Special Budget COW

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government held a meeting on November 18, 2014, at 12:00 PM in the Council Chamber located at 200 E. Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. The Vice Mayor presided over the session, which included 15 agenda items, 19 motions and votes, and 13 public comments.

The council approved the majority of items on the agenda, including several parks and recreation projects: the Highlands Multipurpose Trail, Pleasant Ridge Park Upgrades, a plastic spiral slide installation at Pine Meadows Park, tennis and basketball court paving, Southland Pool grill renovation, Berry Hill Park bathroom improvements, the Zandale Bridge project, a Wellington Park shade shelter, and Western Little League Field work. The council also approved the Charles Quilling Community Center ceiling replacement and the city's National League of Cities membership dues.

Two items received different outcomes: the Small Area Plan was deferred, and a study for the location of a splash park in the East End was denied.

Attendance

Present: - Councilmember Ellinger - Councilmember Kay - Councilmember Stennett - Councilmember Scutchfield - Councilmember Akers - Councilmember Henson - Councilmember Massadi - Councilmember Farmer - Councilmember Beard - Councilmember Clark - Councilmember Myers - Councilmember Ford - Councilmember O'Mara - Commissioner Reed

Absent: None

Late: None

All members were present at the meeting held on November 18, 2014.

Votes and Decisions

Closed Session 2:07 A motion by Councilmember Ellinger to enter closed session for potential litigation discussion passed by voice vote.

Exit Closed Session 2:52 A motion to exit closed session passed by voice vote.

Unassigned Fund Balance Allocation 7:16 A motion by Councilmember Stennett, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to approve up to $450,000 from unassigned fund balance for the old courthouse, community end dollars, and police overtime passed 14-0. All councilmembers and Commissioner Reed voted in favor. The administration was directed to return with specific needs and amounts when required.

Small Area Plan Deferral 14:39 A motion by Councilmember Stennett, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to move item 3 (small area plan) to fiscal year 2016 budget consideration passed 13-0.

East End Splash Park Study 29:17 A motion by Councilmember Kay, seconded by Councilmember Ford, to approve $20,000 for a splash park location study in the East End failed 3-10. Councilmembers Kay, Ford, and Clark voted in favor. Councilmembers Ellinger, Stennett, Scutchfield, Akers, Henson, Massadi, Farmer, Beard, Myers, and O'Mara voted against.

Highlands Multipurpose Trail Amendment 30:24 A motion by Councilmember Akers, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to amend item 15 from $78,000 to $44,900 for Phase 1 passed 13-0.

Pleasant Ridge Park Upgrades 39:04 A motion by Councilmember Stennett, seconded by Councilmember Akers, to approve $20,000 for Pleasant Ridge Park upgrades passed 13-1. Councilmember Henson voted against. The project is expected to be completed in six months.

Pine Meadows Park Plastic Spiral Slide Amendment 45:57 A motion by Councilmember Massadi, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to amend item 29 to include item 25 (Pine Meadows Park plastic spiral slide) for $9,000 passed 13-0. Both projects are expected to be completed in six months.

Tennis and Basketball Court Paving 53:09 A motion by Councilmember Massadi, seconded by Councilmember Akers, to approve items 16, 22, 31, 35, and 36 (tennis and basketball court paving) for $160,028 passed 14-0. All projects are expected to be completed within six to eight months.

Southland Pool Grill Renovation Deferral 58:10 A motion by Councilmember Farmer, seconded by Councilmember Scutchfield, to place item 18 (Southland Pool grill renovation) on the fiscal year 2016 budget list passed 14-0.

Berry Hill Park Bathrooms Deferral 1:01:33 A motion by Councilmember Myers, seconded by Councilmember Henson, to place item 23 (Berry Hill Park bathrooms) on the fiscal year 2016 budget list passed 14-0.

Zandale Bridge and Wellington Park Shelter 1:02:40 A motion by Councilmember Massadi, seconded by Councilmember Myers, to approve items 27 and 37 (Zandale Bridge and Wellington Park shelter) for $24,000 passed 14-0. The Zandale Bridge project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Western Little League Field Deferral 1:08:45 A motion by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to place item 28 (Western Little League field) on the fiscal year 2016 budget list passed 14-0.

National League of Cities Dues Reconsideration 1:11:28 A motion by Councilmember Ford, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to reconsider and approve item 12 (National League of Cities dues) for $15,000 passed 10-3. Councilmembers Myers, Ford, and O'Mara voted against.

National League of Cities Annual Dues 1:19:47 A motion by Councilmember Ford, seconded by Councilmember Farmer, to approve $15,000 for National League of Cities annual dues for calendar year 2015 passed 10-3. Councilmembers Myers, Ford, and O'Mara voted against.

Comprehensive Aquatic Study 1:24:34 A motion by Councilmember Massadi, seconded by Councilmember Henson, to allocate $150,000 to parks for a comprehensive aquatic study passed 14-0. The study will include splash pads, indoor facilities, pool closures, and long-term planning.

Basketball and Tennis Court Repair Allocation 1:32:16 A motion by Councilmember Myers, seconded by Councilmember Beard, to allocate $150,000 to repair basketball and tennis courts failed 2-10. Councilmembers Ellinger and Clark voted in favor.

Charles Quilling Community Center Ceiling Replacement 1:45:06 A motion by Councilmember Akers, seconded by Councilmember Henson, to approve item 17 (Charles Quilling Community Center ceiling replacement) up to $10,000 passed 14-0. Funds will be reduced if the neighborhood contributes.

Parks Master Plan Allocation 1:47:14 A motion by Councilmember Massadi, seconded by Councilmember Henson, to allocate $200,000 for a new parks master plan failed 2-14. Councilmembers Ellinger and Clark voted in favor.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included appropriations totaling $954,028 for various parks and recreation projects and memberships:

Parks and Recreation Projects:

• Study for location of Splash Park in East End: $20,000
• Pleasant Ridge Park upgrades: $20,000
• Pine Meadows Park plastic spiral slide installation: $9,000
• Paving for tennis and basketball courts at multiple parks: $160,028
• Southland Pool grill renovation for Better Bites program: $95,000
• Berry Hill Park bathroom improvements: $10,000
• Zandale Bridge construction: $24,000
• Wellington Park shade shelter: $10,000
• Western Little League field completion: $100,000
• Repair of basketball and tennis courts: $150,000
• Charles Quilling Community Center ceiling replacement: $10,000
• Parks master plan development: $200,000
• Comprehensive aquatic study for city-wide aquatics planning: $150,000

Membership:

• National League of Cities annual membership dues: $15,000 to the National League of Cities

Public Comment

Several councilmembers addressed aquatics and parks funding during the meeting.

Splash Park Study

Councilmember Kay argued that a splash park is needed to provide a safe alternative to unsafe water sources currently used by children, and that the study would help identify a suitable location 16:18. Councilmember Scutchfield questioned whether the city would enforce the closure of unsafe water sources even after building a splash park, and expressed concern about the study's necessity 16:51. Commissioner Reed explained that the study was requested to explore alternative locations beyond downtown, and that the city had previously focused on downtown for a splash pad 18:09.

Comprehensive Aquatics Plan

Multiple councilmembers advocated for a broader approach. Councilmember Myers advocated for a comprehensive city-wide aquatic study, suggesting that $150,000 could fund a full assessment of pools, splash pads, and indoor facilities 25:22. Councilmember Clark suggested that the city should fund a full aquatic study instead of a single splash park study, and asked if the council would support such a move 26:26. Councilmember Hanson stressed the need for a comprehensive study of city-wide aquatics needs, including pool closures and indoor facility planning 24:08. Councilmember Massadi proposed that the council approve $150,000 for a comprehensive aquatic study to guide future investments in parks 1:20:53.

Parks Funding and Projects

Councilmember Ellinger suggested that the council should allocate the remaining fund balance to parks as a lump sum, allowing them to prioritize projects based on shovel-ready status 34:09. Councilmember Stennett expressed concern about spending the entire fund balance, recommending that at least half a million be retained for rainy day funds 39:04.

Tennis Court Repairs

Councilmember Myers suggested that $150,000 be allocated to repair existing tennis and basketball courts, noting that some courts are in poor condition and unsafe 1:26:06. Councilmember Henson expressed concern that the council was spending money without a clear plan, and suggested that the balance be set aside until Parks provides cost estimates 1:36:36.

Parks Master Plan

Councilmember Ellinger suggested that the council should not fund a master plan but instead allocate money directly to specific projects that Parks has already identified 1:42:10. Councilmember Mossadi asked the commissioner for a cost estimate for a comprehensive parks master plan, suggesting $200,000 as a realistic figure 1:45:37.

Contested Items

Three motions faced contested votes during this meeting, each failing due to divided council opinion on spending priorities and planning approaches.

Splash Park Study

The council voted on a motion to approve a $20,000 study for a splash park. The motion failed due to a split vote. Disagreement centered on whether the study was necessary and on enforcement of water safety standards. Concerns were raised about unsafe water sources and whether adequate protections would be in place.

Tennis Court Repairs

A motion to allocate $150,000 for tennis and basketball court repairs also failed in a split vote. Opposition focused on the lack of a clear implementation plan and concerns about committing funds without establishing clear prioritization criteria. Council members questioned whether the spending was justified without more detailed planning.

Parks Master Plan

The council voted on allocating $200,000 for a new parks master plan, which similarly failed due to a split vote. Opponents argued that the funds should be directed toward more immediate, targeted uses rather than comprehensive planning efforts at this time.

Small Area Plan

Councilmember Stennett moved to defer the $100,000 item for a small area plan to the fiscal year 2016 budget for consideration. 14:39

The motion passed unanimously.

Study for Location of Splash Park in East End

16:18

Councilmember Kay moved to approve $20,000 for a study to determine the location of a splash park in the East End.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved Councilmember Kay, Councilmember Scutchfield, Councilmember Akers, and Commissioner Reed.

Debate and Concerns

Opposition to the motion centered on two main concerns:

• Questions about the necessity of the study itself
• Concerns regarding potential enforcement of water source closures

Outcome

The motion failed. The $20,000 funding for the splash park location study was not approved.

Highlands Multipurpose Trail

30:24

The council discussed funding for the Highlands Multipurpose Trail during this agenda item. Councilmember Akers moved to reduce the funding allocation for Phase 1 of the project from $78,000 to $44,900.

The motion received unanimous support from the council, including backing from Councilmembers Kay, Clark, and Ellinger. The council's decision reflected support for a phased approach to funding the trail project, allowing the work to proceed in stages rather than requiring the full initial amount upfront.

Outcome: The motion to reduce Phase 1 funding to $44,900 was approved unanimously.

Pleasant Ridge Park Upgrades

39:04

The council discussed and voted on a proposal for Pleasant Ridge Park upgrades. Councilmember Stennett moved to approve $20,000 in funding for the project, characterizing it as shovel-ready and ready for immediate implementation.

Key Participants

The discussion involved Councilmember Stennett, Councilmember Henson, and Councilmember Clark.

Outcome

The motion to approve $20,000 for Pleasant Ridge Park upgrades passed, though one councilmember voted against the measure. The project was approved for funding.

Plastic Spiral Slide at Pine Meadows Park

45:57

Councilmember Massadi moved to include a $9,000 plastic spiral slide project at Pine Meadows Park as part of the approved projects. Councilmember Henson participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The motion passed unanimously, approving the plastic spiral slide project for Pine Meadows Park.

Tennis and Basketball Court Paving

53:09

The council discussed and approved funding for paving projects at multiple parks' tennis and basketball courts.

Key Participants

• Councilmember Massadi
• Councilmember Akers
• Commissioner Reed

Discussion and Action

Councilmember Massadi moved to approve funding for the paving projects. The council supported bundling the projects together to improve efficiency in execution and resource allocation.

Outcome

The motion passed unanimously. The council approved the funding for tennis and basketball court paving at the designated parks.

Southland Pool Grill Renovation

Councilmember Farmer moved to place a $95,000 Southland Pool grill renovation project on the fiscal year 2016 budget list. 58:10

Councilmember Beard participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The motion passed unanimously.

Berry Hill Park Bathrooms

1:01:33

Councilmember Myers moved to place a $10,000 bathroom project at Berry Hill Park on the fiscal year 2016 budget list. Councilmember Henson participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The motion passed unanimously.

Zandale Bridge

Councilmember Massadi moved to approve the $24,000 Zandale Bridge project 1:02:40. The motion received unanimous support from the council.

Key Participants

The discussion involved Councilmember Massadi, Councilmember Henson, and Commissioner Reed.

Outcome

The motion to approve the Zandale Bridge project passed unanimously. The council expressed support for neighborhood involvement in the project.

Wellington Park Shade Shelter

Councilmember Massadi moved to approve a $10,000 shade shelter project at Wellington Park 1:02:40. Councilmember Henson participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The motion passed unanimously.

Western Little League Field

Councilmember Clark moved to place the $100,000 Western Little League field project on the fiscal year 2016 budget list. 1:08:45

Councilmember Farmer participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The motion passed unanimously.

National League of Cities Membership Dues

The council considered a motion to approve $15,000 for National League of Cities membership dues. 1:11:28

Councilmember Ford moved to reconsider and approve the expenditure. The discussion involved debate over the cost and benefits of the membership, with key speakers including Councilmember Akers, Councilmember Clark, and Commissioner Reed.

The motion passed with 10 ayes and 3 nays, resulting in approval of the $15,000 dues payment.

National League of Cities Membership Dues

1:19:47

The council considered approval of the National League of Cities membership dues payment. Councilmember Ford moved to approve the $15,000 dues payment for continued membership in the organization.

During discussion, council members expressed support for the long-term benefits of maintaining the city's membership in the National League of Cities. Councilmembers Akers and Clark participated in the discussion.

The motion passed with 10 ayes and 3 nays, approving the $15,000 dues payment.

National League of Cities Membership Dues

1:19:47

The council considered approval of the National League of Cities membership dues payment. Councilmember Ford moved to approve the $15,000 dues payment for continued membership in the organization.

The motion passed with 10 ayes and 3 nays. Council members supporting the payment cited the long-term benefits of membership in the National League of Cities.

Key speakers on this item included Councilmember Ford, Councilmember Akers, and Councilmember Clark.

The membership dues were approved.

Charles Quilling Community Center Ceiling Replacement

1:45:06

The council considered a proposal for ceiling replacement at the Charles Quilling Community Center. Councilmember Akers moved to approve up to $10,000 for the project. Councilmember Henson participated in the discussion.

The motion passed unanimously.