Council Environmental Quality Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Environmental Quality Committee met on November 22, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., with Blues presiding. The committee addressed five agenda items during the meeting, taking one motion to a vote and hearing one public comment.

The committee approved two substantive items: the Remedial Measures Plan Implementation Phase and a matter concerning a Sanitary Sewer Private Property Issue. Two additional items were presented for informational purposes—an update on the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission and a report on Items Referred. The Environmental Quality Projects Update was deferred to a future meeting.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting:

• Blues
• Stinnett
• Gorton
• Farmer
• Crosbie
• Myers
• McChord
• Martin

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Motion to Forward Draft Ordinance on Sanitary Sewer Private Property Issues

The committee voted to forward a draft ordinance addressing sanitary sewer private property issues to the full council. The motion was made by Farmer and seconded by Gordon. 1:38:06

The motion passed by voice vote with no opposing votes or abstentions. The following members voted in favor:

• Blues
• Stinnett
• Gorton
• Farmer
• Crosbie
• Myers
• McChord
• Martin

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included the following financial action:

Contract Extension with Hazen and Sawyer

A contract with Hazen and Sawyer was extended for the implementation phase of a remedial measures plan, with an authorized amount of $1,500,000. This item was presented as New Business Item D.

Public Comment

1:59:24

Edward Cushy addressed the committee regarding concerns about the city's clean water and sewer systems. Speaking as both a tax-paying citizen and small business owner, Mr. Cushy expressed his concerns about these municipal infrastructure systems. He directed committee members to review a letter he had sent to Mayor Gray on the subject. Mr. Cushy concluded his remarks by wishing the committee members a happy Thanksgiving.

Appointments

Mark York was appointed to the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission.

Contested Items

Contract Structure and Cost Oversight for Hazen and Sawyer

A heated discussion arose regarding the contract structure and cost oversight for the Hazen and Sawyer project. Council Member Lane raised significant concerns about the lack of cost control mechanisms within the proposed agreement. He specifically objected to the absence of a construction manager at risk, which he viewed as a critical safeguard for project accountability.

Lane also criticized the high fee structure of the contract, arguing that it did not adequately protect taxpayer interests. He advocated for two key changes: implementing competitive bidding for the project and establishing a government-appointed fiduciary to oversee project management and expenditures.

The disagreement centered on fundamental questions of accountability and taxpayer protection. Lane's position emphasized the need for stronger financial controls and independent oversight to ensure public funds were spent responsibly. His call for competitive bidding reflected concerns that the current approach did not represent the best value for the municipality.

The debate highlighted differing views on how to structure contracts for major projects, with Lane pushing for more traditional government oversight mechanisms rather than the existing arrangement.

Remedial Measures Plan Implementation Phase

Hazen and Sawyer presented the implementation phase of the remedial measures plan to the committee, outlining the project scope, cost and schedule controls, communication strategies, and proposed process improvements. 10:57

Presentation and Discussion

The presentation covered key aspects of moving the remedial measures plan into its implementation phase, including detailed project management frameworks and oversight mechanisms. John Steinmetz and Charlie Martin led the presentation, with input from Council Members Lane and Farmer during the discussion.

Key Concerns Raised

Committee members expressed concerns regarding cost oversight and project management during the implementation phase. There was particular discussion about the need for a government-appointed construction manager to ensure adequate oversight and accountability throughout the project's execution.

Outcome

The committee approved the contract extension for Hazen and Sawyer to proceed with the implementation phase of the remedial measures plan. This approval authorized the firm to move forward with the proposed scope, controls, and improvement strategies outlined in their presentation.

Sanitary Sewer Private Property Issue

1:32:31

Council Member Farmer presented a draft ordinance addressing private property contributions to sanitary sewer overflows. The proposed legislation would establish a cost-sharing reimbursement program and implement a fee structure for property owners who do not cooperate with the initiative.

The committee discussion focused on several implementation considerations. Members examined the practical logistics of administering the program, including how to identify affected properties and process reimbursements. The council also addressed affordability concerns, specifically discussing how the program would impact low-income residents and whether protections or exemptions should be included to prevent undue financial hardship.

Council Members Martin and Henson participated in the deliberations alongside Farmer. The group conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed ordinance to evaluate whether the financial benefits of reducing sewer overflows would justify the administrative costs and potential burden on property owners.

The motion to forward the ordinance to the full council for further consideration passed unanimously, indicating broad support among the committee members for advancing the proposal despite the various implementation questions raised during discussion.

Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission

Patricia Knight presented the first-year accomplishments of the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission 1:41:39. The presentation highlighted several key initiatives and measurable results from the commission's work.

Accomplishments Presented

The commission reported results from a community appearance index assessment and detailed progress on multiple environmental and beautification projects. Key initiatives included:

• Illegal dump cleanups
• Great American Cleanup events
• Cigarette litter prevention initiatives

Committee Response

Mark York and other committee members praised the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission's impact and effectiveness. The committee specifically noted the cost savings the group's work has generated for the city through their cleanup and prevention efforts.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action required. The presentation served to update the committee on the commission's progress and accomplishments during its first year of operation.

Environmental Quality Projects Update

The committee deferred discussion of the Environmental Quality Projects Update to the next meeting due to time constraints. 1:58:07

No presentation or debate on this agenda item took place during this meeting.

Items Referred

No discussion or action was taken on referred items during this meeting. This agenda item was presented for informational purposes only.