Urban County Council Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government held a meeting on October 11, 2012, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky. Vice-Mayor Linda Gorton presided over the session. The council addressed four agenda items during the meeting, including an informational presentation on Great American Cleanup Recognition and three zoning and land use matters. The body took three votes and heard one public comment. All three zoning-related items on the agenda were approved: an amendment to Community Center Zone, a zone change for Pleasant Green Baptist Church, and a clarification of off-street parking requirements.

Attendance

Present: Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, McChord

Absent: Crosbie, Myers

Late: None

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0967-12 19:38

An Ordinance amending Subsection 14-72(6)(a) of the Code of Ordinances to add a requirement of a noise disturbance across a dwelling unit boundary was motioned by Blues and seconded by Beard. The ordinance was withdrawn. The vote was unanimous with 13 ayes and 0 nays.

Approval of Various Ordinances on Second Reading 21:17

A motion by Henson, seconded by Ellinger, to approve various ordinances on second reading except for Ordinance 0967-12 passed by roll call vote. The vote was unanimous with 13 ayes and 0 nays. The following voted in favor: Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, and McChord.

Resolution 0897-12 40:26

A Resolution approving an Update of Area Designation for the Solid Waste Management Plan for Lexington-Fayette County for 2013-2018 was motioned by Stinnett and seconded by McChord. The resolution was tabled. The vote was unanimous with 13 ayes and 0 nays. All members voted in favor of tabling: Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, and McChord. The resolution is to be returned after the Waste Management Task Force makes its report and recommendations.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting approved three contracts for capital projects and equipment installations:

West Hickman Waste Water Treatment Plant Generator Control Panel and Installation - Amount: $19,565.19 - Vendor: Whayne Supply Co. - Resolution: 0961-12

Generator Engine Monitoring Gateway - Amount: $13,196.78 - Vendor: Whayne Supply Co. - Resolution: 0962-12

Jacobson Park Entrance Wall/Arch Installation - Amount: $23,876 - Contractor: Scott Barnhill - Resolution: 0992-12

The total value of contracts approved was $56,638.97. Two of the contracts involved equipment and installation services for the West Hickman Waste Water Treatment Plant, both awarded to Whayne Supply Co. The third contract was for construction of an entrance feature at Jacobson Park.

Public Comment

Bernard McCarthy addressed the board regarding Town Branch Creek 1:10:45. Mr. McCarthy expressed concern about the proposed reopening of Town Branch Creek, characterizing it as a waste of money and a mistake. He argued that the downtown streets are necessary infrastructure and should not be removed in connection with this project.

Contested Items

Noise Ordinance Amendment

Council members expressed confusion and concern over the proposed amendment to the noise ordinance. The discussion became heated as members grappled with the details and implications of the proposed changes. Due to the significant concerns raised, the amendment was withdrawn from consideration and referred to the Public Safety Committee for further review and clarification.

Adult Day Care Center Definition

Several community members voiced opposition to the local definition of "Adult Day Care Center" contained in the proposed ordinance. The primary concern centered on a conflict between the local definition and the state's definition of the same term. This discrepancy prompted substantive debate about how the ordinance would be applied and enforced. As a result of the community opposition and the definitional conflict, the ordinance was referred back to the Planning Committee for revision and reconciliation with state standards.

Great American Cleanup Recognition

Ms. Peggy Henson and Ms. Patricia Knight presented recognition for local businesses that supported and contributed to the Great American Cleanup 3:14.

The presentation focused on acknowledging the efforts and contributions of local businesses involved in the cleanup initiative. Ms. Henson and Ms. Knight highlighted the businesses' participation and support for this community environmental effort.

This agenda item was informational in nature, serving to recognize and celebrate local business involvement in the Great American Cleanup program.

Amendment to Community Center Zone

Ordinance 0970-12 proposed an amendment to Article 23A-9(k) of the Zoning Ordinance to allow a building to exceed 50,000 square feet in size within the Community Center Zone. 8:23

The ordinance was approved.

Zone Change for Pleasant Green Baptist Church

Ordinance 0971-12 proposed changing the zoning designation for property located at 410 Patterson St. and 522 and 540 West Maxwell St. from High Density Apartment (R-4) zone to Lexington Center Business (B-2B) zone. 8:23

The ordinance was approved.

Clarification of Off-Street Parking Requirements

Ordinance 0973-12 amended Article 16 of the Zoning Ordinance to clarify off-street parking requirements when the Urban County Council designates a "Pedestrian-Oriented Business District." 8:23

The ordinance was approved.