Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council met on May 8, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of the Government Center. Mayor Jim Gray presided over the meeting, which included 10 agenda items and resulted in 27 motions and votes. The council heard 12 public comments from residents during the meeting.

The council addressed a range of business including requested rezonings and docket approvals, budget amendments, and new business matters, all of which were approved. The meeting also included informational items such as public comments on agenda issues, continuing business and presentations, and public comments on issues not on the agenda. Additional approved items included council reports and the mayor's report. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on May 8, 2012:

Chuck Ellinger, Kevin Stinnett, Linda Gorton, Tom Blues, Julian Beard, George Myers, Bill Farmer, Jr., Diane Lawless, Steve Kay, Doug Martin, Jay McChord, Ed Lane, Clay Mason, David Lucas, Richard Moloney, Sally Hamilton, Janet Graham, Tamara Walters, Ryan Barrow, James Ballinger, Judy Taylor, JD Cheney, Bob Dameron, Kelly Flood, Kathy Stein, Carroll, David Stevens, Kristen Chilton, Les Fryman, Patty Howard, Judy J.J. Jackson, Jessica Gies, Jennifer Bennefield, Paul Schoeniger, Brian Wood, David Stack, Keith Gaines, Brian Monro, Chris Redmond, and Brian Matone.

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The meeting included 27 motions, most of which passed by voice vote.

Procedural Motions (Voice Votes)

The docket was approved on motion by Vice Mayor Gordon, seconded by George Myers 5:08. The Summary was approved on motion by Linda Gorton, seconded by Julian Beard 6:12. Budget Amendments were approved on motion by Linda Gorton, seconded by Chuck Ellinger 6:42. New Business Items were approved on motion by Linda Gorton, seconded by Chuck Ellinger 43:29.

Ordinance and Planning Matters (Voice Votes)

An ordinance amending Section 2-87(a) of the Code of Ordinances to include a member from the Masterson Station Neighborhood Association on the Masterson Station Park Advisory Board was placed on the docket for first reading on motion by Tom Blues, seconded by George Henson 5:08. The 2012 Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives were placed on the docket for first reading on motion by Bill Farmer, Jr., seconded by Linda Gorton. The 2012 Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives Dashboard document was placed on the docket for first reading on motion by Bill Farmer, Jr., seconded by Julian Beard. The Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment for the Adult Day Care Definition was placed on the docket for first reading on motion by Bill Farmer, Jr., seconded by Linda Gorton. The Fencing Ordinance Text Amendment was placed on the docket for first reading on motion by Bill Farmer, Jr., seconded by Steve Kay.

Roll Call Votes

Text changes amending section 7-2.1(a) of the Code of Ordinances passed 8-7 on motion by George Myers, seconded by Diane Lawless. Voting in favor: Chuck Ellinger, Kevin Stinnett, Linda Gorton, Tom Blues, Bill Farmer Jr., Jay McChord, Steve Kay, and Doug Martin. Voting against: Julian Beard, George Myers, Martin, Diane Lawless, Richard Moloney, Clay Mason, and David Lucas.

The Lextran budget as presented was placed on the docket for first reading, passing 10-1 on motion by Steve Kay, seconded by Tom Blues. Martin voted against.

A motion to table the Lextran Budget failed 2-9 on motion by Doug Martin, seconded by George Myers. Bill Farmer, Jr. and Jay McChord voted in favor.

A motion to instruct Steve Kay to report on the Golf Program subsidy passed 11-1 on motion by Jay McChord, seconded by George Myers. Diane Lawless voted against.

A motion to refer the Fire and EMS Task Force issue back to the Public Safety Committee failed 7-8 on motion by Doug Martin, seconded by Ed Lane.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting authorized multiple contracts, grants, and financial actions totaling millions of dollars across various city departments and services.

Contracts and Service Agreements

The city approved an amendment to the facilities maintenance agreement with Meridian Management Corporation for courthouse facility management services at $3,500.00 per month (0348-12). A contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America for Group Life Insurance covering all LFUCG employees was authorized for $747,000.00 (0436-12). Cassidian Corporation was awarded a contract for public safety grade 800 MHz digital trunked radio infrastructure totaling $4,762,236 (0438-12). The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department received authorization for a Fiscal Year 2012 contract addendum for the Home Network Project at the Family Care Center in the amount of $41,208 (0452-12). Stantec Consulting Services Inc. was approved for a professional services agreement regarding the Sanitary Sewer Capacity Assurance Plan for $1,012,500 (0460-12). A lease agreement with NAMI Lexington (KY), Inc. for space at 498 Georgetown Street was authorized at $3,918.66 per year (0465-12). Tactical Energetic Entry System, LLC received $39,500 for dynamic entry training for the Division of Police (0472-12). Claunch Construction, LLC was approved for Change Order No. 1 for Meadows/Northland/Arlington Public Improvements Design Phase 3D in the amount of $21,239.80 (0479-12).

Grants and Awards

The city accepted multiple grant awards: $2,006,685 from the Commission on Fire Protection, Personnel, Standards, and Education for firefighter training incentives (0454-12); $2,120,336 from the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for Police Training Incentive Grant for FY 2013 (0453-12); $460,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for ITS/CMS Traffic Improvements Project for FY 2013 (0471-12); $294.79 from the U.S. Department of Justice for bulletproof vests for the Fayette County Sheriff's Office (0474-12); and $49,495 for the Neighborhood and Community Sustainability Grant program (0477-12). Authorization was also granted to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $629,600 under the 2012 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for ladder truck replacement (0473-12).

Bonds and Other Actions

The city approved issuance of taxable general obligation pension funding bonds, series 2012A for $31,000,000 (0491-12) and general obligation refunding bonds, series 2012B not to exceed $10,000,000 (0494-12), with authorization to advertise for bids (0495-12). Additional approvals included internal advertisement of vacant positions through December 31, 2012 with no budgetary impact (0469-12) and street name and address number changes to support the Enhanced 9-1-1 system (0475-12).

Public Comment

The meeting included remarks from state representatives, council members, and city officials addressing a range of legislative, financial, and community matters.

Legislative Updates

Judy Taylor provided a report on key legislation passed during the session, including bills related to foreclosure, property maintenance, metal theft, and economic development, emphasizing collaboration between local and state governments 7:14. Representative Bob Dameron highlighted pension reform and praised the passage of House Bill 1, the Pill Bill, which addresses prescription drug abuse with implications for public safety and corrections budgets 33:19. Representative Kelly Flood commended funding for the state road plan and emphasized continued investment in public education, particularly higher education, for long-term economic growth 37:53.

Financial and Infrastructure Concerns

Council Member Martin expressed strong opposition to issuing $31 million in pension bonds, warning that it represents a risky financial strategy that could lead to bankruptcy due to speculative investment and unsustainable debt 44:07. Council Member Lane requested a presentation from the Police and Firefighters Pension Fund to review historical earnings and future projections before finalizing the bond issuance 59:22.

Council Member Stenet requested detailed bid information and RFP criteria for the public safety radio system, emphasizing the need for transparency in the decision-making process 52:02. Council Member Beard raised concerns about standardizing one-digit street addresses to ensure compatibility with the 9-1-1 system 1:12:24.

Community Matters

Council Member McCord publicly thanked Chris Redmond of Redmond's Garden Center for a donation of 24 trees to multiple city parks 2:08:03. Council Member Lawless presented a motion to amend the residential parking permit program on the 400 block of South Upper Street to allow 24/7 access 2:11:23. Council Member Henson reported on a successful neighborhood meeting and announced a cleanup event on First Hills Road 2:15:39. Council Member Blues announced two upcoming neighborhood meetings: a candidate forum for the Second District Council office and a discussion on renaming a community center 2:16:46.

Tribute

Mayor Jim Gray paid tribute to Brian Matone, assistant county attorney, who passed away, expressing condolences to his family and honoring his dedication to public service 2:19:07.

Contested Items

The May 8, 2012 meeting included three significant areas of disagreement among council members.

Pension Bond Issuance

Council Member Martin and others opposed a $31 million pension bond issuance, raising concerns about financial risk and speculative investment practices. Despite the opposition and calls for further review, the motion passed, though the vote reflected significant dissent on the council.

Emergency Care Unit Staffing

A heated discussion arose over a proposal to reduce Emergency Care Unit staffing from three to two personnel. Council members debated the safety implications, costs, and operational consequences of the reduction. A motion to refer the staffing issue back to the Public Safety Committee for further consideration failed on a 7-8 vote, meaning the proposal did not receive the support needed to return it for additional review.

Public Safety Radio System Bid Transparency

Council Member Stenet raised procedural concerns about the Public Safety Radio System bid process, requesting full bid details and RFP (Request for Proposal) criteria. Stenet argued that the decision-making process lacked sufficient transparency and that more detailed documentation was necessary before proceeding.

Public Comment – Issues on Agenda

3:00

During this agenda item, council members welcomed members of the Fayette legislative delegation and acknowledged their support for the city.

Public comment was brief, with no speakers present to address the council on issues listed on the agenda.

Mayor Jim Gray and Ed Lane were the key participants during this portion of the meeting. The outcome was informational in nature, with no formal action taken.

Requested Rezonings/Docket Approval

5:08

The docket was approved during this agenda item. Key speakers included Vice Mayor Gordon, Tom Blues, and George Myers.

A motion to add an ordinance amending the Masterson Station Park Advisory Board was passed without dissent.

The item was approved as presented.

Approval of Summary

The summary was presented for approval during this agenda item. 6:12

Outcome

The summary was approved without discussion or dissent.

Budget Amendments

The budget amendments were discussed and approved without dissent. 6:42

Key Speakers

Linda Gorton and Chuck Ellinger led the discussion on this agenda item.

Items Discussed

Several financial matters were addressed during this section, including:

• Bond issuances
• Grant awards

Outcome

The budget amendments were approved unanimously with no opposition raised during the discussion.

New Business

43:29

The council addressed several new business items, including contracts for insurance, radio systems, and infrastructure improvements, all of which were approved.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on a $31 million pension bond issuance, which generated contentious debate among council members. Key speakers in this discussion included Linda Gorton, Chuck Ellinger, Doug Martin, and Tom Blues.

The pension bond issuance proved to be the most debated item during this section of the meeting, though the specific concerns and arguments raised by individual council members are not detailed in the available information.

Outcome: The new business items were approved.

Continuing Business/Presentations

16:57

This agenda item included three presentations and discussion of a staffing matter.

Presentations

The meeting featured updates from multiple speakers:

• Judy Taylor provided information on the General Assembly
• JD Cheney presented the Fire and EMS Task Force Report
• Bill Farmer, Jr. delivered the Property Valuation Administrator's annual message

Staffing Issue Discussion

The body addressed a matter concerning emergency services unit staffing levels, specifically the question of 3 versus 2 EC unit staffing. A motion was made to refer this issue back to the Public Safety Committee for further consideration. However, this motion failed.

Outcome

The presentations were informational in nature. The failed motion meant the staffing issue was not referred back to committee at this time, and the matter remained unresolved through this agenda item.

Key speakers during this section included Judy Taylor, JD Cheney, Bill Farmer, Jr., David Lucas, and David O'Neill.

Council Reports

Council members provided updates on neighborhood activities and municipal initiatives during this agenda item.

Reports and Updates

Council Member McCord, Council Member Henson, and Council Member Blues reported on neighborhood meetings, park improvements, and upcoming community events. The specific details of these neighborhood meetings and park improvement projects were discussed during this portion of the meeting. 2:11:23

Residential Parking Permit Program Amendment

A motion to amend the residential parking permit program was presented and voted on during this agenda item. The motion passed.

Outcome

The agenda item was approved.

Public Comments – Issues Not on Agenda

2:18:31

No members of the public provided comments during this portion of the meeting. The public comment period for issues not on the agenda was held, but no speakers came forward to address the board.

Mayor's Report

The Mayor's Report was presented and approved without discussion 2:18:31. Mayor Jim Gray delivered the report to the assembled body.

During this agenda item, a tribute was paid to Brian Matone, assistant county attorney, recognizing his service and contributions.

The report was approved by the body without further debate or comments from other members.

Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made and passed, concluding the meeting 2:20:09. Chuck Ellinger and George Myers were the key speakers during this agenda item.

The motion to adjourn was approved, formally ending the meeting.