Urban County Council Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on January 30, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 200 E. Main St, Lexington, KY 40507, with Mayor Gray presiding. During the meeting, the Council took 53 motions and votes on 34 agenda items, with 1 public comment heard. All agenda items brought to a vote were approved, including zoning ordinances, budget amendments, resolutions authorizing the Mayor to execute various contracts and agreements, and resolutions addressing infrastructure and community programs. The approved items encompassed zoning changes, fee adjustments for taxicab permits, bid acceptances for aerospace and radio communications services, civil service appointments, agreements with state and local agencies, facility usage contracts, grant applications, and the establishment of a residential parking permit program.

Attendance

Present: Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Myers, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Beard, Clarke, Ellinger, Ford

Absent: Gorton, Mossotti, Farmer

Late: None

Votes and Decisions

The council passed 56 motions during this meeting, all by roll call vote. The vast majority passed unanimously with 12 ayes and no opposition.

Zoning Changes 9:11

Ordinance 0011-14 changed 2.79 net acres at 3939 Tates Creek Rd. from Agricultural-Urban (A-U) to Neighborhood Business (B-1). The motion by Stinnett, seconded by Ellinger, passed 12-0 with support from Henson, Kay, Lane, Lawless, Myers, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Beard, Clarke, Ellinger, and Ford.

Ordinance 0013-14 rezoned properties at 3581 Harrodsburg Rd. from A-U to Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) and Professional Office (P-1). This also passed 12-0 under the same motion and second.

Personnel and Administrative Matters 17:23

Ordinance 0014-14, amending the Code of Ordinances to abolish and create positions in the Division of Water Quality, passed 12-0.

Ordinance 0043-14, amending budgets to reflect current municipal expenditures and re-appropriate funds, passed 12-0.

Two personnel ordinances sponsored by Kay and seconded by Ellinger or Lawless passed with 11-1 votes. Ordinance 0026-14 extended a temporary Administrative Specialist position in the Division of Waste Management for four years, with Lane voting against. A second Ordinance 0026-14 created an Administrative Officer Sr. position in the Office of the Mayor for 12 months, with the condition that the position expires after 12 months if no funding is secured. Lane again voted against this measure.

Bids and Contracts 28:08

Resolution 0003-14 accepted Southeast Aerospace, Inc.'s bid for a police helicopter radio (12-0). Resolution 0021-14 accepted Radio Communications Systems, Inc.'s bid for emergency vehicle lighting and siren systems (12-0).

Multiple resolutions passed unanimously authorizing contracts, facility usage agreements, and design services, including agreements with Omnisource Integrated Supply LLC, Lexington Center Corp., and Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. for Fire Station #2 Phase A design services.

Additional Approvals [timestamp: 00:31:25 and 00:39:22]

The council ratified civil service appointments across multiple departments and authorized conditional offers for probationary positions, particularly in the Division of Police. Resolution 0070-14, authorizing an agreement with Lexington Youth Tigers Football Program, Inc., passed 11-0 31:25.

Resolutions established a residential parking permit program for the 1100 block of Eldemere Rd. and initiated zoning ordinance text amendments for a Design Excellence Program 39:22. A final resolution authorized installation of multi-way stop controls at Glendover Road and Valley Road 52:47.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting on January 30, 2014 included approval of multiple contracts, grants, and amendments totaling millions of dollars across various city departments and initiatives.

New Contracts

The city approved several significant contracts:

• Resolution 0003-14: Purchase of radio equipment for police helicopter from Southeast Aerospace, Inc. for $44,000
• Resolution 0009-14: Phase A design services for Replacement Fire Station #2 from Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. for $64,880
• Resolution 0046-14: Lease of desktop computers from Dell Financial Services, LLC for $89,186.40
• Resolution 0066-14: Arch and column replacement at Community Corrections entrance from E.C. Matthews, Inc. for $78,305.00
• Resolution 0002-14: Facility usage agreement for Opera House with Lexington Center Corp. for $8,100, and contract for inventory specialist services from Omnisource Integrated Supply, LLC for $32,000

Additional contracts with undisclosed amounts were approved for emergency vehicle lighting and siren systems (Resolution 0021-14, Radio Communications Systems, Inc. d/b/a RCS Communications), water treatment for heating and cooling systems (Resolution 0031-14, Chem-Aqua, Inc.), county street resurfacing (Resolution 0060-14, L-M Asphalt Partners, Ltd. d/b/a ATS Construction), fiber optic cable installation and repair (Resolution 0073-14, Arrow Electric Co. and Davis H. Elliot Construction Co., Inc.), secondary digester floating cover removal (Resolution 0074-14, Pace Contracting, LLC), and office supplies (Resolution 0075-14, Office Depot, Inc. and Staples Contract and Commercial, Inc.).

Grants

The city accepted grants totaling $526,640.48:

• Resolution 0007-14: Class A Neighborhood Incentive Grant for stormwater quality projects to Waterford II Neighborhood Association, Inc. for $46,640.48
• Resolution 0055-14: Grant application for Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program from U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women for $400,000
• Resolution 0062-14: Acceptance of grant from Bluegrass Community Foundation for $80,000

Amendments and Other Actions

Contract amendments included increases for Tates Creek Road sidewalk improvements (Resolution 0057-14, $38,031.61 increase to Bluegrass Contracting Corp.) and Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden Trailhead design (Resolution 0058-14, $10,000 increase to M2D Design Group). A $20,000 decrease was approved for emergency generator connections (Resolution 0056-14, T.E.M. Group, Inc.). Maintenance improvements to Phoenix Park (Resolution 0053-14) were amended for $3,749.46.

Additional approvals included a donation of 10 Graco Pack N Play cribs for $700 to Safe Kids Fayette County (Resolution 0019-14), agreements with multiple community organizations for $4,475 (Resolution 0051-14), and a $500 agreement with Lexington Youth Tigers Football Program, Inc. (Resolution 0070-14).

Public Comment

Bernard McCarthy addressed the council regarding the proposed Civic Center demolition and redevelopment 54:20. McCarthy criticized the planned demolition of portions of the Civic Center complex, contending that the building is structurally sound. He argued that the funds allocated for this demolition project would be better directed toward alternative priorities, specifically suggesting investment in new streets or housing for homeless residents.

Appointments

The following appointments and reappointments were made:

• Rhonda N. Iuliano was appointed to the CASA Board
• P.G. Peeples was appointed to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors
• Martin B. Tucker was appointed to the Explorium of Lexington Board of Directors
• George M. Ely was reappointed to the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission
• Donald R. Mason was appointed to the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors
• Kimberly R. Eldridge was reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Phyllis R. Hasbrouck was reappointed to the Raven Run Citizens Advisory Board
• Diane W. Woods was appointed to the Social Services Advisory Board

Contested Items

Zoning Amendments and Parking Impacts

A heated discussion arose regarding proposed zoning amendments and their potential effects on parking requirements in downtown areas. Councilmember Lawless expressed concerns that the zoning changes could reduce required parking in downtown zones, which would create cascading traffic and parking problems in surrounding neighborhoods, particularly in the Broadway area.

Lawless requested that a detailed map be provided for review to better understand the scope and specific locations affected by the proposed amendments. This request reflected the councilmember's desire for more comprehensive information before proceeding with the zoning changes.

The nature of this discussion indicates significant disagreement about balancing downtown development flexibility against the practical impacts on neighborhood parking and traffic patterns.

An Ordinance changing the zone from an Agricultural-Urban (A-U) zone to a Neighborhood Business (B-1) zone

9:11

The meeting addressed an ordinance to rezone 2.79 net acres located at 3939 Tates Creek Road from an Agricultural-Urban (A-U) zone to a Neighborhood Business (B-1) zone.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Stinnett and Ellinger.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved by unanimous vote.

An Ordinance changing the zone from an Agricultural-Urban (A-U) zone to a Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) zone

9:11

This ordinance proposed changing the zoning designation for two parcels located at 3581 Harrodsburg Rd. The zoning changes involved converting one parcel from an Agricultural-Urban (A-U) zone to a Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) zone, while the other parcel was changed to a P-1 zone designation.

Key speakers on this agenda item included Stinnett and Ellinger, who presented information regarding the proposed zoning modifications.

The ordinance was approved unanimously by the body, indicating no opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the properties at 3581 Harrodsburg Rd.

An Ordinance amending Section 18A-11 of the Code of Ordinances to change the annual fee for a taxicab driver's permit

9:11

This ordinance proposed to amend Section 18A-11 of the Code of Ordinances by increasing the annual fee for a taxicab driver's permit from $20 to $25.

Key Speakers

The discussion on this agenda item involved Stinnett and Ellinger.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved by a vote of 10-2.

An Ordinance amending Sections 21-5(2) of the Code of Ordinances

9:11

This ordinance amended Sections 21-5(2) of the Code of Ordinances to abolish and create several positions within the Division of Water Quality.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Stinnett and Ellinger.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved unanimously.

An Ordinance amending certain of the Budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

9:11

This ordinance proposed to amend certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government by re-appropriating funds to reflect current municipal expenditures.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Stinnett and Ellinger.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved unanimously.

An Ordinance amending Section 22-5(2) of the Code of Ordinances extending the term of the temporary position of Administrative Specialist

20:35

The council considered an ordinance to extend the term of a temporary Administrative Specialist position in the Division of Waste Management for four years.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Myers, Hamilton, and Martin.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved by a vote of 11-1.

An Ordinance amending certain of the Budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

This ordinance addressed re-appropriation of funds for current requirements of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. 10:44

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Kay and Ellinger.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved unanimously by the council.

A Resolution accepting the bid of Southeast Aerospace, Inc.

The council considered a resolution to accept a bid from Southeast Aerospace, Inc. for a radio system for the police helicopter. 28:08

Bid Details

The bid amount was $44,000 for the radio system equipment and installation.

Discussion

Key speakers Akers and Kay addressed the council regarding this agenda item.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution accepting the bid of Radio Communications Systems, Inc.

This resolution sought approval to accept a bid from Radio Communications Systems, Inc. for an emergency vehicle lighting and siren system. 28:08

The discussion involved key speakers Akers and Kay. The resolution was presented for consideration and received unanimous approval from the body.

The bid was accepted as proposed, with no recorded objections or concerns raised during the deliberation.

A Resolution ratifying the probationary civil service appointments

28:08

The body considered a resolution to ratify multiple probationary and permanent civil service appointments across various departments. Key speakers on this item included Akers and Kay.

The resolution addressed the formal approval of civil service appointments that had been made on a probationary basis, converting them to permanent status or confirming their probationary placement as appropriate. These appointments spanned multiple city departments.

The resolution was approved unanimously by the body, with no recorded objections or concerns raised during the discussion.

A Resolution amending Section 1 of Resolution No. 576-2013

This agenda item addressed an amendment to Section 1 of Resolution No. 576-2013, with the primary purpose of updating personnel details contained in the prior resolution.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Akers and Kay.

Presentation and Discussion

The resolution was presented as a straightforward amendment to update personnel information from the previously adopted Resolution No. 576-2013. The specific details of the personnel changes were not elaborated in the available summary materials.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously by the body.

Transcript Reference

The relevant discussion can be found at approximately 28:08 in the meeting recording.

A Resolution amending Section 2 of Resolution No. 318-2013

This resolution amended Section 2 of Resolution No. 318-2013 to change the accounting line for an engineering services agreement. 28:08

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Akers and Kay.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement with the Ky. Office of Homeland Security

28:08

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security regarding an extension of the Hazardous Devices Training Project.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Akers and Kay.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Project Details

The agreement provided for an extension of the Hazardous Devices Training Project at no cost to the city.

A Resolution authorizing the extension of the performance time for the Traffic Signal Timing Project

28:08

This agenda item presented a resolution to extend the project timeline for the Traffic Signal Timing Project and authorize related agreements.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Akers and Kay.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Facility Usage Agreement with Lexington Center Corp.

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute a Facility Usage Agreement with Lexington Center Corp. for the use of the Opera House. 28:08

Key Details

The agreement pertained to hosting Kiddie Kapers at the Opera House, with costs not exceeding $8,100.

Discussion

The agenda item was discussed by council members Akers and Kay.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Contract with Omnisource Integra

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute a contract with Omnisource Integrated Supply, LLC for inventory specialist services. 28:08

Contract Details

The contract was approved for a cost not exceeding $32,000.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement awarding a Class A (Neighborhood) Incentive Grant

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement awarding a Class A Neighborhood Incentive Grant to the Waterford II Neighborhood Association for stormwater projects.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Akers and Kay.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously 28:08.

A Resolution accepting the response of Brandstetter Carroll, Inc.

28:08

This resolution accepted a bid from Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. for Phase A design services related to the Replacement Fire Station #2 project.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Akers and Kay.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Div. of Human Resources to make a conditional offer

This resolution authorized the Division of Human Resources to make conditional offers for multiple probationary and unclassified civil service appointments 31:25.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Henson and Ellinger.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute agreements with multiple organizations

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute agreements with multiple organizations on behalf of the Office of the Urban County Council. 31:25

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Henson and Ellinger.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and submit a Grant Application

Overview

The council considered a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and submit a grant application for $400,000 to improve community response to elder abuse. 31:25

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Henson and Ellinger.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Contract Modification No. 3

42:03

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute Contract Modification No. 3, which provided a $10,000 increase for design services related to the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden Trailhead project.

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Ford and Myers.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute agreements with Lexington Youth Tigers Football Program, Inc.

Overview

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with Lexington Youth Tigers Football Program, Inc. for $500 on behalf of the Office of the Urban County Council.

Key Speakers

• Stinnett
• Myers

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously 40:55.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Right-Of-Way Agreement with Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc.

40:25

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute a right-of-way agreement with Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc. for a gas line installation at 669 Byrd Thurman Drive.

Key Speakers

Stinnett and Myers discussed this agenda item.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution initiating various Zoning Ordinance text amendments

This resolution initiated zoning text amendments to authorize the 'Design Excellence' Program. 39:22

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Lawless and Paulsen.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute an Agreement with Fayette Fiscal Court

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with Fayette Fiscal Court regarding road projects funded through the County Road Aid Fund Program. 39:22

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Henson and Ellinger.

Content and Outcome

The resolution allocated $3,504,202 for road projects through the County Road Aid Fund Program. The measure was approved unanimously by the body.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement for preliminary engineering services

39:22

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Co. for preliminary engineering services related to the Southland Drive Bike Lane Project. The agreement amount was $10,000.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Henson and Ellinger.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute a Lease Agreement

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute a lease agreement for classroom space at the detention center at no cost. 39:22

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Henson and Ellinger.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute multiple multi-year agreements

39:22

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute a multi-year agreement with Dell Financial Services for desktop computer leasing.

Key Speakers - Henson - Ellinger

Outcome The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 1 to the contract

39:22

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 1 to the contract with T.E.M. Group, Inc. The change order resulted in a $20,000 decrease in the contract price for emergency generator connections.

Key speakers on this agenda item included Henson and Ellinger. The resolution was presented and discussed by these officials before being brought to a vote.

The resolution was approved unanimously by the body.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 1 to the Contract

This resolution authorized the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 1 to the contract with Bluegrass Contracting Corp. for Tates Creek Road sidewalk improvements. 39:22

The change order increased the contract price by $38,031.61. The resolution was presented by speakers including Henson and Ellinger.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept an award of funds from the Bluegrass Community Foundation

This resolution authorized the Mayor to accept an $80,000 grant from the Bluegrass Community Foundation. 39:22

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Henson and Ellinger.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.

A Resolution establishing a residential parking permit program

The council considered a resolution to establish a residential parking permit program for the 1100 block of Eldemere Rd. 39:22

Key speakers on this item included Lawless and Ellinger.

The resolution was approved unanimously by the council.

A Resolution authorizing the installation of multi-way stop controls

This resolution authorized the installation of multi-way stop controls at the intersection of Glendover Road and Valley Road. 52:47

Key Speakers

The discussion was led by Beard and Myers.

Outcome

The resolution was approved unanimously.