Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on August 29, 2019, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, KY, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The Council addressed nine agenda items during the session, including a recognition ceremony, multiple tax ordinances, zoning changes, budget amendments, and a development moratorium. The meeting resulted in eight motions and votes, with all substantive matters receiving approval from the Council. No public comments were heard during this session, and one informational presentation was given recognizing Beth Hanna for her service or contributions to the community.

Attendance

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting on August 29, 2019 had strong attendance with 14 of 15 council members present.

Present: • Mossotti • Plomin • Reynolds • Worley • Bledsoe • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Evans • Farmer • Gibbs • Kay • Lamb • Moloney

Absent: • McCurn

No council members arrived late to the meeting.

Votes and Decisions

The Council conducted eight roll call votes during the meeting, with most items passing unanimously 6:12.

Tax Levy Ordinances

Ordinance 0854-19, levying ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for fiscal year 2019-2020, passed 10-4. Council members Mossotti, Plomin, Reynolds, F. Brown, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Kay, and Lamb voted in favor, while Worley, Bledsoe, Ellinger, and Moloney voted against.

Three additional tax levy ordinances passed unanimously with all 14 members voting in favor: • Ordinance 0855-19 for Agricultural Extension Office support • Ordinance 0856-19 adopting the Health Department's special public health tax request • Ordinance 0857-19 for Soil and Water Conservation District support

Zoning Changes

Two zoning ordinances passed unanimously: • Ordinance 0783-19 changed zoning from Two Family Residential (R-2) to Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) for property at 1812 Versailles Road • Ordinance 0785-19 changed zoning from Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) to Two Family Residential (R-2) for property at 316-408 Rose Lane

Budget Amendment

Ordinance 0853-19, amending various government budgets to reflect current municipal expenditure requirements, passed unanimously with all 14 members voting in favor.

Historic District Resolution

Resolution 0849-19, amending the moratorium on zone map amendments and demolition permits for properties in the proposed Pensacola Park Area Historic Districts, passed 10-2. Vice Mayor Kay motioned and Plomin seconded. Council members Plomin, Reynolds, Bledsoe, J. Brown, Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Kay, Lamb, and Moloney voted in favor, while Mossotti and F. Brown voted against.

Budget and Financial Actions

The Council approved several contracts and financial commitments during the August 29, 2019 meeting.

The largest expenditure was Resolution 0778-19, authorizing a contract with L-M Asphalt Partners Ltd. d/b/a ATS Construction for the Polo Club Blvd. Public Improvement Project in the amount of $2,890,352.40.

The Council also approved Resolution 0812-19, awarding a contract to Fuelband, LLC for the construction of a metal storage building for $105,000.

Three additional contracts were approved without specified dollar amounts in the meeting materials:

• Resolution 0782-19 authorized a contract with Path Master, Inc. for Granville streetlight equipment

• Resolution 0784-19 approved a contract with Finley Fire Equipment Co., Inc. d/b/a Bluegrass Fire Equipment for fire hose procurement

• Resolution 0790-19 authorized a contract with Kiesler Police Supply, Inc. for ammunition purchases

These financial actions represent ongoing municipal infrastructure improvements, public safety equipment procurement, and operational needs across multiple city departments including public works, fire services, and police operations.

Appointments

The Council approved multiple appointments and reappointments to various city boards and commissions during the August 29, 2019 meeting.

New Appointments: • Tom Gavenonis was appointed to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers • Majd Jabbour was appointed to the Board of Health • Ryan Guyder was appointed to the Commission for People with Disabilities • Roger Daman was appointed to the Corridors Commission • Jim McKeighen was appointed to the Greenspace Commission • David Cohen was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission • Innocent Akwa was appointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission • Adrian Wallace was appointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission • Sarah Thrall was appointed to the Picnic with the Pops Commission • Nicole Gauthier was appointed to the Tree Board

Reappointments: • Evan Buckley was reappointed to the Ethics Commission • Christel Broady was reappointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission • Camilo Quintana was reappointed to the Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission • Natalie Pope was reappointed to the Senior Services Commission

The Mayor's International Affairs Advisory Commission received the most attention with four appointments total - two new members and two reappointments. The appointments covered a diverse range of city functions, from environmental oversight through the Tree Board and Greenspace Commission to public safety through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers and health services through the Board of Health.

All appointments were processed as part of the Council's regular business for filling vacancies and maintaining active membership on the city's various advisory bodies and commissions.

Contested Items

The Council addressed one contested item during the August 29, 2019 meeting that resulted in a divided vote among members.

Moratorium on Zone Map Amendments and Demolition Permits

The primary point of contention involved a resolution to extend the moratorium on zone map amendments and demolition permits specifically affecting the Pensacola Park Area Historic Districts. This measure aimed to temporarily halt certain development activities and zoning changes within these designated historic areas.

The resolution generated differing opinions among council members, resulting in a split vote rather than unanimous approval. The disagreement centered on the extension of restrictions that would prevent property owners from obtaining demolition permits or requesting changes to zoning maps within the historic districts.

Despite the division among council members, the resolution ultimately passed, meaning the moratorium on zone map amendments and demolition permits for the Pensacola Park Area Historic Districts was extended. The split vote demonstrates that while a majority of council members supported continuing these protective measures for the historic districts, a significant minority held opposing views on the matter.

The contested nature of this item reflects broader tensions that often arise in municipal governance between historic preservation efforts and property development rights, with council members weighing the importance of protecting historic character against potential restrictions on property owners' abilities to modify or develop their land.

Recognition of Beth Hanna

Mayor Gorton presented a special recognition during the August 29, 2019 Council meeting, officially declaring the date as "Beth Hanna Day" in Lexington. The proclamation honored Beth Hanna in celebration of her restaurant, Hanna's On Lime, and her contributions to the local community.

During the presentation, Mayor Gorton praised the positive impact that Hanna's On Lime has had on Lexington's dining scene and broader community. The Mayor highlighted the restaurant's role in enhancing the local business landscape and serving residents and visitors alike.

The recognition also acknowledged Beth Hanna's upcoming retirement, with Mayor Gorton extending well wishes for this new chapter in her life. The proclamation served as both a celebration of her business achievements and a farewell tribute as she steps away from her restaurant operations.

Beth Hanna was present to receive the recognition, marking agenda item 0861-19 as a ceremonial moment during the Council meeting. The presentation was informational in nature, with no formal action required from the Council beyond the Mayor's proclamation.

This type of community recognition reflects the City of Lexington's practice of acknowledging local business owners and community members who have made meaningful contributions to the area's economic and social fabric.

Ad Valorem Taxes for Municipal Purposes

6:12

The Council considered Ordinance 0854-19, which establishes ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for fiscal year 2019-2020. The ordinance levies taxes on the assessed value of all taxable property within the city's taxing jurisdictions, covering the period from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin served as the key speakers during the discussion of this agenda item. The ordinance represents the city's annual property tax levy, which provides funding for various municipal services and operations throughout the fiscal year.

The Council approved Ordinance 0854-19 following the presentation and discussion. This approval authorizes the collection of ad valorem taxes on assessed property values within the city's boundaries for the specified fiscal year period.

Ad Valorem Taxes for Agricultural Extension Office

6:12

The Council considered Ordinance 0855-19, which establishes ad valorem tax levies to support the Agricultural Extension Office for Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020).

Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin served as the key speakers during the discussion of this ordinance. The measure authorizes the collection of property taxes specifically designated to fund the operations and programs of the Agricultural Extension Office for the upcoming fiscal year.

The ordinance follows the standard annual process of setting tax rates to ensure continued funding for agricultural extension services, which provide educational programs and technical assistance to local farmers and agricultural businesses in the community.

The Council approved Ordinance 0855-19, ensuring that the Agricultural Extension Office will have the necessary funding to continue its operations and services throughout the 2020 fiscal year.

Public Health Tax

The Council considered Ordinance 0856-19, which would adopt the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department's request for a special ad valorem public health tax for Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) 6:12.

The ordinance addresses the annual levy of a dedicated tax to support public health services in Lexington-Fayette County. This special ad valorem tax is separate from general property taxes and is specifically designated for health department operations and programs.

Key speakers during the discussion included Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin, who presented information about the tax levy and its necessity for maintaining public health services in the community.

The Council approved Ordinance 0856-19, authorizing the public health tax for the upcoming fiscal year. This approval ensures continued funding for the Health Department's essential services and programs that serve Lexington-Fayette County residents.

The special ad valorem tax represents a standard annual procedure where the Health Department requests authorization to levy the tax, and the Council formally adopts the request through ordinance. This dedicated funding mechanism helps support various public health initiatives, including disease prevention, health education, environmental health services, and other programs administered by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

Soil and Water Conservation District Tax

6:12

The Council considered Ordinance 0857-19, which levies ad valorem taxes to support the Soil and Water Conservation District for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020).

Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin served as the key speakers during the discussion of this ordinance. The item involved the annual process of establishing tax levies specifically designated for soil and water conservation district operations and programs.

The ordinance was approved by the Council, allowing the ad valorem tax levy to proceed as proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. This tax levy will provide funding support for soil and water conservation activities and district operations throughout the 2019-2020 fiscal year period.

Zone Change for 1812 Versailles Rd.

6:12

The Council considered Ordinance 0783-19, which proposed changing the zoning classification for property located at 1812 Versailles Road from a Two Family Residential (R-2) Zone to a Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) Zone.

Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin served as the key speakers during the discussion of this agenda item. The ordinance would allow for increased residential density on the property by moving from the R-2 classification, which permits two-family residential uses, to the R-3 classification, which allows for planned neighborhood residential development.

The Council approved the zone change ordinance. No significant concerns or opposition were noted in the available meeting materials regarding this zoning modification for the Versailles Road property.

Zone Change for 316-408 Rose Ln.

6:12

The Council considered Ordinance 0785-19, which proposed changing the zoning designation for property located at 316-408 Rose Ln. from a Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) Zone to a Two Family Residential (R-2) Zone.

Key speakers during the discussion included Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin, who presented information regarding the proposed zone change. The ordinance would allow for different residential development standards on the property by transitioning from the more restrictive R-3 zoning to R-2 zoning, which permits two-family residential uses.

The Council ultimately approved the zone change ordinance, allowing the property to be reclassified under the Two Family Residential (R-2) Zone designation. This approval enables the property owner to develop or use the land in accordance with R-2 zoning requirements rather than the previous R-3 Planned Neighborhood Residential standards.

Budget Amendments

6:12

The Council considered Ordinance 0853-19, which amends certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures.

Mr. Farmer and Ms. Plomin served as key speakers during the discussion of this budget amendment ordinance. The ordinance addresses necessary adjustments to various municipal budgets to align spending authority with current operational needs.

The Council approved the budget amendments without significant debate or opposition. The ordinance passed, allowing the Urban County Government to proceed with the revised budget allocations as outlined in the amendment.

This type of budget amendment ordinance is typically used to make mid-year adjustments to municipal spending plans, ensuring that departments have appropriate funding levels to meet their operational requirements and that expenditures remain within legal budgetary constraints.

Moratorium on Zone Map Amendments

6:12

The Council considered Resolution No. 0849-19, which amended Resolution No. 93-2019 to extend a moratorium on zone map amendments and demolition permits for properties within the proposed Pensacola Park Area Historic Districts.

Vice Mayor Kay and Ms. Plomin served as the key speakers during discussion of this agenda item. The resolution specifically targeted all properties located within the boundaries of the proposed historic districts in the Pensacola Park area.

The moratorium was designed to provide protection for potentially historic properties while the formal historic district designation process moved forward. By prohibiting zone map amendments and demolition permits, the resolution ensured that properties of potential historical significance could not be altered or demolished during the evaluation period.

This resolution represented an amendment to the previously adopted Resolution No. 93-2019, suggesting that modifications to the original moratorium terms were necessary. The extension indicates the Council's continued commitment to preserving the character and integrity of the Pensacola Park area while comprehensive historic district studies and designations were completed.

The Council approved the resolution, maintaining protective measures for properties within the proposed historic district boundaries. This action demonstrates the city's proactive approach to historic preservation, using temporary regulatory tools to prevent irreversible changes to potentially significant properties during the formal designation process.