Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council held a virtual meeting on December 3, 2020, at 6:00 PM, presided over by Linda Gorton. The meeting consisted of four agenda items, all of which were informational in nature and focused on recognizing departing councilmembers. The council recognized Councilmember Lisa Higgins-Hord, Councilmember Mark Swanson, Councilmember Bill Farmer, Jr., and Councilmember Jennifer Mossotti. The meeting included one public comment and three motions and votes. All agenda items were completed as informational recognitions.

Attendance

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

• Ms. Lamb
• Mr. McCurran
• Mr. Maloney
• Ms. Massadi
• Ms. Plumman
• Ms. Reynolds
• Mr. Swanson
• Mr. Worley
• Ms. Bledsoe
• Mr. Fred Brown
• Mr. James Brown
• Mr. Ellinger
• Mr. Farmer
• Ms. Higgins-Hord
• Vice Mayor Kay

No members were recorded as absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

Approval of December 1, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes 4:06

Motion by Vice Mayor Kay, seconded by Council Member Plumman. The motion to approve the December 1, 2020 council meeting minutes passed by voice vote.

Approval of Ordinances on Second Reading 35:12

Motion by Council Member Farmer, seconded by Council Member Higgins-Hord. The ordinances on second reading passed by roll call vote with 15 ayes and 0 nays.

Voting in favor: Ms. Lamb, Mr. McCurran, Mr. Maloney, Ms. Massadi, Ms. Plumman, Ms. Reynolds, Mr. Swanson, Mr. Worley, Ms. Bledsoe, Mr. Fred Brown, Mr. James Brown, Mr. Ellinger, Mr. Farmer, Ms. Higgins-Hord, and Vice Mayor Kay.

Approval of Resolutions on Second Reading 52:01

Motion by Council Member Swanson, seconded by Council Member Plumman. The resolutions on second reading passed by roll call vote with 14 ayes and 1 nay.

Voting in favor: Ms. Lamb, Mr. McCurran, Mr. Maloney, Ms. Massadi, Ms. Plumman, Ms. Reynolds, Mr. Worley, Ms. Bledsoe, Mr. Fred Brown, Mr. James Brown, Mr. Ellinger, Mr. Farmer, Ms. Higgins-Hord, and Vice Mayor Kay.

Voting against: Mr. Swanson.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting included appropriations for two facility improvement projects:

• Tate Building Renovations: $66,494 was appropriated for renovations at the Tate Building related to the Division of Water Quality.

• Carnegie Center Repairs: $14,870 was appropriated for repairs to the Carnegie Center.

Public Comment

There were no public comments signed up for this meeting. 4:06

Contested Items

Resolution 1219-20

Resolution 1219-20 resulted in a split vote during the meeting. Councilmember Swanson voted against the resolution, citing support for amendments to KRS Chapter 67A regarding furloughs as the basis for the dissenting vote. The resolution did not achieve unanimous approval, with Swanson's opposition marking the primary point of contention among council members on this matter.

Recognition of Councilmember Lisa Higgins-Hord

5:42

Councilmember Lisa Higgins-Hord was recognized for her service and contributions to the community. Linda Gorton presented the recognition, acknowledging Councilmember Higgins-Hord's work since she began her service on August 11, 2020. The recognition highlighted her involvement in various community initiatives during her tenure.

This was an informational agenda item with no formal debate or concerns raised. The recognition served to honor the councilmember's early contributions to the council and community.

Recognition of Councilmember Mark Swanson

Councilmember Mark Swanson was recognized for his service and contributions to the council and community. 8:27

Linda Gorton presented the recognition, acknowledging Councilmember Swanson's work and dedication to the council and community during his tenure.

This was an informational presentation with no formal action required.

Recognition of Councilmember Bill Farmer, Jr.

Councilmember Bill Farmer, Jr. was recognized for his 20 years of service and numerous contributions to the city. 10:57

Linda Gorton presented the recognition, highlighting Councilmember Farmer's extensive tenure and accomplishments during his time serving the community. This was an informational presentation with no formal debate or concerns raised during the agenda item.

Recognition of Councilmember Jennifer Mossotti

Councilmember Jennifer Mossotti was recognized for her 16 years of service to the community and her advocacy for public policy and neighborhood improvements. 13:48

Linda Gorton presented the recognition, highlighting Mossotti's contributions during her tenure on the council.

This was an informational presentation with no action required.