Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on September 27, 2018, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gray presiding. The meeting included six agenda items, featuring two informational presentations and four tax-related measures that required council action. The council heard two public comments during the session and conducted four formal votes on various municipal tax ordinances.

The meeting began with informational presentations, including a Cal Ripken Presentation by the South Lexington Team and recognition of the Lexington Legends baseball team. The council then addressed several tax-related agenda items, all of which were approved. These included the Ad Valorem Taxes for Municipal Purposes, the Public Health Tax, the Soil and Water Conservation District Tax, and the Agricultural Extension Office Tax.

All four tax measures brought before the council received approval, indicating unanimous or strong majority support for the proposed municipal tax structure. The combination of community recognition items and essential municipal business reflected a typical council meeting agenda that balanced ceremonial duties with necessary governmental functions.

Attendance

The following members were present at the September 27, 2018 meeting:

• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Evans
• Farmer
• Gibbs
• Henson
• Kay
• Lamb
• Moloney
• Mossotti
• Smith
• Stinnett
• Worley
• Bledsoe

Absent: Plomin

No members arrived late to the meeting. A total of 14 members were present with 1 member absent.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted four roll call votes on tax levy ordinances for fiscal year 2018-2019.

Ordinance 0954-18 - Levying ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for fiscal year 2018-2019 was motioned by Farmer and seconded by Kay 6:23. The ordinance passed unanimously with 14 ayes and 0 nays. Voting in favor were F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Smith, Stinnett, Worley, and Bledsoe.

Ordinance 0955-18 - Levying a special ad valorem public health tax for fiscal year 2018-2019 was motioned by Farmer and seconded by Kay 6:24. The ordinance passed unanimously with 14 ayes and 0 nays. The same 14 council members voted in favor: F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Smith, Stinnett, Worley, and Bledsoe.

Ordinance 0956-18 - Levying ad valorem taxes for support of the Soil and Water Conservation District for fiscal year 2018-2019 was motioned by Farmer and seconded by Kay 6:25. The ordinance passed unanimously with 14 ayes and 0 nays. All 14 council members voted in favor: F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Smith, Stinnett, Worley, and Bledsoe.

Ordinance 0957-18 - Levying ad valorem taxes for support of the Agricultural Extension Office for fiscal year 2018-2019 was motioned by Farmer and seconded by Kay 6:26. The ordinance passed with 12 ayes and 2 nays. Voting in favor were J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Henson, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Smith, Stinnett, and Bledsoe. F. Brown and Worley voted against the ordinance.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed three significant financial contracts totaling $536,838 across infrastructure improvements and community development initiatives.

Waste Management Infrastructure Improvements

The largest expenditure involved Resolution 0918-18, authorizing a $468,888 contract with Fuelband, LLC for the renovation of an existing truck wash facility. This substantial investment represents the majority of the meeting's financial commitments and focuses on upgrading waste management infrastructure.

Additionally, Resolution 0933-18 approved a $17,950 contract with Minnifield Enterprises, Inc. for lighting replacement at the Waste Management facility. This smaller but complementary project appears to be part of broader facility improvements.

Community Arts Initiative

Resolution 0919-18 established a $50,000 Purchase of Service Agreement with LexArts, Inc. for artwork installation along the Southland Drive Corridor. This community development investment demonstrates the municipality's commitment to public art and neighborhood enhancement projects.

Financial Summary

The three resolutions collectively represent over half a million dollars in municipal spending, with the majority allocated to essential infrastructure maintenance and improvements at waste management facilities. The remaining funds support community beautification efforts through public art installations.

Public Comment

Two residents addressed the council during the public comment period, both expressing concerns about downtown infrastructure projects.

Bernard McCarthy 2:45:00 spoke in strong opposition to Ordinance 0996-18, which would close a portion of Jefferson Street. McCarthy argued that the street closure would reduce downtown street capacity, expressing concerns about the impact on traffic flow and accessibility in the downtown area.

Don Pratt 2:50:00 addressed two related infrastructure issues. He criticized the city's decision to demolish the Jefferson Street Viaduct and questioned the necessity of the proposed Town Branch Park project. Pratt's comments focused on concerns about the removal of existing infrastructure and the value of the planned park development.

Both speakers' comments centered on downtown development and infrastructure decisions, particularly regarding Jefferson Street and related projects that would affect the downtown corridor's transportation network and urban planning.

Contested Items

Two significant issues generated disagreement during the September 27, 2018 meeting, resulting in split votes and community opposition.

Agricultural Extension Office Tax Increase

The council faced division over an ordinance to increase the ad valorem tax for the Agricultural Extension Office. While the majority of council members supported the tax increase, Council Members F. Brown and Worley voted against the measure, creating a split vote on the issue. The specific details of the tax increase amount and the reasoning behind the opposition were not detailed in the available records.

Jefferson Street Closure

The proposed closure of Jefferson Street drew substantial opposition from community members who attended the meeting to voice their concerns. Residents expressed strong objections to the street closure, citing worries about reduced street capacity and potential traffic problems that could result from eliminating this thoroughfare. The community opposition highlighted concerns about how the closure would impact traffic flow and accessibility in the affected area.

Both contested items demonstrate the challenges local government faces when balancing fiscal needs and infrastructure decisions with community concerns and council member perspectives. The split votes and public opposition reflect the complexity of municipal decision-making when proposed changes affect both taxpayers and daily traffic patterns.

Cal Ripken Presentation, South Lexington Team

15:00

Mayor Gray and Council Member Mossotti presented a recognition for the South Lexington Youth Baseball League's outstanding performance in the Cal Ripken World Series. The agenda item 0970-18 served as an informational presentation to acknowledge the team's achievements on a national stage.

The South Lexington team was honored for their participation and success in the Cal Ripken World Series, which represents one of the premier youth baseball tournaments in the country. Mayor Gray and Council Member Mossotti took the opportunity to publicly recognize the young athletes and their accomplishments during this ceremonial portion of the meeting.

This presentation was purely ceremonial in nature, with no formal action required from the council. The recognition highlighted the community's support for youth athletics and celebrated the team's representation of Lexington in national competition. The item concluded as an informational presentation without further discussion or debate.

Recognition - Lexington Legends

30:00

The Lexington Legends baseball team was formally recognized during the meeting for their outstanding 2018 season performance. The team achieved the distinction of becoming the 2018 South Atlantic League Champions, marking a significant accomplishment for the local professional baseball organization.

Mayor Gray and Andy Shea served as the key speakers for this recognition ceremony. As part of the formal acknowledgment of the team's championship achievement, the Lexington Legends were presented with the Key to the City, representing the community's appreciation for their success and contribution to local sports.

This agenda item was structured as a presentation and served an informational purpose, celebrating the team's athletic accomplishments and their positive representation of Lexington. The recognition highlighted the Legends' championship victory in the South Atlantic League, which encompasses minor league baseball teams across multiple southeastern states.

The presentation of the Key to the City represents one of the highest honors a municipality can bestow upon individuals or organizations, signifying the team's valued place within the Lexington community. This ceremonial recognition acknowledges not only the team's on-field success but also their role as community ambassadors and sources of local pride.

The agenda item concluded without requiring any formal action from the governing body, as it was purely ceremonial in nature, designed to publicly honor the Lexington Legends' championship achievement and their contribution to the city's sporting legacy.

Ad Valorem Taxes for Municipal Purposes

6:23

The city council considered Ordinance 0954-18, which establishes ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for fiscal year 2018-2019. Mayor Gray presented this ordinance during the meeting.

The ordinance underwent the required public hearing process before the council's consideration. Following standard municipal procedures, the ordinance was read aloud during the session.

The council approved the ordinance, which will levy the necessary ad valorem taxes to fund municipal operations for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. No significant discussion or concerns were recorded regarding this tax levy ordinance during the meeting proceedings.

This approval allows the municipality to collect property taxes at the established rates for the upcoming fiscal year to support city services and operations.

Public Health Tax

The City Council considered Ordinance 0955-18, which establishes a special ad valorem public health tax for fiscal year 2018-2019 6:24.

Mayor Gray presented the ordinance during the meeting. The item was structured as a public hearing followed by consideration for approval.

Following the required public hearing process, the ordinance was read and subsequently approved by the Council. The special ad valorem tax will be levied specifically for public health purposes during the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

The ordinance received approval without recorded opposition or significant debate during the proceedings.

Soil and Water Conservation District Tax

6:25

The City Council considered Ordinance 0956-18, which levies ad valorem taxes for the Soil and Water Conservation District for fiscal year 2018-2019. Mayor Gray presided over the proceedings for this agenda item.

The ordinance was presented following a public hearing, though no specific details about public comments or concerns raised during the hearing were provided in the available materials. The measure establishes the tax levy that will fund the Soil and Water Conservation District's operations for the upcoming fiscal year.

After the public hearing concluded, the ordinance was read and brought before the Council for consideration. The Council approved Ordinance 0956-18 without recorded opposition or significant debate.

The approval of this ordinance ensures continued funding for soil and water conservation efforts within the district's jurisdiction through the established ad valorem tax mechanism for fiscal year 2018-2019.

Agricultural Extension Office Tax

The council considered Ordinance 0957-18, which levies ad valorem taxes for the Agricultural Extension Office for fiscal year 2018-2019 6:26.

The ordinance was presented following the standard process for tax levy ordinances, with a public hearing conducted before the council vote. Mayor Gray, Worley, and Henson were the key participants in the discussion of this agenda item.

The ordinance establishes the tax levy necessary to fund the Agricultural Extension Office's operations for the upcoming fiscal year. Ad valorem taxes are property taxes based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the jurisdiction.

Following the public hearing, during which no significant concerns or objections were raised, the council proceeded with the formal reading and consideration of the ordinance. The measure received approval from the council members.

The Agricultural Extension Office tax levy represents part of the municipality's annual budget process, ensuring continued funding for agricultural extension services in the community. These services typically provide educational programs, technical assistance, and resources to local farmers and agricultural businesses.

The ordinance was approved as presented, allowing the Agricultural Extension Office to continue its operations with the necessary funding for fiscal year 2018-2019.