# Urban County Council - September 18, 2025 > Auto-transcribed civic record · Council · September 18, 2025 - **Permalink**: https://meetings.lexingtonky.news/meeting/6575 - **Source video**: https://lfucg.granicus.com/player/clip/6575?view_id=14&redirect=true - **Date**: 2025-09-18 - **Body**: Council - **Last revised**: February 15, 2026 - **Length**: 6,688 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 September 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers in Lexington, KY, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The meeting covered 5 agenda items, beginning with a roll call and invocation before moving into substantive business. The Council approved the minutes of previous meetings, as well as items on second reading, including both ordinances and resolutions. Over the course of the meeting, 3 votes were taken and 4 public comments were heard. ## Attendance **Present (12):** Hale, Higgins-Hord, LeGris, Lynch, Morton, Reynolds, Wu, Beasley, Boone, Brown, Ellinger, and Elliott Baxter. **Absent (3):** Sevigny, Sheehan, and Curtis. **Late:** None. ## Votes and Decisions Three items came to a roll call vote at the September 18, 2025 Council meeting. - **Ordinance 0873-25** [timestamp: 0:09] — An ordinance amending certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to reflect current municipal expenditure requirements and appropriating and re-appropriating funds (FY 2026 Schedule No. 8). Motioned by Ms. Elliott Baxter and seconded by Ms. LeGris, the ordinance **passed 12–0**. All twelve members voted in favor: Hale, Higgins-Hord, LeGris, Lynch, Morton, Reynolds, Wu, Beasley, Boone, Brown, Ellinger, and Elliott Baxter. - **Ordinance 0874-25** [timestamp: 0:09] — An ordinance amending certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to correct funds for purchase orders rolled from FY 2025 into FY 2026, and appropriating and re-appropriating funds (Schedule No. 9). Also motioned by Ms. Elliott Baxter and seconded by Ms. LeGris, the ordinance **passed 12–0**, with the same twelve members voting in favor. - **Resolution 0814-25** [timestamp: 0:14] — A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with CHS TX, Inc., d/b/a YesCare, for Inmate Medical and Mental Health Services at the Division of Community Corrections. The amendment modifies the staffing plan, reduces the number of forensic psychiatry hours, and adjusts staff vacancy rates, resulting in a reduction of $65,000 to the annual contract value and a total FY26 contract cost of $10,278,132. Motioned by Vice Mayor Wu and seconded by Ms. Higgins-Hord, the resolution **passed 11–1**. Voting in favor were Hale, Higgins-Hord, LeGris, Lynch, Morton, Wu, Beasley, Boone, Brown, Ellinger, and Elliott Baxter. Reynolds cast the sole dissenting vote. ## Budget and Financial Actions The Council considered two financial actions at the September 18, 2025 meeting, covering infrastructure and inmate health services. - **St. Martin Pump Station Elimination (Resolution 0841-25):** The Council took up a contract with Sunesis Construction Co. valued at **$2,287,100** for the elimination of the St. Martin Pump Station. This action represents a capital infrastructure commitment directed at removing the existing pump station facility. - **Inmate Medical and Mental Health Services (Resolution 0814-25):** The Council considered an amendment to an existing agreement with **CHS TX, Inc., d/b/a YesCare** for inmate medical and mental health services. The amended contract value totals **$10,278,132**, reflecting the ongoing provision of healthcare services to the inmate population. Together, these two items represent a combined financial commitment of approximately **$12.5 million** across public works and correctional health services. ## Public Comment Four members of the public addressed the Council during the public comment period, with all speakers focused on the ongoing war in Gaza and the city's relationship with companies connected to the conflict. - **Kaelin Reynolds** [timestamp: 33:29] expressed outrage over what they described as the city's complacency in the genocide in Palestine, urging the Council to take action against it. - **Liam Sturgill** [timestamp: 36:13] called on the Council to adopt policy that would sever ties with companies they characterized as complicit in the genocide in Gaza. - **Logan Robertson** [timestamp: 38:24] specifically urged the Council to end the city's partnership with Lockheed Martin, citing the company's involvement in the conflict in Gaza. - **Eli Wren** [timestamp: 43:13] urged the Council to take a stand against the genocide in Gaza, emphasizing the significance of the city being among the first to act. Taken together, the speakers pressed the Council on two related themes: the city's broader posture toward the conflict in Gaza, and its specific institutional and contractual relationships with defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin. No Council members responded to the comments during this portion of the meeting. ## Appointments The Council approved appointments and reappointments to several advisory boards and commissions during the September 18, 2025 meeting. **Airport Board** - Anthony Bonner was appointed to the Airport Board. - Marc Mathews was reappointed to the Airport Board. **Corridors Commission** - Shayla Lynch was appointed to the Corridors Commission. - Kyle Ray was appointed to the Corridors Commission. **Environmental Commission** - Martha DeReamer was appointed to the Environmental Commission. **Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission** - Deborah Alexander was reappointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission. - Zachary Derbyshire was reappointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission. - Lisa Holland was appointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission. In total, the Council confirmed eight actions across four bodies, including three reappointments and five new appointments. ## Contested Items - **Resolution 0814-25 — Amendment to Inmate Medical Services Agreement (CHS TX, Inc.)** This resolution, which concerned an amendment to the existing agreement with CHS TX, Inc. for inmate medical services, was the only item on the agenda to draw a divided vote. Council member Reynolds cast the sole nay vote against the measure. The resolution passed despite Reynolds's opposition. No additional context for Reynolds's objection is reflected in the available meeting data. [timestamp: not available] ## Roll Call [timestamp: 05:02] The meeting opened with a roll call to establish the presence of a quorum. Mayor Gorton presided over this procedural item. No concerns were raised during the roll call, and the outcome was informational. ## Invocation [timestamp: 06:03] Elder Latasha Jarber of the Gate Church delivered the invocation to open the Council meeting. ## Minutes of the Previous Meetings [timestamp: 08:09] Under Agenda Item III, the Council took up the minutes of the previous meeting for review and approval. - The minutes presented for consideration were from the **September 11, 2025** Council meeting. - **Mr. Ellinger** and **Mr. Hale** were the key speakers during this portion of the meeting. - The minutes were **approved** without noted objection or significant debate. No concerns or amendments to the minutes were recorded in the available data. The item was handled as a routine procedural matter. ## Ordinances – Second Reading [timestamp: 09:12] Two ordinances amending the budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government were presented for second reading. Key speakers on this agenda item included Ms. Elliott Baxter and Ms. LeGris. Both ordinances were approved by the Council. ## Resolutions – Second Reading [timestamp: 11:48] Under Agenda Item VII, the Council took up several resolutions on second reading, including matters related to construction contracts and civil service appointments. Key speakers during this portion of the meeting included Vice Mayor Wu and Ms. Higgins-Hord. The resolutions were presented and considered by the Council in accordance with the standard second-reading process. All resolutions brought forward under this agenda item were approved. --- ## Decisions - **0873-25** — passed (12-0): An Ordinance amending certain of the Budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures, and appropriating and re-appropriating funds, FY 2026 Schedule No. 8. - **0874-25** — passed (12-0): An Ordinance amending certain of the Budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to correct funds for purchase orders rolled from FY 2025 into FY 2026, and appropriating and re-appropriating funds, Schedule No. 9. - **0814-25** — passed (11-1): A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor, on behalf of the Urban County Government, to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with CHS TX, Inc., d/b/a YesCare, for the Inmate Medical and Mental Health Services at the Div. of Community Corrections to amend the staffing plan, reduce the number of forensic psychiatry hours, and amend the staff vacancy rates, for a reduction in the annual Contract value of $65,000 and resulting in a total cost of the Agreement for FY26 of $10,278,132. --- ## Full transcript ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I'd like to go ahead and call to order the September 18th, 2025, Lexington Urban County Council meeting. And the first item on our agenda is the roll call. Council member Hismworth Creation Council member Hill Council member Hale. Council member Higgins, herd Council there. Council member Lynch present Council member Morton, here. Council member Reynolds here. Council members of ACME council member Chien, Vice mayor rule. Council member Biesle yes colony council member Boone council member Brown Council member Ellinger, sorry. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Council member Elliott Baxter. Thank you. Thank you very much. We have a quorum. And at this time, I would like to welcome elder Latasha Charber of the gate church who will issue our invocation. Thank you so much and welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Thank you so much for this invitation. All right. Let's gather together as we come in the time of prayer. Father, in the name of Jesus, we bless you and we honor you on this evening, God, we say that your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. God, we invite and welcome your sovereignty in this meeting. We invite and we welcome your wise counsel in this meeting. We also welcome and invite your wisdom in this meeting. Your word tells us that the earth is yours in the fullness thereof, in all that dwell therein. So God, who else to tell us how to conduct your business other than you? So God, we pray that you will unite us in our understanding. God, we pray that there will be no division, but God, we pray that we will be able to make sound decisions that will benefit the better good of Lexington that we are in charge of. We pray for every elected official that they have the wisdom of God to be able to do exactly what they was placed in those seats to do. God, we pray that all biases and everything that comes against unity, we put that away and God, we come together to be able to make the decisions that were brought in and that will bring peace, that will bring understanding in the very place that you have called us to. So God, we welcome not only your wisdom and your wise counsel, but we welcome your sovereignty, the full authority to do what you want to do in the midst of this meeting. Have your way. Let us conduct business and let us do it in excellence and let us be able to produce great solutions, solutions that we can activate, solutions that we can impart, solutions that will make the better good. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. Thank you so very much. All right, council members, we have the minutes of the September 11th council meeting. Could I have a motion? Motion approved. Thank you, Council Member Ellinger. Council Member Hale gave a second. Are there any corrections or additions? All right, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Next, we have public comment for issues on the agenda. If you have an issue that's not on the agenda, we have a time at the end of the meeting for you. So we do not have anyone signed up for issues on the agenda. So with that, we'll go ahead with second reading of ordinances when you're ready. Item one, an ordinance amending certain of the budgets of the Lexington Fair Urban County Government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures and appropriating and reappropriating funds, FY 2026, schedule number eight, and item two, an ordinance amending certain of the budgets of the Lexington Fair Urban County Government to correct funds for purchase orders rolled from FY 2025 into FY 2026 and appropriating and reappropriating funds, schedule number nine. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? Motion for a second. Thank you, Council Member Baxter, then Council Member Legree seconded. And when you're ready, if you'll take a roll call vote, please. Council Member Hale? Yes. Council Member Higgins-Horde? Yes. Thank you. Council Member Legree? Yes. Council Member Lynch? Yes. Council Member Morton? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Reynolds? Yes. Vice Mayor Wu? Yes. Council Member Beasley? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Boone? Yes. Council Member Brown? Yes. Council Member Ellinger? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Elliot Baxter? Yes, ma'am. Thank you. All right, thank you. Those both pass, and now it's time for first reading of ordinances. Item three, an ordinance amending certain of the budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures and appropriating and reappropriating funds, FY2026. Schedule number 10, item four. An ordinance amending certain of the budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to correct funds for purchase orders rolled from FY2025 into FY2026 and appropriating and reappropriating funds, schedule number 11, item five. An ordinance amending the authorized strength by abolishing two classified positions of public service worker senior grade 510N and creating two unclassified positions of sewer line maintenance technician apprentice grade 509N, all in the division of water quality effective upon passage of council, item six. An ordinance amending the authorized strength by abolishing one classified position of public service worker senior grade 510N and creating one unclassified position of sewer line maintenance technician apprentice to grade 512N, all in the division of water quality effective upon passage of council, in item seven. An ordinance amending and replacing ordinance number 20380 as amended by ordinance number 5981, ordinance number 10386, ordinance number 2793, ordinance number 5294, ordinance number 1896, ordinance number 182,009, ordinance number 152,2013, ordinance number 160,2014, which amended, ordinance number 152,2013, ordinance number 57,2017, which amended, ordinance number 160,2014, ordinance number 26,2020, and ordinance number 142,2022, relating to the industrial revenue bonds and economic development investment board, thank you. Thank you, council members, do you have any walk-ons for the docket? All right, are there any motions to suspend the rules and give second reading? All right, moving on then, we're ready for second reading of resolutions. Item one, a resolution from the bid of Sunesis Construction Company in the amount of $2,287,100 for the St. Martin Pump Station Elimination for the Division of Water Quality and authorizing the mayor on behalf of the Urban County Government to execute an agreement with Sunesis Construction Company to move to the bid, item two. A resolution to ratify the permit-classified civil service appointment of Patricia Pennell, telecommunicator, senior grade 519N, 29.522, hourly in the Division of Enhanced 9-1-1, effective September 3, 2025, John Withrow, telecommunicator, grade 517N, 26.446, hourly in the Division of Enhanced 9-1-1, effective September 10, 2025, Rebecca Longo, telecommunicator, senior grade 519N, 28.737, hourly in the Division of Enhanced 9-1-1, effective August 10, 2025, item three. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County Incorporated in order to support additional personnel for the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County Incorporated to assist in a quicker turnaround of vacant units and unit compliance at a cost not to exceed $50,000, item four. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with UMatter Kentucky Incorporated to maintain and support the Juvenile Treatment Court Program at a cost not to exceed $50,000, item five. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agenda to contract 274-2021 with ambulance medical billing for hardware refresh, item six. A resolution authorizing the Division of Community Corrections to purchase cell monitoring system from Reassurance Solutions LLC, a sole source provider, and authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute any necessary agreement with Reassurance Solutions LLC related to the procurement at a cost not to exceed $216,000, item seven. A resolution authorizing the Division of Water Quality on behalf of Urban County Government to purchase a replacement UTECH head cell grit concentrator for the West Hickman Wastewater Treatment Plant from Hydro International, a sole source provider, and authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute any necessary agreement with Hydro International related to the procurement at a cost not to exceed $205,445.20, item eight. A resolution of the Lexington Fair Urban County Government requesting that the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority issue revenue bonds in the amount of up to $72,500,000, the proceeds of which will provide for the financing and refinancing of certain St. Joseph Health System projects in the geographic territory of Lexington Fair Urban County Government, item nine. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute the first amendment to the agreement with CHSTX Incorporated to be a guest care for the inmate medical and mental health services as the Division of Community Corrections to amend the staffing plan, reduce the number of forensic psychiatry hours, and amend the staff vacancy rates for a reduction in the annual contract value of $65,000, resulting in a total cost of the agreement for FY 2026 of $10,278,132, item 10. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement in order pursuant to RFP number 18-2025 with Palmer Engineering for Design and Construction Administration Services for the Greenbrier-Tupomp Station replacement for consent decree RMP project in E4 at a cost of $497,530, item 11. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a memorandum of agreement with NAMI Lexington Incorporated related to the operation of the Fayette Mental Health Court at a cost of $270,000, using funds allocated from the FY 2026 general fund, item 12. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with Fayette County Public Schools, FCPS, for the Division of Youth Services to provide school-based mental health services and targeted case management when applicable for the agreed upon number of hours per week for identified FCPS schools at no cost to the Urban County Government, item 13. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an application to the Kentucky Department of Education to provide for provision of preschool education services at the Family Care Center for the 2025-2026 school year, item 14. A resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an engineering services agreement awarded pursuant to RFP number 20-25 with West Point Engineers PLLC to perform full architectural services for the replacement of the exterior windows at the administration building at a cost of just $34,000, item 15. A resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement and accept federal funds in the amount of $280,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the Winchester Road Study, the acceptance of which obligates the LFUCG to $70,000 in local match, and authorizing the mayor to transfer income refunds from the grant budget, item 16. A resolution authorizing and direct the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute and submit a grant application to the Kentucky Justice Cabinet under the Violence Against Women Act program with the continuation of a sexual assault nurse examiner program to provide any additional information or consent in connection with this grant application and to accept this grant if awarded, which grant funds are in the amount of $65,000 in federal funds and $12,000 in state funds, the acceptance of which obligates Urban County Government to the expenditure of $24,667 as a local match and authorizing the mayor to transfer out-of-comer funds in the grant budget, item 17. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government or the Chief Information Officer as the mayor's designee to execute a renewal agreement with Benevate Incorporated for Neighborly Software for the Department of Housing, Advocacy, and Community Development at a cost estimated not to exceed $64,750 and further authorizing mayor or the Chief Information Officer as the mayor's designee to execute any other documents including future renewals necessary for continued implementation, operation support, or maintenance of same subject to annual increases in an amount not to exceed 10% and contingent upon appropriation of sufficient funds in future fiscal years, item 18. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement and accept an additional $1,000 federal award in the amount of $991 from the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for street sales drug enforcement project. No local matches required and authorizing mayor to transfer out-of-comer funds in the grant budget, item 19. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a second amendment to the agreement with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky Incorporated, DBA Goodwill Kentucky, extending a period of performance through December 31, 2026 and 20. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with EDS Holdco LLC, the final form of which shall be subject to the approval of the Department of Housing, Advocacy, and Community Development and the Department of Law to provide rental installation removal of structures at 1306 for Sills Road to be utilized for a temporary winter shelter for persons experiencing homelessness to operate between November 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026 at a cost not exceed $688,824, item 21. A resolution authorizing mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with EDS Holdco LLC, the final form of which shall be subject to the approval of the Department of Housing, Advocacy, and Community Development and the Department of Law for the operation of a temporary winter emergency shelter for serving persons experiencing homelessness located at 1306 for Sills Road between November 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026 at a cost not exceed $1,782,000, item 22. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Transit Authority of Lexington Fair Urban County Government, LexTran, to provide funding for the Downtown Circulator Pilot Project at a cost not exceed $250,000, item 23. A resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an amendment to the agreement authorized by resolution number 618-2023 to place references to LSC Stadium Company, LLC, with LSC Holdings, LLC, and to tie the incentive to employment at the project site at no additional cost to the Urban County Government. Thank you. Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Vice Mayor moves. Council Member Higgins, Hoard seconds. And when you're ready, if you'll take a roll call vote, please. Council Member Hale? Council Member Higgins, Hoard? Council Member Lagree? Yes. Council Member Lynch? Yes. Council Member Morton? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Reynolds? No on 21. Yes on the rest. Thank you. Vice Mayor Wu? Yes. Council Member Beasley? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Boone? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Brown? Yes. Council Member Ellinger? Yes, ma'am. Council Member Elliott-Baxter? Thank you. Thank you very much. Those all pass. And now, when you're ready, it's time for first reading of resolutions. Item 24, a resolution to ratify the permanent classified civil service appointments of William Johnson Project Manager in E Grade 520N-3402 hourly in the Division of Environmental Services, effective September 10, 2025, Ryan Wade, Administrative Officer Grade 523E-2646.88 bi-weekly in the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works effective September 10, 2025, Christopher Tutant, Program Manager Senior Grade 525E-3760.880 bi-weekly in the Division of Environmental Services, effective September 3rd, 2025, Item 25. A resolution authorizing Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Fayette County Public Schools for transportation services for the Family Care Center at a cost not to exceed $92,521.44 for the 2025-2026 school year, item 26. A resolution authorizing Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute purchase of service agreement with Front Runners Lex Incorporated for the annual pride run at a cost not to exceed $2,000, item 27. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a purchase of service agreement with the Vehicle Lease Agreement with the Lexington Fayette Animal Care and Control LLC for animal control services at a cost not to exceed $2,350,000, item 28. A resolution renewing the franchise agreement with Kentucky American Water Company for an additional term of five years pursuant to the provision of ordinance number 14415 and authorizing and directing Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute any necessary documents related to the renewal, item 29. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute and submit a grant application to the US Department of Justice under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to provide any additional information or request in connection with this grant application. And to accept this grant if awarded, which grant funds are in the amount of $179,625 in federal funds for training and equipment for the Division of Police. Local matches required, and authorizing the Mayor to transfer unaccompanied funds within the grant budget, item 30. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the Urban County Government to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Fayette County Public School for use at the Charles Young Center to serve as an emergency shelter for the hub of innovative learning and leadership at New Cross for the Urban County Government, item 31. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with Environmental Enterprises Incorporated, EEI, for the performance of services for the Fall 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event at a total cost not to exceed $220,000, item 32. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an amendment to an agreement with Community Action Council for Lexington, Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, and Nicholas Counties Incorporated to update the terms of the agreement to comply with all federal, all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws, item 33. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute change to the agreement with Geospatiality LLC for the Jack's Creek Pike Slope Repair for the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works increasing the agreement price to the sum of $276,900 from $849,525 to $1,126,425, item 34. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a third renewal of the contract with Hazen & Soil PSC for Sanitary Sewer Remedial Measure Program Management Consulting Services for the Division of Water Quality at a cost not to exceed $900,000, item 35. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a third renewal of the contract with ADS Environmental Services, ADS LLC for Sewer Overflow Monitoring Reporting Services for the Division of Water Quality at a cost not to exceed $95,808, item 36. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement with Centrisk for Property Valuation Services related to the on-site appraisals at a cost not to exceed $39,990, item 37. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute a contract with Keeneland for the Police Holiday Dinner, item 38. A resolution amending Resolution 466-2020 authorizing the acceptance of deeds for property interest needed for the Citation Boulevard Phase 3-8 project, increasing the cost of acquisition of necessary property interest by the sum of $1,310,000 from $1,446,000 to $2,756,000, item 39. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement awarding a Class A Neighborhood Incentive Grant to Friends of Willow Oak Home Owners Association Incorporated for Stormwater Quality Project at a cost not to exceed $39,000, item 40. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement awarding a Class A Neighborhood Incentive Grant with Friends of Water Ways Lex Incorporated, a Stormwater Quality Project, at a cost not to exceed $20,836, item 41. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute an agreement awarding a Class A Neighborhood Incentive Grant to Lake Crossing Home Owners Association Incorporated for Stormwater Quality Project at a cost not to exceed $18,920, item 42. A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of Urban County Government to execute agreements related to neighborhood development funds with partners for Youth Foundation Incorporated 600, Saint Aunt Road Neighborhood Association Incorporated 1,000, Young Men's Christian Association of Central Kentucky Incorporated 1,000, LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation 240, Beaumont Residential Association Incorporated 1,000, Pearls of Wisdom Incorporated 500, Hillendale Neighborhood Association Incorporated 1,000, Young Men's Christian Association of Central Kentucky Incorporated 1,100, Foundation for Latin American Culture and Arts Incorporated 2,400, and Lexington African American Sports Hall of Fame Incorporated $2,500 for the Office of the Urban County Council to cost not to exceed the sum stated in item 43. A resolution amending resolution number 183 to designate the entirety of Lexington Fayette County's urban service boundary as it may be amended from time to time as a downtown business district pursuant to KRS 103.200 exec, relating to the industrial revenue bonds solely for the purpose of providing for the issuance of such bonds where projects would aid in the area's revitalization or development. Thank you. All right, thank you very much. Are there any walk-ons, council members? All right, are there any motions to suspend the rules and give second reading? Council Member LaGrie. Thank you, Mayor. On behalf of the administration, I move to give second reading to item number 26. This is for the Pride Run. Thank you. Second. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Thanks for the second. Are there any questions? All right, all those in favor, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Are there any other motions to suspend the rules? All right, okay, if you'll read number 26, please. Item 26, a resolution authorizing the mayor on behalf of the urban county government to execute a purchase of service agreement with Front Runners Lex Incorporated for the annual Pride Run at a cost not to exceed $2,000. Thank you. All right, thank you. Now, is there a motion to approve? So moved. All right, is there a second? Second. Council Member Lynch seconds. When you're ready, if you'll take a roll call vote, please. Council Member Hale. Thank you. Council Member Higgins-Horde. Council Member LaGrete. Yes. Council Member Lynch. Yes. Council Member Morton. Council Member Reynolds. Yes. Vice Mayor Wu. Council Member Beasley. Council Member Boone. Council Member Brown. Council Member Ellinger. Council Member Elliot Baxter. Thank you. All right, thank you. That item passes. Council Member Ellinger. Thank you, Mayor. We are going on fall break. Is there anything that we need to have that the administration would like us to do before, since we will be gone for over two weeks, so it will be at least three weeks before we come back? I guess what I would say is, I'll look to some of my senior leaders, but normally you do give second reading to as many as you can when you're getting ready to be gone. You agree? Yeah. Yeah. So if you want to do that, that works. All right. Okay. Then we'll move on. Next, we have communications from the Mayor. Appointments? Move to approve. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Second by Council Member Baxter. Are there any questions? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. We have procurements next. Thank you, Council Member Baxter. Second by Council Member Legree. Are there any questions? All right. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Is anyone opposed? All right, that motion passes. Council Members, you have communications from the Mayor for your information only, and there are no police and fire disciplines tonight, and that brings us to Council Announcements. Council Member Morton. Thank you. I have one attachment, I believe, to start with. So this Saturday, we'll gather for Oakwood Day from 12 noon to 5 PM at the Oakwood Park. Oakwood Day has always been more than just a neighborhood event. It's a chance to see old friends, make new connections, and celebrate the pride we have in our community. With bingo, a DJ, food vendors, and live entertainment from local talents like Benny J, Lisa Persley, Charles Hill, and James Dinks, there's something for everyone. Events like these remind us that communities is the heartbeat of the District 1, and I'm excited to celebrate alongside neighbors. And then just a quick reminder that Castlewood Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6 PM at the Loudon House. I encourage residents to attend, share ideas, stay involved in shaping your neighborhood in the Castlewood. And then lastly, earlier this week, our office joined the Windburn Neighborhood Association for a presentation from our LFUCG Engineering Department. Shout out to Mr. Andrew for being there, and also Commissioner Ford for being there to provide some context and information and help steer the ship of the, talking about the Windburn extension. And that was going to be the end of my report until unforeseen events occurred today, and that was the shooting in the Windburn neighborhood midday. Not only were residents once again traumatized by gunfire, but they were also stuck in place. No one can get out, no one can get in, and due to the act of crime scene, the exact concerns that were the fears raised at the neighborhood association meeting, in less than a week, those fears became a reality. Which goes to show how important that Windburn extension is, and I know that the administration is working as hard as to get that on the fly. I know that Council Member Brown and myself are advocating as much as we can to, and informing our folks as much as we can to let them know that it's coming, it's just working its way through the process. But regardless, regarding today's shooting, my heart goes out to all of those who were directly impacted, as well as the community members who were indirectly affected by this event. From neighbors finding bullet holes into their homes, to students at Windburn Middle School sitting through lockdown, scared and questioning what is happening. This ripple effect is wide, and it is very real. We must continue to address this challenge head on, intentionally, by targeting those most at risk, addressing the root causes of poverty, and providing full-scale youth programming. That means youth leadership development, educational support, year-round youth employment, and comprehensive programs tailored to meet the needs and the interests of our youth. We have to do more, and I believe we will do more, so thank you. Thank you. Council Member Hale. Thank you, Mayor. Our fall district meeting with District 7 is going to be October the 7th, Monday. 6 PM to 7 PM at Edith J Hayes Middle School. Again, it's going to be an opportunity for questions and answers of representatives from planning and from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be there to give an update on the Richmond Road improvement projects. And planning will also answer questions about development in that area. The Neighborhood Resource Officer for East Sector will be there to answer questions and hear concerns regarding public safety as well. So I encourage all District 7 constituents to come out and be at this meeting because we really want to hear from you. We really want to hear from the people out in District 7, and even the surrounding areas. So I encourage you to come out. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council Member Lynch. Thank you, Mayor. Just a few announcements for my District 2 neighbors. Do not forget that the noise variance has been approved. And so from September 15th to October 27th, due to the building of the new elementary school in Greendale Road, they'll be pouring cement. And so from the hours of 7 PM to 11 AM during that time frame. So just keep that in mind, neighbors. Also do not forget the Pride of 5K is happening in Cold Spring Park this Saturday at 9 AM. This weekend is also Mashon Stations and Garden Meadows, neighborhood yard sale as well. And don't forget our district wide meeting is on October 22nd at 6 PM. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you very much. All right, that brings us to public comment for issues not on the agenda. And the way this works is when I call your name, you'll need to come to the podium. And then for the record, you must state your name again and say which council district you're in. And I need to confirm that Lila Dawson, are you here? Okay, are you giving your three minutes to Logan R? Okay, very good. All right, first up will be Kaylin Reynolds, followed by Liam Sturgill. Welcome. Hello council, I'm Kaylin Reynolds, I'm from District 10. And I am personally appalled at the city of Lexington's complacency in the genocide in Palestine. And you'll hear more of that from my peers later. But for now, I want you to know that complacency is the murderer of duty. Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the greatest American minds of all time, wrote that inaction is cowardice, but there can be no scholar without the heroic mind. And that the true scholar grudges every opportunity of action passed by as a loss of power. And while I still have time left on the ticking clock that is this nation's government to use the rights bestowed upon me by the First Amendment, I will not let my voice and my ability to act go to waste, and you shouldn't either. To do so would be an act of cowardice. I don't know if any of you are religious, but I love God with my entire heart, and I know he weeps for every starving child lost in Palestine. Over 65,000 people have been eradicated in this genocide across the ocean since October of 2023. But this deplorable humanitarian crisis began long before two years ago. In Revelations 316, God himself says, so because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of my mouth. History has never looked kindly on those who refuse to act in the face of injustice. If you are able to look me in the eyes and honestly say that the thought and sight of children, toddlers, and newborn babies starving to death doesn't light a fire deep in the recesses of your soul on Earth, then history will not remember you favorably either, because this is a battle for the soul of the Earth. And Lexington's complacency and partnership with organizations that exacerbate this crisis should never be allowed to exist. He who has put forth his total strength in fit actions has the richest return of wisdom. I want all of us to be wise. I want us to use our anger, our sadness, our grief, but most importantly, our hope for action. I don't want this city I love, this city I believe in, and by extension, this nation I love. This nation I believe and know in my heart can be better. To be complacent in what history will undoubtedly mark as one of the greatest atrocities we, the people, have ever turned a blind eye towards. If this is truly to be a city and nation governed by and for the people, then listen to the people. They're speaking. Listen to them. If you do nothing, then just remember, complacency is the murderer of duty. Free Palestine, I yield the rest of my time. Next is Liam Sturgill followed by Logan R. Logan will have six minutes. Welcome. Hello, my name is Liam Sturgill. I am a student at the University of Kentucky. I am from District 9. Two days ago, the United Nations held a special inquiry where they determined that the state of Israel is indeed committing a genocide in Gaza. To say that Israel is committing a genocide is not rhetoric, it is not a slogan, it is an objective true fact that was determined by an organization that we created decades ago to prevent the repeat of any of these crimes against humanity, of these war crimes, and of these attacks on peace. I know that each and every one of you woke up one day and you said that you wanted to be a part of something in this city. You wanted to change policy. You wanted to be a part of the solution. And this is your chance. I call on each and every one of you to undertake policy that would cut ties with companies that are complicit in this genocide. That fund Israel, that fund the Israel Defense Force, and that are supportive of Israel's actions. It would be nothing less than abhorrent than to say that. I'm very sorry. In history, no one who has been complicit in this stuff has lived to say that they were glad for it. You all have a chance to do something about this. And even if it is small, I know that I'm not speaking on Capitol Hill, but you all have a chance to make a sort of change. And I request on behalf of my peers, on behalf of the people of Palestine and Gaza, that you take action. And, excuse me. And you condemn any complicity or action that causes further human suffering, humanitarian crises, and war crimes. I yield the rest of my time. Thank you for your time. Next is Logan R, who will have six minutes, followed by Eli Wren. Welcome. Hello, council members. My name is Logan Robertson. I'm a UK student, and I'm with Students for Justice in Palestine. I'm from District 3. I live in student housing. I'm here today because our city's partnership with Lockheed Martin needs to end. Lockheed Martin is the world's largest weapons manufacturer. Its bombs, missiles, and jets are being used right now. In the genocide in Gaza and Palestine, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, the vast majority children, are being killed, these human lives, these are human lives. And any partnership with any weapons manufacturer or any company with links to the military or industrial complexes, they need to end for the betterment of our community. There shouldn't be investments going into genocide so that rich people can make money while we got unhoused people, food insecure people, or people suffering from other systemic ills. As a student, I see my peers being solicited to build their careers within these arm manufacturer companies. Aside of the DEA, UK today, they had an AR-15, they had a ballistic helmet, they had a bulletproof vest at a table. And then the Marines, they're right next to them, they're carrying, they had the AR-15, they had a pistol. And I frankly, I don't feel safe with these, I don't feel safe with guns being on my campus in this unprecedented time of gun violence. Yesterday, a UK students for justice in Palestine, the YCL, the Young Communist League, the Young Democratic Socialists of America, and the Intersectional Feminist Collective, our four student organizations, we organized a vigil mourning victims of gun violence. And the victims in Palestine, victims of mass shootings, especially in schools. And I think it's important that we, the council members, do what y'all can for the victims and to prevent the widespread ability to firearms. And for these militaristic institutions like the DEA, the military, which are invading cities, they invaded LA, they're invading Chicago, they invaded DC. I think it's important that we, that UK and Lessington doesn't have any partnerships with them or arms manufacturing companies for the betterment of our city. I urge y'all to choose life over profit, justice over complicity, and humanity over militarism. To end Lessington's partnership with Lockheed Martin or any other military, any other companies associated with the military industrial conflicts. And I also urge y'all to actually reach out to our Palestinian community. We got a really big Palestinian community, very big Muslim community, a very big Arab community. And I haven't seen any type of reach out from the city council over the last two or three years, we've had at least ten protests downtown, ten, a good amount of protests at UK, demonstrations, vigils. And I haven't seen any type of institution reach out or try to console or try to engage in the community. And I'd like to see some acknowledgement for our efforts, especially our Palestinian brothers and sisters here in Lessington, UK. I'd like to see some focus on them, while their people are being genocided and occupied Palestine and Gaza and the West Bank. And I'd like to see an end to these companies contributing to it. And I'm going to yield the rest of my time. Thank you. Our final speaker tonight is Eli Wren. Welcome. Hello, my name is Eli Wren. I'm from, I live in district five. I'm also a student at the University of Kentucky. I'm a lifelong resident of Lexington. Ashland Elementary, Morton Middle, Henry Clay High School. I was actually friends with Mr. Newberry's son growing up while he was mayor. And so needless to say, I'm incredibly passionate about this city. Whenever, I get very excited when someone asks me where I'm from. I think this city is a hidden gem. And I'm here because knowing the complicity this city has with this genocide, it really makes me sick. And I'm here to dispel a notion that you guys have probably been telling yourselves. A notion that I know is held by the majority of Americans, which is that we're separated from this issue. This issue is distant. It's across an entire ocean. That couldn't be further from the truth. America is the most important battleground for this conflict. America holds all the cards. As one of my friends just mentioned, the UN just ruled that it's a genocide. Meaning, everyone has to drop everything they're doing and stopping it. Stop it. Why is that not happening? Because America holds the cards, okay? And as a resident of Lexington, what ending these partnerships and links to entities that are complicit in the genocide, what that would mean to me. I mean, I will always be proud of being from this city. But I'll tell you one thing, okay? Think five years from now. I know all of you already feel the tide's shifting. People are seeing what's happening. It's been two years, okay? It's gonna keep going. Think five years from now, okay? Whoever took the first step, whoever broke out of the line, whoever was the first one to flip, the first one to end their partnerships, the first one to recognize Palestinians as human beings, they will go down as a legend. I mean, there's nothing else to say. You all have a chance, an opportunity right now, that very few people in human history have ever had. If any of you step out of line and stand up for the Palestinian people, my pride as a Lexitonian will be unlimited, even though it already is. Thank you. All right, council members, that brings us to the end of our agenda. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. Vice Mayor and second by Council Member Higgins-Horde. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. We are adjourned. Thank you all for coming.