Urban County Council Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Council met on June 11, 2009, at 7:00 PM in Lexington, Kentucky, with Mayor Jim Newberry presiding. The meeting covered two agenda items, including an informational presentation and one action item that was brought to a vote. Over the course of the meeting, the Council heard 3 public comments and conducted 2 votes. The session concluded with the approval of the Tates Creek Road Sidewalk and Transit Improvements Project, alongside an informational presentation recognizing the Arbor Day Foundation Award.

Attendance

All members were present at the June 11, 2009 Council meeting. The following individuals were in attendance:

• Mayor: Jim Newberry
• Council Members: Stinnett, Beard, Blues, Crosbie, Ellinger, Feigel, Gorton, Gray, Henson, James, Lane, Lawless, Martin, McChord, and Myers

No members were recorded as absent or late.

Votes and Decisions

Two votes were taken during the June 11, 2009 Council meeting.

• Ordinance 72-2009 — Accept a Grant from the Ky. Transportation Cabinet for Tates Creek Rd. Sidewalk and Transit Improvements Project 3:37:55: Motioned by Mr. Blues and seconded by Ms. Gorton, this ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 11 ayes to 4 nays. Voting in favor were Stinnett, Blues, Gorton, Gray, Henson, James, Lane, Lawless, Martin, McChord, and Myers. Voting against were Beard, Crosbie, Ellinger, and Feigel.

• Approve Communications from the Mayor 3:39:28: Motioned by Ms. Gorton and seconded by Mr. Stinnett, this item passed on a voice vote.

Budget and Financial Actions

The Council addressed one financial item during the June 11, 2009 meeting involving a grant agreement with a state agency.

• Tates Creek Road Sidewalk and Transit Improvements Project (Ordinance 72-2009): The Council considered an ordinance authorizing a grant totaling $1,014,200 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to fund sidewalk and transit improvements along Tates Creek Road. This ordinance, designated as Ordinance 72-2009, formally established the grant relationship between the city and the state transportation agency to support the identified infrastructure project.

Public Comment

Three individuals addressed the Council during public comment periods at the June 11, 2009 meeting.

Karen Angelucci opened the meeting's public remarks by presenting an award to the city from the National Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its Reforest the Bluegrass efforts. 6:12

Adam Jones spoke on behalf of the BUILD organization, advocating for a fully funded affordable housing trust fund. Jones called for the fund to be supported at a level of $3 to $5 million. 1:07:06

Mary Murphy raised concerns regarding the Cedar Point development, offering suggestions for alternative uses of the area. 1:10:55

Contested Items

Tates Creek Road Sidewalk Project

The Tates Creek Road sidewalk project generated significant debate among council members, with disagreement centering on two broad areas: the merits of the project itself and the process by which it was being advanced.

Supporters of the ordinance argued in favor of the project on grounds of connectivity and safety, framing the sidewalk construction as a necessary infrastructure improvement for the area. Opponents pushed back on concerns related to cost and the process being followed to bring the project forward.

The ordinance ultimately passed on a split vote of 11 in favor and 4 against.

Arbor Day Foundation Award Presentation

6:12

Karen Angelucci presented an award from the National Arbor Day Foundation to the city in recognition of its Reforest the Bluegrass efforts. The presentation was informational in nature, with no debate or vote required by the Council.

No concerns were raised during this agenda item, and the presentation served to formally recognize the city's work in tree planting and reforestation through the Reforest the Bluegrass program.

Tates Creek Rd. Sidewalk and Transit Improvements Project

3:37:55

The Council took up Ordinance 72-2009, concerning the Tates Creek Rd. Sidewalk and Transit Improvements Project. The item centered on the acceptance of a grant to fund sidewalk and transit improvements along Tates Creek Road. Key participants in the discussion included Bruce Simpson, Judy Worth, and Pamela Rawlings.

The ordinance was approved by the Council.