Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on September 1, 2009, with Mayor Newberry presiding. The meeting addressed three agenda items, including a public comment period and two substantive matters: Ad Valorem Tax Rates and a Moratorium on Building Permits, both of which were approved by the Council. Over the course of the meeting, 9 motions and votes were taken and 1 public comment was heard. No presentations were recorded for this session.

Attendance

The following members were present at the September 1, 2009 Council meeting:

• Mayor Newberry
• CM Gorton
• CM Martin
• CM Stinnett
• CM McChord
• CM Henson
• CM Myers
• CM Beard
• CM Lane
• CM Lawless
• CM McCord
• CM Feigel
• CM James
• CM Ellinger
• CM Blues
• CM Crosbie

No members were recorded as absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

The following motions were considered and decided at the September 1, 2009 Council meeting.

• Resolution authorizing a change order to the contract with Wilbur Smith & Associates for the Urban County Government Wayfinding Program — Moved by CM Gorton, seconded by CM Martin. Passed by voice vote. 0:00

• Approval of the amended docket — Moved by CM Stinnett, seconded by CM McChord. Passed by voice vote. 1:04

• Approval of summaries for August 18 and 25, 2009 — Moved by CM Henson, seconded by CM Myers. Passed by voice vote. 1:36

• Approval of budget amendments — Moved by CM Beards, seconded by CM Gordon. Passed by voice vote. 2:07

• Transfer of $388 from CM Henson's account to Environmental Quality — Moved by CM Henson. Passed by voice vote. 2:38

• Approval of new business items A–L — Moved by CM Gorton, seconded by CM Stinnett. Passed by voice vote. 3:39

• Amendment to item K changing reporting frequency from quarterly to monthly — Moved by CM Gorton, seconded by CM Beard. Passed by voice vote. 8:07

• Approval of Ad Valorem rates as proposed — Moved by CM Lane, seconded by CM Stinnett. Passed by roll call vote, 9–5. 2:29:47
• *In favor (9):* CM Lane, CM Stinnett, CM Beard, CM Myers, CM McCord, CM Feigel, CM James, CM Crosbie, Mayor Newberry
• *Opposed (5):* CM Gorton, CM Martin, CM Lawless, CM Henson, CM Blues

• Motion to place on the docket a resolution imposing a moratorium on building permits for additions on residential structures — Moved by CM Lawless, seconded by CM Gorton. Passed by roll call vote, 8–7. 3:14:49
• *In favor (8):* CM Lawless, CM Gorton, CM Blues, CM James, CM Feigel, CM Beard, CM Stinnett, Mayor Newberry
• *Opposed (7):* CM Lane, CM Martin, CM McCord, CM Myers, CM Henson, CM Ellinger, CM Crosby

Budget and Financial Actions

The Council addressed two financial items at the September 1, 2009 meeting.

• Wayfinding Program Contract Change Order: The Council approved a change order to the existing contract with Wilbur Smith & Associates for the Urban County Government Wayfinding Program. The change order totaled $140,742.52. No contract identifier number was recorded in the meeting materials.

• Signage Fund Transfer: The Council approved a transfer of $388 to the Department of Environmental Quality for signage in the 11th District. No resolution number was associated with this appropriation in the available meeting data.

No additional budget amendments, capital expenditures, or grant acceptances were recorded for this meeting.

Public Comment

One member of the public addressed the Council during the public comment period.

• Lewis Cobb spoke in support of the Roots and Heritage Festival, urging the community to recognize and support the event. Mr. Cobb emphasized the festival's significance, drawing a comparison to major events such as the World Equestrian Games to underscore its importance to the community. 3:35:30

Contested Items

Two items generated significant disagreement during the September 1, 2009 Council meeting.

Moratorium on Building Permits

The Council was divided over a proposal to impose a moratorium on building permits for residential additions. The disagreement centered on competing concerns: some members raised issues about neighborhood integrity, while others pointed to the potential impact on business. The matter ultimately came to a close split vote, though the available record does not specify the final tally or which individual council members aligned on each side.

Ad Valorem Tax Rates

Discussion of Ad Valorem tax rates produced heated debate among council members. The core point of contention was the impact of reducing the urban services fund and what that reduction would mean for future projects. Members held differing opinions on how to weigh those implications, though the record does not detail the specific positions taken by named individuals or indicate how the matter was ultimately resolved.

Public Comment

3:35:30

The Council opened the floor for public comment, inviting members of the public to address the Council on matters not appearing on the agenda.

• Lewis Cobb was the speaker during this portion of the meeting. Cobb addressed the Council regarding the Roots and Heritage Festival.

No additional details about the specific content of Cobb's remarks, concerns raised, or requests made are available from this portion of the meeting. The public comment period was informational in nature, with no formal action taken by the Council as a result of the comments received.

Ad Valorem Tax Rates

2:29:47

The Council took up a resolution on Ad Valorem tax rates, with discussion centering on the urban services fund and the potential implications for future projects.

CM Lane, CM Stinnett, and CM Beard were the primary participants in the debate. The discussion focused on the proposed tax rates and how the urban services fund would be affected by the rates under consideration. Concerns were raised regarding the impact the adopted rates could have on the funding available for future projects.

The resolution was ultimately approved by the Council.

Moratorium on Building Permits

3:14:49

The Council debated a resolution to impose a moratorium on building permits for additions on residential structures. The discussion centered on balancing concerns about neighborhood integrity against potential impacts on businesses.

Key speakers in the debate included CM Lawless, CM Myers, and CM McCord, who each weighed in on the merits and drawbacks of the proposed moratorium. Concerns were raised regarding the effect the moratorium could have on businesses, alongside considerations about preserving the character and integrity of residential neighborhoods.

The resolution was ultimately approved by the Council.