Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on March 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The meeting focused on recognizing two community members through proclamations, with the council considering agenda items to designate special recognition days for Meghan Talley and Susan Spalding. Both proclamations were approved by the council during the session.

The council conducted 2 votes during the meeting and heard from 2 public commenters. The meeting demonstrated the council's commitment to acknowledging significant contributions from community members through formal recognition. All agenda items brought before the council received approval, reflecting unanimous or strong support for honoring these individuals with designated days in their honor.

Attendance

The following members were present at the March 7, 2024 meeting:

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

All 15 members were in attendance. No members were reported as absent or late for the meeting.

Votes and Decisions

The council took action on two items during the March 7, 2024 meeting.

Ordinance 0743-23 2:00 - An Ordinance amending Section 2-96 of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code of Ordinances to rename the 'Metropolitan Environmental Improvement Commission' to the 'Environmental Commission of Lexington-Fayette County' was brought forward by Ellinger and seconded by Sevigny. The ordinance passed unanimously on a roll call vote with 15 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.

Council members voting in favor were: • Wu • F. Brown • J. Brown • Ellinger • Elliott Baxter • Fogle • Gray • LeGris • Lynch • Monarrez • Plomin • Reynolds • Sevigny • Sheehan • Worley

Resolution 0116-24 4:00 - A Resolution authorizing the merger between Summit Biosciences, Inc., Peac Merger Sub Inc., and Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P. was motioned by J. Brown and seconded by Gray. However, this resolution was withdrawn before a vote could be taken. No votes were recorded for this item.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed two significant contract approvals totaling $344,155 for infrastructure improvements and repairs.

West Hickman Solids Processing Building Heating System The council approved Resolution 0154-24, authorizing a contract with Thermal Service LLC for $87,555 to install a hydronic heating system at the West Hickman Solids Processing Building. This project represents an upgrade to the facility's heating infrastructure.

Elevator Repair Contracts Resolution 0245-24 was approved, awarding a $256,600 contract to DC Elevator Co. for elevator repairs at two locations: Dunbar and Picadome facilities. This represents the larger of the two financial commitments addressed during the meeting.

Both resolutions received formal approval, committing the municipality to these infrastructure investments totaling nearly $345,000 across heating system improvements and elevator maintenance projects.

Public Comment

Two residents addressed the council during the public comment period, both speaking about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and calling for local government action.

Nemona Oliphant 6:00 spoke first, expressing appreciation for previous ceasefire statements made by the council. Oliphant shared her personal perspective as a Jewish person, emphasizing her opposition to the use of her faith to justify violence in the current conflict. She spoke against using Jewish identity or religious beliefs as justification for the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Ben Bandy 8:00 followed with remarks also focused on the Gaza conflict. Bandy, who identified himself as a Jewish resident, called on the council to adopt an official ceasefire resolution. He criticized the council for what he characterized as their failure to take a clear stand against the violence occurring in Gaza, urging them to move beyond previous statements to formal action.

Both speakers approached the topic from their perspectives as Jewish community members, with each calling for the council to take stronger positions regarding the ceasefire. Their comments reflected ongoing community interest in having local government bodies address international conflicts through formal resolutions and statements.

Appointments

The meeting included appointments to the Library Board of Advisors, with two individuals being selected to serve on this advisory body.

The following appointments were made:

• Melissa Coulston was appointed to the Library Board of Advisors

• Wendi Keene was appointed to the Library Board of Advisors

Both appointments represent new additions to the Library Board of Advisors, which serves in an advisory capacity to support library operations and services within the community.

Contested Items

The primary contested item during the March 7, 2024 meeting centered on community demands for a ceasefire resolution regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Ceasefire Resolution

Several community members voiced strong opposition to the council's inaction on adopting a ceasefire resolution related to the Gaza conflict. The disagreement involved residents who expressed frustration with what they perceived as the council's failure to take a public stance on the international situation.

Community members called upon the council to formally adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire, arguing that local government bodies have a responsibility to speak out on humanitarian issues. The nature of the opposition was characterized as community members pushing back against the council's apparent reluctance or refusal to engage with this topic.

The specific outcome of this contested item was not clearly resolved during the meeting, with community members continuing to press for action while the council's response remained unclear from the available information.

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

Meghan Talley Day

1:00

Mayor Gorton proclaimed March 7, 2024, as Meghan Talley Day in Lexington through proclamation 0188-24. The proclamation recognized Talley's significant community involvement and contributions to the Cardinal Valley Neighborhood.

During the presentation, Mayor Gorton highlighted Talley's dedication to community service and her positive impact on local residents. Reynolds also participated in the discussion, supporting the recognition of Talley's efforts.

The proclamation was approved without opposition, formally establishing March 7, 2024, as a day to honor Meghan Talley's community service in Lexington.

Susan Spalding Day

2:00

Mayor Gorton presented Proclamation 0189-24, officially declaring March 7, 2024, as Susan Spalding Day in Lexington. The proclamation recognized Susan Spalding's extensive volunteer contributions to the Greater Gardenside community.

Reynolds participated in the discussion alongside Mayor Gorton during the presentation of this proclamation. The item honored Spalding's dedicated service and community involvement in the Greater Gardenside area.

The proclamation was approved, formally establishing March 7, 2024, as Susan Spalding Day in recognition of her volunteer work and community service.