Urban County Council

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council convened on October 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers in Lexington, KY, with Mayor Gorton presiding. The meeting focused primarily on recognition items and informational presentations, with the Council addressing three main agenda items during the session.

The Council approved two recognition items: the Isabel Yates Proclamation and Junior Fire Chief Recognition, both receiving formal approval from the body. Additionally, the Council received an informational presentation on 250Lex, which provided updates without requiring formal action.

Throughout the meeting, the Council conducted 2 formal votes on the recognition items and heard from 2 members of the public during the public comment period. The session demonstrated the Council's commitment to recognizing community contributions while also staying informed on ongoing municipal initiatives through the 250Lex presentation.

Attendance

All Council members were present for the October 10, 2024 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

Votes and Decisions

The Council took action on two items during the October 10, 2024 meeting, both passing unanimously.

Ordinance 0940-24 3:00 Council Member Fogle motioned to approve an ordinance changing the zoning from Single Family Residential (R-1C) to Highway Service Business (B-3) for property located at 2090 Harrodsburg Road. The motion was seconded by Council Member Plomin. The ordinance passed by roll call vote with 15 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.

Voting in favor were: J. Brown, Ellinger, Elliott Baxter, Fogle, Gray, LeGris, Lynch, Monarrez, Plomin, Reynolds, Sevigny, Sheehan, Worley, Wu, and F. Brown.

Resolution 0926-24 5:00 Council Member J. Brown motioned to approve a resolution authorizing and approving the transfer of Council Capital Project Funds for various projects. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ellinger. The resolution passed by roll call vote with 10 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.

Voting in favor were: J. Brown, Ellinger, Elliott Baxter, LeGris, Plomin, Reynolds, Sevigny, Worley, Wu, and F. Brown.

Both items received unanimous support from all council members present and voting, with no opposition or abstentions recorded on either measure.

Budget and Financial Actions

The Council approved two financial measures during the October 10, 2024 meeting.

Capital Project Fund Transfer The Council authorized the transfer of $1,350 in Council Capital Project Funds for various municipal projects through Resolution 0926-24. This appropriation will support ongoing capital improvement initiatives within the city.

Bluegrass Area Development District Service Agreement Resolution 0967-24 approved a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Bluegrass Area Development District totaling $61,288.30. This contract establishes a formal service relationship between the city and the regional development organization to support local economic development and planning initiatives.

The combined financial actions represent $62,638.30 in approved expenditures and fund transfers for the meeting.

Public Comment

Two community members addressed the Council during the public comment period.

Emma Curtis spoke at 12:00 to recognize World Mental Health Day. Curtis emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and encouraged community members to show kindness and support for those who may be struggling with mental health challenges. She highlighted the availability of mental health resources for residents in need of support.

Rabbi Litvin addressed the Council at 13:00 regarding concerns affecting the Jewish community. Rabbi Litvin discussed recent events that have impacted the community, specifically referencing the anniversary of attacks on Israel and local incidents of anti-Semitism that have occurred in the area. The Rabbi's comments focused on the ongoing challenges and security concerns facing the local Jewish community.

Both speakers used their time to bring awareness to important community issues - mental health support and religious community safety concerns.

Appointments

The Council approved three appointments to various boards and commissions during the October 10, 2024 meeting.

Two new members were appointed to the Access Lexington Commission: • Anna Higgins was appointed to serve on the Access Lexington Commission • Abeer Sikder was appointed to serve on the Access Lexington Commission

Additionally, Robert Polley was appointed to the Bluegrass Crime Stoppers Board of Directors.

The Access Lexington Commission works to ensure accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout the city. The addition of Higgins and Sikder brings new perspectives to the commission's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility in Lexington's public spaces and services.

The Bluegrass Crime Stoppers Board of Directors oversees the local Crime Stoppers program, which encourages community members to provide anonymous tips about criminal activity. Polley's appointment to this board will contribute to the organization's mission of supporting law enforcement through community engagement.

All three appointments were approved by the Council as part of the meeting's regular business.

Contested Items

The October 10, 2024 Council meeting featured one contested item related to procedural requirements for voting on capital project funds.

Council Capital Project Funds

A procedural dispute arose regarding the allocation of Council Capital Project Funds, necessitating a motion to reconsider the item. The contention centered on election-related recusal rules that required certain council members to abstain from voting on the fund allocation.

The dispute was procedural in nature rather than substantive, focusing on compliance with established rules governing council member participation in votes during election periods. These recusal requirements created complications for the normal voting process on the capital project fund allocations.

The issue required the council to revisit the item through a formal motion to reconsider, allowing for proper adherence to the election-related abstention requirements while still enabling the council to move forward with the capital project fund decisions.

The outcome involved restructuring the voting process to accommodate the required abstentions while maintaining the council's ability to allocate the capital project funds appropriately.

Isabel Yates Proclamation

1:00

The Council considered agenda item 0988-24, a proclamation declaring October 2024 as Isabel Yates Month Day in Lexington. Mayor Gorton presented the proclamation, which honors Isabel Yates for her contributions to the city.

The proclamation was read aloud during the meeting, recognizing Yates' service and impact on the Lexington community. Isabel Yates was present at the meeting to receive the honor.

The proclamation was approved by the Council without discussion or opposition, formally establishing the recognition of Isabel Yates Month Day in October 2024.

Junior Fire Chief Recognition

2:00

The Lexington City Council recognized Junior Fire Chief Owen Ives with a special proclamation during the October 10, 2024 meeting. Mayor Gorton read the proclamation declaring October 10, 2024, as Junior Fire Chief Owen Ives Day in Lexington.

The proclamation honored Owen Ives for his contributions to fire safety education in the community. As Junior Fire Chief, Ives has played an important role in promoting fire safety awareness and education initiatives.

Key participants: - Mayor Gorton - read the proclamation - Owen Ives - Junior Fire Chief being recognized

The proclamation was approved by the Council, officially establishing the special recognition day for Junior Fire Chief Ives and his service to fire safety education in Lexington.

250Lex Presentation

4:00

Kip Cornett and Eunice Beatty presented plans for Lex250, a comprehensive year-long celebration commemorating Lexington's 250th anniversary. The presentation outlined the city's approach to marking this significant milestone in its history.

The presenters emphasized that Lex250 would prioritize inclusivity in its programming and historical acknowledgment. This approach indicates the celebration will aim to represent diverse perspectives and communities that have contributed to Lexington's development over the past two and a half centuries.

The presentation was informational in nature, providing the Council with an overview of the planned anniversary celebration activities and framework. Cornett and Beatty outlined how the year-long observance would be structured and implemented throughout the community.

This agenda item (1029-24) served to inform Council members about the upcoming commemorative activities and the organizational approach being taken for this major civic milestone. The presentation did not require Council action, as it was designed to update officials on the planning progress for Lex250.

The 250th anniversary celebration represents a significant opportunity for Lexington to reflect on its history while looking toward the future, with the presenters highlighting the importance of ensuring all community voices are included in the commemorative activities.