2026-09-10 - Urban County Council

Summary

Built from the official minutes. No video is posted.

Regular session called to order at 6:03 PM with Mayor Gorton presiding; all 15 members present. Minutes of the August 27 meeting approved unanimously. Adjourned at 7:56 PM on Curtis's motion, seconded by Higgins-Hord.
Solar Energy Systems zoning ordinance passed 8-7 after being separated and given second reading; thirteen speakers (nine in favor, four opposed).
Series 2026B General Obligation Bonds ordinance ($9,740,000) passed 14-1, Beasley opposed.
Harrodsburg Road rezoning, Complete Streets Design Manual, Privilege Fees ordinance and two budget amendments (Schedules 5 and 6) each passed 15-0.
First reading of the 2027 meeting schedule, amended to move four meetings from 5 PM to 6 PM; first reading of budget Schedules 7 and 8, a stormwater definition change and three refuse worker positions.
A batch of about 30 resolutions passed 15-0 on Ellinger's motion, including the Continuum of Care grant application, animal control services ($2,512,545) and the Fayette Mental Health Court agreement ($270,000).
Roots & Heritage Festival agreement ($35,500) passed 15-0 after rules were suspended.
Mayor's appointments, donations and procurements approved unanimously.
Proclamations for a youth basketball team and for the West End Community Empowerment Project.

Speakers in favor (nine) and opposed (four) were heard. Ellinger moved, Eblen seconded, and Council agreed unanimously to separate the ordinance and give it second reading.
Approved 8-7 on Sheehan's motion, seconded by Wu. Aye: Curtis, Hale, Lynch, Morton, Sevigny, Sheehan, Wu, Beasley. Nay: Brown, Eblen, Ellinger, Elliott Baxter, Higgins-Hord, Reynolds, Boone.

Ordinance authorizing Various Purpose General Obligation Bonds of $9,740,000 (adjustable up 10 percent or down) passed 14-1 on Wu's motion, seconded by Ellinger; Beasley opposed.
Resolution authorizing bid advertisement and the Preliminary Official Statement passed 15-0.

Change from Single Family Residential (R-1C) to Corridor Business (B-3), 4.912 net acres at 1770 and 1800 Harrodsburg Rd. (Council District 10); passed 15-0.

Ordinance adopting the manual as an engineering manual for infrastructure development; passed 15-0.

Chapter 28 ordinance letting the government allocate shared infrastructure costs to non-participating owners through privilege fees, with competitive bidding, notice and a public hearing; passed 15-0 on second reading.

Wu moved to change meeting times from 5 PM to 6 PM on July 1, July 6, December 1 and December 2, 2027; Curtis seconded; unanimous. First reading as amended; on file until September 17.

First reading of the EDS Holdco ($3,081,732.03), Community Action Council ($300,000) and Bluegrass Care Navigators ($234,977) shelter agreements.
2026 Continuum of Care application to HUD seeking up to $3,866,080, with up to $153,932 for planning and a local match up to $38,483; passed 15-0.

First reading of the three expansion resolutions; public hearing set for November 10 at 3:00 PM.

Donation of $21,600 from the Knights of Columbus for Lexington's second baby box, to be installed at Fire Station 24; approved unanimously (Curtis moved, Eblen seconded).

First reading of Greenbrier 2 Pump Station easements (up to $17,000), Lagco change order and related items.

A District 1 resident urged the city to adopt police dashboard cameras. No action.

Council members announced a Woodhill Park court celebration, the Boards and Commissions Fair, the Senior Center's 10th anniversary and 9/11 remembrance events. Curtis spoke about the sale of the Herald-Leader and the importance of a free press.
Appointments: Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Board, Children's Museum, Sister Cities Program Commission.