Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on July 8, 2021, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The council addressed a comprehensive agenda of 14 items, taking 14 votes throughout the evening and hearing from 9 members of the public during the comment period. All agenda items were approved, demonstrating unanimous council support for the proposed measures. The meeting covered a diverse range of municipal business including budget amendments, infrastructure projects, social services, and administrative matters, reflecting the council's work on both immediate operational needs and long-term community development initiatives.

Attendance

The following members were present at the July 8, 2021 meeting:

• Mayor Gorton
• Moloney
• Reynolds
• Sheehan
• Baxter
• Bledsoe
• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Ellinger
• Kay
• Kloiber
• Lamb
• LeGris
• Worley (arrived late)

Absent: Plomin, McCurn

Late Arrival: Worley

A total of 14 members were present for the meeting, with 2 members absent and 1 member arriving late.

Votes and Decisions

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council conducted 14 votes during the July 8, 2021 meeting, with the majority passing unanimously or with minimal opposition.

Ordinances Passed Unanimously (13-0): Seven ordinances received unanimous approval with motions by Ellinger and seconds by Kay 0:00:

• Ordinance 0686-21 - Amended Land Subdivision Regulations regarding street tree locations near intersections
• Ordinance 0710-21 - Budget amendments for FY 2022 Schedule No. 2 reflecting current municipal expenditure requirements
• Ordinance 0711-21 - Budget amendments for purchase orders and pre-paid expenses rolling from FY 2021 into FY 2022
• Ordinance 0661-21 - Authorized issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds
• Ordinance 0691-21 - Created one classified position of Homelessness Prevention Manager, Grade 526E
• Ordinance 0698-21 - Imposed annual assessment on property at 941 Manchester Street
• Ordinance 0719-21 - Amended the 2021 Council meeting schedule

Resolutions with Varied Vote Counts: Resolution votes showed more variation in outcomes 0:00:

• Resolution 0615-21 (12-1-0) - Purchase of Service Agreements for overnight emergency sheltering, motioned by Kay, seconded by Sheehan, with Reynolds abstaining
• Resolution 0697-21 (12-1-0) - Accepting Community Action Council award for Early Childhood Care services, with Reynolds abstaining
• Resolution 0709-21 (12-1-0) - Town Branch Trail Project Amendment No. 4 with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with Moloney voting against
• Resolution 0718-21 (12-1-0) - Town Branch Trail Crossing Project Amendment No. 6, with Moloney voting against

Unanimous Resolutions: Four resolutions passed unanimously with motions by Lamb and seconds by Ellinger, including agreements with the Human Rights Commission (0637-21), neighborhood associations (0715-21), and a $11.7 million federal funding agreement with Kentucky Housing Corporation.

All voting members present were Moloney, Reynolds, Worley, Sheehan, Baxter, Bledsoe, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, Kay, Kloiber, Lamb, and LeGris.

Budget and Financial Actions

The council approved several significant financial items totaling over $13.3 million in contracts and grants.

Emergency Sheltering Contract The council authorized a $1,540,919 contract (Resolution 0615-21) for overnight emergency sheltering services. The funding will be distributed among six organizations: GreenHouse17, Community Action Council, Arbor Youth Services, Hospice of the Bluegrass, Salvation Army, and Hope Center.

Grant Authorizations Four grant-related items were approved:

• Head Start Program Grant - Resolution 0697-21 authorized accepting a $15,000 grant from the Community Action Council for Early Childhood Care and Education Services under the Head Start Program.

• Town Branch Trail Project Grants - Two separate $50,000 grants from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet were approved for the Town Branch Trail project. Resolution 0709-21 covers the Right-of-Way Phase of Phase V, while Resolution 0718-21 funds the Design Phase of the Trail Crossing Project.

• Housing Stabilization Program - The largest financial item was an $11,700,000 grant from the Kentucky Housing Corporation for the Housing Stabilization Program, representing the majority of the total funding approved.

These financial actions demonstrate the council's focus on emergency services, infrastructure development, early childhood education, and housing stability initiatives. The emergency sheltering contract represents a collaborative approach involving multiple service providers, while the trail project grants advance recreational infrastructure development. The substantial housing stabilization grant reflects significant investment in addressing housing needs within the community.

Public Comment

Nine residents addressed the council during the public comment period, with the majority focusing on police accountability and community relations issues 0:00.

Police Accountability and Community Relations

Several speakers criticized the Fraternal Order of Police for their social media posts targeting activists and council members. April Taylor called for increased police accountability in response to these posts. Graham Posner expressed concerns about the social media activity and questioned the motives of the Lexington Police Department.

Leigh Ann Woodhead shared personal experiences of harassment following her husband's arrest and criticized the Fraternal Order of Police's actions. James Woodhead thanked council members for passing Breonna's Law while also criticizing the police union's social media conduct.

Jamila Green called for dropping charges against protesters and criticized the Fraternal Order of Police for endangering activists. Riva Russell English discussed what she characterized as a lack of accountability in the Lexington Police Department and also advocated for dropping protester charges.

Jeremy Russell offered a contrasting perspective, defending the Lexington Police Department and criticizing the council for what he viewed as insufficient support for police.

Other Topics

Bernard McCarthy addressed infrastructure concerns, criticizing a proposal for Nicholasville Road. He argued the proposal didn't make sense and advocated for widening the road instead.

Rick Day raised concerns about employee reclassification, questioning both the justification for the changes and what he described as a lack of transparency in the process.

The public comment period reflected ongoing community tensions around police accountability measures and highlighted divisions between residents supporting increased oversight versus those defending law enforcement.

Appointments

The council made two appointments to the Lexington Center Corporation Board of Directors during the July 8, 2021 meeting.

The following individuals were appointed to serve on the Lexington Center Corporation Board of Directors:

• Phil Maxson - appointed to the Lexington Center Corporation Board of Directors
• Jennifer Mossotti - appointed to the Lexington Center Corporation Board of Directors

Both appointments were approved by the council to fill positions on the board that oversees the Lexington Center Corporation, which manages the city's convention and entertainment facilities.

Contested Items

The July 8, 2021 meeting featured two primary areas of contention that drew significant public criticism and debate.

Fraternal Order of Police Social Media Posts

Multiple public commenters raised concerns about social media posts made by the Fraternal Order of Police that allegedly targeted activists and council members. The community opposition centered on calls for increased police accountability, with speakers criticizing the police union's online activities as inappropriate or potentially intimidating toward those advocating for reform. The specific content of the social media posts and the council's response to these concerns were not detailed in the available meeting materials.

Employee Reclassification Controversy

Rick Day delivered pointed criticism regarding the reclassification of certain city employees during the public comment period. Day questioned both the justification for the reclassifications and what he characterized as a lack of transparency in the process. According to his comments, the reclassification decisions had caused significant upset among affected employees. Day's remarks suggested that the changes were implemented without adequate explanation or consultation with the workforce, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction within city departments.

The employee reclassification issue appeared to involve questions about job classifications, potentially affecting compensation, responsibilities, or organizational structure. However, the specific positions involved, the nature of the changes, and any administrative response to Day's concerns were not elaborated upon in the meeting documentation.

Both contested items reflected broader themes of transparency and accountability that appeared to be ongoing concerns for community members attending the meeting. Neither issue showed clear resolution during this session, with the opposition voices primarily coming through public comment rather than formal agenda items requiring council action.

Ordinance amending Land Subdivision Regulations

0:00

The council considered Ordinance 0686-21, which amends Articles 6-10(b)(2) and 6-10(c)(1) of the Land Subdivision Regulations to revise standards for street tree locations near intersections.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Kay, who addressed the proposed changes to the tree placement requirements.

The ordinance specifically targets regulations governing where street trees can be planted in relation to intersections, updating the existing standards to provide clearer guidance for developers and city planners. The amendments affect two subsections of Article 6-10, which deals with landscaping and tree requirements in subdivision developments.

The proposed changes aim to revise the current standards that dictate minimum distances and placement criteria for street trees near intersection areas, ensuring both safety considerations and aesthetic requirements are properly balanced in new developments.

Following discussion by the council members, Ordinance 0686-21 was approved, implementing the revised street tree location standards for future land subdivisions within the city's jurisdiction.

Ordinance amending Budgets for FY 2022 Schedule No. 2

0:00

The council considered Ordinance 0710-21, which amends certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for Fiscal Year 2022. The ordinance reflects current requirements for municipal expenditures and includes appropriations and re-appropriations of funds.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Kay, though specific details of their remarks were not captured in the available transcript data.

The ordinance represents Schedule No. 2 of budget amendments for the fiscal year, indicating this is part of an ongoing series of budget adjustments to address changing municipal needs and requirements throughout the budget cycle.

The council approved the ordinance, allowing the budget modifications to take effect and enabling the reallocation of funds as specified in the legislation.

Ordinance amending Budgets for FY 2022 Schedule No. 3

0:00

The council considered Ordinance 0711-21, which amends certain budgets of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for Fiscal Year 2022. The ordinance provides funding for purchase orders and pre-paid expenses that are rolling over from FY 2021 into FY 2022.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Kay, though specific details of their remarks were not captured in the available transcript data.

This type of budget amendment is typically administrative in nature, addressing the practical need to carry forward financial commitments and prepaid items from one fiscal year to the next. Such ordinances ensure continuity of government operations by properly accounting for outstanding purchase orders and expenses that were committed in the previous fiscal year but need to be fulfilled in the new fiscal year.

The ordinance was approved by the council, allowing the necessary budget adjustments to proceed for FY 2022.

Ordinance authorizing General Obligation Refunding Bonds

0:00

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government considered Ordinance 0661-21, which authorizes the issuance of various purpose General Obligation Refunding Bonds. This ordinance enables the government to refinance existing debt obligations through the issuance of new bonds.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Kay, who presented information about the refunding bond authorization. The ordinance follows standard municipal finance practices that allow local governments to take advantage of favorable market conditions to reduce debt service costs or restructure existing obligations.

General obligation refunding bonds are typically issued when interest rates have declined since the original bonds were sold, allowing the government to achieve debt service savings for taxpayers. These bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Urban County Government, meaning they are secured by the government's taxing power.

The ordinance was approved, providing the administration with the authority to move forward with the bond refunding process when market conditions are favorable. This type of financial tool is commonly used by municipal governments to manage their debt portfolios efficiently and reduce long-term borrowing costs.

The approval of this ordinance represents standard debt management practice and provides flexibility for the Urban County Government to optimize its financial obligations in the best interest of taxpayers.

Ordinance amending authorized strength for Homelessness Prevention Manager

0:00

The council considered Ordinance 0691-21, which would amend the city's authorized staffing strength by creating one classified position of Homelessness Prevention Manager at Grade 526E.

Key speakers during the discussion included council members Ellinger and Kay, though specific details of their remarks were not captured in the available transcript data.

The ordinance represents an expansion of the city's workforce to address homelessness prevention efforts through the creation of this new managerial position. The Grade 526E classification indicates this would be a mid-to-senior level management role within the city's personnel structure.

The council approved the ordinance, authorizing the creation of this new Homelessness Prevention Manager position. This approval allows the city to proceed with hiring for this role as part of its homelessness prevention initiatives.

The passage of this ordinance reflects the city's commitment to strengthening its organizational capacity to address homelessness through dedicated management oversight of prevention programs and services.

Ordinance imposing annual assessment on 941 Manchester Street

0:00

The council considered Ordinance 0698-21, which would impose an annual assessment on the real property located at 941 Manchester Street in Lexington, Kentucky. This ordinance was presented as part of the Energy Project Assessment District Program.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Kay, who addressed the council regarding the proposed assessment structure and its implementation under the energy district program framework.

The ordinance establishes a mechanism for collecting annual assessments from the property owner at 941 Manchester Street to fund energy improvement projects through the established assessment district. This type of financing arrangement allows property owners to fund energy efficiency upgrades and improvements while spreading the cost over multiple years through property tax assessments.

The council ultimately approved Ordinance 0698-21, authorizing the annual assessment on the Manchester Street property. The approval enables the property owner to proceed with planned energy improvements under the assessment district program, with repayment structured through the annual property assessment mechanism.

This ordinance represents part of Lexington's broader Energy Project Assessment District Program, which provides property owners with alternative financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects by allowing the costs to be recovered through property tax assessments over time.

Ordinance amending meeting schedule for 2021

0:00 The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council considered Ordinance 0719-21, which proposed amendments to the council's 2021 meeting schedule. The ordinance specifically modified Section 1 of Ordinance No. 123-2020, which had originally established the schedule of meetings for the Urban County Council for calendar year 2021.

Council members Ellinger and Kay served as key speakers during the discussion of this agenda item. The ordinance addressed necessary adjustments to the previously established meeting dates, though the specific nature of the scheduling changes was not detailed in the available materials.

The council ultimately approved the ordinance, allowing the amended meeting schedule to take effect for the remainder of 2021. This type of scheduling adjustment is typically administrative in nature, often required to accommodate holidays, conflicts with other municipal business, or unforeseen circumstances that necessitate rescheduling regular council meetings.

The approval of Ordinance 0719-21 ensured that the Urban County Council's meeting calendar would be updated to reflect the new scheduling requirements while maintaining compliance with local government meeting notification and scheduling requirements.

Resolution for Purchase of Service Agreements for emergency sheltering

0:00

The council considered Resolution 0615-21, which authorizes the Mayor to execute Purchase of Service Agreements with various organizations for providing overnight emergency sheltering services.

Key speakers during the discussion included Kay and Sheehan, who presented the resolution to the council members.

The resolution was designed to formalize agreements with multiple service providers to ensure adequate emergency shelter capacity for individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. These Purchase of Service Agreements would establish the framework for contracting with organizations that operate overnight emergency sheltering facilities.

The council approved the resolution, enabling the Mayor to move forward with executing the necessary agreements with shelter service providers. This action ensures continued funding and operational support for emergency sheltering services through formal contractual arrangements.

The approval of Resolution 0615-21 represents the council's commitment to maintaining essential emergency housing services for vulnerable community members through partnerships with established service organizations.

Resolution for additional award for Early Childhood Care and Education Services

0:00

The council considered Resolution 0697-21, which would authorize and direct the Mayor to accept an additional award from the Community Action Council for Early Childhood Care and Education Services.

Key speakers during the discussion included Kay and Sheehan, who presented details about the additional funding opportunity for early childhood education programs in the community.

The resolution was approved by the council, allowing the city to move forward with accepting the supplemental award from the Community Action Council. This additional funding will support expanded early childhood care and education services for local families.

*Note: Limited transcript details were available for this agenda item. The resolution passed as part of the meeting's proceedings.*

Resolution for Town Branch Trail Project, Phase V

0:00

The council considered Resolution 0709-21, which would authorize Mayor Kay to execute Amendment No. 4 to an existing agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the Town Branch Trail Project, Phase V.

During the discussion, Mayor Kay and council member Sheehan were the primary speakers addressing this agenda item. The resolution focuses on continuing the development of the Town Branch Trail system through this fifth phase of the project.

The amendment to the agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet represents a continuation of the ongoing partnership between the city and state transportation department for this trail infrastructure project. The Town Branch Trail Project has been developed in multiple phases, with this resolution addressing the fourth amendment to the original agreement.

The council approved the resolution, allowing the Mayor to move forward with executing the amended agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This approval enables the city to proceed with Phase V of the Town Branch Trail Project under the updated terms and conditions outlined in Amendment No. 4.

The resolution's passage demonstrates the council's continued support for expanding the city's trail system and maintaining the collaborative relationship with state transportation officials for this infrastructure development project.

Resolution for Town Branch Trail Crossing Project

0:00 The council considered Resolution 0718-21, which would authorize and direct the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 6 to an existing agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the Town Branch Trail Crossing Project.

Key speakers during the discussion included Kay and Sheehan, who addressed various aspects of the proposed amendment to the transportation cabinet agreement.

The resolution represents a continuation of the ongoing Town Branch Trail Crossing Project, requiring formal authorization for the Mayor to proceed with the sixth amendment to the original agreement with the state transportation department. This type of amendment typically involves modifications to project scope, timeline, or funding arrangements, though the specific details of the changes were not detailed in the available materials.

The council ultimately approved Resolution 0718-21, allowing the Mayor to move forward with executing the amended agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This approval enables the continuation of the Town Branch Trail Crossing Project under the revised terms outlined in Amendment No. 6.

The resolution's passage demonstrates the council's ongoing commitment to the trail crossing infrastructure project and maintains the collaborative relationship with the state transportation cabinet for this public works initiative.

Resolution for Subrecipient Agreement with Human Rights Commission

0:00

The council considered Resolution 0637-21, which would authorize and direct the Mayor to execute a Subrecipient Agreement with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission.

Council members Lamb and Ellinger participated in the discussion of this resolution. The measure would formalize a subrecipient relationship between the city and the Human Rights Commission, allowing for the transfer of funds or resources to support the commission's operations and programs.

The resolution was presented as a standard administrative action to establish the proper legal framework for the ongoing relationship between the city government and the Human Rights Commission. This type of subrecipient agreement typically outlines the terms, conditions, and requirements for how funds will be distributed and used, as well as reporting and compliance obligations.

The council approved Resolution 0637-21, enabling the Mayor to move forward with executing the formal agreement with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission. This approval ensures the commission can continue receiving city support through the established subrecipient framework.

Resolution for Agreements with neighborhood associations

0:00

The council considered Resolution 0715-21, which would authorize and direct the Mayor to execute agreements with various neighborhood associations and organizations. This resolution was presented as part of the regular agenda items for the meeting.

The discussion involved key speakers Lamb and Ellinger, though the specific details of their presentations and any debate points are not detailed in the available materials. The resolution appears to be part of the city's ongoing efforts to formalize partnerships and agreements with local neighborhood groups and community organizations.

The resolution was approved by the council, allowing the Mayor to move forward with executing the specified agreements with the neighborhood associations and organizations identified in the resolution. This type of resolution is typically used to streamline the process of establishing formal relationships between the city government and community groups, potentially covering areas such as community development projects, neighborhood improvement initiatives, or collaborative programs.

The approval of this resolution enables the Mayor to proceed with finalizing these agreements without requiring additional council approval for each individual agreement, provided they fall within the parameters established by the resolution.

Resolution for Memorandum of Agreement with Ky. Housing Corporation

0:00

The council considered a resolution authorizing Mayor Lamb to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kentucky Housing Corporation to accept $11,700,000 in federal funding.

The resolution was presented to authorize the city's acceptance of the substantial federal award through the state housing corporation. Key speakers during the discussion included Mayor Lamb and council member Ellinger, though specific details of their remarks were not captured in the available meeting materials.

The $11.7 million in federal funds represents a significant financial opportunity for the city's housing initiatives. The memorandum of agreement with the Kentucky Housing Corporation would formalize the terms under which these federal dollars would be administered and utilized.

The resolution passed with council approval, giving Mayor Lamb the authority to move forward with executing the agreement. This approval enables the city to proceed with accessing and deploying the federal housing funds according to the terms established with the Kentucky Housing Corporation.

The substantial funding amount suggests this agreement could support major housing development, rehabilitation, or assistance programs within the city, though the specific intended uses of the funds were not detailed in the available meeting summary.