Council Work Session

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government held a Council meeting on August 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chamber located at 200 E. Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. The meeting was presided over by Linda Gorton. During the session, the Council addressed four agenda items, took three votes, and heard five public comments from members of the public regarding issues on the agenda. All items brought to a vote were approved, including the approval of the meeting summary, continuation of business and presentations, and an ordinance amending Article 31 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Attendance

All 16 council members were present at the meeting on August 18, 2026:

• Dan Wu
• James Brown
• Chuck Ellinger
• Tyler Morton
• Shayla Lynch
• Tom Eblen
• Emma Curtis
• Liz Sheehan
• Lisa Higgins-Hord
• Joseph Hale
• Amy Beasley
• Whitney Elliott Baxter
• Dave Sevigny
• Jennifer Reynolds
• Hilary Boone
• Linda Gorton

There were no absences or late arrivals.

Votes and Decisions

Approval of Summary for August 11, 2026 Work Session 10:25

Motion by Dan Wu, seconded by Chuck Ellinger. This motion passed unanimously with 16 ayes and 0 nays.

Reinstate Language for Large-Scale Solar in Agricultural Zones 2:02:38

Motion by Liz Sheehan, seconded by Dave Sevigny. This motion passed by roll call vote with 8 ayes and 7 nays.

Voting in favor: Dan Wu, James Brown, Chuck Ellinger, Tyler Morton, Shayla Lynch, Tom Eblen, Emma Curtis, and Liz Sheehan.

Voting against: Lisa Higgins-Hord, Joseph Hale, Amy Beasley, Whitney Elliott Baxter, Dave Sevigny, Jennifer Reynolds, and Hilary Boone.

Amend Section 31-6 to Provide No More Than 1% of the Land in the Rural Service Area for Solar 2:12:45

Motion by Hilary Boone, seconded by Joseph Hale. This motion failed by roll call vote with 7 ayes and 8 nays.

Voting in favor: Dan Wu, James Brown, Chuck Ellinger, Tyler Morton, Shayla Lynch, Tom Eblen, and Emma Curtis.

Voting against: Liz Sheehan, Lisa Higgins-Hord, Joseph Hale, Amy Beasley, Whitney Elliott Baxter, Dave Sevigny, Jennifer Reynolds, and Hilary Boone.

Budget and Financial Actions

The Council approved the following financial actions:

Service Contracts

• In-Situ Process Analyzer Service (L0636-26): A sole source service contract with In-Situ (ChemScan Manufacturer) for process analyzer service at West Hickman WWTP in the amount of $54,870.00.

• Survivor Liaison Services (L0665-26): A Professional Services Agreement with Kenya Ballard for Survivor Liaison services totaling $20,000.00.

• Building Repairs at Cardinal Run North (L0673-26): A contract with Tekton Construction, LLC for repair of buildings at Cardinal Run North in the amount of $105,011.00.

• Fayette Mental Health Court (L0690-26): A Memorandum of Agreement with NAMI Lexington, Inc. for Fayette Mental Health Court services totaling $270,000.00.

Equipment Purchase

• Magnet AXIOM Forensics Software (L0668-26): Purchase of Magnet AXIOM from Magnet Forensics, LLC for $26,320.00.

Grant Application

• HUD Continuum of Care Funding (L0683-26): Approval of the FY 2026 Continuum of Care application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $3,866,080.00.

Public Comment

Five members of the public addressed the Council regarding large-scale solar energy systems and related initiatives.

Support for Solar Development

Kelly Carmine spoke in favor of allowing large-scale solar on agricultural land, noting its compatibility with certain types of farming 7:17.

Bob Corny expressed support for the inclusion of large-scale solar development, highlighting its environmental and economic benefits 12:58.

Don Amant shared personal experiences and supported the large-scale solar initiative as a step towards carbon neutrality 15:00.

Jeremy Jenkins supported the original solar zota, emphasizing the benefits of dual-use farming and clean energy generation 21:16.

Concerns Raised

Lorraine Williams raised concerns about the environmental impact of solar panels, including inefficiency and waste 9:23.

Contested Items

Large-Scale Solar Energy Systems in Agricultural Zones

The council was divided on a proposal regarding large-scale solar energy systems in agricultural zones. The disagreement centered on whether to reinstate language that would permit such systems in these areas.

The vote on this matter was close, reflecting significant disagreement among council members about the appropriate balance between renewable energy development and agricultural land use. No additional details about specific council members' positions, arguments made during debate, or the final vote count were provided in the meeting record.

Public Comment - Issues on Agenda

4:38

During this agenda item, the Council heard public comments on various issues, with particular focus on large-scale solar energy systems and their impact on agricultural land.

Key Speakers

The following members of the public provided comments:

• Kelly Carmine
• Lorraine Williams
• Bob Corny
• Don Amant
• Jeremy Jenkins

Summary

Public commenters addressed concerns related to large-scale solar energy systems and the effects these projects may have on agricultural land use in the community.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action taken. The comments received were documented for the Council's consideration.

Approval of Summary

The Council considered approval of the summary from the August 11, 2026, work session. 10:25

Key speakers on this item included Dan Wu and Chuck Ellinger.

The summary was approved unanimously by the Council.

Continuing Business/Presentations

Presentations were made during this agenda item on council capital projects and environmental quality. 10:56

Key Speakers

The presentations were delivered by James Brown, Jennifer Reynolds, and Emma Curtis.

Outcome

The council approved the presentations and referred items to the docket.

Ordinance amending Article 31 of the Zoning Ordinance

2:02:38

The council considered amendments to Article 31 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow large-scale solar energy systems in agricultural zones.

Key Speakers

Liz Sheehan and Hilary Boone led the discussion on this agenda item.

Discussion and Debate

The council discussed modifications that would permit large-scale solar energy systems to operate within agricultural zones. A motion was made to reinstate certain language within the ordinance during the deliberation process.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved.