Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on October 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The council addressed 11 agenda items during the session, including informational presentations and legislative business. The meeting featured two informational presentations on the Friend of the Cities Award and Lexington's sister city relationship with County Kildare, Ireland.

The council conducted 9 votes on various municipal matters, approving all items that came before them for consideration. These included multiple budget amendments for council capital projects, municipal expenditures, and ARPA funds, as well as personnel-related items such as amending the salary range for the Council Administrator and ratifying pay increases for pension fund secretaries. Additional approved measures included creating new positions in Waste Management, partially closing Concord Drive, and amending the age requirement for Police Academy examinations.

The meeting also included 2 public comments from community members. Overall, the session demonstrated active municipal governance with the council addressing both administrative and operational needs of the city while maintaining engagement with sister city relationships and recognizing community partnerships.

Attendance

The following members were present at the October 12, 2023 meeting:

Present: • Mayor Gorton • J. Brown • Ellinger • Elliott Baxter • Fogle • Gray • LeGris • Lynch • Monarrez • Plomin • Reynolds • Sevigny • Sheehan • Worley • Wu • F. Brown

Absent: None

Late: None

All 16 members were in attendance for this meeting, with no absences or late arrivals recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The council voted on nine ordinances during the October 12, 2023 meeting, with all measures passing unanimously.

Budget and Financial Matters 2:00 The council approved several budget amendments through roll call votes with all 15 members voting in favor:

• Ordinance 0955-23 - Amending budgets for Council Capital Projects in Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)
• Ordinance 1012-23 - Amending budgets for municipal expenditures (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)
• Ordinance 0991-23 - Amending budgets for Council Capital Projects in Parks and Recreation and Traffic Engineering (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)
• Ordinance 1014-23 - Amending budgets for ARPA funds (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)

Personnel and Administrative Actions 2:00 Three personnel-related ordinances passed unanimously:

• Ordinance 0962-23 - Amending salary range for Council Administrator (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)
• Ordinance 0963-23 - Ratifying pay increases for Secretaries of the Police and Fire Pension Fund (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)
• Ordinance 0978-23 - Creating positions in Waste Management (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle)

Infrastructure and Public Safety [timestamp: 02:00-03:00] Two additional measures were approved:

• Ordinance 0980-23 - Partially closing Concord Dr. (motioned by Ellinger, seconded by Fogle) 2:00
• Ordinance 0987-23 - Amending Police Academy examination age requirement (motioned by J. Brown, seconded by Worley) 3:00

All voting members present - J. Brown, Ellinger, Elliott Baxter, Fogle, Gray, LeGris, Lynch, Monarrez, Plomin, Reynolds, Sevigny, Sheehan, Worley, Wu, and F. Brown - voted in favor of each ordinance. No members voted against any measure or abstained from voting.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed several significant financial commitments totaling over $5.3 million across infrastructure, emergency services, and community development projects.

Infrastructure Projects

Two major construction contracts were approved for municipal infrastructure improvements. Resolution 0933-23 authorized a $468,463.62 contract with ATS Construction for Town Branch Trail Phase 6 construction, continuing the city's trail development initiative. A substantially larger project, Resolution 0964-23, approved a $3,570,000 contract with Mac Construction & Excavating, Inc. for Parkers Mill Trunk Sewer F construction, representing the largest single expenditure of the meeting.

Emergency Services Equipment

The council approved Resolution 0950-23, authorizing $1,151,768 for the refurbishment of a 2003 Pierce Dash Ladder Truck through Atlantic Emergency Solutions. This investment will extend the operational life of critical fire department equipment.

Community Development Funding

Resolution 0971-23 established funding of $113,619 for the Neighborhood Action Match Grant Program, supporting community-driven improvement initiatives throughout the city.

These financial actions demonstrate the municipality's commitment to infrastructure maintenance and expansion, emergency service capabilities, and neighborhood development programs. The approved expenditures span multiple departments and represent both capital improvements and ongoing operational needs.

Public Comment

During the public comment period, two speakers addressed the council regarding source of income discrimination in housing.

Tiffany 3:00 spoke as a disabled renter in support of implementing a ban on source of income discrimination. She highlighted the significant challenges that individuals with non-traditional income sources face when attempting to secure housing, drawing from her personal experience as someone who relies on disability benefits and other alternative income streams.

Steven Krueger 3:00 also addressed the council as a renter, advocating for the adoption of a source of income discrimination ban. Krueger emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable treatment for residents who utilize housing vouchers and other assistance programs, arguing that current practices create unfair barriers to housing access.

Both speakers focused their comments on the same core issue - the need for local policy changes to prevent landlords and property managers from discriminating against potential tenants based on their source of income, whether from government assistance programs, disability benefits, housing vouchers, or other non-traditional income sources. Their testimony provided personal perspectives on how current housing practices impact vulnerable community members seeking stable housing options.

Appointments

The meeting included several appointments and reappointments to various municipal boards and commissions.

Eric Sutherland received two appointments during the session. He was appointed to serve on the Corridors Commission and also appointed to the Tree Board.

Ed Holmes was reappointed to continue his service on the Lexington Center Corporation board.

David Lowe was reappointed to the Water Quality Fees Board, allowing him to continue in his existing role on that body.

These appointments represent the ongoing process of filling positions on the city's various advisory boards and commissions that provide expertise and community input on municipal matters ranging from environmental issues to economic development.

Contested Items

The meeting featured one significant contested item that generated heated discussion among council members.

Police Pursuit Discipline

A contentious debate arose regarding disciplinary actions taken against police officers involved in a pursuit incident where officers allegedly disobeyed direct orders. Council member Fogle led the discussion, expressing strong concerns about whether the disciplinary measures imposed were adequate given the severity of the violations.

Fogle emphasized the seriousness of officers failing to follow commands during pursuit situations, arguing that such disobedience could have significant public safety implications. The council member questioned whether the current disciplinary response appropriately addressed the gravity of the misconduct and whether it would serve as an effective deterrent for future incidents.

The discussion became heated as council members debated the balance between appropriate accountability for officer misconduct and supporting law enforcement operations. While the specific details of the disciplinary actions were not fully disclosed in the available materials, the debate centered on whether the punishment fit the severity of the policy violations.

The outcome of this contested item was not clearly resolved during the meeting, with the discussion appearing to continue beyond the available transcript excerpts. The heated nature of the debate suggests this issue may require further consideration at future meetings or additional review by relevant oversight bodies.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps were not available in the provided materials for this contested item.*

Friend of the Cities Award

1:00

The Kentucky League of Cities presented Kentucky State Senator Amanda Mays-Bledsoe with the 2023 Friend of Kentucky Cities Award during agenda item 0913-23. The presentation recognized Senator Mays-Bledsoe's advocacy and legislative work on behalf of Kentucky municipalities.

Mayor Gorton and J.D. Chaney participated in the presentation ceremony, highlighting the senator's contributions to local government initiatives and her support for policies benefiting Kentucky cities. The award acknowledges legislators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing the interests of municipal governments throughout the state.

Senator Amanda Mays-Bledsoe accepted the recognition and addressed the meeting participants regarding her ongoing work with local governments. The presentation served as an informational item, celebrating the collaborative relationship between state and local government officials.

The Friend of Kentucky Cities Award represents the Kentucky League of Cities' recognition program for state legislators who consistently support municipal interests through their legislative actions and advocacy efforts.

Lexington Sister Cities - County Kildare, Ireland

1:00

The meeting included a presentation welcoming a delegation from County Kildare, Ireland, as part of Lexington's sister cities program. This agenda item (0769-23) served as an informational presentation to recognize the international partnership.

Mayor Gorton participated in the proceedings, along with key speakers Kay Sargent and Sonya Kavanagh, who helped facilitate the welcome for the visiting delegation. The presentation highlighted the ongoing relationship between Lexington and County Kildare through the sister cities initiative.

As part of the recognition, a proclamation was read during the meeting declaring October 14, 2023, as Sister Cities International Day in Lexington. This proclamation formally acknowledged the importance of international partnerships and cultural exchange programs that connect Lexington with communities around the world.

The agenda item was purely informational in nature, serving to publicly recognize the visiting delegation and celebrate the sister cities relationship. No formal action was required or taken by the council, as this was a ceremonial presentation designed to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between the two communities.

The sister cities program represents Lexington's commitment to fostering international relationships and promoting cultural understanding through formal partnerships with municipalities in other countries. County Kildare's delegation visit provided an opportunity to showcase this ongoing collaboration and its benefits to the local community.

Amending Budgets for Council Capital Projects

2:00

The Council considered Ordinance 0955-23, which proposed amending budgets to provide funding for Council Capital Projects in Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation departments.

The ordinance was presented to authorize budget amendments that would allocate funds for specific capital projects under the Council's purview. The proposed changes would direct resources toward infrastructure and improvement projects within the city's parks and recreation facilities as well as historic preservation initiatives.

Key speakers during the discussion included Council members Ellinger and Fogle, who addressed various aspects of the budget amendments and the proposed capital projects. The speakers discussed the specifics of how the funds would be allocated between the Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation departments.

The ordinance represents the Council's effort to ensure adequate funding is available for capital improvements that fall under their direct oversight. These types of budget amendments are typically necessary when additional funding needs are identified for ongoing or planned capital projects that require Council approval.

Following the presentation and discussion, the Council voted to approve Ordinance 0955-23. The approval enables the budget amendments to take effect, providing the necessary funding authorization for the specified Council Capital Projects in both Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The successful passage of this ordinance ensures that the identified capital projects can proceed with proper funding allocation, supporting the city's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its parks, recreation facilities, and historic preservation initiatives.

Amending Budgets for Municipal Expenditures

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 1012-23, which proposed amendments to municipal budgets to align with current expenditure requirements. This ordinance aimed to adjust existing budget allocations to better reflect the city's operational needs.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Fogle, who presented the rationale for the budget amendments and addressed questions from fellow council members. The speakers outlined how the proposed changes would ensure municipal departments have adequate funding to meet their current operational requirements.

The ordinance was designed to make necessary adjustments to various budget line items without increasing the overall municipal spending authority. The amendments represented a reallocation of existing funds rather than new expenditures, allowing departments to address evolving priorities and operational demands that had emerged since the original budget adoption.

Following the presentation and discussion, the council voted to approve Ordinance 1012-23. The approval enables the municipal administration to implement the budget amendments and ensures that city departments can continue their operations with appropriate funding levels aligned to current needs.

The successful passage of this ordinance demonstrates the council's commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring municipal services can adapt to changing requirements throughout the budget year.

Amending Budgets for Council Capital Projects

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 0991-23, which proposed amending budgets to provide funding for Council Capital Projects in Parks and Recreation and Traffic Engineering departments.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Fogle, who addressed the proposed budget amendments for these capital projects.

The ordinance was designed to allocate additional funds to support infrastructure and improvement projects under the council's capital program, specifically targeting two key areas of municipal services. The Parks and Recreation component would fund projects related to park facilities and recreational infrastructure, while the Traffic Engineering portion would support transportation and traffic management improvements.

The council ultimately approved the ordinance, allowing the budget amendments to move forward and providing the necessary funding authorization for these Council Capital Projects in both departments.

Amending Salary Range for Council Administrator

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 0962-23, which proposed amending the salary range for the Council Administrator position. The ordinance establishes new bi-weekly grade minimum and maximum salary levels for this role.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Fogle, who addressed the proposed salary adjustments. The ordinance specifically focuses on updating the compensation structure to reflect current market conditions and ensure competitive positioning for the Council Administrator role.

The proposed changes involve establishing revised bi-weekly pay grades with both minimum and maximum thresholds, providing a structured salary range that allows for performance-based progression within the position. This adjustment represents the council's effort to maintain appropriate compensation levels for administrative leadership positions.

The ordinance was approved by the council, implementing the new salary range structure for the Council Administrator position effective upon passage.

Ratifying Pay Increases for Pension Fund Secretaries

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 0963-23, which ratified pay increases for the Secretaries of the Board of Trustees of the Police and Fire Pension Fund. This ordinance formally approved compensation adjustments that had already been implemented for these administrative positions.

Key speakers during the discussion included council members Ellinger and Fogle, who addressed the ratification process and the necessity of the pay increases for the pension fund secretaries.

The ordinance was presented as a routine administrative matter requiring council approval to formalize the compensation changes. The secretaries serve the Board of Trustees of the Police and Fire Pension Fund, providing administrative support for pension operations and trustee meetings.

The council approved Ordinance 0963-23, ratifying the pay increases for the pension fund secretaries. The approval ensures that the compensation adjustments are properly authorized and documented in accordance with municipal procedures.

Partially Closing Concord Dr.

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 0980-23, which would partially close Concord Dr. and transfer portions of the former right-of-way to adjacent property owners.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Fogle, who addressed the proposal's details and implications for the affected area.

The ordinance includes specific provisions for how portions of the former street right-of-way would be transferred to abutting property owners following the partial closure. This type of street closure typically occurs when a portion of roadway is no longer needed for public use or when it would benefit adjacent property development.

The council ultimately approved Ordinance 0980-23, allowing the partial closure of Concord Dr. to proceed with the specified right-of-way transfer provisions.

Creating Positions in Waste Management

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 0978-23, which would create new Classified Civil Service positions within the Division of Waste Management. This ordinance was presented to address staffing needs in the city's waste management operations.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Fogle, who provided input on the proposed position creation. The ordinance specifically focused on establishing new classified civil service roles to support the Division of Waste Management's operational requirements.

The council ultimately approved Ordinance 0978-23, authorizing the creation of these new waste management positions. The approval will allow the division to move forward with hiring to fill the newly established roles within the city's classified civil service system.

Amending Budgets for ARPA Funds

2:00

The council considered Ordinance 1014-23, which proposed amendments to budgets for various projects funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) State and Local Recovery Funds. The ordinance addressed Council Appropriations for multiple initiatives supported by these federal recovery dollars.

Key speakers during the discussion included Ellinger and Fogle, who presented details about the budget amendments and addressed questions from other council members. The ordinance involved reallocating or adjusting funding amounts for existing ARPA-funded projects within the city's budget framework.

The discussion focused on the technical aspects of moving funds between different ARPA-supported initiatives while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines for the use of State and Local Recovery Funds. Council members reviewed the specific projects affected by the budget amendments and confirmed that the changes aligned with the city's strategic priorities for recovery funding.

The ordinance was approved by the council, allowing the budget amendments to take effect. This approval enables the city to proceed with the adjusted funding allocations for the various ARPA-supported projects and programs covered under the ordinance.

Amending Police Academy Examination Age Requirement

3:00

The council considered Ordinance 0987-23, which would reduce the minimum age requirement for Police Academy examination from 21 to 20 years old.

Key speakers during the discussion included J. Brown and Worley, who presented arguments regarding the proposed age reduction for police academy candidates.

The ordinance was approved by the council, allowing individuals who are 20 years old to take the Police Academy examination, lowering the previous minimum age requirement by one year.

*Note: Detailed discussion points, specific concerns raised, and voting information were not available in the provided materials.*