Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on November 19, 2015, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gray presiding. The meeting included two agenda items: a recognition of Epilepsy Awareness Month presented for informational purposes, and consideration of a Minimum Wage Ordinance. The council took two motions to a vote during the session and heard public comments from two speakers. The Minimum Wage Ordinance was approved by the council.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on November 19, 2015:

• Mayor Gray
• Mossotti
• Scutchfield
• Stinnett
• Akers
• Bledsoe
• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Evans
• Farmer
• Gibbs
• Hensley
• Henson
• Kay
• Lamb
• Moloney

No members were recorded as absent or arriving late.

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 1377-15: Establishing a Minimum Wage in Lexington-Fayette County 2:46:21

The Council voted on Ordinance 1377-15 to establish a minimum wage in Lexington-Fayette County. The motion was made by Kay and seconded by Henson. The ordinance passed by roll-call vote with 9 ayes and 6 nays.

Members voting in favor: Mossotti, Akers, J. Brown, Evans, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, and Moloney.

Members voting against: Scutchfield, Stinnett, Bledsoe, F. Brown, Farmer, and Hensley.

Resolution 1225-15: Accepting the Bid of Hydro Controls, Inc. for Fabricated Stainless Steel Slide Gates 3:00:46

The Council voted on Resolution 1225-15 to accept the bid of Hydro Controls, Inc. for Fabricated Stainless Steel Slide Gates. The motion was made by Henson and seconded by Akers. The resolution passed by roll-call vote with 13 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 abstentions.

Members voting in favor: Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Farmer, Gibbs, Hensley, Henson, Kay, Lamb, and Moloney.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two significant financial commitments:

Confined Space Video Inspection Equipment

The body approved a $19,000 contract with Best Equipment Co., Inc. for confined space video inspection equipment, authorized under Resolution 1332-15.

Office Space Lease Agreement

The body approved a lease agreement with WINMAR Corporation for office space located at 125 Lisle Industrial Ave., authorized under Resolution 1284-15. The lease carries an annual cost of $403,366.65.

Public Comment

Two members of the public provided comments on the minimum wage increase proposal.

Janie Moores 37:50 expressed concern about the potential impact of a minimum wage increase on small businesses. She cited the closure of many women-owned businesses as evidence of the challenges that could result from such an increase.

Freddy Peralta 46:14, speaking as a small business owner, voiced support for the minimum wage increase. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair pay for employees.

Appointments

Sharon Hays was appointed to the position of Customer Service Specialist.

Contested Items

Minimum Wage Increase

The council considered an ordinance to increase the minimum wage. This item generated significant disagreement among council members, resulting in a split vote. The narrow margin of passage reflected divisions both within the council and among community members regarding the proposed increase. The ordinance ultimately passed despite the contested nature of the proposal.

Recognition - Epilepsy Awareness Month

17:26

Mayor Gray recognized November as Epilepsy Awareness Month during this agenda item. The presentation highlighted the importance of awareness and education regarding epilepsy as a health and community concern.

This was an informational recognition without debate or discussion of concerns. The outcome was the formal acknowledgment of the month's designation.

Minimum Wage Ordinance

The council discussed and voted on ordinance 1377-15, which would establish a minimum wage in Lexington-Fayette County with incremental increases over three years. 2:46:21

Key speakers in the discussion included Kay, Henson, and Farmer.

The ordinance was approved by the council.