Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on February 8, 2018, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gray presiding. This meeting focused primarily on recognizing community achievements and contributions, with two informational agenda items presented to the council. The session included recognition of the Jesse Clark Volleyball Team and recognition of Betty Abdmishani for their respective accomplishments and service to the community.

During the meeting, the council conducted 3 votes on various matters, though no public comments were heard from citizens. The two agenda items were both informational in nature, serving to formally acknowledge and celebrate local achievements rather than requiring legislative action. The meeting represented the council's commitment to recognizing outstanding community members and teams that have made significant contributions to Lexington and Fayette County.

Attendance

The following members were present at the February 8, 2018 meeting:

• Stinnett
• Worley
• Bledsoe
• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Evans (arrived late)
• Farmer
• Gibbs
• Henson
• Kay
• Lamb
• Moloney
• Mossotti
• Plomin
• Smith

All 15 members were ultimately in attendance, with Evans arriving late to the meeting. No members were recorded as absent.

Votes and Decisions

The council took action on three items during the February 8, 2018 meeting, with all measures passing by significant margins.

Ordinance 0089-18 2:00 - An Ordinance changing the zone from a Single Family Residential (R-1D) zone to a High Density Apartment (R-4) zone was motioned by Vice Mayor Kay and seconded by Ms. Mossotti. The measure passed unanimously on a roll call vote with 15 ayes and 0 nays. All council members voted in favor: Stinnett, Worley, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Plomin, and Smith.

Resolution 0029-18 6:00 - A Resolution authorizing the Division of Waste Management to purchase transportation and disposal of recycled glass was motioned by Ms. Henson and seconded by Ms. Plomin. The resolution passed with 14 ayes and 1 nay. Council members voting in favor were: Stinnett, Worley, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Mossotti, Plomin, and Smith. Moloney cast the sole dissenting vote.

Resolution 0049-18 8:00 - A Resolution authorizing an Agreement with the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services for Community Para Medicine Program was motioned by Ms. Henson and seconded by Ms. Plomin. The resolution passed with 14 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. Those voting in favor included: Stinnett, Worley, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Plomin, and Smith. Evans abstained from the vote.

All three items were decided by roll call votes, demonstrating broad council support for the zoning change, waste management contract, and emergency medical services agreement.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two significant financial contracts requiring council approval.

LED Lighting Installation Contract The council considered Resolution 0042-18 authorizing a contract with Michel Electric, LLC for LED lighting installation at the Family Care Center. The contract amount totals $49,650 for the lighting upgrade project.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements A major infrastructure contract was reviewed under Resolution 0094-18, awarding Judy Construction Co. a contract valued at $9,746,750 for improvements to the Town Branch Waste Water Treatment Plant Primary Digester Complex. This substantial investment represents a significant commitment to upgrading the city's wastewater treatment infrastructure.

The two contracts combined represent nearly $9.8 million in municipal expenditures, with the wastewater treatment plant improvements comprising the vast majority of the financial commitment. The LED lighting project at the Family Care Center represents a much smaller but important facility upgrade.

Appointments

The meeting included three appointments to various city boards and organizations.

Commission on Veterans' Affairs • Susan Lamb was appointed to the Commission on Veterans' Affairs

Explorium • Wallace Pate Ford was appointed to the Explorium • Jacinta Porter was appointed to the Explorium

All three individuals received appointments during this February 8, 2018 meeting. The appointments represent the city's ongoing efforts to fill positions on various boards and commissions that serve the community.

Recognition of Jesse Clark Volleyball Team

1:00

Mayor Gray presented a formal recognition of the Jesse Clark Middle School Volleyball Team during the February 8, 2018 meeting. The mayor officially declared February 8, 2018, as "Jesse Clark Volleyball Champions Day" in honor of the team's achievements.

The recognition ceremony included remarks from key speakers associated with the volleyball program:

• Mayor Gray - Presented the official proclamation and recognition
• Anni Thomasson - Participated in the recognition ceremony
• Jason Withrow - Also participated in acknowledging the team's accomplishments

This agenda item (0101-18) served as an informational presentation to celebrate the middle school volleyball team's success. The formal recognition highlighted the team's championship performance and provided an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the students' athletic achievements.

The proclamation establishing Jesse Clark Volleyball Champions Day represents the city's commitment to recognizing youth athletic excellence and celebrating the accomplishments of local student-athletes. No formal action was required from the council, as this was a ceremonial recognition item designed to honor the team's success and contributions to the community.

Recognition of Betty Abdmishani

3:00

Mayor Gray and Council Member Henson presented a formal recognition of Betty Abdmishani for her significant contributions to the Village Branch Library and the broader community. The recognition ceremony resulted in the official declaration of February 8, 2018, as Betty Abdmishani Day.

The presentation highlighted Abdmishani's dedicated service and impact on local library services and community engagement. Anne Hammond also participated in the recognition ceremony, joining Mayor Gray and Ms. Henson in honoring Abdmishani's contributions.

This agenda item served as an informational presentation to formally acknowledge Abdmishani's community service and establish the commemorative day in her honor. The recognition represents the city's commitment to celebrating individuals who have made meaningful contributions to public services and community development.

The ceremony was conducted as a presentation without debate or discussion, focusing solely on honoring Abdmishani's achievements and service to the community.