Urban County Council Meeting

October 13, 2011 · 16,346 words

Watch the official video · Markdown version · Full transcript (text) · Agenda (PDF) · Official minutes (PDF)

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Council met on October 13, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gray presiding. The council addressed 54 agenda items during the meeting, taking 12 motions and votes while hearing 4 public comments. The session included a mix of ordinances, resolutions, and appointments, with the majority of items approved on the night of the meeting. Several items, including budget appropriations, redistricting measures, and various service agreements, were advanced to first reading for future consideration.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on October 13, 2011:

Stinnett
Beard
Blues
Crosbie
Ellinger
Farmer
Ford
Gorton
Henson
Kay
Lane
Lawless
Martin
McChord
Myers

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0130-26 (Amending Section 14-10(f)(6) of the Code of Ordinances) - Approval to allow Urban Forester, Arborist Technician, and Environmental Enforcement Specialist to enforce Chapter 17B. Motion by Beard, seconded by Blues. Passed 15-0 4:39. All members voted in favor: Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Crosbie, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, McChord, and Myers.

Ordinance 0130-26 (Budget Amendment, Schedule No. 38) - Approval to amend certain budgets and appropriate funds. Motion by Beard, seconded by Blues. Passed 15-0 4:39. All members voted in favor.

Ordinance 0130-26 (Amending Sections 21-5(2) and 22-5(2)) - Approval to abolish one Administrative Specialist Sr. position and extend Program Manager Sr. term, with funds from Schedule No. 39. Motion by Beard, seconded by Blues. Passed 14-1 5:09. Lawless voted against; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0140-26 (U.S. DOJ Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant) - Approval to accept $77,639 in federal grant funding with no local obligation. Motion by Ford, seconded by Farmer. Passed 15-0 12:05. All members voted in favor.

Resolution 0200-26 (Full Urban Services District #1 Expansion) - Approval to expand district to include street lighting, cleaning, and garbage collection. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Blues. Passed 14-1 28:21. Stinnett voted against; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0210-26 (Partial Urban Services District #3 Expansion) - Approval to expand district to include garbage and refuse collection. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Blues. Passed 14-1 28:21. Stinnett voted against; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0220-26 (Partial Urban Services District #5 Expansion) - Approval to expand district to include street lighting and garbage collection. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Blues. Passed 14-1 28:21. Stinnett voted against; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0140-26 (COPS Grant for Police Officers) - Approval to accept $3,942,925 grant for 25 entry-level police officers with no local match required. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Ellinger. Passed 14-0 1:06:01. McChord absent; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0340-26 (Columbia Gas Line Extension Agreement) - Approval of line extension and facility use agreement for fire training simulators at no cost to the county. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Ellinger. Passed 14-0 1:06:01. McChord absent; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0400-26 (Kroger Flu Vaccine Contract) - Approval of contract for employee flu vaccinations at $18 per employee, up to $24,000. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Ellinger. Passed 14-0 1:06:01. McChord absent; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0460-26 (Dixie Pump Station Change Order) - Approval of Change Order No. 1 to Gooch Construction contract, increasing cost by $99,443. Motion by Gorton, seconded by Ellinger. Passed 14-0 1:06:01. McChord absent; all others voted in favor.

Resolution 0480-26 (Council Administrator Appointment) - Approval of unclassified civil service appointment of Stacey Maynard as Council Administrator. Motion by Beard, seconded by Kay. Passed 13-0 1:52:25. McChord and Martin absent; all others voted in favor.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included approval of multiple contracts, grants, and financial actions across county departments and services.

Grants Accepted:

Resolution 0370-26: $3,942,925 U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant for 25 entry-level police officers
Resolution 0390-26: $400,000 U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women grant for domestic violence accountability project
Resolution 0140-26: $77,639 U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods grant
Resolution 0150-26: $50,000 Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet grant for SANE Program
Resolution 0350-26: $52,000 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet grant for Old Frankfort Pike Corridor Management Plan

Contracts and Purchases:

Resolution 0460-26: $99,443 contract amendment with Gooch Construction for Dixie Pump Station and Force Main upgrade
Resolution 0040-26: $43,704 contract with Graybar for variable frequency drive at Lower Cane Run Pump Station
Resolution 0400-26: $24,000 contract with Kroger Limited Partnership I for influenza vaccine and administration for county employees
Resolution 0080-26: $87,000 contract with 911 Data Master, Inc. for 911 software maintenance
Resolution 0380-26: $44,975 contract with Information Station Specialists, Inc. for AM Alert Station

Price Contracts (amounts to be determined):

Resolution 0020-26: Patrol rifles for Division of Police with Gulf States Distributors
Resolution 0030-26: Tree removal services for Division of Streets and Roads with Big Beaver Tree Service, Inc., Lexington Tree Service, Inc., and Swartz Mowing, Inc.
Resolution 0050-26: Autonomous inspection equipment for small diameter pipe with Red Zone Robotics, Inc.
Resolution 0300-26: Treated rock salt for Division of Streets and Roads with Detroit Salt Co.
Resolution 0310-26: Concrete items for Division of Water Quality with Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
Resolution 0010-26: Trophies, plaques, and silver for Division of Parks and Recreation with Hallmark Trophies, Inc. and Proforma Bluegrass Advertising Specialties

No-Cost Arrangements:

Resolution 0340-26: Columbia Gas of Ky., Inc. to install limited facilities for fire training simulators at no cost to the county in exchange for use of facilities
Resolution 0100-26: Fayette Heating & Air donation of air conditioning unit and installation

Donations and In-Kind Contributions:

Resolution 0090-26: $1,000 landscaping materials donation from Home Depot
Resolution 0160-26: 100 complimentary tickets from UniverSoul Circus
Resolution 0230-26: $500 grant for 25 Personal Protective Equipment Hoods for Division of Fire and Emergency Services from Ky. American Water Co.

Local Match Appropriations:

Resolution 0350-26: $13,000 local match for Old Frankfort Pike Corridor Management Plan
Resolution 0150-26: $28,150 local match for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program

Public Comment

Four speakers addressed the council during the public comment period.

Community Prevention and Police Resources

Corey Dunn spoke at 12:36 advocating for a shift in how Project Safe Neighborhoods grant funds are allocated. He called for redirecting resources away from police overtime toward community-based prevention programs, mentoring, and youth outreach efforts to address the root causes of crime.

Emmanuel Shanks addressed the same grant program at 16:24, expressing concern that increased police presence in high-crime areas does not resolve underlying community issues. He urged the council to invest in after-school programs and job training as alternatives to enforcement-focused approaches.

Economic Investment in East End

Corey Dunn returned to speak a second time at 1:30:20, focusing on economic conditions in the East End. He stressed that the lack of jobs and economic opportunity drives youth toward crime and called for targeted investment in the East End to create jobs, reduce drug sales, and prevent violence.

Tax Policy

Mr. McCarthy spoke at 1:37:28 on tax policy and growth subsidies. He argued against providing tax breaks for new businesses, instead advocating for higher taxes and impact fees to ensure that growth pays for its own infrastructure and services.

Appointments

The following individuals were appointed or reappointed to various boards and positions:

Board of Health - Scott White was appointed

CASA Board - Amanda B. Stubblefield was appointed

Emergency Medical Advisory Board - Jeffrey M. Violette was appointed

Library Board of Advisors - Jordan L. Parker was appointed

Masterson Station Park Advisory Board - Jeffrey D. Crabb was appointed

Parking Authority Board - Cordelia Harbut was reappointed - Patricia Featherston was appointed

Tree Board - Michael L. Slagle was appointed

Council Administrator - Stacey Maynard was appointed

Contested Items

Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant and Community Concerns

Community members expressed opposition to the Project Safe Neighborhoods grant during public comment, citing frustration with the city's reliance on police overtime rather than preventative investments. Speakers urged the council to redirect grant funds toward youth mentoring and job creation programs instead of continuing the current approach focused on law enforcement overtime.

Streetlight Fund Sustainability and Urban Services District Expansion

A split vote emerged regarding the expansion of urban services districts for streetlight coverage. Council member Stinnett questioned whether expanding streetlight districts was financially feasible, noting that the existing streetlight fund was bankrupt. This prompted broader discussion among council members about long-term funding strategies needed to sustain and expand streetlight services across the city.

Pension Implications of COPS Grant and New Officer Hiring

Council members engaged in heated discussion over the decision to hire 25 new police officers using a COPS grant. The primary concern centered on the long-term pension liabilities that would result from adding permanent positions to the police force. Council members raised detailed questions about the financial impact of these new hires and discussed how recent legislative changes would affect the timing and cost of pension obligations associated with the expanded workforce.

Ordinance amending Section 14-10(f)(6) of the Code of Ordinances

3:36

This ordinance amended Section 14-10(f)(6) of the Code of Ordinances to expand citation authority for tree and vegetation enforcement. The amendment authorized the Urban Forester, Arborist Technician, and Environmental Enforcement Specialist to enforce Chapter 17B of the Code of Ordinances.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Beard and Blues.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved.

Ordinance amending certain budgets and appropriating funds, Schedule No. 38

3:36

This ordinance amended municipal budgets and appropriated funds for various departments to reflect current expenditure needs.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Beard and Blues.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved.

Ordinance amending Sections 21-5(2) and 22-5(2) of the Code of Ordinances

4:09

This ordinance amended sections of the Code of Ordinances to make personnel and budgetary adjustments. The measure abolished one Administrative Specialist Sr. position and extended the term of a temporary Program Manager Sr. position through 2015. Funding for these changes was drawn from Schedule No. 39.

Key speakers on this agenda item included Beard and Blues. The ordinance was presented and discussed by these officials before being brought to a vote.

The ordinance was approved.

Ordinance amending certain budgets and appropriating funds, Schedule No. 40

5:40

An ordinance to amend certain budgets and appropriate funds under Schedule No. 40 was presented for consideration. The ordinance reflected current budgetary requirements and involved the re-appropriation of funds to address ongoing needs.

The document was placed on file for public inspection, allowing community members access to review the specific budget amendments and fund allocations contained within Schedule No. 40.

The ordinance received a first reading during this meeting. No additional details regarding specific budget line items, amounts, or departmental allocations were documented in the meeting record.

Ordinance redistricting the districts of the members of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council

An ordinance to redistrict the districts of the members of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council was presented for first reading 5:40. The redistricting plan was placed on file for public inspection.

The ordinance received its first reading during this meeting. No additional discussion or debate was documented for this agenda item.

Outcome: The ordinance advanced to first reading.

Ordinance amending Section 22-5(2) to abolish Citizens' Advocate and create part-time position

5:40

This ordinance proposed amending Section 22-5(2) to abolish the full-time Citizens' Advocate position and establish a part-time role in its place. The ordinance was placed on file for public inspection.

The item received a first reading during the meeting. The document was prepared for public review as part of the standard ordinance process.

Outcome: First reading

Resolution authorizing acceptance of $77,639 U.S. DOJ Project Safe Neighborhoods

19:34

This agenda item addressed a resolution to authorize acceptance of a $77,639 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Ford, Mason, Dunn, and Shanks.

Process and Outcome

Public comment was permitted on this item due to community concerns regarding the grant. The resolution was approved.

Resolution expanding Partial Urban Services District #5

The council considered a resolution to expand Partial Urban Services District #5 to include street lighting and garbage collection services in specified areas. 28:21

Key Speakers and Discussion

Stinnett and Taylor were the primary speakers on this agenda item. The discussion focused on the scope of services being added to the district and the financial implications of the expansion.

Concerns Raised

A significant concern emerged regarding the sustainability of the streetlight fund. Council members discussed whether the current funding mechanism would adequately support the expanded street lighting services in the newly included areas.

Outcome

The resolution was approved.

Resolution expanding Full Urban Services District #1

The council considered a resolution to expand the services provided by Full Urban Services District #1 28:21. The expanded services were to include street lighting, cleaning, and garbage collection in specified areas.

Key speakers on this item were Gorton and Blues. The resolution was approved by the council.

Resolution expanding Partial Urban Services District #3

Overview

This resolution expanded garbage and refuse collection services to specified areas within Partial Urban Services District #3.

Discussion

The item was discussed by Gorton and Blues 28:21.

Outcome

The resolution was approved.