Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on November 15, 2018, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 200 E. Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky. The meeting focused primarily on two informational presentations, including a recognition of Robert Benvenuti and a presentation about America in Bloom. During the session, the council conducted 4 motions and votes and heard 1 public comment. Both agenda items were informational in nature, indicating this was largely a ceremonial and educational meeting rather than one focused on legislative action.

Attendance

The following members were present at the November 15, 2018 meeting:

Present: • Ms. Henson • Vice Mayor Kay • Ms. Lamb • Ms. Mossoti • Ms. Plomin • Mr. Stinnett • Mr. Worely • Ms. Bledsoe • Mr. Fred Brown • Mr. James Brown • Mr. Farmer • Ms. Evans

Absent: • Mr. Moloney • Mr. Myth

No members arrived late to the meeting. A total of 12 members were present and 2 members were absent.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted four votes during the November 15, 2018 meeting, with all measures passing unanimously.

Motion 1213-18 3:00 to adopt the minutes of the October 25, 2018 and November 1, 2018 council meetings passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Three additional measures were voted on by roll call vote, all motioned by Mr. Farmer and seconded by Ms. Plomin 45:00:

Motion 1188-18 to amend budgets for municipal expenditures, Schedule No. 12, passed 12-0. Voting in favor were Mr. Kips, Ms. Henson, Vice Mayor Kay, Ms. Lamb, Ms. Mossoti, Ms. Plomin, Mr. Stinnett, Mr. Worely, Ms. Bledsoe, Mr. Fred Brown, Mr. James Brown, and Mr. Farmer.

Motion 1140-18 to establish the Lexington Center Development Area passed 12-0. The same twelve council members voted in favor: Mr. Kips, Ms. Henson, Vice Mayor Kay, Ms. Lamb, Ms. Mossoti, Ms. Plomin, Mr. Stinnett, Mr. Worely, Ms. Bledsoe, Mr. Fred Brown, Mr. James Brown, and Mr. Farmer.

Motion 1156-18 to amend authorized strength by transferring positions also passed 12-0, with identical support from all twelve council members: Mr. Kips, Ms. Henson, Vice Mayor Kay, Ms. Lamb, Ms. Mossoti, Ms. Plomin, Mr. Stinnett, Mr. Worely, Ms. Bledsoe, Mr. Fred Brown, Mr. James Brown, and Mr. Farmer.

No council members voted against any of the measures, and no abstentions were recorded for any of the votes.

Budget and Financial Actions

The council approved several significant financial commitments totaling over $1.7 million across infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, and cultural programming.

The largest expenditure was a $1,615,000 contract with Judy Construction Co. for repairs to Final Clarifiers No. 7 and No. 8 at the West Hickman Wastewater Treatment Plant (Resolution 1160-18). This major infrastructure project addresses critical wastewater treatment facility maintenance.

The council also approved a $155,600 purchase from Southern Sales Co., Inc. for a Sulzer Blower for the West Hickman Waste Water Treatment Plant (Resolution 1144-18). This equipment purchase supports ongoing operations at the facility.

For building improvements, the council authorized a $26,456 contract with Minnifield Enterprises, Inc. for multi-floor LED installation at the Phoenix Building (Resolution 1141-18). This lighting upgrade represents an investment in energy-efficient building systems.

In addition to infrastructure and equipment expenditures, the council approved a $600 agreement with UK Opera Theatre for a performance (Resolution 1090-18), supporting local cultural programming.

These financial actions demonstrate the council's focus on maintaining critical infrastructure, particularly wastewater treatment facilities, while also investing in building improvements and community cultural offerings. The wastewater treatment plant investments of over $1.7 million combined represent the majority of the approved spending and highlight ongoing municipal utility infrastructure needs.

Public Comment

One member of the public addressed the council during the public comment period.

Father Andrew Hagy spoke in strong support of Resolution 1187-18, which would authorize a contract with the National Network for Safe Communities to address group-related violent crime in Lexington 2:30:00. Father Hagy expressed his endorsement for the city's initiative to partner with this organization in tackling violent crime issues affecting the community.

No other public comments were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Appointments

The council took action on several board appointments and reappointments during the November 15, 2018 meeting.

Affordable Housing Governing Board Three members were reappointed to continue their service on the Affordable Housing Governing Board: • Mr. Matthew DeMoss was reappointed • Council Member Steve Kay was reappointed • Mr. Harry Richart was reappointed

Airport Board • Mr. Buckner Hinkle was appointed to serve on the Airport Board

Arboretum Advisory Board • Council Member Susan Lamb was appointed to the Arboretum Advisory Board

These appointments represent a mix of new appointments and continuations of existing service, with three reappointments to the Affordable Housing Governing Board ensuring continuity in that body's oversight responsibilities. The appointments of Mr. Hinkle to the Airport Board and Council Member Lamb to the Arboretum Advisory Board bring new representation to those respective boards.

Contested Items

The meeting featured one significant procedural dispute regarding Rural Land Management Board appointments [timestamp: not available].

Rural Land Management Board Appointments

A procedural disagreement arose over the timing and process for making appointments to the Rural Land Management Board. The contention centered on whether the appointments should proceed as scheduled or be delayed to allow for additional committee review.

A motion was made to table the appointments, with supporters arguing that ongoing committee discussions needed to be completed before moving forward with the selection process. However, this motion to table failed to gain sufficient support from the council.

Following the failed motion to table, additional debate ensued regarding the proper procedures for handling these appointments. The disagreement appeared to focus on process rather than the qualifications of specific candidates, with members expressing different views on the appropriate timeline and review mechanisms for board appointments.

The outcome resulted in the appointments proceeding despite the procedural objections raised by some members. The specific vote tallies and individual member positions on the motion to table were not detailed in the available materials, though the failed motion indicates it lacked majority support.

This procedural dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding appointment processes and the balance between thorough committee review and timely decision-making for board positions.

Recognition of Robert Benvenuti

10:00

The council presented a recognition to Robert Benvenuti for his service and legislative work in the Kentucky House of Representatives. The presentation acknowledged Benvenuti's contributions to state-level policy initiatives that have impacted local governance.

During the recognition, particular emphasis was placed on Benvenuti's efforts regarding body camera footage legislation. His work on this issue was highlighted as significant for law enforcement transparency and accountability measures at the state level.

The council also recognized Benvenuti's advocacy for local control legislation, which affects municipalities' ability to govern their own affairs and make decisions on local matters without excessive state interference.

Robert Benvenuti was present to receive the recognition and served as the key speaker for this agenda item. The presentation was informational in nature, serving to formally acknowledge his legislative contributions rather than to conduct any business or make policy decisions.

This recognition reflects the council's practice of acknowledging individuals who have made meaningful contributions to issues that affect local government operations and community interests.

America in Bloom

20:00

Victoria Meyer presented agenda item 1153-18 regarding the America in Bloom symposium that was held in Lexington. The presentation focused on highlighting community vitality and environmental efforts that were showcased during the symposium.

Meyer provided an informational overview of the symposium's activities and outcomes, emphasizing the community engagement and environmental initiatives that were featured at the event. The America in Bloom program is designed to promote civic pride through beautification efforts and environmental stewardship at the community level.

The presentation served as an informational update to keep the governing body informed about the symposium's proceedings and the community's participation in the America in Bloom initiative. No formal action was required or taken on this agenda item, as it was presented for informational purposes only.

The discussion provided insight into Lexington's involvement in the America in Bloom program and the various community vitality and environmental projects that were highlighted during the symposium.