Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on July 7, 2016, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, KY, with Mayor Gray presiding over the session. The meeting featured two informational agenda items, including discussions about a Mayor Newberry Portrait and the American in Bloom program. During the course of the meeting, the council conducted three motions and votes on various matters. The session also included public participation, with two citizens providing public comments to the council. Overall, this appears to have been primarily an informational meeting focused on community recognition and civic programs rather than legislative action items.

Attendance

The following members were present at the July 7, 2016 meeting:

Present: • Mayor Gray • F. Brown • J. Brown • Evans • Farmer • Gibbs • Hensley • Lamb • Moloney • Mossotti • Scutchfield • Stinnett • Akers • Bledsoe • Vice Mayor Kay (arrived late)

Absent: • Henson

Late Arrival: • Vice Mayor Kay

A total of 15 members were present for the meeting, with one member absent. Vice Mayor Kay arrived after the meeting had begun but participated in the proceedings once present.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted three roll call votes during the meeting, with all measures passing unanimously.

Ordinance 0794-16 1:30 - Ms. Lamb motioned to approve an ordinance changing the zone from Agricultural Urban (A-U) to Light Industrial (I-1) for property located at 2201 Georgetown Rd. Vice Mayor Kay seconded the motion. The ordinance passed 14-0 with all council members voting in favor: F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Hensley, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, and Bledsoe.

Ordinance 0795-16 1:30 - Ms. Lamb motioned to approve an ordinance amending Articles 7, 23 and 26 of the Zoning Ordinance to strengthen oversight by the Urban County Board of Adjustment for the protection of environmentally sensitive areas. Vice Mayor Kay seconded the motion. The ordinance passed unanimously 14-0, with the same council members voting in favor.

Resolution 0825-16 2:30 - Mr. F. Brown motioned to accept a resolution accepting the bid of Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC, for the UK Trunk A Sewer Improvements Project. Ms. Lamb seconded the motion. The resolution passed 14-0 with unanimous support from all council members present: F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Hensley, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, and Bledsoe.

All three measures received full council support with no opposition or abstentions recorded.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed one significant infrastructure contract award during the financial proceedings.

Contract Award

The board approved Resolution 0825-16, awarding a contract for the UK Trunk A Sewer Improvements Project to Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC in the amount of $2,767,032. This substantial infrastructure investment represents a major sewer system improvement initiative.

The contract award constituted the primary financial action taken during this meeting, with the nearly $2.8 million commitment representing a significant capital expenditure for essential utility infrastructure improvements.

Public Comment

Two residents addressed the council during the public comment period at the July 7, 2016 meeting.

Lillie Miller-Johnson spoke at 5:00 about conflict resolution and her involvement with the Fayette County Conservation District. Miller-Johnson discussed her role as a supervisor in the conservation district and extended an invitation to council members to attend an upcoming convention related to conservation district activities.

Bernard McCarthy addressed the council at 6:00 regarding traffic safety concerns in the community. McCarthy highlighted inconsistencies he observed in speed limit signage throughout the area and offered suggestions for improvements that would provide better clarity for drivers navigating local roads.

Both speakers used their allotted time to bring community issues and opportunities to the attention of the council members.

Mayor Newberry Portrait

0:30

The city presented the official portrait of former Mayor Jim Newberry during agenda item 0744-16. Mayor Gray and Susan Lamb conducted the presentation ceremony to acknowledge Newberry's contributions during his tenure as mayor.

The presentation served as a formal recognition of former Mayor Jim Newberry's service to the city. Mayor Gray and Ms. Lamb participated in unveiling and presenting the official portrait, which will serve as a permanent commemoration of Newberry's time in office.

Former Mayor Jim Newberry was present for the ceremony. The agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action required from the council. The portrait presentation represents a traditional civic honor extended to former mayors to recognize their public service and contributions to the community.

The ceremony was brief and ceremonial, focusing on the formal acknowledgment of Newberry's mayoral legacy through the official portrait presentation.

American in Bloom

1:00

Representatives from America in Bloom presented an update on local beautification efforts and made a significant announcement regarding Lexington's role in the national organization. The presentation was delivered by Ann Garitty, Meg Whitman, and Katie Moss Warner, with Mayor Gray participating in the discussion.

The America in Bloom representatives discussed ongoing beautification initiatives throughout the community, highlighting various projects and programs designed to enhance Lexington's visual appeal and environmental sustainability. The organization focuses on promoting community involvement in landscaping, gardening, and overall aesthetic improvements to public and private spaces.

The most notable announcement during the presentation was that Lexington has been selected to host the 2018 America in Bloom national symposium. This selection represents a significant recognition of the city's commitment to beautification efforts and its capacity to host a major national event. The symposium will bring together community leaders, gardening enthusiasts, and beautification experts from across the country to share best practices and showcase innovative approaches to community enhancement.

The speakers outlined the benefits this hosting opportunity will bring to Lexington, including increased visibility for the city's beautification programs, economic impact from visiting attendees, and the chance to demonstrate local achievements in community improvement. The symposium will also provide networking opportunities for local organizations and volunteers involved in beautification efforts.

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action required from the governing body. The presentation served to update officials and the public on America in Bloom's activities and to announce the prestigious selection of Lexington as the 2018 symposium host city.