Lexington public meetings in 2024

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee received updates on the consent decree, waste digester task force, and recycling practices. No formal votes were taken on these items. The committee approved the October 22, 2024 meeting summary and removed an item from its referral list.

• Approved October 22, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Removed 'Explore Lexington's Sustainability Options' from committee referrals (unanimous)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved resolutions for Neighborhood Development Funds and Council Capital Project Expenditure Funds, totaling over $172,000 for various community organizations and projects. The council also approved a one-time supplement payment for non-bargaining employees and referred several new business items to the full council docket.

• Approved Neighborhood Development Funds totaling $6,390.12 for Lyric Theatre, Lexington History Museum, Frederick Douglass High School Cheerleaders, and Sisters Road to Freedom (R-597-2024)
• Approved Council Capital Project Expenditure Funds totaling $172,331.10 for parks, streets, and community organizations (R-598-2024)
• Approved one-time supplement payments for non-bargaining employees, ranging from $250 to $1,000 based on salary (O-131-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket: snowplow parts purchase from J. Edinger and Sons (R-599-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket: temporary easements at Jacobson Park for KYTC trail project (R-596-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket: Bobcat Enterprises as sole source provider for equipment repairs (R-600-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket: stormwater incentive grant to 1000 Delaware, LLC (R-601-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket: 2025 General Term Orders for Fayette County Clerk (R-602-2024)

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee approved the Gun Violence Task Force report-out recommendations, which include defining gun violence as a public health crisis and creating a Gun Violence Program Coordinator position. The committee also received updates on affordable housing, the Juvenile Treatment Court, and the Hope Center expansion, but took no action on those items. The October 8, 2024 committee summary was approved.

• Approved October 8, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Approved Gun Violence Task Force recommendations (unanimous)
• No action on Villages Model feasibility study request
• No action on items referred to committee

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved and referred to the full Council docket a blasting notification ordinance requiring blasters to give the Division of Engineering at least five days' notice before construction or demolition blasting, with fines for violations. The Council also approved and referred to the docket a series of resolutions authorizing contracts for the 2024-2025 winter season, including security services, an operator for an elderly/disabled motel shelter, and agreements with seven social service agencies for supportive services. Additionally, the Council approved and referred to the docket resolutions for a pavement condition survey, design services for a Water Quality facility renovation, a forgivable loan for public infrastructure improvements, and two civil service position changes.

• Approved and referred to docket blasting notification ordinance (O-120-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket $235,888 pavement condition survey contract with Roadway Asset Services (R-544-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket $299,120 design services contract with GRW for Water Quality HQ renovation (R-545-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket $366,680 forgivable loan to Turner Property 4 LLC for public parking/sidewalk (R-546-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket $220,320 security services contract with Federated Global Ventures for winter shelter (R-547-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket $201,023 contract with Bluegrass Care Navigators for elderly/disabled winter shelter (R-548-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket $212,500 in agreements with seven agencies for winter shelter supportive services (R-549-2024)
• Approved and referred to docket ordinances to create/abolish civil service positions in Division of Planning (O-118-2024, O-119-2024)

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee approved an ordinance creating Chapter 8A for blasting notifications and approved a resolution supporting the Empower Lexington sustainability plan. The committee also received updates on the annual snow plan, MS4 stormwater program, and community outreach, but took no action on those items.

• Approved ordinance creating Chapter 8A for blasting notifications (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Empower Lexington sustainability plan (unanimous)
• Approved motion to suspend rules and report Empower Lexington Plan to Work Session (unanimous)
• Approved removal of Item #5 (Review of Urban Services Funds) from committee referrals (unanimous)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council work session approved and referred to the full Council docket a resolution to form the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority with Madison County, Scott County, and the cities of Berea, Georgetown, and Richmond, authorizing a $2,125,000 payment. The Council also approved and referred items including a $2,216,911 contract for two new fire rescue pumpers, an ordinance expanding paid parental leave to include adoption and foster care placement, and a 3% pension annuity increase for retirees. Several other resolutions were approved and referred to the docket, covering items such as a HUD homelessness grant application, a collective bargaining legal services agreement, and various property and equipment purchases.

• Approved and referred to docket: $2.125M payment to form Central Kentucky Business Park Authority
• Approved and referred to docket: $2,216,911 contract with Seagrave for two rescue pumpers
• Approved and referred to docket: Ordinance expanding paid parental leave to adoption/foster care (up to 4 weeks)
• Approved and referred to docket: 3% pension annuity increase for retirees, effective Jan 1, 2025
• Approved and referred to docket: $3,892,327 HUD Continuum of Care grant application for homelessness programs
• Approved and referred to docket: $120,000 professional services agreement with Frost Brown Todd for collective bargaining
• Approved and referred to docket: $132,860 TEConomy study on economic and workforce development
• Approved and referred to docket: $189,840 sole-source purchase of grit concentrator for West Hickman WWTP

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee met on October 8, 2024, and heard presentations on the Villages Model for aging in place, the Gun Violence Task Force report, and updates on homelessness and mental health programs. No formal votes were taken; the only action was approval of the September 17, 2024 committee summary. The committee received information and recommendations but made no decisions.

• Approved September 17, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Heard Villages Model presentation; no action taken
• Heard Gun Violence Task Force report; no action taken
• Heard homelessness and mental health updates; no action taken

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved and referred to the full Council docket a series of resolutions authorizing Neighborhood Development Funds, Council Capital Project transfers, and Neighborhood Action Match Program contracts. The Council also approved the Table of Motions from the September 17, 2024 work session and received and filed the Budget, Finance, & Economic Development Committee summary from August 27, 2024. All items were approved without dissent.

• Approved Neighborhood Development Fund agreements totaling $22,900.78 for 14 organizations (0956-24)
• Approved Council Capital Project fund transfers totaling $96,275 for parks, roads, RadioLex, and other projects (0957-24)
• Approved Neighborhood Action Match Program contracts totaling $85,888.33 for 13 neighborhood associations (0944-24)
• Approved updated Lex Grow Trees Grant Program guidelines for Round 2 (0917-24)
• Approved $181,498.80 catering contract renewal with Trio Community Meals for the Family Care Center (0936-24)
• Approved $33,600 transfer of Percent for Art funds for public art at the Lexington Senior Center (0945-24)
• Approved ordinance reclassifying 18 recreation positions from exempt to non-exempt FLSA status (0943-24)
• Approved Table of Motions from September 17, 2024 work session (0955-24)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved and referred to the docket several resolutions and ordinances, including a $209,061.41 contract with Commerce Lexington for economic development services, a $122,823 subrecipient agreement with Community Action Council for winter family shelter, and a $92,250 sole source agreement with Emergent for nasal Narcan. The council also approved capital project fund transfers for speed tables, a food forest, and park projects, and authorized the relocation of an abandoned cemetery. All items were approved without dissent.

• Approved $209,061.41 Commerce Lexington PSA for economic development (unanimous)
• Approved $122,823 ARPA subrecipient agreement with Community Action Council for winter family shelter (unanimous)
• Approved $92,250 sole source agreement with Emergent for nasal Narcan (unanimous)
• Approved $47,350 in Council Capital Project fund transfers for speed tables, food forest, and park projects (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing relocation of abandoned cemetery at 6300 Cedarcreek Lane (unanimous)
• Approved $6,900 Toro NSN irrigation software support renewal for Kearney Hill Golf Links (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance creating OSP Network Integrator Sr. position, abolishing Traffic Signal Technician Sr. (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance creating Recreation Manager position in Aging Services (unanimous)

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee met on September 17, 2024, and approved the July 2, 2024 meeting summary. The committee received informational updates on public safety recruitment/retention, homelessness prevention, and the Fayette Mental Health Court, but took no action on any of these items. No substantive decisions were made.

• Approved July 2, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• No action on public safety recruitment/retention update
• No action on homelessness prevention annual update
• No action on mental health court update
• No action on items referred to committee

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The committee received a report on paid parental leave costs totaling $2,077,468.01 and reviewed recommendations for restricting short-term rentals in agricultural zones. The meeting also included presentations on park naturalization and the preservation of African American Hamlets.

• Approved August 29, 2024 Committee Summary

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The committee reviewed draft regulations for digital billboards and proposed amendments to the short-term rental ordinance. The meeting also included the approval of the June 11, 2024, committee summary.

• Approved June 11, 2024 Committee Summary

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council approved several service contracts, including animal control and street outreach, and authorized the acceptance of multiple federal and state grants. The Council also approved an ordinance to increase monthly deposits into the Contingency Designation Fund to $75,000.

• Approved $2.046M contract for animal control services with Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, LLC
• Approved $316,640 contract with Hope Center, Inc. for Progressive Street Outreach Services
• Approved ordinance increasing monthly Contingency Designation Fund deposits to $75,000
• Approved $322,000 in funding for Greater Lex, Inc. Regional Economic Development Collective
• Approved $82,625 sole source purchase from Zonar Systems, LLC for vehicle inspection software
• Approved $69,400 agreement with Prime AE for bike and pedestrian user counts
• Approved acceptance of $499,997 federal grant for overdose prevention (SAMHSA)
• Approved acceptance of $251,030 federal grant for the Traffic Safety Program

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee met on August 20, 2024, and took no formal votes. Members received updates on the annual Stormwater Priority List, a proposed ordinance to require blasting notifications, and the Empower Lexington sustainability plan. The committee also approved the June 18, 2024 meeting summary. No items were decided or tabled; all were informational presentations.

• Approved June 18, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Reviewed annual Stormwater Priority List (no action)
• Reviewed blasting ordinance draft (no action)
• Reviewed Empower Lexington sustainability plan (no action)
• Reviewed greenhouse gas inventory (no action)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council approved a resolution authorizing agreements with Qureshi Development Group to provide $1,413,514 in federal HOME and HOME-ARP funds to convert an existing church at 530 North Martin Luther King Boulevard into 20 multi-family units. The council also approved several other resolutions, including a $4.06M fire training grant, a $4.17M police training grant, and a $517,636 environmental education contract. All items were approved as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved $1,413,514 in federal funds for MLK Apartments project (R-383-2024)
• Approved $4,059,254 Fire Training Incentive Grant for FY2025 (R-388-2024)
• Approved $4,170,198 Police Training Incentive Grant for FY2025 (R-389-2024)
• Approved $517,636.27 environmental education contract with KAEE (R-395-2024)
• Approved $400,000 media placement contract renewal with Wiser Strategies (R-394-2024)
• Approved $183,455 grant for Lexington Senior Center operations (R-390-2024)
• Approved $1,281,696 grant for UV disinfection at wastewater plants (R-391-2024)
• Approved $6,925 in Neighborhood Development Funds to four organizations (R-397-2024)

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee approved an ordinance creating Section 21-37.4 of the Code of Ordinances, which provides up to 56 hours of paid leave and up to 240 hours of unpaid leave per year for classified civil service employees who are victims of domestic violence or crime. The committee also received updates on public safety recruitment and retention, housing stability services, and the mental health court aftercare program, but took no action on those items.

• Approved ordinance creating Section 21-37.4 for crime victim paid leave (motion passed without dissent)
• Approved May 14, 2024 committee summary (motion passed without dissent)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council approved a $10.28 million health services contract with YesCare for jail medical and mental health care, a $1.34 million food services contract with Aramark, and a 3% pay increase for most employees. It also approved $1.92 million in emergency shelter funding for seven agencies and $491,132 in tree canopy grants.

• Approved $10,278,132 YesCare jail health services contract (R-332-2024)
• Approved $1,336,608 Aramark jail food services contract (R-333-2024)
• Approved 3% FY2025 pay increase for unified pay plan employees (O-070-2024)
• Approved $1,918,014 in emergency shelter funding for 7 agencies (R-359-2024)
• Approved $491,131.55 in Lex Grow Trees grants to 9 organizations (R-360-2024)
• Approved $300,000 MOA with Fayette County Public Schools for Day Treatment Program (R-335-2024)
• Approved $215,617 change order for Senior & Therapeutic Center design (R-337-2024)
• Approved $100,000 NAMI Lexington mental health court agreement (R-334-2024)

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee met on June 25, 2024, and received updates on the monthly financials, the Public Infrastructure Program (PIP), the Economic Contingency Fund, and change orders. No formal votes were taken; the only action was approval of the March 19, 2024, committee summary. The committee discussed proposed amendments to the PIP ordinance and a draft ordinance to increase the contingency fund monthly deposit to $75,000, but neither was voted on.

• Approved March 19, 2024 committee summary (motion passed without dissent)
• No action on monthly financial update
• No action on Public Infrastructure Program update
• No action on Economic Contingency Fund update
• No action on change orders report

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee approved two motions amending the Code of Ordinances: one updating division titles and removing a penalty reduction for failing to contest citations, and another amending Chapter 17B relating to street trees. Both passed without dissent. The committee also received presentations on recycling practices, sustainability options, and the pavement management plan, but took no action on those items. The April 30, 2024 committee summary was not approved; it was listed on the agenda but no vote is recorded in the minutes.

• Approved ordinance amending section 16-203 to update division titles and remove penalty reduction for failing to contest citations (passed without dissent)
• Approved proposed amendments to Chapter 17B of the Code of Ordinances relating to street trees (passed without dissent)
• No action taken on Review of Recycling Practices
• No action taken on Explore Lexington's Sustainability Options
• No action taken on Pavement Management Plan
• No action taken on Items Referred to Committee
• Approval of April 30, 2024 Committee Summary listed on agenda; no vote recorded in minutes

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session reviewed a docket of administrative items, including the purchase of four new emergency care apparatuses for $1,737,000 and a $450,000 contract for a Complete Streets Design Manual. The council also reviewed a proposal to create a medicinal cannabis business licensing framework with $500 annual fees. No final votes were taken during this work session; items are scheduled for action at a future council meeting.

• Approved purchase of 4 emergency care apparatuses from American Response Vehicle for $1,737,000
• Approved $450,000 contract with Toole Design Group for Complete Streets Design Manual
• Approved $268,350.21 agreement with Nelson Systems for a new E911 logging recorder
• Approved $500,000 forgivable loan to Wellington Park Apartments for access road construction
• Approved $485,094 contract modification with Gresham Smith for archaeological data recovery
• Approved $2,836,921.94 in FY2025 insurance premiums from various carriers
• Reviewed ordinance to create medicinal cannabis business licenses with $500 annual fee
• Approved $1,281,696 in federal grant funds for UV disinfection systems at wastewater plants

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee approved the Urban Growth Management Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) as amended, with several amendments passed, including one that passed 8-2. The committee also approved the May 7, 2024 committee summary and amended the title of a referred item. No action was taken on short-term rental policy or the master plan update.

• Approved May 7, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Approved Urban Growth Management ZOTA as amended (unanimous)
• Amended ZOTA Sec. 1b/1c to delete 'exterior amplification' and add single-lane stacking/pick-up (unanimous)
• Amended ZOTA Sec. 8-16.b15.b to delete EV charging exclusion and add 'unless previously approved for a greater number' (unanimous)
• Amended ZOTA Sec. 8-16c.8/9 to add arterial/collector frontage requirement and delete EV charging facilities (unanimous)
• Amended ZOTA Sec. 8-16d.5/6 to add drive-through and drive-up window requirements (8-2)
• Amended ZOTA Sec. 8-20b.3b/3c to add federal/state regulation exception and delete refueling island limit (unanimous)
• Amended ZOTA Sec. 8-16d.9 to add micro-distillery requirements (unanimous)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved several resolutions, including a $337,000 contract with ALL4 LLC for OSHA compliance program management for the Division of Water Quality, a $426,000 agreement with KYTC for traffic signal maintenance, and a $13,495.36 transfer for paving in Castlegate. It also approved a resolution authorizing Neighborhood Development Fund agreements with numerous organizations and a change order reducing a wastewater treatment contract by $343,177.46.

• Approved $337,000 OSHA compliance contract with ALL4 LLC (R-305-2024)
• Approved $426,000 KYTC traffic signal maintenance agreement (R-303-2024)
• Approved $13,495.36 transfer for Castlegate paving (R-306-2024)
• Approved Neighborhood Development Fund agreements with 50+ organizations (R-293-2024)
• Approved $343,177.46 decrease in Town Branch WWTP contract (R-302-2024)
• Approved $100,000 BCTC fire personnel college credit agreement (R-304-2024)

Committee of the Whole (COW)

The Committee of the Whole received the April FY2024 financial update and presentations on the FY2025 Mayor's Proposed Budget from each budget link committee. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with each link recommending acceptance of the proposed budget, some with additions. Individual council member budget requests were also presented for consideration.

• Received April FY2024 financial update showing $416.6M revenue, $374.8M expenses, $18.4M deficit before fund balance transfers
• Heard FY2025 link report outs from CAO/HACD, EQPW, FEDP, GGS, and SSPS committees
• Reviewed Mayor's late items for FY2025 budget, including PVA funding increases and personnel changes
• Presented individual council member budget requests for FY2025, including Downtown Master Plan, park improvements, and gun violence task force funding

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee approved a ban on the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores to combat puppy and kitten mills. The committee also received presentations on substance abuse intervention, crime victim paid leave, and mental health court aftercare.

• Approved ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores (9-1)
• Approved April 9, 2024 Committee Summary

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee approved resolutions regarding the implementation of a consent agenda and updates to the Disparity Study. The committee also received a presentation on the Purchase of Development Rights program, while items regarding short-term rentals were postponed.

• Approved resolution and ordinances pertaining to the consent agenda (passed without dissent)
• Approved resolution pertaining to the Disparity Study Update (passed without dissent)
• Approved February 13, 2024, GGP Committee Summary (passed without dissent)
• Postponed Short Term Rentals: RLMB Recommendations due to time constraints

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved a resolution establishing the Lex Grow Trees Grant Program, a $1,000,000 tree-planting initiative, and approved the FY 2025 budget for the Lexington and Fayette County Parking Authority (LexPark), which includes proposed fee increases. The council also approved a resolution for Neighborhood Development Funds totaling over $70,000 for various community organizations and a $15,000 budget amendment for a bike skills course design at Cardinal Run North Park. All items were approved and referred to the docket for final passage.

• Approved Lex Grow Trees Grant Program ($1,000,000 total)
• Approved FY 2025 LexPark budget with proposed fee increases
• Approved Neighborhood Development Funds for 35+ organizations
• Approved $15,000 for bike skills course design at Cardinal Run North Park
• Approved $51,000 amendment for It's Time Campaign with Mahan Multimedia
• Approved $41,500 amendment for winter motel shelter for homeless families
• Approved $10,479.58 for police department office furniture from Steelcase
• Approved $244,535.22 FEMA grant for Eastern KY flood reimbursement

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee received updates on the Urban Services Fund, the FY25 Pavement Management Plan, and proposed changes to street tree ordinances (Chapters 16 and 17B). No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was approving the minutes from the March 12, 2024 meeting. The committee also reviewed a list of items referred to it, but took no action on them.

• Approved March 12, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Reviewed Urban Services Fund financials (no action)
• Reviewed FY25 Pavement Management Plan (no action)
• Reviewed proposed Chapter 16 and 17B ordinance changes (no action)
• Reviewed items referred to committee (no action)

Committee of the Whole (COW)

The Committee of the Whole received the quarterly financial update and the FY2025 Mayor's Proposed Budget overview, with no formal votes taken. The proposed budget totals $500,011,434 in available funds, including $492.2 million in general fund revenues, and outlines prefunding of $30.3 million from FY2024 savings. A revenue adoption discussion was also on the agenda, but no decisions were recorded.

• Received quarterly financial update for Q3 FY2024 (no action)
• Received FY2025 Mayor's Proposed Budget overview (no action)
• Discussed revenue adoption (no action)

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee met on April 16, 2024, and heard presentations on four items: the 2024 Annual Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) update, Short Term Rental (STR) recommendations from the Rural Land Management Board (RLMB), a proposed Consent Agenda process, and a Disparity Study update. No formal votes were taken on any of these items; the committee only received the information and presentations. The meeting was informational and procedural, with no substantive decisions made.

• No formal votes taken; all items were informational presentations only
• Received 2024 Annual PDR Update report
• Received RLMB recommendations on Short Term Rentals in agricultural zones
• Received Consent Agenda process proposal
• Received Disparity Study update and revised M/WBE resolution draft

Urban County Council Work Session

At its April 9, 2024 work session, the Urban County Council advanced several items to its April 11 docket, including a resolution to place a parks funding referendum on the ballot and a $239,175 budget ordinance for council capital projects. It also advanced resolutions for a police license plate reader system, stormwater grants, and several federal grant applications. The minutes record these as work-session actions; final passage occurred at later council meetings, not at this work session.

• Advanced to April 11 docket: resolution for a parks tax referendum ($0.0225 per $100 valuation) (no vote recorded)
• Advanced to April 11 docket: $239,175 budget ordinance for council capital projects (no vote recorded)
• Advanced to April 11 docket: police license plate reader purchase from Flock Group Inc., up to $353,404.11 (no vote recorded)
• Advanced to April 11 docket: stormwater incentive grant to Rob Prop, LLC, up to $173,103.56 (no vote recorded)
• Advanced to April 11 docket: stormwater incentive grant to OP Innovates LLC, up to $29,890 (no vote recorded)
• Advanced to April 11 docket: grant applications to Ky. Office of Homeland Security totaling $1,166,254 for police equipment and training (no vote recorded)
• Advanced to April 11 docket: acceptance of Ky. Cleaner Water Round 2 grants totaling $18,429,234 for water quality projects (no vote recorded)
• Received and filed: Social Services and Public Safety Committee summary of March 5, 2024 (no vote recorded)

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee met on April 9, 2024, and took no formal votes. Members heard a presentation on a proposed ordinance to ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats, and received a report from the Gun Violence Task Force with recommendations. The committee also approved the minutes from its March 5, 2024 meeting.

• Approved March 5, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Heard presentation on Lexington Humane Pet Sales Ordinance (no action)
• Heard Gun Violence Task Force report-out (no action)
• Reviewed items referred to committee (no action)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council Work Session approved and referred to the docket a $225,000 budget amendment for Council Capital projects in the Division of Parks and Recreation, including improvements at Tates Creek, Hartland Park, and Constitution Park. The council also approved and referred to the docket a $424,619 engineering service agreement with Prime AE for the design of the North Limestone Improvements Project. Additionally, the council approved and referred to the docket a resolution authorizing a $132,516.59 grant application to the Kentucky 911 Services Board for the Division of Enhanced 911, which requires a $14,724.07 local match. The council also approved and referred to the docket a resolution approving the Second Material Modification to the Consent Decree, extending the final deadline for remedial measures capital construction projects to December 31, 2030.

• Approved $225,000 budget amendment for Council Capital projects in Parks and Recreation (O-035-2024)
• Approved $424,619 engineering service agreement with Prime AE for North Limestone Improvements design (R-145-2024)
• Approved $132,516.59 grant application to Kentucky 911 Services Board for Enhanced 911 (R-146-2024)
• Approved Second Material Modification to Consent Decree, extending deadline to Dec 31, 2030 (R-144-2024)
• Approved $18,486.36 in Neighborhood Development Funds for 10 organizations (R-148-2024)
• Approved $14,600 MOU with VisitLex for wayfinding sign assessment (R-136-2024)
• Approved sole source contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for fire apparatus parts/repair (R-137-2024)
• Approved concession agreements for four neighborhood park centers (R-141-2024, R-142-2024, R-143-2024, R-147-2024)

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee met on March 19, 2024, and took no substantive votes. Members approved the February 27, 2024 meeting summary and heard presentations on the monthly financial update, the Commerce Lexington Regional Competitiveness Plan, and a proposed parks funding ballot referendum. The parks referendum would ask voters to approve a 2.25-cent property tax increase to fund $8 million annually for parks capital projects, but no action was taken on it.

• Approved February 27, 2024 committee summary (unanimous)
• Heard monthly financial update; no action
• Heard Commerce Lexington Regional Competitiveness Plan update; no action
• Heard parks funding ballot referendum presentation; no action

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee met on March 12, 2024. The minutes record no substantive decisions: the February 6, 2024 summary was not voted on, and the Lex Grow Trees grant program, energy initiatives, and Chapter 16/17B ordinance updates were presented as updates or previews only. The committee reviewed a draft resolution to establish the Lex Grow Trees Grant Program with up to $1,000,000 in grants, but no approval vote is recorded. Items referred to committee were listed with no action taken.

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The committee approved an ordinance prohibiting housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, with amendments, and voted to report it to the full council. They also received updates on the Community Paramedicine Program and the Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition, but took no action on those items. The meeting was largely informational, with the only substantive decision being the source-of-income ordinance.

• Approved ordinance 2-31.2 prohibiting source-of-income housing discrimination, effective March 1, 2024 (7-3)
• Amended ordinance to remove language on paying mortgages and sale/buying of property (7-3)
• Failed to table source-of-income discussion until March 5, 2024 (5-5)
• Removed Source of Income Discrimination from committee referrals (unanimous)
• Removed Community Risk Assessment Standards from referrals (unanimous)
• Removed Community and Resident Services evaluation from referrals (unanimous)

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee met on February 27, 2024, and took no formal votes. Members received the monthly financial update, heard the annual audit presentation, and reviewed economic and workforce forecasts. The committee also discussed the Technology Ecosystem Development item, but no action was taken on any agenda item.

• Approved January 30, 2024 committee summary (motion passed without dissent)
• No action on monthly financial update
• No action on annual comprehensive financial review
• No action on Lexington economic outlook & occupational tax forecast
• No action on economic workforce & revenue update
• No action on items referred to committee

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The committee reviewed a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a $200,000 homeless shelter feasibility study and received presentations on the Urban Growth Master Plan and a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment. The record also includes a summary of a January 16 meeting where several annual items were removed from the agenda.

• Approved October 17, 2023, GGP Committee Summary (unanimous)
• Removed item #27 (Council Sponsored Re-Zoning) from annual items (unanimous)
• Removed item #1 (Civic Lex Public Comment Proposal) from annual items (unanimous)
• Removed item #13 (Intents ZOTA) from annual items (unanimous)
• Removed item #18 (Facilities and Fleet Maintenance Plan) from annual items (unanimous)
• Removed item #26 (Accessory Dwelling Units Update) from annual items (unanimous)
• Removed item #16 (Crown Act) from annual items (unanimous)
• Removed item #3 (Neighborhood Access and Traffic Calming) from annual items (unanimous)

Urban County Council Work Session

At its February 6, 2024 work session, the Urban County Council approved and referred to the February 15 docket a set of resolutions, including a $550,000 first-phase contract with Webster Environmental Associates for sewer odor control master planning and a $900,000 first renewal with Hazen and Sawyer for sanitary sewer program management. It also advanced change orders for the Black and Williams Neighborhood Center Gymnasium, adding $20,000 for design and $153,232.49 for construction, and accepted $356,000 in federal funds for Liberty Road design with an $89,000 local match. A resolution authorizing the Summit Biosciences merger was later removed from the docket, and the minutes record no final votes on these items at this work session.

• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: $550,000 first-phase contract with Webster Environmental Associates for sewer odor control master planning
• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: $900,000 first renewal with Hazen and Sawyer for sanitary sewer program management
• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: $20,000 change order with Johnson Early Architects for Black and Williams gym design
• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: $153,232.49 change order with Omni Commercial for Black and Williams gym construction, adding 113 days
• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: accept $356,000 federal funds for Liberty Road design, with $89,000 local match
• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: $172,187 contract with Palmer Engineering for Wilson Downing intersection design
• Approved and referred to Feb 15 docket: three stormwater grant cancellations totaling $439,842.38 (Ashwood, Beaver Creek, Lakeshore)
• Summit Biosciences merger resolution later removed from docket (no action at this work session)

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The committee approved an ordinance to rename the Metropolitan Environmental Improvement Commission to the Environmental Commission, reduce its membership to 25, and add a non-voting councilmember. The committee also removed three items from its active referral list: Short-Term Rentals Enforcement, Environmental Best Practices in Paving, and the Environmental Commission Ordinance Updates. Presentations on microtransit options and a 2024 odor control plan were delivered but no action was taken on those items.

• Approved ordinance renaming Environmental Commission and reducing membership to 25 (passed without dissent)
• Removed Short-Term Rentals Enforcement from committee referral list (passed without dissent)
• Removed Environmental Best Practices in Paving Process from committee referral list (passed without dissent)
• Removed Environmental Commission Ordinance Updates from committee referral list (passed without dissent)
• Approved December 5, 2023 Committee Summary (passed without dissent)

Urban County Council Work Session

The Council approved an ordinance prohibiting housing discrimination based on lawful source of income or payment, effective March 1, 2024. Several grants for stormwater quality and community services were approved, along with adjustments to city staffing positions.

• Approved ordinance prohibiting housing discrimination based on lawful source of income (O-024-2024)
• Approved $120,000 stormwater grant to Waterford II Homeowners Association, Inc.
• Approved $31,850 stormwater grant to Bread and Roses, LLC
• Approved $12,500 stormwater grant to Mediocre Creative, LLC
• Approved $106,065 contract with I/O Solutions for police promotional testing
• Approved $83,619 agreement with UK Research Foundation for CPOOL evaluation services
• Approved $30,000 federal grant from Ky. State Police for commercial vehicle safety
• Approved creation of Human Resources Manager and Senior Special Projects Administrator positions

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee met Jan. 30, 2024 and received presentations on the city's second-quarter finances, the annual audit, technology ecosystem development, and committee referrals. The committee took no recorded votes on new funding or ordinances; the only action was approval of the Nov. 28, 2023 committee summary. The audit presentation reported an unmodified (clean) opinion on the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.

• Approved the November 28, 2023 committee summary (no dissent recorded)
• Received Quarter 2 financial update: revenues $233,269,763 vs. expenses $215,518,686 and transfers $56,683,655 through December 2023
• Received audit report from Strothman+Co: unmodified opinion on FY ended June 30, 2023
• Heard presentation on Technology Ecosystem Development with the Technology Association of the Bluegrass; no action taken
• Reviewed 2024 annual status of items referred to committee; no action taken

Urban County Council Work Session

The Urban County Council approved several resolutions for stormwater grants, public safety equipment, and federal ARPA funds for childcare. The Council also passed an ordinance renaming the Racial Justice and Equality Commission to the Racial Justice and Equity Commission.

• Approved $176,990.50 for ZOLL cardiac monitors and batteries
• Approved $50,595 for Magnet Forensics software from Grayshift LLC
• Approved $40,000 stormwater grant to Bluegrass Greensource, Inc.
• Approved $6,000 stormwater grant to Beaumont Residential Association, Inc.
• Approved $3,000 stormwater grant to Rotary Club of Lexington, Ky., Inc.
• Approved $104,028 in ARPA funds for Family Care Center childcare
• Approved $22,308.12 in ARPA funds for Extended School Program childcare
• Renamed Racial Justice and Equality Commission to Racial Justice and Equity Commission

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The committee reviewed a draft ordinance to prohibit housing discrimination based on lawful source of income and received an update on rent and utility assistance programs. No substantive decisions were recorded for the January 23 meeting items.

• Approved November 14, 2023 SSPS Committee Summary
• Approved November 14, 2023 Special SSPS Committee Summary

Urban County Council Work Session

At its January 16, 2024 work session, the Urban County Council approved and referred to the docket a large batch of items, including a $1,512,563 purchase of a new Pierce Enforcer aerial ladder truck for the Division of Fire and Emergency Services and a $183,000 contract modification with Gresham Smith and Partners for the Town Branch Commons Corridor project. The council also advanced numerous grant acceptances, position creations and abolitions, and price contracts for police, fleet, and water quality supplies. The minutes record no final passage votes; items were approved and referred to the docket for a later meeting.

• Approved and referred to docket: $1,512,563 purchase of one new Pierce Enforcer Aerial (Ladder) truck from Atlantic Emergency Solutions
• Approved and referred to docket: Contract Modification No. 10 with Gresham Smith and Partners for Town Branch Commons Corridor, not to exceed $183,000, new contract total $3,869,652.39
• Approved and referred to docket: $15,092.66 budget amendment for Council capital projects — $5,275 for soccer goals at Kirklevington Park and $9,817.66 for Wellington Elementary crosswalk
• Approved and referred to docket: price contracts for police vehicle partitions, fleet frontloader and welding services, and water quality polymer flocculants, liquid chlorine, and sulfur dioxide
• Approved and referred to docket: creation of Police Intelligence Specialist position and abolition of Administrative Specialist in Division of Police (12-month savings $3,079.82)
• Approved and referred to docket: creation of two Overdose Prevention Project Coordinators and one Peer Support Specialist in Fire and Emergency Services (future annual impact $232,009.44, grant funded)
• Approved and referred to docket: stormwater quality incentive grants — $53,020 to Friends of Wolf Run, $54,450 to Sunny Slope Farms HOA, and $72,660 to Fayette County Public Schools
• Received and filed: Summary of General Government and Planning Committee, October 17, 2023

General Government & Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee approved the summary of its October 17, 2023 meeting. The committee received informational updates on the Urban Growth Management Plan, employee pay equity analysis, diversity workshops, and Global Lex services. No new ordinances, contracts, or policy changes were voted on during this session.

• Approved October 17, 2023 GGP Committee Summary (voice vote)
• Received update on Urban Growth Management Plan (no action taken)
• Received update on employee pay equity analysis (no action taken)
• Received update on Diversity and Inclusion workshops (no action taken)
• Received update on Global Lex international center services (no action taken)
• Reviewed status of 31 referred committee items (no action taken)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)