Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on March 5, 2020, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding over the session. The meeting addressed two agenda items, both of which were approved by the council during the proceedings. The council heard two public comments from community members and conducted two formal votes on the matters before them.

The session focused on recognizing important community initiatives, including acknowledgment of National Social Work Month and matters related to Police Explorer Post 357. Both agenda items received approval from the council, demonstrating unanimous support for these community-focused initiatives. The meeting provided an opportunity for public engagement, with two citizens offering comments during the designated public comment period.

Overall, the March 5th meeting was productive, with all presented items receiving favorable action from the council members in attendance.

Attendance

The following council members were present at the March 5, 2020 meeting:

• Bledsoe
• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Ellinger
• Evans
• Farmer
• Lamb
• McCurn
• Moloney
• Mossotti
• Plomin
• Reynolds
• Worley

Absent: • Vice Mayor Kay

No council members arrived late to the meeting.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted two roll call votes during the March 5, 2020 meeting.

Ordinance 0220-20 1:30 Councilmember Farmer motioned to approve an ordinance amending budgets for funds in the amount of $13,500 for speed tables on De Roode Street, with a second from Councilmember Ellinger. The ordinance passed unanimously with 13 ayes and 0 nays. All council members voted in favor: • Bledsoe • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Evans • Farmer • Lamb • McCurn • Moloney • Mossotti • Plomin • Reynolds • Worley

Resolution 0216-20 3:45 Councilmember Ellinger motioned to approve a resolution for Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for $500,000 in grant funds, with a second from Councilmember Plomin. The resolution passed with 12 ayes and 1 nay.

Council members voting in favor: • Bledsoe • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Evans • Farmer • Lamb • McCurn • Mossotti • Plomin • Reynolds • Worley

Council member voting against: • Moloney

Both items were decided by roll call vote with no abstentions recorded.

Budget and Financial Actions

The council addressed two significant financial matters during the March 5, 2020 meeting, totaling $513,500 in appropriations and grant funding.

Traffic Safety Infrastructure

The council considered Ordinance 0220-20, which appropriates $13,500 to the Division of Traffic Engineering for the installation of speed tables on De Roode Street. This funding represents a targeted investment in traffic calming measures to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds in the area.

Trail Development Grant

Resolution 0216-20 addressed the acceptance of $500,000 in federal grant funds from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the Town Branch Commons Trail Zone 2 project. This substantial grant funding will support the continued development of the trail system, representing a significant federal investment in local recreational infrastructure and transportation alternatives.

The two financial actions demonstrate the city's commitment to both traffic safety improvements and recreational infrastructure development, with funding sources including both municipal appropriations and federal grant opportunities.

Public Comment

Two residents addressed the council during the public comment period of the March 5, 2020 meeting.

Roland Taylor spoke in opposition to a proposed zone change on Perry Street 2:45. Taylor expressed concerns about parking and space issues related to a proposed Habitat for Humanity project planned for the location. He voiced objections to the zoning modification that would accommodate the housing development.

Phillip Greg Maggard addressed the council regarding the Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement 14:30. Maggard urged council members to engage with and participate in the Second Amendment Sanctuary Movement, emphasizing the importance of representation for Fayette County residents on this issue. He encouraged the council to consider adopting sanctuary status as part of the broader movement.

The public comment period covered two distinct local issues: zoning concerns related to affordable housing development and Second Amendment rights advocacy at the county level.

Appointments

The meeting included several appointments to city boards and commissions.

Two new members were appointed to the Black & Williams Neighborhood Community Center Board: • Paula Campbell-Rudd was appointed to serve on the board • Denia Channels was appointed to serve on the board

Additionally, Charles Gamble was reappointed to the Commission on Veterans' Affairs, continuing his service on that body.

These appointments help ensure continued governance and oversight of important community organizations and city commissions.

Contested Items

Two items generated significant discussion and opposition during the March 5, 2020 meeting.

Zone Change on Perry Street

The proposed zone change to accommodate a Habitat for Humanity project faced community opposition from residents. Roland Taylor and other community members voiced concerns about the potential negative impacts the development would have on the neighborhood, specifically citing worries about increased parking problems and traffic congestion in the area. The residents argued that the project would strain the existing infrastructure and negatively affect the quality of life for current neighborhood residents.

Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

A resolution regarding Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet created division among council members, resulting in a split vote. The measure ultimately passed with a 12-1 vote, but not without controversy. Council member Moloney cast the sole dissenting vote against the transportation agreement, though the specific reasons for the opposition were not detailed in the available materials.

The split vote indicates there were substantive concerns about the agreement's terms, costs, or implications for the city, significant enough for one council member to vote against the majority position. Despite Moloney's opposition, the strong 12-1 majority ensured the resolution's passage, allowing the city to move forward with the transportation cabinet agreement.

Both contested items highlight the ongoing challenges local governments face in balancing development initiatives and infrastructure agreements with community concerns and fiscal responsibility.

National Social Work Month

0:45

Mayor Gorton presented agenda item 0234-20, a proclamation declaring March 2020 as Social Work Month in Lexington. The proclamation recognized the significant contributions of social workers to the community.

Chris Ford participated in the discussion alongside Mayor Gorton during the presentation of this proclamation.

The proclamation was approved, officially designating March 2020 as Social Work Month in Lexington to honor the work and dedication of social workers serving the community.

Police Explorer Post 357

1:15

Mayor Gorton presented a proclamation declaring March 5, 2020, as Explorer Post 357 Day in Lexington. The proclamation recognized the achievements and contributions of the youth participants involved in Police Explorer Post 357, a program that provides young people with hands-on experience and education about law enforcement careers.

During the presentation, Mayor Gorton highlighted the positive impact the Explorer Post program has had on local youth, emphasizing how it helps build character, leadership skills, and civic responsibility among participants. The program serves as a bridge between young community members and the police department, fostering better understanding and relationships.

Council member Mossotti also spoke in support of the proclamation, acknowledging the value of the Explorer Post program in developing future community leaders and potentially inspiring careers in public service and law enforcement.

The proclamation was approved without opposition, formally recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of the young explorers in Post 357. This recognition demonstrates the city's commitment to supporting youth development programs that strengthen community-police relationships and provide valuable educational opportunities for Lexington's young residents.

The Explorer Post 357 program represents an important investment in the city's youth, offering participants practical experience, mentorship, and exposure to public safety careers while building positive connections between young people and law enforcement professionals.