Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on November 2, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The meeting focused primarily on recognizing local achievements and community contributions, with three informational agenda items presented to the council. The session included recognition of the YMCA Black Achievers Government Day, celebration of Irish Dance Champions from Celli Academy, and acknowledgment of the Lafayette High School Band for their accomplishments.

During the meeting, the council conducted two formal votes on motions and heard one public comment from a community member. All three agenda items were informational in nature, serving to highlight positive community activities and achievements rather than requiring legislative action. The meeting provided an opportunity for the council to formally recognize various groups and individuals who have made notable contributions to the Lexington community through their academic, artistic, and civic endeavors.

Attendance

The following members were present at the November 2, 2023 meeting:

• Fogle
• Gray
• LeGris
• Lynch
• Monarrez
• Sevigny
• Sheehan
• Worley
• Wu
• F. Brown
• J. Brown
• Ellinger
• Elliott Baxter

Absent: Plomin, Reynolds

No members arrived late to the meeting.

A total of 13 members were present and 2 members were absent.

Votes and Decisions

The meeting included two roll call votes, both of which passed unanimously.

Ordinance 1068-23 3:00 Council voted on changing the zoning classification from Wholesale and Warehouse Business (B-4) to Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) for properties located at 2833 & 2853 Liberty Road. The motion was made by Elliott Baxter and seconded by Sheehan. The ordinance passed with 13 ayes and 0 nays. All council members present voted in favor: Fogle, Gray, LeGris, Lynch, Monarrez, Sevigny, Sheehan, Worley, Wu, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, and Elliott Baxter.

Resolution 1062-23 6:00 Council voted to accept bids from Herrick Co., Inc. and K. Hayes Limited for establishing WWTP Pumping Station Diagnostic and Repair Services Unit Price Contracts. The motion was made by Ellinger and seconded by Fogle. The resolution passed with 12 ayes and 0 nays. The following council members voted in favor: Fogle, Gray, LeGris, Lynch, Monarrez, Sevigny, Sheehan, Wu, F. Brown, J. Brown, Ellinger, and Elliott Baxter. Council member Worley was not recorded as voting on this item.

Both items received strong support from the council with no opposition or abstentions recorded on either vote.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two significant financial items requiring council approval.

SCADA System Support Services The council considered Resolution 1043-23 for the purchase of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Citect/Historian Support Services from ATR Distributing Co, Inc. in the amount of $56,587.20. This purchase involves technical support services for the city's industrial control systems used to monitor and control infrastructure operations.

Lyric Theatre Operations Contract Resolution 1049-23 addressed a contract with Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center Inc. for the operation of the Lyric Theatre, valued at $127,500. This contract covers the ongoing management and operation of the municipal theatre facility.

The two financial actions represent a combined expenditure of $184,087.20, with the theatre operations contract comprising the larger portion at approximately 69% of the total financial commitments discussed.

Public Comment

During the public comment period, one community member addressed the council regarding housing discrimination issues.

Rye Utomo spoke in support of implementing a ban on source of income discrimination 11:00. Utomo emphasized the critical importance of such legislation for immigrants and refugees who face barriers in securing stable housing. The speaker urged the council to move forward with passing this anti-discrimination measure, highlighting how current practices create additional challenges for vulnerable populations seeking housing in the community.

The public comment period focused specifically on housing equity and discrimination prevention measures that could benefit immigrant and refugee communities in their search for stable housing options.

Appointments

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

Agricultural Extension District Board • Todd Clark was reappointed to the Agricultural Extension District Board • Pam Hricenak was reappointed to the Agricultural Extension District Board

Airport Board • Angela Coleman was appointed to the Airport Board • Bangaly Savane was appointed to the Airport Board

The appointments represent both continuity of service through reappointments of existing board members and new representation through the addition of fresh members to the Airport Board.

YMCA Black Achievers Government Day

2:00

The council recognized the YMCA Black Achievers Program during a presentation that resulted in an official proclamation declaring November 2, 2023, as YMCA Black Achievers Day.

Mayor Gorton participated in the recognition ceremony alongside key speakers Marley Bush and Paula Anderson, who represented the YMCA Black Achievers Program. The presentation highlighted the program's significant contributions to youth development in the community.

The YMCA Black Achievers Program focuses on empowering young people through mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities. The council's proclamation formally acknowledged the program's positive impact on local youth and its role in fostering achievement and personal growth among participants.

This agenda item (0915-23) served as an informational presentation to honor the organization's work rather than requiring any council action or debate. The proclamation represents the city's official recognition of the program's value to the community and its commitment to supporting youth development initiatives.

The recognition ceremony underscored the importance of community partnerships in supporting young people's educational and personal development goals. By declaring November 2, 2023, as YMCA Black Achievers Day, the council formally celebrated the program's ongoing efforts to create opportunities for youth success and community engagement.

Irish Dance Champions - Celli Academy

4:00

The council recognized the Bluegrass Ceili Academy for their outstanding achievement in winning a national championship in Irish dance. Mayor Gorton presented the recognition during this ceremonial portion of the meeting.

The presentation honored the academy's success in competitive Irish dance at the national level. Megan Moloney participated as a key speaker during the recognition ceremony, representing the dance academy.

As part of the recognition, the council issued a proclamation officially declaring November 2, 2023, as "Bluegrass Ceili Academy Day" in honor of the dance school's national championship victory. This proclamation serves as formal acknowledgment of the academy's achievement and contribution to the community's cultural and artistic landscape.

The agenda item was informational in nature, serving as a ceremonial recognition rather than requiring any council action or vote. The presentation highlighted the academy's accomplishment in Irish dance competition and celebrated their representation of the community on a national stage.

Recognition of Lafayette High School Band

6:00

The council recognized the Lafayette High School Marching Band for their outstanding achievement in winning their 23rd state championship. This agenda item, numbered 1138-23, was presented as a formal recognition of the band's continued excellence in competition.

Mayor Gorton and Robert Dee Bishop served as the key speakers for this presentation. The recognition included the presentation of a proclamation officially declaring November 2, 2023, as Lafayette High School Marching Band Day in honor of the band's remarkable accomplishment.

The Lafayette High School Marching Band's 23rd state championship represents a significant milestone in the school's musical program, demonstrating sustained excellence over many years of competition. This level of achievement reflects the dedication of both the student musicians and their instructors.

This agenda item was informational in nature, serving as a ceremonial recognition rather than requiring any council action or vote. The proclamation and formal recognition provide official acknowledgment of the band's contribution to the community and their representation of Lafayette High School at the state level.

The recognition highlights the importance the city places on educational achievements and extracurricular excellence within local schools. By designating a specific day in honor of the marching band, the council formally celebrated the students' hard work and success in bringing recognition to their school and community through their musical talents and competitive achievements.