Urban County Council Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council met on June 7, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 200 E. Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gray presiding. During the meeting, the Council addressed 10 agenda items, took 46 motions and votes, heard 8 public comments, and received 2 informational presentations.

The Council approved several significant items, including a proclamation honoring the Bryan Station High School Boys Track Team as state champions, Industrial Building Revenue Bonds Series 2012 for a Transylvania University project, and a Residential Parking Permit Program for the 1200 block of Kastle Road. The Council also approved amendments to the Rules and Procedures of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council and accepted a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Bluegrass Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 4.

Additional approvals included a Lease Agreement with West End Community Empowerment Project of Lexington, Inc., an Affiliation Agreement with the University of Kentucky for a Paramedic Education Program, and authorization of agreements with multiple neighborhood associations. One item—an ordinance amending Section 24-51 of the Code of Ordinances relating to inmate medical fees—was tabled. An informational presentation on Roll for the Cure was also provided by Jon Woodall.

Attendance

Present: Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, Myers, Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Crosbie, Ellinger, and Farmer

Absent: McChord

Late: None

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0555-12 — Amending Section 24-51 of the Code of Ordinances to increase inmate medical co-payments and add a booking fee was tabled by roll call vote 52:26. The vote was 11 ayes and 2 nays. Voting in favor were Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Martin, Myers, Stinnett, Beard, Blues, and Ellinger. Voting against were Farmer and Crosbie. The ordinance will be reconsidered after a workshop scheduled for June 19, 2012.

Resolution 0557-12 — Establishing a residential parking permit program for the 1200 block of Kastle Rd. passed by roll call vote 1:34:42 with 13 ayes and 0 nays. All members voted in favor: Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, Myers, Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Ellinger, and Farmer.

The following resolutions all passed unanimously by roll call vote 1:34:42 with 13 ayes and 0 nays:

• Resolution 0563-12 — Accepting the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Bluegrass Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 4
• Resolution 0566-12 — Authorizing a lease agreement with West End Community Empowerment Project of Lexington, Inc.
• Resolution 0567-12 — Authorizing an affiliation agreement with the University of Kentucky for a paramedic education program
• Resolution 0585-12 — Authorizing agreements with multiple neighborhood associations for the Office of the Urban County Council
• Resolution 0514-12 — Authorizing an agreement with U.S. Geological Survey for stream flow and precipitation gauge maintenance
• Resolution 0515-12 — Authorizing a contract modification for the Lexington Distillery District Improvements Program Feasibility Study
• Resolution 0516-12 — Authorizing a development agreement with the Fayette County Local Development Corporation for property transfer
• Resolution 0519-12 — Authorizing agreements with Thomson West for online legal research and publications
• Resolution 0558-12 — Amending Appendix A of the Council Rules and Procedures to allow consideration of committee-referred matters
• Resolution 0562-12 — Authorizing agreements with Lansdowne Elementary School PTA and Southern Heights Neighborhood Association
• Resolution 0517-12 — Authorizing a mutual release agreement and final payment to Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc.
• Resolution 0521-12 — Authorizing a change order for West Hickman Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements
• Resolution 0532-12 — Authorizing an entry permit with Marathon Pipe Line LLC for pipeline testing
• Resolution 0536-12 — Approving renewal of contract with Group CJ for stormwater outreach and education
• Resolution 0542-12 — Approving professional services agreements for landscape architectural services
• Resolution 0545-12 — Authorizing a change order for a pole barn storage building
• Resolution 0546-12 — Authorizing a modification to agreement with Ky. Div. of Emergency Management for generator replacement
• Resolution 0548-12 — Authorizing submission of grant application to Ky. Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• Resolution 0549-12 — Authorizing submission of grant application to Ky. Dept. of Juvenile Justice
• Resolution 0550-12 — Authorizing contract with Verdin Co. for restoration of Skuller's Street Clock

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting approved the following financial actions:

Contracts

• Restoration of the historic Skuller's Street Clock with Verdin Co. for $25,415 (Resolution 0550-12)
• Maintenance and operation of stream flow and precipitation gauges with the U.S. Geological Survey for $115,740 (Resolution 0514-12)

Contract Modifications and Change Orders

• Contract modification for the Lexington Distillery District Improvements Program Feasibility Study with Strand Associates, Inc. for $83,202 (Resolution 0515-12)
• Change order for West Hickman Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements with Vanhook Enterprises, Inc. for $5,830.18 (Resolution 0521-12)
• Change order for pole barn storage building with Sensabaugh Design and Construction for $3,275 (Resolution 0545-12)
• Contract modification for generator replacement at Fire Station One with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management at no cost (Resolution 0546-12)

Grant Applications

• Grant application to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the New Chance Program in the amount of $314,247 (Resolution 0548-12)
• Grant application to the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice for the Juvenile Surveillance Program in the amount of $16,183 (Resolution 0549-12)

Purchases

• Replacement batteries and chargers for wastewater treatment plant generators from Wayne Supply Company for $37,963.56 (Resolution 0514-12)
• Electrical work for Charles Young Center from Minifield Enterprise for $11,300 (Resolution 0514-12)
• Web-based quartermaster program and public safety uniforms from Gulls, Inc. at no cost (Resolution 0514-12)
• Traffic marking paint for the Division of Traffic Engineering from Ennis Paint, Inc. and Colorado Paint Company at no cost (Resolution 0514-12)
• Excess insurance for fiscal year 2013 from multiple insurance companies for $1,097,171.49 (Resolution 0514-12)

Public Comment

Eight speakers addressed the council during public comment, all opposing a proposed ordinance to increase inmate medical fees.

Anthony Everett 28:04 opposed the ordinance, characterizing it as unjust and unethical. He compared the fee increase to slavery and urged the council to seek funding from the Commonwealth Attorney's Office instead.

Brannon Dunn 29:10 spoke against the fee increase, citing excessive markups on commissary items and the resulting financial burden on inmates and their families.

Damon Muhammad 31:21 called the fee increase unethical and warned that it could increase recidivism rates and exploit vulnerable populations.

James Mason 32:30 advocated for council members to visit the jail personally to understand inmate conditions firsthand, and urged the council to reject the ordinance.

Joy Berry 36:15 shared her personal experience as the mother of an incarcerated son, arguing that the fees would add financial burden to families and hinder successful reentry into society.

Corey Dunn 38:28 spoke from personal experience as a former inmate, warning that fee increases would deter inmates from seeking necessary medical care and create hardship for their families.

Jacobi Williams 44:52 advocated for prevention programs as an alternative to punitive fees, citing successful models implemented in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Bernard McCarthy 1:52:50 warned that fee collection efforts could result in wrongful death lawsuits and create a cycle of poverty-based incarceration.

Appointments

The following appointments and reappointments were made:

• Gregory E. Hosfield was reappointed to the Board of Architectural Review

• Gwendolyn R. Pinson was appointed to the Internal Audit Board

• Susan W. Wright was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees

• James H. Frazier was reappointed to the Parking Authority Board

Contested Items

Inmate Medical Fees Ordinance

The proposed inmate medical fees ordinance generated significant community opposition during the meeting. Citizens and community groups voiced strong objections to the measure, arguing that it would unfairly burden incarcerated individuals and their families. Opponents characterized the ordinance as unethical and potentially exploitative, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations within the correctional system.

Proclamation: Bryan Station High School Boys Track Team - State Champions

The council recognized the Bryan Station High School boys track team for winning the state championship. Team members and coaches were present for the ceremony 5:25.

Key Speakers

Mayor Gray and Council Member Stinnett participated in the recognition, along with Coach Kathy Broadnax representing the team.

Outcome

The council approved a proclamation declaring June 7, 2012, as Bryan Station Track and Field Day in recognition of the team's state championship achievement.

Roll for the Cure by Jon Woodall

12:41

Jon Woodall presented a new fundraising event called "Roll for the Cure" scheduled for August 2012. The event is being organized in partnership with the Lexington Cancer Foundation to raise funds for cancer research and patient care.

Key Speakers: - Jon Woodall - Kristi Martin

Presentation Details:

Woodall introduced the "Roll for the Cure" initiative as a community event designed to support cancer-related causes through the Lexington Cancer Foundation. The August 2012 timeframe was established for the event's implementation.

Outcome:

This agenda item was presented for informational purposes. No formal action or debate was recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Industrial Building Revenue Bonds, Series 2012 (Transylvania University Project)

The council considered ordinance 0554-12 regarding the issuance of $10,350,000 in industrial building revenue bonds to finance campus improvements at Transylvania University 24:14.

Mayor Gray presided over the discussion of this agenda item. A public hearing was held as part of the consideration process. No public comments were received during the hearing.

The council approved the ordinance, authorizing the issuance of the industrial building revenue bonds in the amount of $10,350,000 to support campus improvements at Transylvania University.

Amending Section 24-51 of the Code of Ordinances relating to inmate medical fees

Identifier: 0555-12

The council considered an ordinance to amend Section 24-51 of the Code of Ordinances relating to inmate medical fees 52:26. The proposed changes would have increased inmate medical co-payments and booking fees.

Key Speakers and Discussion

Council Member Ford, Council Member Lawless, and Council Member Lane participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

Outcome

The council voted to table the ordinance rather than proceed with a vote on the proposed amendments. The decision to table reflected public opposition to the measure. The council scheduled a workshop for June 19, 2012, to further discuss the issues related to inmate medical fees before reconsidering the ordinance.

Residential Parking Permit Program for the 1200 block of Kastle Rd.

Identifier: 0557-12

Type: Resolution

Council approved a residential parking permit program for the 1200 block of Kastle Rd. 1:34:42. The program established designated hours and conditions for residential parking in the specified area. Prior procedural requirements were waived to allow the measure to proceed.

Key Speaker: Council Member Stinnett

Outcome: Approved

Amending Appendix A, Rules and Procedures of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council

The Council considered Resolution 0558-12, which proposed amendments to Appendix A, the Rules and Procedures of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council 1:34:42.

The resolution sought to modify the council's procedural rules to allow consideration of any matter referred to a council committee. This change would expand the scope of issues that committees could address during their deliberations.

Council Member Stinnett participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The Council approved the resolution, adopting the proposed amendments to the Rules and Procedures.

Accepting the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Bluegrass Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 4

The council considered Resolution 0563-12, which sought approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Bluegrass Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 4. The agreement covers police officers and sergeants. 1:34:42

Council Member Stinnett participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The resolution authorized the mayor to execute the collective bargaining agreement on behalf of the city.

The council approved the resolution.

Lease Agreement with West End Community Empowerment Project of Lexington, Inc.

The council considered a lease agreement with West End Community Empowerment Project of Lexington, Inc. for space at the Black & Williams Neighborhood Center 1:34:42.

Council Member Stinnett addressed this agenda item during the discussion.

The council approved the lease agreement, authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the city.

Affiliation Agreement with the University of Kentucky for Paramedic Education Program

The council considered and approved an affiliation agreement with the University of Kentucky to sponsor a paramedic education program for the Fire and Emergency Services division 1:34:42.

Council Member Stinnett participated in the discussion of this agenda item (identified as resolution 0567-12). The agreement would establish a formal partnership between the city and the University of Kentucky to support paramedic training and education for the Fire and Emergency Services division.

The council voted to approve the affiliation agreement, moving forward with the partnership with the University of Kentucky for the paramedic education program.

Authorizing Agreements with Multiple Neighborhood Associations

The council considered Resolution 0585-12, which authorized agreements with 22 neighborhood associations and organizations for funding from the Office of the Urban County Council. 1:34:42

Council Member Stinnett addressed this agenda item. The resolution included an amendment that added additional funds beyond the original proposal.

The council approved the resolution, authorizing the funding agreements with the multiple neighborhood associations and organizations as presented.