Urban County Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on June 11, 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 meeting, which included 15 agenda items and resulted in 19 motions and votes. The council heard 10 public comments on issues under consideration.

The meeting covered a range of business including zoning matters, budget amendments, and various authorizations. The council approved requested rezonings and docket items, as well as budget amendments and new business items. Among the specific actions taken, the council approved recognition of Litter Patrol Trustees, authorized the signing of a "Statement of Compliance" regarding bridge posting requirements, and approved a Right of Entry Agreement with Time Warner Cable. The council also authorized the cancellation of an agreement with St. John's Lutheran Church and execution of a new agreement with Bryan Station High School, approved a lease agreement with the Lexington-Fayette County NAACP Branch, and authorized acceptance of donations from The Friends of the Dog Parks, Inc. Additionally, the council held a public hearing and approved Tax Increment Financing for The Summit development. The meeting concluded with adjournment following the Mayor's Report.

Attendance

Present: Linda Gorton, Chuck Ellinger, Steve Kay, Shevawn Akers, Diane Lawless, Julian Beard, Bill Farmer, Kevin Stinnett, Jennifer Scutchfield, George Myers, Jennifer Mossotti, Harry Clarke, Peggy Henson, and Ed Lane.

Absent: Chris Ford.

Votes and Decisions

Docket and Rezoning Approvals 3:46

The body approved the docket for requested rezonings by voice vote, with motion by Julian Beard and second by Chuck Ellinger. A motion by Bill Farmer, seconded by Ed Lane, to place on the docket a resolution amending Resolution No. 255-2013 to substitute Lake Edge Condominium Association, Inc. for Dellavelle Management, Inc. as a funding recipient also passed by voice vote.

Insurance and Equipment Purchases 3:46

A motion by George Myers, seconded by Chuck Ellinger, to place on the docket a resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of multiple insurances at a total cost not to exceed $1,212,869.78 passed by voice vote. A motion by Chuck Ellinger, seconded by George Myers, to place on the docket a resolution to purchase a cooling unit from Climate Condition Company as a sole source provider also passed by voice vote.

Rate Increase Opposition 3:46

A motion by Linda Gorton, seconded by Peggy Henson, to place on the docket a resolution expressing opposition to Kentucky-American Water Company's rate increase in Public Service Commission Rate Case No. 2012-00520 passed by voice vote.

Budget and Committee Reports 13:37

A motion by Harry Clarke, seconded by Jennifer Mossotti, to approve the summary of the Budget Committee of the Whole report from May 21, 2013 passed by voice vote. Motions by Bill Farmer, seconded by Julian Beard, to approve budget amendments and by Steve Kay, seconded by Peggy Henson, to amend the list of budget amendments to add BA 5054 and BA 5055 both passed by voice vote.

Kroger Zone Change Hearing 13:37

A motion by Bill Farmer, seconded by Julian Beard, to set a zone change hearing for July 2, 2013 at 7:00 PM failed on roll call vote with 3 ayes and 11 nays. Voting in favor were Julian Beard, Bill Farmer, and Kevin Stinnett. A subsequent motion by Chuck Ellinger, seconded by Diane Lawless, to set the hearing for August 13, 2013 at 6:00 PM passed on roll call with 10 ayes and 4 nays. A motion by Shevawn Akers, seconded by Bill Farmer, to amend the date to July 8, 2013 at 5:00 PM failed with 4 ayes and 10 nays. A voice vote motion by Chuck Ellinger, seconded by Jennifer Mossotti, to amend the start time to 5:00 PM passed, and the final August 13, 2013 at 5:00 PM hearing passed on roll call with 10 ayes and 4 nays.

Tax Increment Financing District 24:01

A motion by Julian Beard, seconded by Steve Kay, to set a public hearing at 6:00 PM on July 9, 2013 to receive public comment on establishing a tax increment financing district for The Summit passed on roll call with 11 ayes, 3 nays, and 1 abstention.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed multiple insurance purchases and other financial commitments:

Insurance Purchases

The following insurance policies were purchased:

• Old Republic Insurance Company: $4,581.00 for excess aviation liability insurance
• Munich Re: $561,396.00 for excess liability insurance covering general, automobile, and public official's liability
• Alliant/PEPIP: $317,403.78 for excess property insurance
• New York Marine and General Insurance Company: $326,989.00 for excess workers' compensation insurance
• International Fidelity Insurance Company: $2,500.00 for a self-insured auto no-fault bond

Grants and Contracts

The Friends of the Dog Parks, Inc. received a grant of $23,202.00 (identifier L0616-13) for the installation of dog water fountains at Coldstream and Masterson Station Park Dog Parks.

A lease agreement (identifier L0602-13) was approved with the Lexington-Fayette County NAACP Branch for space within the Black & Williams Neighborhood Center at $897.12.

An agreement with St. John's Lutheran Church Venture Crew 279 was cancelled and replaced with a new agreement (identifier L0601-13) with Bryan Station High School Wrestling and Boys Soccer for the Adopt-A-Spot Roadway Cleanup Program at $1,265.40.

Equipment and Budget Amendments

A cooling unit was purchased from Climate Condition Company; the amount was not specified.

Two budget amendments were approved:

• Amendment BA 5054: $224,000.00 for commissary goods and supplies for Community Corrections
• Amendment BA 5055: $30,000.00 for overtime in Facilities and Fleet Services to address a backlog of pending repair requests

Public Comment

The meeting included remarks from various speakers addressing community programs and initiatives.

Senior Intern Program

Christy Stamball welcomed the 37 senior interns participating in the 29th year of the senior intern program, highlighting their dedication and the program's value in educating seniors about government. 2:07

Litter Patrol Program

Multiple speakers praised the litter patrol program's impact on community beautification:

• Rodney Ballard, Director, emphasized the program's success in helping inmates improve their lives and praised Rob Allen for his leadership and dedication. 7:38

• Rob Allen described the program as a multidivisional effort that provides job skills and resume building for participants while improving community appearance. 8:39

• Siobhan Akers, Council Member, praised the program, emphasizing its positive impact on community beautification and the importance of the work done by the trustees and staff. 10:45

• Ed Lane, Council Member, commended the litter patrol program, noting its success and expressing support for expanding the initiative to include leaf collection in the fall. 10:45

• Linda Gorton, Council Member, expressed appreciation for the litter patrol program, highlighting its role in community improvement and the pride taken by participants. 11:16

Committee Reports

Council Member Beard summarized the May 21, 2013 Committee of the Whole report, highlighting key recommendations from various links including Explorium funding and public safety cost analysis. 15:49

Council Member Ford provided a brief report on the Social Services and Community Development Committee's meeting, covering the domestic violence prevention board, housing authority relocation, and small area planning. 21:16

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Council Member Akers announced three upcoming events: a neighborhood meeting, a Father's Day event in Douglas Park, and a meeting of the Master Sensation Neighborhood Association. 30:06

Council Member Akers also promoted the Kentucky Women Veterans Resource Fair, highlighting services available to women veterans and their families. 30:46

Contested Items

Kroger Zone Change Hearing Date and Time

The council experienced significant disagreement over scheduling a hearing for a Kroger zone change proposal. The initial motion to set the hearing date for July 2, 2013, failed with a vote of 3-11, indicating strong opposition to that proposed date among council members.

Following this failed vote, the council considered an alternative date. A subsequent motion to reschedule the hearing to August 13, 2013, passed with a vote of 10-4. This closer vote margin, while resulting in approval, still reflected notable division among council members regarding the appropriate timing for the hearing.

The shift from the failed July 2 date to the approved August 13 date suggests council members had differing views on how quickly the zone change hearing should proceed, with the August date ultimately gaining sufficient support to move forward.

Public Comment – Issues on Agenda

2:07

No public comments were received on issues on the agenda during this portion of the meeting.

Christy Stamball welcomed the senior interns attending the meeting. Several council members, including Rodney Ballard and Rob Allen, praised the litter patrol program.

Requested Rezonings/Docket Approval

3:46

The docket for requested rezonings was presented and approved during this agenda item. Key speakers on this matter included Julian Beard and Bill Farmer.

The agenda item also included a motion to amend Resolution No. 255-2013 to substitute a new recipient for funding. This amendment was approved along with the docket approval.

The requested rezonings docket was approved by the body.

Approval of Summary

The Budget Committee of the Whole summary report from May 21, 2013, was presented for approval 13:37. The report encompassed recommendations from various areas including social services, public safety, environmental quality, and general government.

Key speakers on this agenda item included Linda Gorton, Harry Clarke, and Jennifer Mossotti.

The summary was approved by the committee.

Budget Amendments

Several budget amendments were proposed and discussed during this agenda item 13:37.

Amendments Proposed

The amendments included: - Adding funds for commissary goods - Adding funds for overtime for Facilities and Fleet Services

Key Speakers

The following individuals participated in the discussion: - Steve Kay - Peggy Henson - Bill Farmer - Julian Beard

Outcome

All amendments were approved.

New Business

13:37

The board approved several new business items during this portion of the meeting.

Items Approved:

• Authorization to sign a Statement of Compliance
• Execution of a Right of Entry Agreement with Time Warner Cable
• Cancellation and reassignment of a Kentucky Pride Grant agreement

Key Speakers:

The discussion was led by Bill Farmer, Steve Kay, and George Myers.

Outcome:

All new business items were approved by the board.

Continuing Business/Presentations

15:16

This agenda item included several presentations and recognitions. Linda Gorton, Diane Lawless, and George Myers served as key speakers during this section.

The presentations covered the following topics:

• Budget Committee of the Whole (COW) summary
• Social Services & Community Development Summary
• Recognition of the Litter Patrol Trustees

The Neighborhood Development Funds were presented and subsequently approved during this agenda item.

Mayor's Report

Council Member Kevin Stinnett moved to approve the Mayor's Report, which was seconded by Council Member George Myers. The motion passed without opposition. 15:16

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 00:15:16 following a motion by Kevin Stinnett, which was seconded by Jennifer Scutchfield. The motion passed without opposition.

Recognition: Litter Patrol Trustees

6:03

The Litter Patrol Trustees were recognized for their work in cleaning up litter across the city. Directors Rodney Ballard and Rob Allen spoke about the program's impact and success, presenting certificates to the trustees in recognition of their efforts.

The recognition was approved.

Authorization to sign "Statement of Compliance" bridge posting requirements

Item Number: 0559-13

Type: Resolution

Outcome: Approved

This agenda item addressed authorization to sign a Statement of Compliance regarding bridge posting requirements. 13:37

Linda Gorton was the key speaker on this matter. The motion to authorize signing the Statement of Compliance for bridge posting requirements was brought before the body and approved without opposition.

The resolution carried no budgetary impact.

Authorization to execute Right of Entry Agreement with Time Warner Cable

Item: 0599-13

Type: Resolution

Outcome: Approved

The body considered a motion to authorize execution of a Right of Entry Agreement with Time Warner Cable for the installation of high-speed internet service in Division of Police buildings. 13:37

Linda Gorton addressed this agenda item. The agreement would permit Time Warner Cable to access Division of Police facilities for the purpose of installing high-speed internet infrastructure.

The motion was approved with no budgetary impact to the jurisdiction.

Authorization to cancel agreement with St. John's Lutheran Church and execute with Bryan Station High School

13:37

The council approved a motion to cancel the existing agreement with St. John's Lutheran Church and execute a new agreement with Bryan Station High School for the Adopt-A-Spot program.

Linda Gorton presented this agenda item. The motion involved transitioning the Adopt-A-Spot program partnership from St. John's Lutheran Church to Bryan Station High School. Funds were budgeted to support this change in program administration.

The resolution passed with approval from the council.

Authorization to execute a lease agreement with Lexington-Fayette County NAACP Branch

13:37

The council considered a resolution to authorize execution of a one-year lease agreement with the Lexington-Fayette County NAACP Branch for space at the Black & Williams Neighborhood Center. The recommended annual rent for the lease was $897.12.

The lease agreement included automatic renewal options. Linda Gorton presented this item to the council.

The motion to execute the lease agreement was approved.

Authorization to accept donations from The Friends of the Dog Parks, Inc.

13:37

The council considered a resolution to accept donations from The Friends of the Dog Parks, Inc. for the installation of dog water fountains at two city parks.

Donation Details

The total value of the donations was $23,202. The funds were designated for dog water fountains to be placed at Coldstream Park Dog Park and Masterson Station Park Dog Park.

Key Speaker

Linda Gorton addressed the council regarding this agenda item.

Outcome

The motion to accept the donations was approved.

Tax Increment Financing Public Hearing for The Summit

A public hearing was scheduled to receive public comment on establishing a tax increment financing district for The Summit mixed-use project. 24:01

Key Speakers

Julian Beard and Steve Kay presented on this agenda item.

Action Taken

The resolution was approved. A public hearing was set for July 9, 2013, at 6:00 PM to allow the public to comment on the proposed tax increment financing district for The Summit project.