Urban County Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government held a meeting on May 14, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of the Government Center. Vice Mayor Linda Gorton presided over the session. The council addressed 10 agenda items, including public comment periods, rezoning requests, budget amendments, and various business matters. Five motions were voted on during the meeting, and five public comments were heard from members of the community on both agenda and non-agenda issues. The council approved several items including the summary of previous proceedings, new business, continuing business and presentations, and adjournment.

Attendance

Present: Linda Gorton, Julian Beard, Shevawn Akers, Chuck Ellinger, George Myers, Bill Farmer, Harry Clarke, Kevin Stinnett, Chris Ford, Jennifer Scutchfield, Diane Lawless, and Ed Lane

Absent: Jennifer Mossotti

Late: Diane Lawless

Votes and Decisions

The following motions were voted on and passed during the May 14, 2013 meeting:

Approval of May 7, 2013 Work Session Summary 3:10 - Motion by: Chuck Ellinger - Second by: George Myers - Outcome: Passed by voice vote

Approval of New Business Items 4:12 - Motion by: Chuck Ellinger - Second by: Julian Beard - Outcome: Passed by voice vote

Amendment to Transfer Building Inspection and Code Enforcement 7:27 - Motion by: Linda Gorton - Second by: Diane Lawless - Description: Transfer of Building Inspection and Code Enforcement from the Division of Public Safety to the Department of Planning, Preservation and Development - Outcome: Passed by voice vote

Approval of Neighborhood Development Funds (NDFs) 9:01 - Motion by: Kevin Stinnett - Second by: Shevawn Akers - Outcome: Passed by voice vote

Motion to Adjourn 42:27 - Motion by: Kevin Stinnett - Second by: Linda Gorton - Outcome: Passed by voice vote

All votes were conducted by voice vote with no recorded abstentions or dissenting votes.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included authorization for several financial actions and expenditures:

Grants and Federal Awards

• Authorization to submit a grant application to the Bluegrass Area Development District for operation of the Senior Citizens Center in FY 2014 in the amount of $257,067 (L0439-13)

• Authorization to accept an award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency for a fire prevention project in the amount of $18,128 (L0489-13)

Contracts and Purchases

• Authorization to execute Change Order No. 1 to the Agreement with R. B. Jergens Contractors, Inc. for the Haley Pike Landfill Closure Contract 82-2012 in the amount of $484,075.29 (L0453-13)

• Authorization to approve a sole source purchase of design services with ECSI LLC for the Northland Meadows Arlington Phase 5C Project in the amount of $22,500 (L0462-13)

Intergovernmental and Administrative Actions

• Authorization to execute an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement among counties comprising the Bluegrass Area Development District for continued operation of and participation in the Bluegrass Workforce Investment Board (L0466-13)

• Authorization to transfer the Division of Building Inspection and the Division of Code Enforcement from the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works to the Department of Planning, Preservation and Development (L0467-13)

• Authorization to amend Section 21-5 of the Code of Ordinances to create one position of Probation Unit Supervisor (Grade 113E) and five positions of Probation Officer (Grade 110N) in the Division of Community Corrections (L0479-13)

Public Comment

Haley Pike Landfill Closure Change Order

Council Member Ed Lane raised questions about a $484,075.29 change order for the Haley Pike Landfill Closure, requesting information on the size and justification of the proposed change order. 4:42

Food Truck Pilot Program

The food truck pilot program generated discussion among multiple speakers regarding its implementation and potential impacts.

Bill Owen, president of Lexington Center Corporation, expressed concern that food trucks operating at the front of Heritage Hall would negatively impact six retail businesses currently leasing space at Lexington Center. 29:27

Council Member Diane Lawless clarified that the food truck task force had reached consensus on the program but was awaiting approval from the Parking Authority. She emphasized the importance of gathering public input on the proposal. 26:35

Council Member Bill Farmer suggested that public input should be heard before the motion is made the following week, allowing for potential changes to the program based on feedback received. 27:46

Council Member Ed Lane supported moving forward with the pilot program as a six-month test. He emphasized the need to learn from feedback and cautioned against getting bogged down in details during the planning process. 28:17

Contested Items

Food Truck Pilot Program

A business representative raised concerns about the proposed Food Truck Pilot Program, specifically regarding food trucks operating at the front of Heritage Hall. The representative expressed worry that this placement would negatively impact existing retail tenants at Lexington Center. The primary concerns centered on economic sustainability and increased competition for the current retail businesses in the area.

Street Light Funding Options

An extensive and heated discussion took place regarding proposed funding mechanisms for street lights. The central point of contention was a proposed 1% franchise fee increase intended to finance street light improvements. Multiple participants raised concerns about the fairness of this funding approach, its potential impact on commercial properties, and questions about the long-term viability of the proposed funding model. The debate reflected disagreement over whether this was an appropriate and sustainable method to address the street lighting needs.

Public Comment – Issues on Agenda

3:10

No public comments were made on issues on the agenda during this portion of the meeting. Mr. Mundy confirmed that no members of the public wished to speak on the agenda items under consideration.

Requested Rezonings / Docket Approval

3:41

No docket items were presented for approval during this agenda item. The meeting proceeded with this section marked as informational only, with no rezonings or docket approvals requiring action.

Approval of Summary

The summary from the May 7, 2013 work session was presented for approval. 3:10

Key speakers on this item included Chuck Ellinger and George Myers.

The summary was approved unanimously by voice vote.

Budget Amendments

No budget amendments were presented for discussion or vote during this agenda item 4:12.

New Business

4:12

The New Business agenda item included multiple authorizations for grants, contracts, and transfers. Key speakers on this item were Chuck Ellinger and Julian Beard.

The new business items were presented and discussed before being put to a vote. All items included in the New Business section were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Continuing Business / Presentations

9:01

During this agenda item, the council addressed several presentations and continuing business matters.

Neighborhood Development Funds

The Neighborhood Development Funds (NDFs) were presented and approved unanimously by the council.

Budget and Committee Summaries

Two summaries were presented and discussed: - Budget Committee of the Whole (COW) Summary - Social Services & Community Development Committee Summary

Key Speakers

The following individuals participated in this portion of the meeting: - Kevin Stinnett - Shevawn Akers - Linda Gorton - Chris Ford

Outcome

The Neighborhood Development Funds were approved unanimously.

Council Reports

During this agenda item, council members presented reports on several topics of interest to the community.

Living Arts and Science Center

A report was presented on the Living Arts and Science Center.

Police Week and Officer Appreciation Week

Council members provided information regarding Police Week and Officer Appreciation Week.

Zota Report

A report identified as the Zota Report was presented to the council.

Food Truck Pilot Program

The council discussed a food truck pilot program, which included public input from attendees. This item generated discussion among council members and members of the public.

Key Speakers

Reports were presented by Linda Gorton, Shevawn Akers, Chris Ford, and Pete Cassidy.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature. The council received updates on these various initiatives and programs without taking formal action.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Jim Gray did not present a formal Mayor's Report during this meeting. Instead, he made a brief announcement regarding Beth Mills' induction into the University of Kentucky's Social Work Hall of Fame. 40:08

This agenda item concluded with an informational outcome.

Public Comment – Issues Not on Agenda

26:05

During this portion of the meeting, the council invited public comments on issues not included on the formal agenda. Several council members raised concerns regarding the food truck pilot program.

Key Speakers

The following individuals spoke during this segment:

• Ed Lane
• Bill Owen
• Diane Lawless
• Bill Farmer

Issues Discussed

The primary topic of discussion centered on the food truck pilot program. Council members expressed concerns about the potential impacts of this program on existing retail businesses in the community. Additionally, speakers emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate public input and community engagement before proceeding with or expanding the pilot program.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action taken. The comments provided input for the council's consideration regarding the food truck pilot program and its effects on local businesses.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by motion of Kevin Stinnett, seconded by Linda Gorton, with no objections. 42:27