Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on September 29, 2016, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Vice-Mayor Kay presiding over the session. The meeting focused primarily on community recognition items, with the council addressing three agenda items that honored local individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community. All three recognition items were approved by the council, including acknowledgments for a Junior Fire Chief, Sherry and Geoff Maddock, and the Henry Clay History Club.

During the session, the council conducted two formal votes and heard from three members of the public during the public comment period. The meeting demonstrated the council's commitment to recognizing civic engagement and community service, with all agenda items receiving approval from the attending council members.

Attendance

The following members were present at the September 29, 2016 meeting:

Present: • Kay • Henson • Lamb • Moloney • Mossotti • Scutchfield • Stinnett • Akers • Bledsoe • F. Brown • J. Brown • Evans • Farmer

Absent: • Gibbs

No members arrived late to the meeting. A total of 13 members were in attendance, with one member absent.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted two roll call votes during the meeting, with both measures passing unanimously.

Ordinance 0969-16 3:00 The council voted on changing the zoning from Single Family Residential (R-1C) to Wholesale and Warehouse (B-4) for property located at 1500 & 1502 N. Limestone. Council member Henson made the motion, seconded by Farmer. The ordinance passed with 13 ayes and 0 nays. All council members present voted in favor: Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, and Farmer.

Resolution 1013-16 5:00 The council voted to accept the bid of Med-Eng, LLC, establishing a price contract for Ballistic Ensemble for the Division of Police. Stinnett made the motion, with Scutchfield providing the second. The resolution passed unanimously with 13 ayes and 0 nays. The same 13 council members who voted on the previous measure all voted in favor: Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Akers, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, and Farmer.

Both votes demonstrated unanimous support from all council members present, with no abstentions recorded for either measure.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two significant financial contracts totaling over $1.1 million for city services and infrastructure improvements.

Emergency Services Equipment The council considered Resolution 1026-16 authorizing a contract with Vogelpohl Fire Equipment, Inc. for $853,979 to purchase a Heavy Duty Walk-In Rescue Vehicle for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services. This represents the largest financial commitment discussed during the meeting.

Infrastructure Development Resolution 1028-16 was presented for the Loudon Ave. Sidewalk Project, awarding a $328,980 contract to Adams Contracting, LLC for the Division of Engineering. This project will enhance pedestrian infrastructure along Loudon Avenue.

The combined value of these two contracts totals $1,182,959, representing significant investments in both public safety equipment and transportation infrastructure for the city.

Public Comment

Three residents spoke during the public comment period, all addressing concerns about a proposed park development behind Lucille Drive.

Don Baker 2:00 expressed concerns about the proposed park location, noting that the area is situated in a flood plain. He raised issues about potential increased noise levels that would affect the surrounding neighborhood and questioned the long-term maintenance costs associated with developing the park in this location.

Darlene Baker 2:30 spoke in opposition to the park development, citing past negative experiences with recreational installations in the area. She referenced previous problems with noise and trash accumulation that occurred after a picnic table was installed, suggesting these issues would likely be magnified with a full park development.

Jim Baker 3:00 advocated for maintaining the current green space without additional development. He emphasized concerns about increased maintenance requirements and potential crime issues that could arise from the park installation. Baker recommended leaving the area in its existing natural state.

All three speakers presented a unified opposition to the proposed park development, focusing on practical concerns including environmental factors (flood plain location), quality of life issues (noise and trash), financial considerations (maintenance costs), and public safety concerns (potential crime). Their comments highlighted community concerns about how the proposed development might impact the existing neighborhood character and municipal resources.

Appointments

The council took action on several appointments and reappointments to various city boards and commissions during the meeting.

Board of Adjustment: • Janice Meyer was reappointed to the Board of Adjustment

Human Rights Commission: • Lori Beth Miller was appointed to the Human Rights Commission

Planning Commission: • Patrick Brewer was reappointed to the Planning Commission • Karen Mundy was reappointed to the Planning Commission • Michael Owens was reappointed to the Planning Commission

The appointments included one new appointment to the Human Rights Commission and four reappointments across the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission. These volunteer positions help support various city functions including land use planning, zoning appeals, and human rights advocacy.

Contested Items

The primary contested item during the September 29, 2016 meeting was a proposed park development behind Lucille Drive, which faced significant community opposition from local residents.

Proposed Park Development Behind Lucille Drive

Residents raised multiple concerns about the proposed park development project. The main points of opposition included:

• Flood plain concerns - Community members expressed worry that the proposed park location was situated in a flood-prone area, potentially creating safety and accessibility issues during periods of high water

• Noise impact - Residents voiced concerns about increased noise levels that would result from park activities and visitors in the residential area

• Maintenance costs - Opposition was raised regarding the ongoing financial burden of maintaining the new park facility, with residents questioning the long-term cost implications for the municipality

The nature of the opposition appeared to be organized community resistance, with multiple residents participating in the discussion to voice their collective concerns about the project's impact on their neighborhood.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps, participant names, and the final outcome of this contested item were not available in the provided meeting data. Readers seeking additional details about the discussion and resolution should refer to the complete meeting minutes or video recording.*

Recognition of Jr. Fire Chief

1:00

Vice Mayor Kay presented agenda item 1101-16, recognizing Jr. Fire Chief Ryan Frisbee for his outstanding essay on fire safety. The recognition ceremony highlighted Frisbee's contribution to promoting fire safety awareness in the community through his written work.

During the presentation, Vice Mayor Kay acknowledged Ryan Frisbee's dedication to fire safety education and his role as Jr. Fire Chief. The essay demonstrated Frisbee's understanding of fire safety principles and his commitment to sharing this knowledge with others in the community.

As part of the recognition, Vice Mayor Kay proclaimed September 29, 2016, as Jr. Fire Chief Ryan Frisbee Day, officially honoring his contributions to fire safety awareness and education. This proclamation serves to recognize young community members who take initiative in promoting public safety.

The agenda item was approved without discussion or opposition, reflecting the council's unanimous support for recognizing youth involvement in community safety initiatives. Ryan Frisbee was present to receive the recognition and proclamation.

This recognition represents the city's commitment to encouraging young people to participate in public safety education and to acknowledge their contributions to community welfare. The Jr. Fire Chief program appears to be an effective way to engage youth in fire safety awareness while providing them with leadership opportunities.

Sherry and Geoff Maddock Recognition

1:30

Councilmember J. Brown presented agenda item 1103-16 to recognize Sherry and Geoff Maddock for their contributions to the Lexington community. The presentation resulted in an official proclamation declaring September 29, 2016, as Geoff and Sherry Maddock Day.

During the recognition ceremony, Councilmember Brown highlighted the Maddocks' service and impact on the local community. Both Sherry and Geoff Maddock were present to receive the honor and participated in the presentation.

The proclamation was approved, formally establishing the special day in recognition of the couple's community contributions. The agenda item proceeded as a ceremonial presentation without debate or opposition from council members.

Henry Clay History Club Recognition

2:00

Councilmember Farmer presented agenda item 1104-16 to recognize the Henry Clay High School History Club for their dedication to studying and appreciating Lexington's local history. The recognition included a formal proclamation declaring September 29, 2016, as Henry Clay High School History Club Day.

During the presentation, Taylor Smith, representing the Henry Clay High School History Club, was acknowledged for the group's efforts in promoting historical awareness and education within the community. The History Club's work focuses specifically on understanding and preserving knowledge of Lexington's historical significance and heritage.

Councilmember Farmer highlighted the importance of encouraging young people to engage with local history and commended the students for their commitment to learning about their community's past. The recognition serves to honor the club members' academic pursuits and their contribution to maintaining historical awareness among their peers.

The proclamation was approved without opposition, formally establishing September 29, 2016, as a day to celebrate the Henry Clay High School History Club's contributions to historical education in Lexington. This type of recognition demonstrates the city's support for educational initiatives that connect students with their local heritage and encourages continued civic engagement among young residents.