friendship for the model you provided for your time your values and your investment in the long future of our community I really appreciate you councilmember Fred Brown I know that service and leading from your values those are things that are really really important to you and it shows today when you were sharing your your list I mean it was really impressive because it was a long list but beyond that it spoke to your commitment as a public servant and a representative and I have a lot of respect for that long term of service and the way in which you care about your district and the people in it I know that we have different takes on some of the issues some of the time but I've had a big opportunity to learn from you and to test my own perspective as a result of our conversations and that's something that I found really valuable and meaningful and I really like you and on top of that on top of that and I'm surprised the vice mayor didn't say anything but we're really happy that you put pickleball at River Hill Park so thank you for that that's really wonderful we love it councilmember Fogel you're next and I know that this is a sentiment that is shared by many within our group but I I really want to commend your persistence in pursuit of what you believe is right and just especially when it comes to people within our community who've been underrepresented those who are vulnerable and those who very much need and deserve our attention and additional support thank you and you know I do want to say too and we were all laughing earlier because you have brought style and humor and fun to our work and you also care deeply and that's like a big important balance to strike so as you have shared with us I know that you're gonna be down here in City Hall so we're not gonna miss you too much and we're gonna keep appreciating you as you continue the fight so thank you councilmember Worley I know that I've told you this in the past I told you earlier this week actually but I will really miss your skill and your grace when it comes to oration and when it comes to your strength at argumentation even though it's not always to my benefit I always appreciate it and I think something that we see up here and I think a number of us appreciate it is your willingness to share your process and to articulate your process because sometimes that can make you vulnerable in in a certain way to have to put it out there why and how you're thinking about things so I really really appreciate that especially when it comes to a complex issue or a situation and professionally I've really appreciated your approach as a leader on council and as a parliamentarian and personally I very much value our friendship and I know that you won't be a stranger to City Hall or to any of us either so thank you very much thank you mayor thank you councilmember Fogel thank you mayor and I'll be brief councilmember Brown I have one word bonding if I don't know anything else no bonding thank you here we go councilmember Kathy first time I met you at you asked for $5,000 and I was like $5,000 but now I know you's helping folks stand on the ancestry with the Hamlet's and I was like yeah you can have $5,000 and I was like is this the way we're gonna spend the money people's gonna knock on my door I'm new they're gonna say and I'm green hey can you give me 2,000 give me give me 10,000 and then I turn around and look in first district has no money because I've given it out to you all didn't know any better but thank you for that and can I have the furniture in your office to take home you guys have got to see her office but anyway he macula and so whoever gets that office is gonna be that's gonna be special you got it 11th district I should have known and Mary Gordon I remember when I was sworn in and I know you must have thought I was a lunatic because I grabbed your arm and set you on my lap and everybody took a picture and I was so excited I was gonna show that photo but I forgot and so and you was gracious enough you just sit there and you smiled I think you was like is she gonna let me go but thank you for your leadership in the two years that I've been here and the rest of the council and my sisters for the Crown Act thank you for standing in solidarity and I believe we made history as we were elected in here first women of color three of us at the same time and that is special and I will take that with me and then I couldn't Dave right across the hall for me I'm just like I'm telling the legislative aides all of them go across the hall they know everything and so thank you for that and vice mayor Wu we ran on the same card with the lakes with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and I was happy to have a face on that card with you councilman she and I won't forget you you was the first call you said could you meet me and I was like oh I'm in trouble already and so I remember that meeting as you welcomed me down at third Street stuff it's just those kind of memories and you two in that corner I just don't know what to do with you two right there but I'm not gonna leave you out Chuck because when I didn't understand and I didn't know how to move things and we were back in that room councilmember Ellinger was like you know you're making a lot of sense and so do you mind if I open the door and you just walk right through it and I said I don't mind at all and so some things you know I've got that nine million dollars and I was crying one day and these two said just wait it's gonna happen it might not happen now but it'll happen just let's feasibility study come through and so councilmember Brown I've called you from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight on some occasions and sometimes you just text me and said I'm in a meeting but I knew you asleep but you were so gracious and you did get back in touch with me and I thank you I think everybody on this horseshoe and now my most difficult you Louise was have favorites and I got 11 grandkids and I don't have favorites there either but we'll give her a minute when she comes back how's that sound councilmember Lynch do you want to go ahead I will Thank You mayor councilmember Fred Brown customer focal no you can hear me even though you're out there councilmember Worley and councilmember Plowman I'm not gonna espouse everything because I wrote you a nice little card in your in your gift bag so when you get a chance please read those personal notes but I want to thank you collectively you made this journey as a first-time councilmember easy I always come with the questions and you all were always willing to answer and it's just been a true joy and a lot of fun working with you all and serving with you all all of you are an inspiration to a first-time council member as myself and I'm so honored and felt very privileged to be able to serve with you all as well know that you can call on me anytime anytime any day or night and that I count you all not just as friends but as family from this point on so thank you all so much and to my colleagues and the mayor and to our awesome city employees thank you for making my first term so awesome I have really loved this job and working with you all has been a real pleasure even on the issues that maybe we didn't agree on it was still a lot of fun I really enjoyed it I enjoy you all so thank you all so much for blessing with the awesome first term and I look forward to working with my colleagues that will be returning and for my colleagues that will be departing please enjoy your family and your friends and take that time back that this building has stole from you take that time and enjoy it and everyone have a great holidays thank you mayor thank you councilmember Worley Thank You mayor you know I've thought a lot about that phrase Thank You mayor for the last seven years every public statement that I have made has started almost every public statement has started with that phrase Thank You mayor and so you know I appreciate my colleagues that have honored me as with their words about being the parliamentarian of course Thank You mayor shows respect for the decorum of the chamber that I've enjoyed and been honored to guide and guard but to me also Thank You mayor is a statement of gratitude for the privilege of the opportunity to serve and the trust that our constituents have placed in us to bear the burden of that responsibility you know this is great work and and I've really really truly enjoyed this work you know this is the type work and from all levels of government some of you heard me say this what they do in Washington is so it's so important what they do in Frankfurt is so important but here what we do as local officials you get to see what you've done for your constituents on your ride home and and that's what's been so important about it I think it's one of the the most noble of work to to work in local government that is closest to the people and you know it may it may seem simple but it's so impactful to pave streets pick up trash keep people safe rescue them in times of trouble give families a place to play in the parks but you all of us our colleagues not only we do that we also took up the task to provide opportunities for safe quality affordable housing for everyone that wants to live in Fayette County and also to ensure equality and inclusive inclusivity for all our residents that work has was hard it's very hard work and I'm thankful for my colleagues for doing it with me and I'm thankful for the privilege to be part of the process you know I think and the mayor honored those of us leaving today with with proclamations and she put a few of my accomplishments on there which I really really appreciate and I would just say to my colleagues that are continuing on and then those of us that are leaving with me you know this always look for opportunities it seems so mundane but always look for opportunities I think of you mentioned Buckhorn Park when I went to tour a water quality project and I said what's the city gonna do with this leftover land the water quality tank only needs about a third of it and I said well nothing I said well we give it to the parks and so now we have Buckhorn Park at the corner of Buckhorn and alumni in the middle of kovat when those of us were meeting to try to pass budgets sitting six feet apart in closed down businesses and in across in this chamber right here we came up and you all supported when I when I proposed to give small businesses stipends to help them through a difficult time and and then probably what I'm most proud of is after touring the Eastside Public Library when they told me that kids in the Woodhill neighborhood were walking to the library to do their homework without a sidewalk the council at that time supported me in putting forward what turned out to be a million-dollar sidewalk and I would put to you that that's the second thing you should do that's what I will take with me the most but I would put to you always have something you can hold on to we all have so many accomplishments that we do even the little ones throughout the years but when you leave here as we all will at some time make sure you have something that you really can hold on to and I'm thankful that my colleagues helped me with that one but finally I've got to be cognizant and thank all the great people that I've worked with first and foremost Renee buckles Renee is the most fantastic council aid but she's a wonderful friend wonderful partner and you know I get a lot of I've been getting a lot of thank yous this week thank you for your service thank you for you did this for our neighborhood thank you for this park at Kathy's going away party I got a lot of we never really agreed with you but thanks for your service anyway but for all of the credit that I may get publicly each and every one of those thank yous belongs to you finally I would say I've served with 29 council members to vice mayors and two mayors and it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to serve with all of you and while I would love to go around the room and and tell something about all of you I'm going to mention those that I'm going out with Fred my very first seat on this council was there where Dave was sitting and on one side was Kevin stand it and the other was you and I could not have asked for a better mentor and friend to teach me the ways and and I think my success is in large part how you guided me those first few years and thank you and the mayor I know I'm the Parliament I'm out of order you have more if you'll indulge me just said tell him he's got three seconds I said you tell him councilmember Plowman I we've enjoyed such a wonderful friendship the entire time here and I think we've some people think about the growth issue and that maybe we don't see eye to eye I say ninety nine point nine percent of everything else we worked on we were together and and it's been a pleasure to work with you Tana this has been a pleasure I've loved it and then the only other person I want to mention individually and he already stole my story but that was James Brown the day I was appointed James came to me and said we need to get together I'd like to get to know you kind of like Tana I didn't know if he was just trying to get build me into his eight count for his votes or but since then he was my first friend on the council and he's been one of my best and I can't think of a single day that we've actually regardless of the issue in the vote Bennett been on opposite sides of each other so lastly I want to thank Mayor Jim Gray for appointing me to this job and giving me the first opportunity of course I want to thank the people the seventh district who've continued to send me back I've already thanked Renee who deserves a thank you again to all my colleagues to the police and fire department it has been my absolute pleasure to have always been behind you because you all have always been behind me and all of us and I appreciate you to the staff the LF you see staff I said earlier this is one of the best run governments in the country and you all are fantastic and Mary your team is wonderful Sally Hamilton is one of the best in the business she couldn't couldn't be any better and I'd like to particularly thank the planning staff for all the work being the chair of the general government planning committee was an honor and I think we've done wonderful things I want to thank my family who are all here for the sacrifice you've shared with me and the opportunity that you've given me to do this job that I've loved so much and you can also see Clark there one of the reasons that I've not sought reelection I need a little more time at home thank you all so very much it's been a privilege and a pleasure and so for one last time thank you mayor thank you so much all right and councilmember Fogle whenever you're ready to come back in I under I respect that you have a little bit of time left to finish yeah I just want to finish it up and I'll do it without being so emotional to the first district thank you for a wonderful two years of support and even the ones that didn't support me I had to serve you anyway and I did and so I just want to say that I want to thank my family most of all God and the Holy Spirit because without him I am absolutely nothing and I thank you for this experience this chapter has closed in my life I did what I believe that God sent me here to do and most of you all have already said it he had me come to touch your life and he had me come for you all to touch mine and so you guys have given me some filter in my life I came down here with none anything I wanted to say I wanted to say it and I said it but since I've been here for two years you guys have showed me how to walk in grace and how to have a little filter but still stand in my truth and so for that I am truly grateful and that's what I want to say and the last thing I want to say if you see an old man on the street and he's down remember your shoes could fit his feet we can change things if we start giving so reach out and touch somebody's hand for the Lord will help you to stand and just remember the little people and for that I'm dropping the mic and I'm signing off all right thank you mayor thank you very much councilmember Ellinger Thank You mayor I've had the privilege to be on this council now 18 years I've had nine different councils that I've been a part of so I've seen council members come and go and and I can say without a fact that this council and these four people that are leaving here is going to be hard to replace we we always transition to a new council but this the ones that are leaving the institutional knowledge their common sense the reasonableness it's going to be hard to replace what we'll move on but we're thankful for your service because I agree with everything that's been said and I don't want to go into because I get kind of emotional on these things just like everybody else and I'll try to keep it but with Fred Brown when he came on he served my dad my dad said listen to Fred he's been my mentor thank you Tata your your passion makes us all want to be better people you're a consummate professional we all I don't want to follow you because you are such you do such a good job that it's not easy to do but but I've enjoyed sitting beside you I'm gonna miss you because you are what we all want to be Kathy it's it's been a pleasure to work with you your compassion what you've given to this city all your time you deserve your break and and enjoy it because you've you've you've all made this city a better city because of your service on here we can't thank you enough for what you all done and what you all brought to this community you always hope when you you leave it you leave in a better place and all of you all have done that so thank you for what you've done what you've given up to be on this because it's it's not always a thankful job but it is an honor and it is a privilege to be on here and we want to thank the citizens the residents for putting us on here but you all can be proud for what they've done why they've been here so thank you thank you thank you thank you councilmember Sheehan thank you mayor I also would like to share some thoughts about each person that's leaving our council this term councilmember Fogle I'm starting with you thank you for your service to district one and to our entire community your tireless advocacy for our unhoused neighbors our young people and and marginalized voices in this community help this council really focus on issues that deeply matter you gave us perspective and I know that you will continue to uplift the voices that the broader community needs to hear and I'm sure I'm gonna run into you passing out sandwiches or something around the community while we're out councilmember Worley thank you for your years of service to our community and this council and your level-headed approach has been invaluable in keeping us on track during some let's just call them passionate discussions I'm sure you're looking forward to enjoying more time with your family councilmember Brown I have learned a lot from my time serving as your colleague I'm now I'm crying particularly your work-life balance you have been a great model for that for me I respect your dedication to our community your dedication to your strongly held beliefs and your dedication to your three Ps and discouraging bonding but I hope you and your grandkids get a lot of time fishing on your calendar once the weather warms up and you enjoy a well-earned retirement and councilmember Plowman you know we can't top all the lovely things that your former legislative aides and your current legislative aides said about you but but just that display was just such a powerful testament to the kind leader that you are to have such a send-off from people who have worked so closely with you over over your past eight years on council you are a warm intelligent and inclusive person who has stirred stood firmly for the constituents of your district while you have been here and and I hope that I will have a little bit less fear of spilled water bottles over here thank you thank you mayor thank you councilmember gray thank you mayor I guess I'm gonna start with my actual announcements that I have earlier today sorry I'm going into my spill I'm still here so earlier today I had the great opportunity to meet with our new director of waste management director Antonio Blandin and I just want to say out loud and verbally what great hands our waste management is in with our new director I am I am so hopeful and for what will transpire for that division and kudos to our Commissioner of EQPW in this hire I'm so excited for what is to come for for that division and for those employees and also kudos and I also had the opportunity to meet with director Lee still and go back same picture with director Lee still and of code enforcement and Michael Hauser man and as well as I'm gonna Kendra Thompson our council staff is also in that picture earlier today we met our ongoing about code enforcement and I just wanted to make sure everyone knows code enforcement is in great hands with director Lee still the atmosphere in our code enforcement division of code enforcement is night and day from when I put the issue in committee I know there's been a lot of a lot of people employees who were scared when I placed it in there because I used the word revamp revamp has many meanings but some people took it the negative way and as you know people around me there's nothing negative about me and all I want to do is to help our community help our employees be better serve and be better of service to our residents and I cannot wait to present to the residents of Lexington all that councilmember Lynch and I have been working on for over a year we will be presenting in February I just want you all to know how excited I am I get excited when when great stuff is happening for our city and the work that we are doing is making an actual difference so kudos to you councilmember Lynch and I'm excited to present in February with you also lastly not lastly but I just learned yesterday that I don't have favorites but I do I learned yesterday that global Lex is leader Isabel Taylor will be retiring on December 31st Isabel I just want to if you're watching I just want you to know how important you have been to the community those who do not speak English as their first language people who don't know a lot about the lay of the land here in Lexington you have been the pathway you have been that flashlight in darkness for so many residents and you will be missed and I am excited for whatever is happening in your next chapter and lastly to my colleagues all of us I mean especially those who are leaving it has been it's been interesting two years for me this year especially it's been a little interesting I know I'm better today than I was when I came in this office I know that I am stronger than I've ever knew I was ever and part of my strength came from knowing that I had a best friend that's on this council one councilmember Lynch but but also knowing that I have people on this council that I serve with who actually do care about the people that we serve and who really mean what they say because and I'm looking at my mentor who happens to be everybody's mentor councilmember Fred Brown who has been true to his work because and you know when you walk into the political life you often hear that we are not everybody's that's in politics is true to their word but what I'm found on this council we are true to the word we are true to serving the people that we were sworn to represent and we do so unashamedly we stand strong Kathy Pullman when you're standing up for your for your residents in rural Lexington you stood strong while you were fighting cancer you showed up you showed all of Lexington of what it means to be a true leader councilmember Lynn I'm not Lynch but Fogle I did it again you have showed us that leadership comes from all types of law you can go from the lowest to the highest there is no degree on what leadership looks like leadership looks like you can look like anybody in Lexington and you can stand up and you have stood up all alone saying pump your brakes to the council I wanted to say that and you showed us what is what it looks like to change you how some people say flip-flop but our what we do is to not stay stagnant in the change our perspective when we have information that can better serve our community and you change your stance Preston Worley thank you thank you for showing me of what how to run a real meeting the proper way oh my goodness I've never been in such awesome meetings then when you let them you were state when you were the voice of expansion thank you I'm glad it was you and not me but you showed us what true leadership is and what it means to be a person of integrity a person of truth a person of who stands behind their words it has just been an honor to serve with each and every single one of us because we all come from different ways of life and that is what Lexington deserves leadership that looks like the community and so I applaud you all and I look forward to everyone that's coming and joining us and my time is up but I know that great things are in the horizon for 2025 because greatness is entering into this council although we have greatness that is leaving us and we will never forget you and your impact on the history of Lexington so thank you thank you mayor thank you councilmember Plowman all right I'm bringing up the rear here I think I'm the last one and the whole time I've been sitting here and listening and tearing up here and there but I'm thinking about all the memories that are flashing back over the years I'll think one of the first ones was I was sitting next to James Brown for the first time and I hit a full bottle of water and it went all over his laptop yeah or the time that Jennifer Masadi and this is before many of you she had the what was it the increase on a wage increase and she fought and fought and fought and it got overturned by the state it was like my first meeting and so I pushed the wrong button but we were just reinforcing that you know but I pushed the wrong button she looked over so you know you get here and there's so many things that happen and they're fond fond memories and that's what keeps me smiling I appreciate all of your person up persistent your patience because I think I had the most hearings for Linda so changes and each time I remember at the end it was like we're not gonna do that we're not good but you always did and I appreciate it and I pretty much had to have you mentioned my strength and I will you know I will tell you that one of my source of strength during that was you all now I'm gonna cry but um you know and you know I'll probably miss you so much I'll watch TV well you know what why did you for a while at least I can see you in action and I hope you know how much I'll miss working with all of you you know I had a little saying we were out there in the steps and I thought of another saying that it means a lot and it I'll sum it up we need to have people that mean something to us people to whom we can turn knowing that being with them is coming up thank you very much all right that leads us to public comment and we have a few people signed up and first I'd like to confirm that Sabra El Amin is here are you here is is Sabra El Amin here okay is Geneva Dixon here she also left okay Alyssa Rigney okay you'll speak first and for those speaking you'll come to the podium and I'll ask you to state your name again for the record and your council district and you'll have three minutes welcome hi council Alyssa Rigney district 11 first do all of you guys have your handouts that I gave no okay well am I able to approach the brunch very quickly you can give them to the there should be one for each of you all I put in the thing outside but it seems as though there's a lot of joy in the room today with the holidays approaching and just being together with colleagues and celebrating each other and as this paper comes around I would like to share a little bit of joy that our community felt this week on Monday night we welcome Mustafa and his mother to the Bluegrass Airport Mustafa is a child who has been evacuated from Gaza along with seven other children from the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and unfortunately he is an amputee he had to go through four surgeries to try to save his foot after being pulled from the rubble and unfortunately his foot was unable to be saved but he is here in Lexington receiving treatment over at Shriners Hospital and they are hoping to get him set with a prosthetic so our community got together Monday in droves and we welcomed him and we got to just share our excitement and joy to have him here in Lexington it was beautiful genuinely to see so many people come out and support this child and if you are wondering who we're fighting for that's who we're fighting for children like Mustafa and all of the children in Gaza who are stuck under occupation that's who we're fighting for I hope you can look at his face and see his smile as he's here being greeted by my guess would be a hundred or so people who are just so glad they could feel as if they were doing something helpful and doing something that could make a difference such as supporting this boy during his treatment here I hope as we go into the new year that of course you all first and foremost have a very happy holidays but also keep in mind those who are less fortunate and those who do not get to have peace of mind for the holidays and while Mustafa is here I hope maybe you guys are able to extend your support and be there while he's present because again even though Gaza is all the way on the other side of the world Gaza is now here and has been here but now is undeniably here this boy is a hero simply for living through the circumstances that he's had to so happy holidays thanks counsel all right our next speaker is Chris Eustace and Chris will be followed by Allah Hassan welcome my name is Chris Jesus I'm from district 11 I know it's late but I my I am here as a super host for Airbnb I want to speak out against these new proposed and the old restrictions on short-term rentals the Airbnbs we the host of short-term rentals are small businesses that contribute to Lexington in many ways we are small economic revitalization machines that help the city and the state Kentucky is one of the poorest states in the country we revitalize houses we also contribute socially bringing in people in from all over the world and the u.s. to Lexington I currently have a research scientist and entomologist studying mosquitoes and ticks and another guest is the IT engineer they are not a threat to the community these are professional people with serious careers they just need a place to live while they work here the older round of regulations along with the new round are a real threat to these small businesses we are required to have a special business license go in front of the Board of Adjustment we are charged with extra fees per bedroom listings and are required to have a 1 million dollar insurance policy that's a lot that's ridiculous those were regulations should be eliminated the city and the state have no problem taking tax revenues generated by the Airbnbs we know why you're doing it and it is not for public safety if you are interested in improving public safety this the drag racers on the streets would be stopped if you were interested in public safety the neighborhoods around the University of Kentucky would not be trashed those students living there in the housing owned by absentee landlords often have loud drunken parties that are sometimes dangerous and violent we see the beer pongs often this is a double standard that has gone on for decades and the disruptions drive residents out poverty is also a threat to public safety we know why you are against the small businesses that operate short-term rentals everyone knows it's because you want to stop anyone that competes with the large corporations the big hotels the big landlords and developers in fact you give them millions of dollars in tax incentives and revenues while the only thing you give small businesses is a very hard time there is a name for this type of politics it is called corporatism it is a term coined by Mussolini your allies in the media back you up I understand them there are some nebulous if you don't talk with us you will not understand us stop harassing small businesses the money they generate sticks around in the community for a long time the large corporations that suck the economic blood out of the community feed Wall Street the term that you put in there called occupied should be changed to reside that term means you can never leave your house it's a ridiculous ordinance thank you very much all right our next speaker is Allah Hassan followed by moose Saman welcome hi my name is Allah Hassan and I am from district 12 um so I didn't really know exactly what I was going to say when I came up here and I realized one thing as I was sitting there for like two hours um that I just regained feeling in my toes I had practice outside with my girls today for an hour and a half and it was 25 degrees outside um and I thank God every day that I have heating inside buildings that are up and that are stable and that we have clothes and jackets and homes that we can come back to and I realized that the people of Gaza do not have that um and I know we bring it up over and over and over again and I'm sure whenever we're not here it's a sigh of relief that you guys don't have to hear us talk over and over again about Gaza and what's happening in Palestine but we are here and they're still going through what they're going through a genocide day in and day out for over 400 days now and it's not going to stop until we put our foot downs and say enough is enough this should not be happening to people to children to women to men to the elderly it's not fair and we can do something about it it's minuscule but minuscule acts snowball they have a snowball effect and they are able to compound upon each other to effect real change today I heard you guys rightfully so giving each other your flowers the flowers that you all deserve and I hear so much about how you guys have different ideologies you guys have different motions that you want to pass and things like that but when I spoke to you all individually about why nobody would put up something that says ceasefire it was because it wouldn't get passed with the majority vote so I ask you guys to do some real self-reflection and think to yourself talk to yourself in the mirrors do whatever you need to do but say am I really thinking for myself or do we have one shared brain cell can I bring something forward that I know is morally correct to do or am I going to shy away and be afraid because my council members my co-workers might not agree with me this is a place for you to take your stand you guys have positions of power so that you can speak up for what you believe is right and I hope that you guys take the chance to do that happy holidays enjoy your time with family and stay warm. All right our last speaker is Mos Saman. Welcome. Hello my name is Mos Saman district 9. I just want to say we heard a lot of people call us animals as a Palestinian and here two meetings ago somebody mentioned we're wearing the terrorist flag this is heritage and you could google it and you could find out that's a it's not a terrorist flag I just came here to say to wish everybody a happy holiday happy Kwanzaa happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all my fellow Christian just remember one thing when Jesus was crucified who shouted crucified him it wasn't us from the river to the sea Palestine will be free. Council members that is our final speaker and if I might take 60 seconds of personal privilege you all know that earlier we had a gathering to celebrate our four council members who are leaving and so you each have a proclamation from me and a letter from me and in those letters I said some of my really deepest thoughts about you and your qualities. What I want to say is to Councilmember Fogle, Councilmember Worley, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Plowman you will be missed. You have been so dedicated to the cause this cause of serving the community whether it was your district but on top of that the greater good of everyone and there is no job in my estimation that is more honorable than to be elected by your people and to serve those people so thank you very much. I hope you enjoy your next chapter. I welcome each and every one of you back to the podium or to my office I'd love to see you. So with that I know that lots of different folks celebrate different holidays at this time of year. I will just simply say I hope your holidays are wonderful and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate Christmas. Thank you and Councilmembers do I have a motion to adjourn? Very good. All those in favor say aye. We are adjourned. Thank you very much.