Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council held a virtual meeting on September 24, 2020, at 6:00 PM, presided over by Mayor Gorton. The council addressed three agenda items during the session, taking four votes and receiving no public comments. The meeting included a recognition of Bill O'Mara, an informational item, as well as two substantive matters that were approved: an amendment to budgets for FY 2021 Schedule No. 11 and an amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding floor area ratio (FAR) and lot coverage requirements.

Attendance

Present: F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Plomin, Reynolds, Swanson, Bledsoe, and Worley (14 members)

Absent: Mossotti

Late: Worley

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0867-20 The council voted to amend certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for FY 2021 Schedule No. 11. Ms. Bledsoe moved the ordinance and Ms. Lamb seconded it. The ordinance passed by roll call vote with 13 ayes and 0 nays. Those voting in favor were: F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Plomin, Reynolds, Swanson, and Bledsoe.

Ordinance 0740-20 The council voted to amend Article 8-12, 8-13 and 8-14 of the Zoning Ordinance to modify the allowable floor area ratio (FAR) and lot coverage. Ms. Plomin moved the ordinance and Mr. F. Brown seconded it. The ordinance passed by roll call vote with 14 ayes and 0 nays. Those voting in favor were: F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Plomin, Reynolds, Swanson, Worley, and Bledsoe.

Resolution 0830-20 The council voted to accept the bid of Telrepco, Inc. for refurbished computers for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services. Mr. Farmer moved the resolution and Mr. McCurn seconded it. The resolution passed by roll call vote with 14 ayes and 0 nays. Those voting in favor were: F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Plomin, Reynolds, Swanson, Worley, and Bledsoe.

Police Discipline Postponement The council voted to postpone the presentation of police discipline involving Officer Filder until the next council meeting. Mr. J. Brown moved to postpone and Mr. McCurn seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote with 13 ayes and 1 nay. Those voting in favor were: F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Farmer, Higgins-Hord, Kay, Lamb, McCurn, Moloney, Plomin, Reynolds, Swanson, and Worley. Fred Brown voted against the postponement.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting approved three financial actions on September 24, 2020:

Refurbished Computers for Fire and Emergency Services

Resolution 0830-20 authorized a contract with Telrepco, Inc. for the purchase of refurbished computers for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services at a cost of $64,917.50.

Sideloader for Facilities and Fleet Management

Resolution 0831-20 approved a contract with Worldwide Equipment, Inc. for the purchase of a Sideloader for the Division of Facilities and Fleet Management.

Home Network Project Grant

Resolution 0817-20 authorized a grant to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department for the Home Network Project at the Family Care Center. The grant consists of $342,364 in Federal funds and $144,056 in Commonwealth of Kentucky funds, totaling $486,420.

Appointments

The following individuals were appointed or reappointed to various boards and commissions:

Bluegrass Crime Stoppers - Darren Johnson was appointed - Brett Owens was appointed

Board of Health - Michael Friesen was reappointed - Charnise Moore was appointed

Carnegie Center for Literacy Board of Directors - Joshua Douglas was appointed - Veda Stewart was appointed

Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Board - Carrie Rudzik was appointed

Housing Authority Board - Kimberly Scott was reappointed

Internal Audit Board - Michael Lamb was reappointed

Picnic with the Pops Commission - Sarah Thrall was reappointed

Contested Items

Police Discipline Involving Officer Filder

A procedural dispute arose regarding the presentation of police discipline matters involving Officer Filder. Council Member James Brown motioned to postpone the presentation until the next council meeting, citing the need for Chief Weathers to present the information directly. The motion reflected a disagreement about the timing and format of how this disciplinary matter would be addressed by the council.

Recognition of Bill O'Mara

Mayor Gorton recognized Bill O'Mara for his 25 years of service to the city. During the presentation, the Mayor highlighted O'Mara's professionalism and dedication throughout his tenure.

A proclamation was read declaring September 24, 2020, as Bill O'Mara Day in recognition of his contributions to the city.

Amending Budgets for FY 2021 Schedule No. 11

Ordinance 0867-20

An ordinance to amend certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government was presented to reflect current requirements for municipal expenditures.

Key Speakers

Ms. Bledsoe and Ms. Lamb addressed the body regarding this budget amendment.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved.

Amending Zoning Ordinance for FAR and Lot Coverage

Ordinance 0740-20 proposed modifications to the allowable floor area ratio (FAR) and lot coverage in certain residential zones.

Key Participants

Vice Mayor Kay and Ms. Lamb were the primary speakers on this agenda item.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved.