Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council held a virtual meeting on September 3, 2020, at 6:00 PM, presided over by Mayor Gorton. The council addressed three agenda items during the session, including an invocation, consideration of a zoning ordinance amendment, and approval of a proclamation. The council took two votes during the meeting, approving both the ordinance amending Article 8-15(o), 8-16(o), and 16-10 of the Zoning Ordinance and the Proclamation for Greg Harbut. No public comments were heard during this virtual meeting.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on September 3, 2020:

• Worley
• Bledsoe
• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Ellinger
• Farmer
• Higgins-Hord
• Kay
• Lamb
• McCurn
• Moloney
• Mossotti
• Plomin
• Reynolds
• Swanson

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0785-20 28:30

An Ordinance changing the zone from an Agricultural Urban (A-U) zone to a High Density Apartment (R-4) zone for 8.62 net and gross acres at 3330 Todds Rd. was brought to a vote. Ms. Plomin moved the ordinance, and Mr. Ellinger seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote with 15 ayes and 0 nays.

The following members voted in favor: Worley, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Mossotti, Plomin, Reynolds, and Swanson.

Resolution 0753-20 39:13

A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lexington for the continued operation of the Fayette County Mental Health Court was brought to a vote. Vice Mayor Kay moved the resolution, and Ellinger seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote with 15 ayes and 0 nays.

The following members voted in favor: Worley, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Mossotti, Plomin, Reynolds, and Swanson.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included approval of the following financial actions:

Mental Health Court Operations Contract

Resolution 0753-20 authorized an agreement with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lexington in the amount of $170,000 for the continued operation of the Fayette County Mental Health Court.

Culvert Replacement Project Amendment

Resolution 0773-20 approved Change Order No. 1 to the agreement with Churchill McGee, LLC for the Dartmouth Drive Culvert Replacement Project in the amount of $3,916.29.

Appointments

The following appointments were made during the meeting:

• P.G. Peeples was reappointed to the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

• Ben Payne was appointed to the Masterson Station Park Advisory Board.

Contested Items

Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment

Community members raised concerns about the accessibility of information regarding a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment. Specifically, attendees expressed that relevant documentation and details about the amendment were not readily available on the city's website, making it difficult for residents to review the proposal and provide informed input on the matter.

The lack of accessible information represented a procedural concern, as transparency and public access to proposed ordinance changes are important for meaningful community participation in the legislative process.

Invocation

The Invocation was delivered by The Very Reverend Carol L. Wade of Christ Church Cathedral 12:50.

This opening segment provided a spiritual invocation to begin the meeting proceedings.

Ordinance amending Article 8-15(o), 8-16(o), and 16-10 of the Zoning Ordinance

This agenda item addressed an ordinance to revise parking requirements for mixed-income housing developments. 28:30

Key Speakers

Ms. Lamb and Director Jim Duncan presented and discussed the proposed ordinance.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved.

Proclamation for Greg Harbut

21:11

Mayor Gorton presented a proclamation declaring September 3, 2020, as Greg Harbut Day in Lexington. The proclamation recognized Harbut's contributions to the equine industry.

Council Member James Brown participated in the discussion alongside Mayor Gorton and Greg Harbut. The proclamation was approved without noted opposition or concerns raised during the meeting.