Urban County Council Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on October 25, 2012, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Jim Gray presiding. The meeting included two informational agenda items: a presentation by Harry Sykes and a presentation on the 21c Hotel Development Plan. During the session, the Council took two motions to a vote and heard one public comment. The meeting focused primarily on receiving information and updates rather than taking formal action on legislation or policy matters.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on October 25, 2012:

• Mayor Jim Gray
• Beard
• Blues
• Crosbie
• Ellinger
• Farmer
• Ford
• Gorton
• Henson
• Kay
• Lane
• Lawless
• Martin
• McChord
• Myers
• Stinnett

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 1045-12

An Ordinance amending Article 17 of the Zoning Ordinance to transfer enforcement of Article 17 Sign Regulations requirements from the Division of Building Inspection to the Division of Planning was voted on by roll call. The motion was made by Lane and seconded by Gorton. The ordinance passed with 13 ayes and 0 nays.

The following members voted in favor: Beard, Blues, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, McChord, Myers, and Stinnett.

Resolution 1043-12

A Resolution accepting the bids of Power Train of Ky.; Carquest of Lexington; I.B. Moore Co.; J&B Enterprises, Inc; B.W. Rogers Co. (Fluid Power Products Division); and G&R Industrial Supply, establishing price contracts for hydraulic hose fittings was voted on by roll call. The motion was made by Gorton and seconded by Lawless. The resolution passed with 12 ayes and 0 nays.

The following members voted in favor: Beard, Blues, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Martin, and Stinnett.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting approved three contracts for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements and equipment:

Town Branch and West Hickman Waste Water Treatment Plant Improvements Resolution 1054-12 authorized a contract with Smith Contractors, Inc. for $13,442,723 to fund electrical, SCADA, blower/aeration, and pump station improvements at the Town Branch and West Hickman Waste Water Treatment Plants.

Town Branch Sludge Conveyor Replacement Resolution 1057-12 approved a contract with NAC Heavy Highway, Inc. for $433,000 to replace the dewatered sludge conveyor at the Town Branch Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Water Quality Testing Equipment Resolution 1061-12 authorized a contract with Metrohm USA, Inc. for $33,077.50 to purchase an automated water quality testing titrator system.

Public Comment

Robin Osgood addressed the meeting regarding traffic enforcement practices 2:01:28. Osgood expressed concerns about the police department's practice of announcing targeted traffic enforcement operations in advance. According to Osgood, these announcements undermine the effectiveness of enforcement efforts by alerting potential violators to the timing and location of enforcement activities, thereby reducing the deterrent impact of such operations.

Appointments

Joseph Smith was appointed to the Board of Adjustment.

Contested Items

21c Hotel Development Plan

Community members raised concerns about the proposed 21c Hotel Development Plan, specifically regarding the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the project. The primary point of contention centered on the potential impact this allocation would have on affordable housing funding. Some community members expressed worry that directing CDBG resources toward the hotel development could reduce the availability of funds for affordable housing initiatives.

Harry Sykes Presentation

The Council recognized Harry Sykes for his contributions to the community during this agenda item 3:30. Mayor Jim Gray, Tom Blues, and Chris Ford were the key speakers during the presentation.

The Council declared October 25, 2012, as Harry Sykes Day in Lexington in recognition of Sykes' community service and contributions. This was an informational item with no formal debate or concerns raised during the discussion.

21c Hotel Development Plan

A public hearing was held regarding the 21c Hotel Development Plan (Agenda Item 1140-12) 25:21. The hearing was informational in nature.

Key Speakers

The discussion included remarks from Knox Van Nagell and Jim Browder.

Community Input

Several community members spoke in support of the project during the public hearing.

Outcome

The agenda item was presented for informational purposes.