Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on February 7, 2012, under the presiding leadership of Mayor Gray. During this session, the Council addressed three agenda items, including an informational update on Marathon Health, a first reading presentation of a Parking Garage Proposal, and approval of Council Reports. The meeting included one public comment and resulted in six motions and votes. The agenda covered both informational matters and legislative action, with the Parking Garage Proposal advancing to first reading status.

Attendance

Present: - Mayor Gray - CM Ellinger - CM Beard - CM Stinnett - CM Martin - CM Henson - CM Blues - CM Farmer - CM Kay - CM Lane - CM McCourt - VM Gorton - CM Lawless - CM Myers

Absent: - CM Crosbie

Late: None reported

Votes and Decisions

The meeting included six votes, all of which passed by voice vote.

Approval of the summary of the 1.31.12 Work Session 3:52 Motion by CM Ellinger, seconded by CM Beard. Passed by voice vote.

Approval of new business items 4:28 Motion by CM Ellinger, seconded by CM Stinnett. Passed by voice vote.

Approval of the NDF list 5:00 Motion by CM Stinnett, seconded by CM Ellinger. Passed by voice vote.

Motion to place a scrap metal ordinance into the General Govt. Committee 1:43:53 Motion by CM Stinnett, seconded by CM Ellinger. Passed by voice vote.

Motion to adjourn 1:52:09 Motion by VM Stinnett, seconded by CM Kay. Passed by voice vote.

Motion to go into closed session 1:52:09 Motion by VM Gorton. Passed by voice vote.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included authorization for ten financial and contractual actions, all with no direct expenditure amounts specified:

Grants and Funding

• LO71-12: Authorization to execute an Assistance Amendment to an award from the Environmental Protection Agency for the South Elkhorn Pump Station project.

• LO82-12: Authorization to approve a Class A Incentive Grant with Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association, Inc., funded by the Water Quality Management Fee.

• LO84-12: Authorization to execute an Agreement with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security for continuation of the communications grant project.

• LO98-12: Authorization to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice requesting federal funds under the Intellectual Property Theft Enforcement Program.

Contracts and Agreements

• LO77-12: Authorization to accept 27 fee simple right of way and temporary construction easements for the Tates Creek Road Sidewalk Improvements Project from owners of record.

• LO81-12: Authorization to execute a Treasury Consulting Services Agreement with PFM Asset Management, LLC to assist in the RFP and selection of a financial institution for primary banking services to LFUCG.

• LO83-12: Authorization to execute a Facility Usage Agreement with the Fayette County Board of Education for use of the Winburn Middle School Gymnasium for the Winburn Community Center Learning program.

• LO85-12: Authorization to approve a Consultant Service Agreement with GRW, Inc. to provide engineering design services for three elevators in the Phoenix Building and four elevators in the Police Headquarters building.

• LO91-12: Authorization to approve the Alarm Contract and Addendum with Sonitrol of Lexington, Inc. for improvements to the alarm system at the Technical Services Unit facility.

• LO95-12: Authorization to execute a Paramedic Training Agreement between LFUCG Division of Fire and Emergency Services and Madison County Emergency Medical Services.

Public Comment

1:05

John Darnell, a volunteer with SCORE, addressed the Council to express gratitude for funding provided to the organization. Darnell thanked the Council for $5,540 in funding, which he noted represents 53% of SCORE's operating budget. He shared that this financial support enabled SCORE to counsel more individuals and perform a greater number of online cases.

Contested Items

Employee Parking Fees in the MOA

Council members, including CM Stinnett and CM Henson, expressed strong opposition to a proposal to charge future LFUCG employees 50% of market rate for parking. The primary concerns centered on equity and the burden this would place on employees. Due to the disagreement, the motion to amend the Memorandum of Agreement was withdrawn to allow for revisions in the management agreement before proceeding further.

Transfer of Government Center Garage

Council members raised concerns about transferring the government center garage to the Parking Authority, particularly given the potential need for the facility in future government center planning. The discussion became heated as members questioned whether this transfer was prudent. The commissioner clarified the council's concerns by confirming that the garage would remain with LFUCG and would not be transferred to the Parking Authority.

Parking Authority's Revenue and Bonding Capability

Council members questioned whether the Parking Authority possessed sufficient revenue generation capacity to service debt obligations, especially if employee parking fees were eliminated or reduced. There was concern about the financial viability of the authority under various scenarios. The Parking Authority responded by confirming they would rely on existing cash flow and on-street revenue to support necessary repairs and debt service.

Marathon Health Update

Melissa Luecker provided a brief update on the Marathon Health Center, which opened on January 11, 2012. 12:51

Opening and Patient Volume

The health center reported 266 patient encounters during its first 15 days of operation, demonstrating significant utilization following its launch.

Retiree Eligibility

Luecker clarified eligibility requirements for retirees, noting that health insurance cards would serve as the basis for determining who qualifies to use the center's services.

Operational Concerns

The update addressed two specific operational matters:

• Walk-in Patients: Concerns were raised regarding walk-in patients at the health center
• HSA Fees: Questions were raised about Health Savings Account (HSA) fees associated with the center's services

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with Luecker providing updates on the new facility's early performance and addressing specific questions about eligibility and operational procedures.

Parking Garage Proposal Presentation

20:43

Commissioner Sally Hamilton presented a proposal to transfer ownership and management of city-owned parking garages to the Lexington Parking Authority. The presentation addressed the current state of the facilities and outlined the rationale for the proposed transfer.

Key Topics Covered

Hamilton's presentation included an assessment of the parking garages' deteriorating conditions and the associated repair costs. The presentation also detailed the potential benefits of transferring operations to the Parking Authority, along with specifics of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA addressed employee parking fees and outlined financing plans for the transfer.

Participants

The discussion involved Commissioner Sally Hamilton, along with Ryan Barrow, Gary Means, and James Frazier, who participated in the presentation and subsequent discussion.

Outcome

The proposal received a first reading at this meeting.

Council Reports

Council Member Stinnett reported on several matters during this agenda item 1:40:08.

Traffic Issues Near Library

Stinnett brought attention to traffic concerns in the vicinity of the library.

Constitution Pool Public Meeting

Stinnett reported on a public meeting held regarding Constitution Pool.

Draft Scrap Metal Ordinance

Stinnett presented a draft scrap metal ordinance designed to address copper thefts. He moved to place the draft ordinance into the General Government Committee for further review and consideration.

Outcome

The motion to refer the draft scrap metal ordinance to the General Government Committee passed. Council members participating in the discussion included CM Martin, VM Gorton, CM Blues, and CM Beard.