Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on April 21, 2016, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gray presiding. The meeting included two agenda items, both presented for informational purposes: a presentation regarding the Mayor Baesler Portrait and recognition of Landscape Architecture Month. The Council took two motions to a vote during the session and heard one public comment. The meeting focused primarily on informational items rather than substantive policy decisions or legislative actions.

Attendance

Present: Kay, Lamb, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Farmer, Gibbs, Hensley, and Henson

Absent: Moloney and Evans

Late: None

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0315-16 47:55

An Ordinance amending the Classified Civil Service authorized strength by abolishing one vacant position of Risk Manager and one vacant position of Staff Assistant Sr., and creating two positions of Attorney was motioned by Ms. Scutchfield and seconded by Ms. Henson.

The ordinance failed by roll call vote with 2 ayes and 11 nays.

Voting in favor: Scutchfield, Henson

Voting against: Kay, Lamb, Mossotti, Stinnett, Akers, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Farmer, Gibbs, Hensley

Ordinance 0378-16 49:00

An Ordinance amending budgets for funds in the amount of $72,000 for the construction of a sidewalk on Harrodsburg Rd. was motioned by Ms. Henson and seconded by Mr. Farmer.

The ordinance passed unanimously by roll call vote with 13 ayes and 0 nays.

Voting in favor: Kay, Lamb, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Farmer, Gibbs, Hensley, Henson

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included approval of two appropriations for capital projects:

Harrodsburg Road Sidewalk Construction - Amount: $72,000 - Description: Construction of a sidewalk on Harrodsburg Rd. - Ordinance: 0378-16

Fire Department Repairs - Amount: $99,000 - Description: Repairs at the Fire Training Center and various stations - Ordinance: 0380-16

These appropriations totaled $171,000 in approved expenditures.

Public Comment

Bernard McCarthy addressed the board regarding traffic and property matters 1:52:17. He suggested that traffic lights be resynchronized in response to recent speed limit changes. McCarthy also raised a concern about a potential error in property resolution 63, requesting clarification on this matter.

Contested Items

Creation of Two Attorney Positions

A motion to table the ordinance creating two attorney positions resulted in a split vote, indicating disagreement among meeting participants about whether to proceed with the proposal. The failed tabling motion allowed discussion to continue on the ordinance rather than postponing it indefinitely.

The disagreement centered on the necessity and budget implications of establishing these two new attorney positions. Participants expressed concerns about both whether the positions were needed and what financial impact they would have on the budget. The split vote suggests the body was divided on these fundamental questions about the proposal's merits and fiscal responsibility.

The outcome of the failed tabling motion meant the ordinance remained under consideration and discussion proceeded, rather than the matter being set aside.

Mayor Baesler Portrait

Mayor Gray and Council Member Susan Lamb presented the official portrait of former Mayor Scotty Baesler during this agenda item, which took place approximately 13 minutes into the meeting 13:06.

The presentation focused on recognizing former Mayor Baesler's contributions to Lexington. Mayor Gray and Council Member Lamb discussed his service and legacy to the community. Former Mayor Baesler was present for the occasion.

This was an informational presentation with no formal debate or concerns raised. The outcome was ceremonial in nature, honoring the former mayor through the unveiling and presentation of his official portrait.

Landscape Architecture Month

Mayor Gray proclaimed April 2016 as Landscape Architecture Month in Lexington, recognizing the contributions of landscape architects to the community. 19:49

The proclamation was presented by Mayor Gray, with remarks from Siobhan Akers and Amin Omidy. The item was informational in nature, serving to acknowledge the professional discipline and its impact on the city's built environment and quality of life.

The outcome of this agenda item was informational, with the proclamation formally establishing April 2016 as Landscape Architecture Month in Lexington.