Urban County Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on July 9, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of the Government Center, with Mayor Jim Gray presiding. The council addressed 10 agenda items during the session, taking 13 votes and hearing 17 public comments from constituents.

The meeting included several approvals: the council approved requested rezonings and docket items, approved a summary of prior proceedings, approved budget amendments, and approved new business items. One item involving continuing business and presentations was deferred to a later date. The council also received informational reports from the Mayor and individual council members, and heard public comment on both agenda-related and non-agenda issues before adjourning.

Attendance

The following 30 individuals were present at the meeting on July 9, 2013:

• Jim Gray
• Linda Gorton
• Charles Ellinger
• Steve Kay
• Chris Ford
• Diane Lawless
• Julian Beard
• Harry Clarke
• Peggy Henson
• Kevin Stinnett
• Shevawn Akers
• Bill Farmer Jr.
• Ann Payton
• Earl Payton
• Charles Payne
• Sue Alexander
• Linda Sutherland
• David Martirano
• Lois Mather
• Leona Hopkins
• Joy Payne
• Lena Cornett
• Teddy Smith Robillard
• Laura Thomas
• Gail Reese
• David Warburton
• Margaret McCoskey
• Susan Higdon
• Tony Higdon
• Laura Milligan

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

All motions during the July 9, 2013 meeting were decided by voice vote and passed unanimously.

Docket and Procedural Motions

Council Member Ellinger moved to approve the docket for July 9, 2013, including requested rezonings and new business items, seconded by Council Member Stinnett 1:36:12. The motion passed.

Council Member Myers moved to add $450 allocation to CRB office incorporated in NDF list, seconded by Council Member Ellinger 1:36:42. The motion passed.

Development and Infrastructure

Council Member Lawless moved to place on docket a resolution authorizing Master Development Agreement for Phoenix Park Center Point Courthouse project with Center Point Parking Company, LLC, seconded by Council Member Ellinger 1:37:17. The motion passed.

Council Member Kay moved to place on docket a resolution authorizing change order number 3 to contract with Triton Services, Inc. for HVAC and piping repair, seconded by Council Member Farmer 1:39:32. The motion passed.

Legislative and Policy Matters

Council Member Farmer moved to place on docket a resolution expressing support for H.R. 2570, the Valley View Ferry Preservation Act of 2013, seconded by Council Member Lane 1:37:53. The motion passed.

Council Member Farmer moved to refer B1 ZODA 2012-9 amendments to the Planning Commission for further consideration of material changes, seconded by Council Member Kay 1:48:47. The motion passed.

Budget and Committee Referrals

Council Member Stinnett moved to approve budget amendments, seconded by Council Member Ellinger 1:44:51. The motion passed.

Council Member Stinnett moved to approve new business items, seconded by Council Member Massadi 1:44:51. The motion passed.

Council Member Ellinger moved to accept revenue number from Budget Committee of the Whole, seconded by Council Member Myers 1:52:02. The motion passed.

Council Member Akers moved to refer Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) to the Public Safety Committee, seconded by Council Member Myers 1:45:23. The motion passed.

Additional Approvals

Council Member Beard moved to approve the summary of the work session, seconded by Council Member Myers 1:44:21. The motion passed.

Council Member Myers moved to commit to building one LFCCG-owned, maintained, and operated Senior Citizen Center, seconded by Council Member Ellinger 2:51:12. The motion passed.

Council Member Stinnett moved to adjourn the work session, seconded by Council Member Ellinger 3:46:26. The motion passed.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included authorization for the following financial actions and amendments:

Contracts and Service Agreements

• RRC Company was approved for a $395,000 contract to design and build the Haley Pike Compost Pad (RFP #19-2013) (L0750-13)
• The Explorium of Lexington was authorized a $246,950 Purchase of Service Agreement (L0769-13)
• LexArts, Inc. received authorization for a $450,000 Purchase of Service Agreement for the Fund for the Arts Program for FY 2014 (L0780-13)
• Bluegrass State Games, Inc. was approved for a $52,500 Purchase of Service Agreement for the Bluegrass Summer Games in July 2013 (L0770-13)
• Kentucky Classical Theater Conservatory was authorized a $9,000 Purchase of Service Agreement for Summerfest 2014 (L0779-13)

Change Orders and Amendments

• Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal was approved for Change Order No. 1 totaling $2,800.43 for Phoenix Building roof replacement (L0774-13)
• GRW Engineers, Inc. was authorized Change Order No. 4 for $5,200 for Investigation and Design work on the Expansion Area 2A Pumping Station and Force Main (L0777-13)
• Central Indiana Truck Equipment received authorization for a $4,416 amendment to include CNG front fuel option for 8 Heil Multipack Garbage Packers (L0762-13)

Grants and Property Actions

• A $50,000 grant from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources was approved for Archery Range enhancement at Hisle Farm Park (L0765-13)
• Authorization was granted to accept Deeds of Easement for the Blue Sky Pump Station force main valued at $160,525 (L0772-13)

Ordinance Amendments

Additional authorizations included amendments to extend a temporary Administrative Officer P/T position for four years (L0740-13), abolish one Computer Analyst position and create one Associate Traffic Engineer position with $17,235.56 in savings (L0752-13), create FY 2014 budgeted positions effective July 1, 2013 (L0767-13), extend payment time for landfill and utility fees to 17 days (L0768-13), update Alcoholic Beverage License ordinances (L0775-13), and execute releases of streetlight easements (L0776-13). The vacant parcel at 302 Rosemont Garden was declared surplus and available for disposal (L0660-13), and an addendum to the five-year Routeware Maintenance Agreement was approved (L0656-13).

Public Comment

Seventeen speakers addressed the council during public comment, with the majority focusing on the future of the Senior Citizen Center and concerns about a proposed partnership with the YMCA.

Senior Center Independence and Separation

Multiple speakers advocated for maintaining the Senior Citizen Center as an independent facility separate from the YMCA. Teddy Smith Robillard [00:41:02] emphasized the need for a safe, independent space free from disruptions by younger people. Laura Thomas [00:45:21] shared personal experience of finding community and safety at the Senior Center and urged creation of a dedicated, spacious facility. Leona Hopkins [00:29:00] and Lena Cornett [01:34:27] similarly stressed the importance of preserving a separate, safe environment for seniors.

Facility Size and Capacity Concerns

Several speakers highlighted inadequate space at the current facility. Tony Higdon [01:00:01] emphasized the need for a larger facility to accommodate growing demand. Linda Sutherland [01:18:40] criticized current limitations and called for more space for activities like bingo, exercise, and social events. Earl Payton [01:10:59] presented data showing Fayette County's senior center is disproportionately small compared to neighboring counties.

Partnership and Operational Concerns

Gail Reese [00:48:02] expressed concern about the lack of performance metrics, due diligence, and exit strategy in the proposed YMCA partnership. Margaret McCoskey [00:51:20] stressed the importance of maintaining current social services including counseling, financial assistance, and food distribution. Susan Higdon [00:58:10] raised concerns about insufficient parking if seniors and youth are mixed at the same facility.

Commitment to Seniors

Laura Milligan [01:02:47] called on the council to honor its long-standing promise to deliver a new senior center, emphasizing seniors' tax contributions and voting rights. Sue Alexander [01:14:44] stressed that the decision affects all council members, who will one day be seniors themselves.

Additional Topics

Ann Payton [01:08:16] asked for clarification on whether the $5 million is solely for a senior center. David Martirano [01:22:48] advocated for independent research to determine the best long-term solution. Lois Mather [01:25:33] suggested that a single center may not serve all seniors equitably and advocated for multiple satellite locations. Charles Payne [01:03:58] called for comprehensive review and reorganization of the Bluegrass Area Development District.

Contested Items

Senior Citizen Center Location and Partnership with YMCA

Council members and residents engaged in a heated discussion regarding the proposed senior citizen center. The primary disagreement centered on two key decisions: whether to construct a single standalone facility or develop multiple satellite locations throughout the service area, and whether to establish a partnership with the YMCA.

Participants expressed strong concerns about equity of access, with some arguing that multiple satellite locations would better serve seniors across different neighborhoods, while others questioned whether a partnership with the YMCA would adequately preserve existing services. The discussion also highlighted the need for independent research to inform the decision-making process before moving forward with either approach.

Bluegrass Area Development District Reform

Residents and council members raised significant concerns about the Bluegrass Area Development District, focusing on issues of bureaucracy and accountability. Participants called for comprehensive reform within the organization, indicating dissatisfaction with its current operational structure and governance. The nature of the opposition suggests community members felt the district was not functioning effectively and required substantial changes to address systemic issues.

Public Comment – Issues on Agenda

39:12

Residents and senior advocates presented public comment on issues related to the Senior Citizen Center. Multiple speakers shared personal stories and expressed concerns about the facility's future.

Key Speakers and Concerns

The following residents and advocates provided comment: Teddy Smith Robillard, Laura Thomas, Gail Reese, Margaret McCoskey, Susan Higdon, Tony Higdon, Laura Milligan, Charles Payne, Ann Payton, Earl Payton, Sue Alexander, Linda Sutherland, David Martirano, Lois Mather, Leona Hopkins, Joy Payne, and Lena Cornett.

Main Issues Presented

The primary focus of public comment centered on the Senior Citizen Center. Speakers emphasized the need for a dedicated, safe, and spacious facility that would operate separately from the YMCA. This concern about facility independence and adequate space was a consistent theme throughout the comment period.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action taken during the public comment period.

Requested Rezonings / Docket Approval

1:36:12

The Council approved the docket containing multiple rezoning requests and new business items during this agenda item. Council Members Ellinger, Stinnett, Lawless, Farmer, and Kay participated in the discussion.

Several motions were passed without dissent as part of the docket approval process. The specific rezoning requests and their details were addressed, though the structured data does not provide the individual property addresses, zoning classifications, or specific rezoning proposals that were included in the docket.

The outcome of this agenda item was approval of the requested rezonings and docket as presented to the Council.

Approval of Summary

1:44:21

The Council proceeded to approve the summary of the work session. Council Member Beard and Council Member Myers participated in this agenda item.

The Council confirmed the agenda and actions taken during the work session. The summary was approved by the Council.

Outcome: Approved

Budget Amendments

The Council considered budget amendments during this agenda item, which began at approximately 1:44:51.

Council Member Stinnett and Council Member Ellinger were the key speakers on this matter. The amendments included adjustments to fund balances and grant allocations.

The Council approved the budget amendments with no opposition.

New Business

1:44:51

The Council addressed several new business items during this portion of the meeting. Council Member Stinnett and Council Member Massadi were the key speakers on these matters.

The new business agenda included a series of contracts, grants, and ordinance amendments for Council consideration. These items were presented for approval without substantive discussion or opposition from Council members.

All new business items were approved by the Council.

Continuing Business / Presentations

1:52:34

Commissioner Mills and staff presented updated information regarding the Senior Citizen Center, including cost estimates, staffing requirements, and potential site options. The presentation was attended by Craig Bentz and Christy Stambaugh, along with Council Members Myers, Stinnett, Ford, Lane, and Lawless.

During the discussion, the council explored the feasibility of establishing a standalone facility for the Senior Citizen Center. Council members engaged in debate regarding the operational and financial implications of this approach.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on potential partnerships with the YMCA as an alternative or complementary approach to addressing senior citizen services. Council members considered how such a partnership might affect facility needs, costs, and service delivery.

The council raised various concerns throughout the presentation, though specific details of these concerns were not documented in the available materials.

Outcome: The matter was deferred, indicating that the council did not reach a final decision and chose to postpone further action on this agenda item to a future meeting.

Council Reports

1:45:23

Council members provided updates on recent committee activities during this informational segment.

Planning and Public Works Committee

Council Member Farmer reported on the Planning and Public Works Committee's review of B1 ZODA (Zone of Distinct Applicability) amendments. Specific details of the amendments and committee recommendations were discussed.

Budget Committee of the Whole

Council Member Ellinger presented a revenue summary from the Budget Committee of the Whole, providing an overview of the municipality's financial status and revenue projections.

Outcome

This segment was informational in nature, with no formal action items or votes required. The reports served to update the full council on the work and findings of the respective committees.

Mayor's Report

No mayor's report was presented at this meeting.

Public Comment – Issues Not on Agenda

3:44:53

No public comments were made on issues not on the agenda during this portion of the meeting.

Adjournment

3:46:26

The work session concluded with a motion to adjourn. Council Member Stinnett and Council Member Ellinger participated in this final agenda item. The motion to adjourn was approved, and the council adjourned the work session.