Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee met on August 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Council Chamber at Lexington-Fayette Urban County, 200 E. Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. The committee addressed five agenda items, including approval of the previous meeting's summary and updates on several public works and environmental initiatives. The committee took four votes during the meeting and heard no public comments. Two items were approved: the June 16, 2026 committee summary and the Traffic Engineering Manual Updates. Three additional items were presented for informational purposes: the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) Update, Traffic Calming - Street Art and Quick Builds, and the Urban Forestry / Street Tree Update.

Attendance

The following members were present at the Committee meeting on August 18, 2026:

• Council member Curtis
• Council member Beasley
• Council member Reynolds
• Council member Lynch
• Council member Morton
• Council member Eblen
• Vice Mayor Wu
• Council member Sheehan
• Council member Elliot-Baxter

No members were absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

The Committee held four voice votes during the August 18, 2026 meeting, with all measures passing unanimously.

Approval of June 16, 2026 Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee Summary 2:55 The Committee approved the summary from the previous meeting by voice vote. The motion passed.

Approval of the Proposed Traffic Engineering Manual 1:03:36 The Committee approved the proposed traffic engineering manual by voice vote. The motion passed.

Approval of Revisions to Chapter 17B Related to Street Tree Maintenance 1:30:34 The Committee approved revisions to Chapter 17B concerning street tree maintenance by voice vote. The motion passed.

Approval of Revised Guidelines for the Hazard Street Tree Cost Share Program 1:30:34 The Committee approved revised guidelines for the Hazard Street Tree Cost Share Program by voice vote. The motion passed.

Approval of June 16, 2026 Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee Summary

The committee reviewed and approved the summary from its June 16, 2026 meeting. 2:55

The summary document (agenda item 0388-25) was presented for formal approval as part of standard meeting procedures. The committee discussed and voted on the accuracy and completeness of the previously recorded meeting summary.

Outcome: The June 16, 2026 Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee Summary was approved.

Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) Update

3:27

The committee received an informational presentation on the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) from Makayla Geary. The update focused on traffic calming measures and community engagement strategies being implemented through the program.

The presentation covered the NTMP's approach to managing traffic in residential neighborhoods through various calming initiatives and outlined the strategies being used to engage community members in the program's development and implementation.

This was an informational agenda item with no formal action required from the committee.

Traffic Calming - Street Art and Quick Builds

26:47

The committee received a presentation on the use of street art and quick builds as traffic calming measures. Brandy Peacher led the discussion on this agenda item (0737-25).

The presentation highlighted recent projects and future plans for implementing these innovative approaches to traffic calming. Street art and quick builds represent alternative strategies for slowing vehicle traffic and improving street safety in targeted areas.

This was an informational agenda item, with the committee receiving updates on the current status and scope of these traffic calming initiatives.

Traffic Engineering Manual Updates

The committee reviewed updates to the Traffic Engineering Manual during this agenda item (identifier 0707-26), which provides guidelines for developers and contractors 52:36.

David presented the manual updates to the committee. The presentation covered revisions to the guidelines that developers and contractors use when undertaking traffic engineering work.

The committee approved the Traffic Engineering Manual updates.

Urban Forestry / Street Tree Update

1:04:38

Heather Wilson presented an update on urban forestry initiatives to the committee. The presentation covered the city's tree planting programs and proposed revisions to ordinances governing street trees and urban forest management.

This was an informational presentation with no formal action required. The committee received the update on current urban forestry efforts and related policy considerations.