Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council convened on August 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chamber in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The council addressed 12 agenda items during the session, taking 6 formal votes and hearing 2 public comments from residents.

The meeting focused primarily on routine municipal business, with the council approving several key items including requested rezonings and docket approval, budget amendments, new business items, and various mayoral communications covering appointments, donations, and procurement matters. The council also approved a summary from previous proceedings.

In addition to the voting items, the session included several informational presentations and reports. Council members received updates on the Lexington AgTech Development initiative and learned about plans for a new Senior & Therapeutic Center. The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee also provided a report to the full council.

The meeting began with a public comment period specifically for issues on the agenda, allowing community members to address the council before formal deliberations commenced. The session also included a continuing business and presentations segment, providing opportunities for ongoing municipal matters to be discussed and for relevant updates to be shared with council members and the public.

Attendance

The following members were present at the meeting on August 27, 2024:

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

Absent: • Monarrez

No members arrived late to the meeting. With 15 members present and 1 absent, the body had sufficient attendance to conduct official business.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted six unanimous votes during the August 27, 2024 meeting, with all 14 members present voting in favor of each motion.

Approval of Meeting Docket 0:30 Councilmember Ellinger motioned to approve the Thursday, August 22, 2024 Council Meeting docket, seconded by Sheehan. The motion passed unanimously with 14 ayes and 0 nays. All council members voted in favor: Wu, J. Brown, Ellinger, Fogle, Lynch, LeGris, Sheehan, Gray, Worley, F. Brown, Baxter, Sevigny, Reynolds, and Plomin.

Budget Amendments 2:00 Plomin motioned to approve budget amendments, with Baxter providing the second. The vote was unanimous, 14-0, with the same council members voting in favor.

New Business 3:00 Baxter motioned to approve new business items, seconded by Fogle. This motion also passed unanimously with all 14 council members voting yes.

Mayoral Appointments 4:00 Reynolds motioned to approve communications from the Mayor regarding appointments, with Fogle seconding. The motion carried unanimously, 14-0.

Mayoral Donations 5:00 Plomin motioned to approve communications from the Mayor concerning donations, seconded by Sheehan. All 14 council members voted in favor, resulting in unanimous approval.

Mayoral Procurements 6:00 Wu motioned to approve communications from the Mayor regarding procurements, with Gray providing the second. The final vote of the meeting was also unanimous, with all 14 members voting yes.

All motions were approved without opposition or abstentions, demonstrating consensus among the full council on the agenda items presented.

Budget and Financial Actions

The meeting addressed thirteen financial items totaling over $3.8 million in grants, contracts, and purchases.

Grant Acceptances: • Resolution 0765-24 approved a $79,000 Child Care Food Program Application for the Family Care Center through the Kentucky Department of Education/Division of School and Community Nutrition • Resolution 0810-24 accepted $9,150 from the American Water Charitable Foundation for Greenspace Trust • Resolution 0812-24 accepted $251,030 in federal funds for the Traffic Safety Program from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Highway Safety • Resolution 0813-24 accepted a $499,997 federal award for First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Support Services Act Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Service Contracts: • Resolution 0789-24 approved an annual $9,648 commercial service agreement with Accelecom, Inc. for redundant fiber Internet connection • Resolution 0790-24 approved an annual $11,700 commercial service agreement with Earthlink, Inc. for redundant Internet connection • Resolution 0791-24 authorized a $69,400 professional services agreement with Prime AE for post-construction bike and pedestrian user counts • Resolution 0795-24 approved a $2,046,000 Purchase of Service Agreement with Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, LLC for animal control services • Resolution 0796-24 authorized a $322,000 agreement with Greater LEX for the Regional Economic Development Collective • Resolution 0808-24 approved a $316,640 agreement with Hope Center, Inc. for Progressive Street Outreach Services • Resolution 0825-24 approved ClimateView as a sole source provider for Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant services totaling $144,400

Equipment and Infrastructure: • Resolution 0794-24 authorized the purchase of electronic vehicle inspection reporting software and services from Zonar Systems, LLC for $82,625 • Resolution 0809-24 approved $5,000 for installation of one speed table on Don Anna Drive

Public Comment

Two residents addressed the council during the public comment period.

Alice Hilton spoke at 2:00:00 about Lexington's Week Without Driving initiative. Hilton invited council members to participate in the program, which is designed to help participants experience firsthand the challenges faced by residents who do not drive. The initiative aims to increase awareness of transportation barriers and accessibility issues within the community.

Joe Grayson addressed the council at 2:03:00 regarding the need for fenced playgrounds in Lexington. Grayson emphasized that fenced play areas would provide safe recreational spaces for children and adults with autism. He highlighted the importance of creating secure environments where individuals on the autism spectrum can play and exercise without safety concerns related to wandering or other behavioral challenges.

Both speakers focused on accessibility and inclusion issues affecting different segments of the Lexington community, addressing transportation equity and recreational facility safety respectively.

Appointments

The meeting included appointments to various commissions and boards, though specific details about individual appointees and their designated positions were not clearly documented in the available materials.

Multiple appointments were made during the session, with various individuals being appointed to serve on different municipal commissions and boards. However, the extracted data does not provide the specific names of appointees, the exact commissions or boards they were appointed to, or the terms of their appointments.

These appointments represent the ongoing process of filling volunteer positions on city commissions and boards that provide advisory services and oversight for various municipal functions. Such appointments are typically made to ensure continued governance and community input on local government operations.

*Note: Specific details about individual appointees, their designated roles, and the particular commissions or boards were not available in the source materials provided. Readers seeking complete information about these appointments should refer to the full meeting minutes or contact the city clerk's office.*

Contested Items

The meeting included one contested item that resulted in a split vote among council members.

Rezoning and Docket Approval

A rezoning item on the meeting docket generated disagreement among council members, resulting in a split vote rather than unanimous approval. One council member voted against the motion while the others supported it.

The specific details of the rezoning proposal, including the property location, requested zoning changes, and the dissenting council member's stated reasons for opposition, were not captured in the available meeting data. The nature of the disagreement and the final vote tally beyond the single opposing vote were also not documented in the extracted information.

Despite the opposition from one member, the rezoning item appears to have passed based on the majority support from the remaining council members.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps, council member names, and detailed discussion points were not available in the source materials for this contested item.*

Public Comment - Issues on Agenda

0:00

No members of the public provided comments on agenda items during this portion of the meeting. The public comment period for issues on the agenda was opened but no speakers came forward to address the governing body regarding any of the items scheduled for discussion or action during the meeting.

This agenda item serves as a designated opportunity for public participation, allowing community members to speak directly to elected officials about specific matters that will be considered during the meeting. The absence of public comment indicates that no citizens chose to exercise this opportunity at this particular meeting.

Requested Rezonings/Docket Approval

0:30

The council addressed the approval of the docket for the August 22, 2024, council meeting along with several rezoning requests during this agenda item.

The discussion involved three key speakers: Ellinger, Sheehan, and Wu, who presented and deliberated on the various rezoning matters before the council.

The council ultimately approved both the docket for the August 22, 2024, meeting and the rezoning requests that were under consideration. The specific details of the individual rezoning requests, including property locations, zoning classifications, and applicants, were not detailed in the available meeting data.

This agenda item was categorized as a resolution and received council approval following the discussion among the participating members.

Approval of Summary

1:00

The council considered approval of the summary from their August 20, 2024, work session. Council members Wu and Plomin participated in the discussion of this agenda item.

The council voted to approve the summary of the August 20, 2024, work session without recorded objections or significant debate during this portion of the meeting.

Outcome: Approved

Budget Amendments

2:00

The council considered several budget amendments during this agenda item. The discussion was led by key speakers Plomin and Baxter, who presented the proposed changes to the municipal budget.

The amendments were presented as a resolution requiring council approval. While the specific details of the individual budget amendments were not provided in the available materials, the discussion involved multiple budget adjustments that required formal council action.

Following the presentation and any discussion by council members, the budget amendments were put to a vote. The council approved the budget amendments, allowing the proposed changes to move forward as part of the municipal budget process.

The approval of these amendments represents the council's formal authorization for the budget adjustments, which will be implemented according to the city's financial procedures and timeline.

New Business

3:00

The council addressed new business items during this portion of the meeting. Council members Baxter and Fogle served as the key speakers for this agenda item.

The council approved the new business items that were presented, though the specific details of what was discussed or the nature of the items were not detailed in the available materials.

Outcome: The new business items were approved by the council.

*Note: Additional details about the specific nature of the new business items, the scope of discussion, or any concerns raised were not available in the source materials provided.*

Communications From the Mayor - Appointments

4:00

The council reviewed and acted on appointments communicated by the Mayor during this agenda item. The discussion involved key participation from council members Reynolds and Fogle.

The appointments were presented to the council for their consideration and approval as part of the standard municipal appointment process. While the specific details of the individual appointments and positions were not detailed in the available materials, the item followed the typical procedure for mayoral appointments requiring council confirmation.

Council members Reynolds and Fogle participated in the discussion of these appointments. The council ultimately approved the appointments as communicated by the Mayor.

The approval of these mayoral appointments allows the appointed individuals to assume their designated roles within the municipal government structure.

Communications From the Mayor - Donations

5:00

The council reviewed donations communicated by the Mayor during this agenda item. The discussion involved key speakers Plomin and Sheehan, though specific details about the nature of the donations, their sources, or monetary values were not provided in the available meeting materials.

The item was presented as a resolution requiring council approval, indicating these were donations that needed formal acceptance by the municipal government. This type of agenda item typically involves gifts offered to the city from individuals, organizations, or businesses for various municipal purposes such as parks, equipment, or community programs.

The council proceeded to approve the donations as communicated by the Mayor. No significant debate or concerns were noted during the discussion of this item, suggesting the donations were routine in nature and met standard municipal acceptance criteria.

The approval allows the city to formally accept and utilize the donated items or funds in accordance with municipal policies and procedures.

Communications From the Mayor - Procurements

6:00

The council reviewed and approved procurement communications submitted by the Mayor during the August 27, 2024 meeting.

The agenda item was presented as a resolution for council consideration, with key discussion led by speakers Wu and Gray. The procurements represented routine administrative communications from the Mayor's office regarding various city purchasing and contracting matters.

The council proceeded with standard review procedures for mayoral procurement communications. No significant concerns or objections were raised during the discussion of this item.

The resolution was approved by the council, allowing the procurement activities communicated by the Mayor to move forward as presented.

Continuing Business/Presentations

7:00

The council addressed continuing business items and received presentations during this portion of the meeting. Key speakers included Baxter and LeGris, who provided information on various ongoing municipal matters.

The primary focus of the presentations centered on Neighborhood Development Funds, which are municipal resources allocated for community improvement projects and local development initiatives. The speakers outlined the current status of these funds and provided updates on their implementation and distribution.

This agenda item served an informational purpose, allowing council members to receive updates on ongoing city business and development programs. The presentations provided the council with necessary background information on continuing municipal operations and funding mechanisms.

No formal action was taken during this segment, as the presentations were designed to keep council members informed about ongoing city initiatives and administrative matters. The discussion allowed for the regular flow of information between city staff and elected officials regarding the status of various municipal programs and funds.

Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee Report

8:00

Council Member James Brown provided a report on the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee meeting held on June 25, 2024.

The report was presented as an informational item to update the council on the committee's activities and discussions from their previous meeting. Council Member Brown served as the primary speaker for this agenda item, delivering the committee's findings and recommendations to the full council.

This was a standard committee report presentation, allowing the council to stay informed about the work being conducted by the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee. The report served to maintain transparency and communication between the committee and the broader council body regarding financial and economic development matters under the committee's purview.

No formal action was required on this agenda item, as it was presented for informational purposes only.

Lexington AgTech Development Update

9:00

Erica Rogers provided an informational presentation on the current status of agricultural technology development initiatives in Lexington. The update focused on recent progress in establishing the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp., a newly formed entity dedicated to advancing agricultural technology in the region.

Rogers highlighted the successful formation and initial funding of the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp., marking a significant milestone in Lexington's efforts to position itself as a hub for agricultural innovation. The presentation covered the organizational structure and early operational framework of the corporation.

The update was presented as an informational item, with no formal action required from the meeting participants. Rogers' presentation provided stakeholders with current information on how the AgTech development efforts are progressing and the role of the newly established corporation in these initiatives.

This agenda item served to keep meeting participants informed about ongoing economic development activities in the agricultural technology sector within Lexington.

New Senior & Therapeutic Center

10:00 Kristy Stambaugh and her team presented comprehensive plans for a new Senior & Therapeutic Center to be located in Shillito Park. The presentation covered the facility's design, budget considerations, and planned programming offerings.

Key speakers included: • Kristy Stambaugh - Lead presenter • Jill Farmer - Team member • Jeff Meehan - Team member

The presentation detailed the architectural design and layout of the proposed center, which will serve as a dedicated facility for senior services and therapeutic programs. The team outlined the budget requirements for the project and provided information about the various programs and services that will be offered once the center becomes operational.

The facility is planned for construction within Shillito Park, representing a significant addition to the community's recreational and wellness infrastructure. The center is designed to meet the growing needs of the senior population while also providing therapeutic services to residents of various ages.

This was an informational presentation, with the team providing updates on the project's current status and future timeline. No formal action was taken during this agenda item, as the purpose was to inform attendees about the project's progress and design elements.

The new Senior & Therapeutic Center represents a major investment in community health and wellness services, particularly targeting the needs of older residents while expanding therapeutic program offerings for the broader community.