Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Council met on November 3, 2011, under the presiding of the Mayor. The Council considered 16 agenda items during the meeting, which included routine business, budget matters, and informational updates. Members took 10 votes and heard 5 public comments from members of the community. The Council approved the docket, budget amendments, new business items, and council reports. In addition to voting matters, the Council received informational presentations on the Leaf Collection Update and the BEAM Project Update, as well as reports from various council members and the Mayor.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on November 2, 2011:

• Mayor
• Vice Mayor Gordon
• Council Member Lane
• Council Member Ellinger
• Council Member Stennett
• Council Member Blues
• Council Member Beard
• Council Member Henson
• Council Member Farmer
• Council Member McCord
• Council Member Martin
• Council Member Kay
• Council Member Ford

No council members were absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

The council took the following actions during the November 2, 2011 meeting:

Ordinance 0390-11 – Text Amendment on Wall Signs 2:36 Council Member Lane moved to approve a text amendment allowing a third wall sign on a building with a freestanding sign, provided it is on a different wall. Council Member Ellinger seconded the motion. The ordinance passed by voice vote.

Ordinance 0390-11 – Amendment on Fireworks Definitions 3:39 Council Member Stennett moved to amend Ordinance 0390-11 to clarify the difference between consumer fireworks and displays in the fireworks ordinance. Council Member Blues seconded the motion. The amendment passed by voice vote, with language added on page 2 of the docket.

Docket Summary Approval 4:10 Vice Mayor Gordon moved to approve the summary of the docket. Council Member Farmer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote.

Docket Approval as Amended 4:40 Council Member Beard moved to approve the docket as amended. The motion passed by voice vote.

Budget Amendment – GTV3 Emergency Overtime 6:50 Council Member Beard moved to approve a budget amendment to transfer funds for GTV3 emergency overtime for unplanned emergencies such as weather events. Council Member Henson seconded the motion. The amendment passed by voice vote.

Acceptance of Private Street 10:00 Dr. Blue moved to accept a private street into the public right-of-way, noting the street meets public standards including width requirements. Council Member Ellinger seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote.

Ordinance 0392-11 – Department of General Services Policies 17:50 Council Member Lane moved to place on the docket an ordinance approving Department of General Services policies and procedures for facility space usage, with exhibits finalized by the legal department. Council Member Henson seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote.

Resolution 0393-11 – Easement Release 18:28 Council Member Blues moved to place on the docket a resolution authorizing release of sanitary sewer and detention easements on property at 1758 Hatter Lane. Council Member Lane seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote.

NDF Requests 1:35:50 Council Member McCord moved to approve NDF requests. Council Member Farmer seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote with no discussion.

Mayor's Report 1:36:23 Council Member Stennett moved to approve the mayor's report. Council Member Blues seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote with no discussion.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two financial matters requiring budget action:

GTV3 Emergency Overtime Funding

A budget amendment was approved to provide emergency overtime funds for GTV3. The amendment allocated $132,000 for labor costs and $69,000–$70,000 for fuel and maintenance expenses.

Leaf Collection Program

An appropriation from the Urban Services Fund was approved to support the Parks and Recreation Department's leaf collection program for 2011. The appropriation totaled $185,000–$190,000.

Public Comment

Several council members raised questions and concerns during the meeting:

Leaf Collection Costs 20:11 Council Member Stennett asked about the cost of this year's leaf collection program, noting that expenses are under $200,000—a significant reduction from past years when costs exceeded half a million dollars.

Leaf Collection Outreach 26:38 Council Member Farmer expressed concern about public awareness of the single leaf collection round scheduled for the year. Farmer emphasized the need for better outreach to ensure residents know when their streets will be serviced.

Environmental Sustainability 29:23 Council Member Henson raised concerns about sending leaves to the landfill and advocated for mulching and composting as more environmentally sustainable alternatives to current leaf collection practices.

Regional Connectivity 1:11:31 Council Member Blues asked about the possibility of a literal connector between Louisville and Luxembourg, suggesting a light or heavy rail system as a visionary long-term goal.

Redistricting and Community Engagement 1:34:42 Council Member Martin announced a neighborhood meeting with Council Member Henson to welcome new constituents in Garden Springs and other areas affected by redistricting.

Appointments

Mr. Baradaran from the Citizen Advocate Office was present at the meeting.

Contested Items

The November 2, 2011 meeting included two items of contention:

Private Street Acceptance

A procedural dispute arose regarding the rationale for allowing private streets to be developed and subsequently accepted into the public right-of-way. A question was raised about this practice, but no immediate historical explanation was provided during the meeting.

Telecommunications Franchise Renewal

A split vote occurred on the telecommunications franchise renewal. Council Member Farmer expressed concern about the long-term nature of past contracts and advocated for shorter-term, more flexible agreements during negotiations.

Public Comment

0:00

No public comments were submitted for this meeting. The chair confirmed that no members of the public were present to speak during the public comment period.

Docket Approval

The council approved the docket for the meeting by voice vote. 4:40

The docket included two items:

• A text amendment to the sign ordinance
• A fireworks ordinance amendment

Key participants in the discussion included the Mayor, Mr. Salley, Council Member Lane, and Council Member Stennett. The docket was approved following discussion among these council members, though the specific details of any concerns or debate points are not documented in the available materials.

Budget Amendments

The council approved a budget amendment to transfer funds for GTV3 emergency overtime 6:50. Vice Mayor Gordon and Sheila were the key speakers on this agenda item.

The amendment was presented to address the need for unplanned emergency response capacity. The council determined that the budget transfer was necessary to cover emergency overtime costs for GTV3.

The amendment was approved by the council.

New Business

During the New Business section of the meeting 10:00, the council addressed the acceptance of a private street into the public right-of-way.

Presentation and Discussion

The council reviewed a proposal to accept a private street into the public system after confirming that the street met all applicable public standards. Key speakers in this discussion included Dr. Blue, Council Member Ellinger, Vice Mayor Gorton, and Commissioner Taylor.

Questions Raised

Council Member Ellinger raised a question regarding the rationale and policy basis for allowing private streets to be accepted into the public right-of-way. This inquiry was not resolved during the meeting and was deferred for further research.

Outcome

The council voted to approve the acceptance of the private street into the public right-of-way, contingent upon its compliance with public standards.

Continuing Business and Presentations

10:33

The Budget and Finance Committee presented a report covering three primary areas: monthly budget status, audit progress, and the economic contingency fund.

Key Speakers

Council Member Ellinger, Commissioner Driscoll, and Mr. Barrows led the discussion on behalf of the committee.

Report Contents

The committee confirmed that the audit was on track and proceeding as scheduled. Additionally, they reported on the status of the economic contingency fund, noting that the fund was being replenished on a monthly basis.

Outcome

This agenda item was presented for informational purposes, with no formal action required.

Leaf Collection Update

Tim Clark presented the 2011 leaf collection plan to the council 13:24. The program is designed with a single collection round, beginning November 28 and continuing through December 19, with zones scheduled throughout that period.

A significant aspect of the plan is its cost efficiency. The 2011 leaf collection program is projected to save over $300,000 compared to previous years' operations.

Council members Stennett, Farmer, and Henson participated in the discussion of this agenda item. The presentation was informational in nature, with no formal action required.

BEAM Project Update

Scott Shapiro and Jim Host presented an update on the Bluegrass Economic Advancement Movement (BEAM), a regional economic initiative 36:08. BEAM is a collaborative effort between Lexington and Louisville focused on advanced manufacturing and regional economic development.

The project is being led by the Brookings Institution and aims to create high-quality jobs and foster regional economic growth across the two metropolitan areas. The presentation was informational in nature, with the Mayor and Council Members in attendance.

The outcome of this agenda item was informational, with no formal action taken during the meeting.

Council Reports

Council Member Lane reported on the approval of policies for real estate use by the Department of General Services. Following this report, Council Member Lane moved to place the ordinance on the docket for consideration.

Council Member Blues moved to place a resolution on the docket for easement release.

The item was approved. 1:16:17

Council Reports

1:20:10

Vice Mayor Gordon presented several council announcements during this agenda item.

Joint Resolution with Louisville Council

Vice Mayor Gordon announced a joint resolution being undertaken with Louisville Council.

Commissioner of General Services Confirmation Hearing

A confirmation hearing was scheduled for the Commissioner of General Services position.

Citizen Advocate Office Relocation

Vice Mayor Gordon announced the relocation of the Citizen Advocate Office.

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no debate or voting required. Vice Mayor Gordon served as the sole presenter for these council reports.

Council Reports

1:23:23

Council Member Henson provided an update on recent community events and initiatives. Henson reported on the success of the Cardinal Valley Fright Night event, highlighting positive community participation and engagement. Additionally, Henson discussed the Salvation Army bell ringing campaign, emphasizing the strong community support and volunteerism demonstrated through this initiative.

The report was informational in nature, with no formal action or debate recorded.

Council Reports

Council Member Farmer raised concerns regarding the telecommunications franchise renewal 1:28:50. The discussion focused on contract terms and utility oversight.

Key Issues Raised:

• Council Member Farmer emphasized the need for shorter-term contracts in the telecommunications franchise renewal process
• Concerns were expressed about utility transparency

Participants:

• Council Member Farmer
• Commissioner Graham

Outcome:

This item was informational in nature, with no formal action taken during this portion of the meeting.

Council Reports

1:32:04

Council Member Ford provided updates on local initiatives and programs during this agenda item.

Charles Young Center Redevelopment Task Force

Council Member Ford announced the completion of the Charles Young Center Redevelopment Task Force. He expressed gratitude to all participants involved in the task force's work.

Youth Programs

Council Member Ford also commended the youth football and cheerleading programs in the community.

Outcome

This was an informational report with no formal action required.

Council Reports

1:33:41

Council Member Kay provided remarks during the Council Reports section, praising the success of a thriller reenactment event. Council Member Kay thanked the Parks and Recreation department and volunteers for their efforts in organizing the event, noting the large turnout it attracted.

This was an informational report with no action items or debate. The outcome was acknowledgment of the successful event and appreciation for those involved in its execution.

Council Reports

Council Member Martin provided announcements regarding neighborhood activities and district changes 1:34:42.

Announcements:

• Council Member Martin announced an upcoming Garden Springs Neighborhood Association meeting
• Council Member Martin welcomed new residents to the 10th District following redistricting

Outcome:

The item was informational in nature, with no formal action required.

Mayor's Report

The mayor's report was presented as agenda item 16 during the November 2, 2011 meeting. 1:36:23

The report was approved without discussion. Council Member Stennett made the motion to approve, and Council Member Blues seconded the motion. The item passed with no concerns raised or debate.

Public Comment

No public comments were received during this portion of the meeting. The chair confirmed that no members of the public had signed up to speak and that no one was present to provide public comment. 1:36:57