Urban County Council Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Council met on June 6, 2013, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Vice-Mayor Linda Gorton presiding. The meeting included two informational agenda items, both proclamations recognizing local educational programs and achievements. Council members heard one public comment during the meeting and took three votes. The session focused on recognizing Bryan Station High School's Spanish Immersion Program and Henry Clay High School's Lacrosse Team through formal proclamations.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on June 6, 2013:

• Linda Gorton
• Beard
• Clarke
• Ellinger
• Farmer
• Ford
• Henson
• Kay
• Lane
• Lawless
• Mossotti
• Myers
• Scutchfield
• Stinnett
• Akers

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0523-13: Zoning Change at 4145 Harrodsburg Rd. 0:00

A motion was made by Gorton and seconded by Beard to change the zone from Single Family Residential (R-1D) to Townhouse Residential (R-1T) for property located at 4145 Harrodsburg Rd. The ordinance passed by roll call vote with 15 ayes and 0 nays. All voting members supported the measure: Beard, Clarke, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Mossotti, Myers, Scutchfield, Stinnett, and Akers.

Ordinance 0568-13: Mobile Food Unit Vendors Pilot Program 16:42

A motion was made by Akers and seconded by Lane to establish a six month limited Pilot Program for certain Mobile Food Unit Vendors. This ordinance was tabled by voice vote and will be reconsidered at the June 20, 2013 Council Meeting.

Ordinance 0512-13: Utility Franchise Fee Increase 24:05

A motion was made by Farmer and seconded by Beard to amend Ordinance No. 34-2013 and Ordinance No. 35-2013 to increase the franchise fees for each utility from 3% to 4%. The ordinance was tabled by roll call vote with 8 ayes and 7 nays. Those voting in favor were: Beard, Clarke, Ellinger, Farmer, Ford, Gorton, Henson, and Kay. Those voting against were: Akers, Lawless, Kay, Henson, Gorton, Ford, and Clarke. The matter will be reconsidered at the August 2013 Budget and Finance Committee Meeting.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two financial actions:

Throwbot XT Purchase for Police Division

The Division of Police received a grant of $13,633 from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security for the purchase of a Throwbot XT. This item was identified as resolution 0422-13.

Haley Pike Landfill Closure Contract

A contract valued at $484,075.29 was awarded to R. B. Jergens Contractors, Inc. for the Haley Pike Landfill Closure project. This action was identified as resolution 0453-13.

Public Comment

Bernard McCarthy addressed the meeting regarding license plate county designations 2:15:10. McCarthy explained that the county designation appearing on a vehicle's license plate indicates where the vehicle was purchased, rather than indicating where the vehicle's owner resides.

Appointments

The following appointments were made during this meeting:

• Koyuki King was appointed to the position of Paralegal in the Department of Law.

• William Gahafer was appointed to the position of Public Service Worker in the Division of Parks and Recreation.

Contested Items

Franchise Fee Increase

A proposal to increase franchise fees from 3% to 4% generated significant division among council members. The ordinance resulted in a split vote of 8-7, with the measure ultimately tabled. This close vote reflected substantial disagreement about the fee adjustment, with nearly half of the voting members opposing the increase.

Proclamation: Bryan Station High School Spanish Immersion Program

The Mayor and Mr. Stinnett presented a proclamation recognizing the Bryan Station High School Spanish Immersion Program 3:41. The proclamation declared June 6, 2013, as Bryan Station Spanish Immersion Day.

This was an informational agenda item with no debate or concerns raised. The presentation served to honor the Spanish Immersion Program at Bryan Station High School and recognize the significance of the program on this designated day.

Proclamation: Henry Clay High School Lacrosse Team

10:25

The Mayor and Mr. Farmer presented a proclamation to the Henry Clay High School Lacrosse Team honoring their exceptional athletic achievement. The proclamation recognized the team's undefeated season and state championship victory. June 6, 2013, was officially declared as Henry Clay Blue Devils Lacrosse Champions Day.

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no debate or concerns raised during the presentation.