Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on May 24, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of the Government Center, with Mayor Linda Gorton presiding. The council addressed nine agenda items during the session, taking nine motions and votes on various matters. The meeting included two public comment periods—one for issues on the agenda and one for issues not on the agenda—during which a total of eight members of the public provided comments.

The council approved several significant items, including requested rezonings and docket approvals, budget amendments, and new business items. The council also heard presentations and continuing business matters, which were approved. Additionally, the council received informational reports from council members and the mayor. The meeting followed a standard agenda structure that allowed for public input both on matters under consideration and on other issues of community concern.

Attendance

Present: Linda Gorton, Kay, Moloney, Ellinger, J. Brown, McCurn, Lamb, Sheehan, Kloiber, Worley, F. Brown, Baxter, Bledsoe, Reynolds, Plomin, LeGris

Absent: Thurman, Conrad, Farmer, Dugger, Armstrong, Weathers, Martin, Neal, Ford, Scott, Maxwell, Hamilton

Late: None reported

Votes and Decisions

The following motions were voted on and passed by voice vote during the May 24, 2022 meeting:

- Approval of the docket as amended 5:31 Motion by Baxter, seconded by Sheehan. Passed.

- Approval of the May 10, 2022 work session summary 8:20 Motion by Plomin, seconded by Sheehan. Passed.

- Approval of budget amendments 16:36 Motion by McCurn, seconded by Baxter. Passed.

- Approval of new business items 18:43 Motion by Plowman, seconded by Reynolds. Passed.

- Approval of neighborhood development funds 23:04 Motion by Baxter, seconded by Reynolds. Passed.

- Approval of amendment to residential parking permit program for South Hill 24:13 Motion by Bledsoe, seconded by McCurn. Passed.

- Approval of amendment to residential parking permit program for Bullock Place 24:44 Motion by Bledsoe, seconded by McCurn. Passed.

- Approval of mayor's report 38:53 Motion by Lamb, seconded by Plomin. Passed.

- Adjournment 39:23 Motion by McCurn, seconded by Baxter. Passed.

All votes were conducted by voice vote with no recorded abstentions or dissenting votes.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting authorized the following financial actions and contracts:

Program Management and Environmental Services - L0458-22: Authorization to execute the Second Renewal of the Agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc., for annual program management services for Consent Decree implementation and MS4 Permit compliance ($727,119.00) - L0476-22: Authorization to execute an agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the continued operation and maintenance of existing stream flow and precipitation gauges ($118,450.00)

Infrastructure and Transportation - L0464-22: Authorization to install three (3) speed tables on Douglas Avenue between Newtown Pike and Coffee Tree Lane ($13,500.00) - L0488-22: Authorization to accept a donation from RJ Corman Railroad Group to repair the railroad crossing at Safety City ($9,484.23)

Parks and Recreation Services - L0507-22: Authorization to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc., for design of a new community park at Cardinal Run Park North ($700,000.00) - L0508-22: Authorization to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Palmer Engineering Company for design services for Masterson Station Park Improvements and new trails in Jacobson and Whitney Young Parks ($350,760.00) - L0509-22: Authorization to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Element Design for design services for new courts and existing court renovations at nine (9) city parks ($66,000.00) - L0491-22: Authorization to establish Greenville Turf and Tractor as a sole source provider for the purchase of two pieces of golf course maintenance equipment ($45,754.94) - L0510-22: Authorization to abolish one (1) vacant Staff Assistant position and one (1) vacant Skilled Trades Manager position, and create one (1) Parks and Recreation Superintendent position ($30,802.76) - L0489-22: Authorization to accept a donation from Friends of Raven Run ($5,000.00) as a grant match for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant

Community Support and Services - L0485-22: Authorization to execute a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Lexington Pride Center to provide programmatic support for the LGBTQ+ community ($5,000.00) - L0496-22: Authorization to execute a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Lexington Pride Festival to support the annual LGBTQ festival in downtown Lexington ($2,500.00) - L0497-22: Authorization to execute an agreement with Fayette Mall for implementation of kiosks for officer recruitment ($3,600.00) - L0502-22: Authorization to accept an additional federal award from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support child care expenses for the Extended School Program ($116,221.30)

Emergency Services and Equipment - L0500-22: Authorization to approve Meridian Medical Technologies Inc. as a sole source provider to purchase DuoDote™ Auto-Injectors for Lexington's hospitals and Fire/EMS ($15,327.00) - L0486-22: Authorization to establish Atlantic Emergency Solutions as a sole source provider for proprietary parts and repair of Pierce Manufacturing fire apparatus ($0.00) - L0487-22: Authorization to donate a 1986 Pierce Arrow fire engine to Fayette County Public Schools ($0.00)

Property and Facility Agreements - L0481-22: Authorization to execute stipulations for an easement and accept an easement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, for property at 3301 Leestown Road ($0.00) - L0484-22: Authorization to execute a Site Access Agreement with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for a cell tower at Deer Haven Park ($0.00) - L0514-22: Authorization to approve Machinex Technologies as a sole source provider for parts and services for equipment at the Materials Recovery Facility ($0.00)

Other Actions - L0505-22: Authorization to execute an amendment to the Ashland Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Action Match Agreement extending the project to August 31, 2022 ($0.00)

Public Comment

Several community members and officials shared remarks during the meeting, highlighting recent events and recognizing individuals for their contributions.

Nick Rowe 12:11 expressed gratitude for a proclamation recognizing his 35 years of service to the water industry and community. He emphasized the importance of integrity, character, and service over personal accolades.

Plowman 26:21 announced the 50th anniversary celebration of LexArts featuring Horsemania and shared personal news that his legislative aide, Eve Wallingford, is getting married.

Baxter 27:30 reported on the successful inaugural Food Truck Friday event, which drew approximately 3,000 attendees. He also thanked the vice mayor for attending a park dedication ceremony.

Bledsoe 28:01 announced an upcoming stormwater meeting and expressed enthusiasm about pool openings. He informed the council of a road closure at Clay's Mill scheduled during summer break.

Reynolds 31:17 highlighted the fire awards banquet and a community music festival. He also honored Victor Palomino, a key figure in bilingual community outreach, who is relocating to Northern California.

McCurn 32:22 congratulated Kinetic by Windstream on their groundbreaking ceremony, noting the event's success despite rain. He shared a recap of a busy weekend of community activities.

James Brown 33:28 reflected on a packed weekend of community events, including Radio Eyes' anniversary and a tree planting. He praised Nick Rowe as a role model for retirement engagement.

Lamb 36:42 shared emotional reflections on attending graduations for NAMI, Audrey Grievous Center, and Family Care Center, emphasizing the importance of community support and uplifting others.

Public Comment - Issues on Agenda

4:30

No public comments were submitted for issues on the agenda.

Requested Rezonings/Docket Approval

5:00

The docket was presented for approval with proposed amendments. Key speakers on this agenda item included Baxter, Sheehan, McCurn, and Reynolds.

The docket approval included two main modifications:

• Zone Map Amendment Public Hearing: A public hearing was scheduled for a zone map amendment.
• Brannon Run Resolution: A resolution to recognize Brannon Run was added to the docket.

The docket was approved with these amendments in place.

Approval of Summary

The May 10, 2022 work session summary was presented for approval 8:20. Key speakers Plomin and Sheehan addressed this agenda item.

The summary was approved without dissent.

Budget Amendments

A motion to approve budget amendments was presented and subsequently passed. 16:36

Key Speakers and Discussion

The agenda item involved presentations and discussion from Council Members McCurn, Baxter, Farmer, and Conrad.

Concerns Raised

Council Member Baxter raised questions during the discussion regarding two specific aspects of the proposed amendments:

• Kiosk placement
• Project scope

Outcome

The motion to approve the budget amendments was approved.

New Business

18:43

The council addressed several new business items, which were ultimately approved following discussion among council members.

Items Presented

The new business agenda included park design contracts, donation agreements, and service contracts for council consideration.

Discussion and Concerns

Council members Ellinger, Bledsoe, James Brown, Wells, Conrad, and Farmer participated in the discussion. During deliberation, council members raised questions regarding project timelines and implementation details related to the presented items.

Outcome

All new business items were approved by the council.

Continuing Business/Presentations

23:41

A partial report from the April 19, 2022 Planning and Public Safety Committee was presented during this agenda item. The presentation focused on amendments to the residential parking permit program affecting two areas: South Hill and Bullock Place.

Key speakers during this discussion included James Brown, Bledsoe, McCurn, and Legree.

The residential parking permit program amendments were presented for consideration and received approval from the body. The specific details of the proposed changes to the program for these two neighborhoods were discussed among the committee members and attendees present at the meeting.

Outcome: The residential parking permit program amendments for South Hill and Bullock Place were approved.

Council Reports

Council members provided updates on community initiatives and organizational milestones during this informational segment 26:21.

Speakers and Topics

The following council members shared reports:

• Plowman
• Baxter
• Bledsoe
• Reynolds
• McCurn
• Lamb

Updates Presented

Council members discussed several community programs and events, including:

• LexArts initiatives
• Food Truck Friday
• Mental health support programs
• Community graduations and organizational milestones

Outcome

This segment was informational in nature, with council members sharing updates on ongoing community activities and programs without formal action items or debate.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Gorton presented reflections on community graduations and the importance of support systems during this agenda item. 38:53

The presentation emphasized the impact of uplifting individuals in need within the community. Mayor Gorton shared observations about graduations as significant community milestones and discussed how support systems play a vital role in helping individuals succeed.

Key Speakers: - Mayor Gorton - Lamb

Outcome: The item was approved.

Public Comment - Issues Not on Agenda

39:23

No public comments were submitted for issues not on the agenda.