Lexington public meetings in 2024

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee will hear updates on the consent decree and remedial measures plan, a report from the Waste Digester Task Force, and a recycling update. The committee will also consider approval of the October 22, 2024 meeting summary. No votes are scheduled on the substantive items.

• Consent decree full compliance deadline extended to 12/31/2030; 65% of capital projects complete
• Waste Digester Task Force recommends aerated static pile composting; commercial by 2027, residential by 2029
• Recycling contamination rates: 30-35% recycling, 50-60% yard waste
• Task force recommends contamination reduction plan by 12/31/2025
• Recycling update includes $4.2M facility upgrades and new baler purchase

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee reviewed the October 2024 financial update and discussed a potential new downtown master plan. The meeting also included an update on LexArts finance and equity initiatives.

• Monthly Financial Update for October 2024
• Lexington Downtown Projects Update regarding a new master plan
• LexArts Finance and Equity Review
• ARPA funding status showing $101.9 million expended through October 31, 2024

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee will hear annual updates on the Affordable Housing Fund, the Juvenile Treatment Court, and The Hope Center expansion, along with approving the previous meeting's summary. The agenda includes reports and updates, with no new votes on policy items listed.

• Annual Affordable Housing Fund update covering $49.2M in funding commitments and 3,522 units funded since FY2015
• Annual Juvenile Treatment Court update
• The Hope Center expansion project update
• Approval of October 8, 2024 committee summary

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget Committee is reviewing the city's financial performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. The discussion includes a review of general fund revenues and expenses, as well as an update on the allocation and expenditure of ARPA funds.

• FY25 Quarter 1 General Fund revenue of $108,906,957
• FY25 Quarter 1 General Fund expenses of $123,312,255
• Total ARPA allocated funds of $121.2 million
• Total ARPA expenditures through September 30, 2024, of $94.9 million
• City Hall financing options and fund balance proposals

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee is meeting to approve the previous meeting's summary and review several recurring annual items, including the city's snow plan, the MS4 stormwater program, and a community outreach update. The agenda also includes items referred to the committee. No new ordinances or contracts with dollar amounts are listed.

• Approval of August 20, 2024 committee summary
• Annual Snow Plan (1034-22)
• Annual MS4 stormwater program (1122-22)
• Community outreach update (0500-21)
• Items referred to committee (1066-24)

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee will receive updates on the Urban Growth Master Plan and discuss recommendations for regulating short-term rentals in agricultural zones. They will also consider items related to the Lexington History Museum and tenant representation on boards and commissions. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting's summary and referral of items to the committee.

• Urban Growth Master Plan update: recommends 17,607-26,677 dwelling units, proposes new walkable neighborhoods, and includes public engagement opportunities on Oct 17 and Oct 31, 2024.
• Rural short-term rentals: 10 recommendations from the Rural Land Management Board, including requiring conditional use permits, limiting to one STR per mile radius, and restricting to hosted STRs.
• Lexington History Museum: item sponsored by Plomin/Higgins (details not in agenda).
• Tenants on Boards and Commission: item sponsored by Lynch/Lanter (details not in agenda).
• Approval of September 10, 2024 Committee Summary.

The committee approved amendments to allow unhosted short-term rentals on rural parcels of 10 acres or less with a conditional use permit. These changes were reported out to the full council as a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment. No action was taken on the Urban Growth Master Plan update or the Lexington History Museum report.

• Approved permitting unhosted short-term rentals on rural parcels 10 acres or less via conditional use permit
• Reduced spacing requirements for unhosted short-term rentals on parcels 10 acres or less from 1 mile to 500 feet
• Approved reporting rural short-term rental changes to full council as a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment
• Approved early report out of short-term rental items to the October 15 Council Work Session
• Approved September 10, 2024 committee meeting summary
• Removed 'Examine Ways to Evenly Distribute Social Service Facilities in Neighborhoods' from referred items

Water Quality Fees Board

The Board will review the FY25 Class B Infrastructure Grant selection process, including fund summaries and director recommendations. Discussion will also include a change order request for Huber Real Estate No. 1, LLC and an update on incentive grant status.

• FY23 Huber Real Estate No. 1, LLC – Change Order Request
• FY 2025 Class B Infrastructure Grant Selection
• Incentive Grant Status Update

The Water Quality Fees Board met to review infrastructure grant applications. The meeting included the approval of previous minutes and a review of various project recommendations for FY25 funding.

• Approved July 25, 2024, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Canceled FY23 Huber Real Estate No. 1, LLC Change Order Request
• Reviewed University of Kentucky Research Foundation Athletics Complex grant recommendation
• Reviewed United Landscape - James McFarlane grant recommendation
• Reviewed Fayette County Public Schools - Steam Rise Academy grant recommendation
• Reviewed OP Innovates, LLC grant recommendation
• Reviewed LFUCG Airport Board grant recommendation

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee will hear a report from the Gun Violence Task Force Workgroup and a presentation on the Villages Model for Lexington, a proposal to support aging in place. The committee will also consider items referred to it and approve the previous meeting's summary.

• Gun Violence Task Force Workgroup report-out with recommendations including defining gun violence as a public health crisis
• Villages Model presentation by A Caring Place, requesting $150,000 for a feasibility study
• Approval of September 17, 2024 committee summary
• Items referred to committee

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The committee reviewed the August 2024 monthly financial update and discussed a request from the RH Williams Cultural Center for assistance with building renovations. The meeting also included a presentation on medical debt relief through the nonprofit Undue.

• RH Williams Cultural Center feasibility study estimated at $300,000
• August 2024 revenue reported at $69,198,920
• August 2024 expenses reported at $80,127,254
• ARPA total allocated funds of $121.2 million

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee will hear annual updates from the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention and the NAMI Fayette Mental Health Court. The homelessness update covers funding, encampment cleanups, and strategic plan progress. The mental health court update highlights participant outcomes, recidivism rates, and an aftercare program. The committee will also consider items referred to it, including an expansion of the mental health court.

• Homelessness funding: $44 million invested FY20-FY25; FY25 Innovative & Sustainable Solutions Fund $1,438,510
• FY24 encampment cleanups: 28 cleanups, $51,805 total cost
• Mental health court recidivism rate 17.7% vs. Kentucky average 46.6%
• Mental health court savings: $5,265,819 (July 2021-Aug 2024)
• Referral: Expand Adult Mental Health Court with Aftercare Program (File ID 0534-24)

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee will consider an ordinance expanding paid parental leave to four weeks for foster and kinship placements, and will review recommendations from the Rural Land Management Board on regulating short-term rentals in agricultural zones. The agenda also includes updates on historic preservation of African American Hamlets and the Bring Back the Bluegrass program. The committee will also approve the prior meeting's summary.

• Ordinance to expand paid parental leave to 4 weeks for foster/kinship placement, with HR director exceptions
• Rural Land Management Board recommends conditional use permits for all rural STRs, 1-mile spacing limit
• Proposed STR rules: hosted-only, no new construction, max 2 occupants per bedroom, special event limits
• Update on assessment and historic preservation of Lexington's African American Hamlets
• Bring Back the Bluegrass program update

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee will consider proposed regulations for digital billboards, including size, spacing, brightness, and message duration limits, and will review the short-term rental ordinance and enforcement efforts. The committee will also approve the June 11, 2024 meeting summary and address items referred to the committee.

• Proposed digital billboard rules: max 400 sq ft, 2,500 ft spacing between digital billboards, 8-second static message hold, luminance caps of 5,000 nits day and 500 nits night
• Short-term rental update: 625 licensed STRs, 339 first violation notices, 154 second notices, 21 citations issued
• STR survey results: 353 responses, 44% had complaints (top: noise, parking, parties, safety, trash)
• Approval of June 11, 2024 committee summary
• Removal of items from referred list: consent agenda study, conditional use permits in rural service area, RLMB recommendation process

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee is reviewing funding requests for the Robert H. Williams Cultural Center and discussing undue medical debt. The meeting also includes updates on monthly financials and project change orders.

• Robert H. Williams Cultural Center funding request
• Undue Medical Debt discussion
• Monthly Financial Update - August 2024
• Change Orders Update

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee will consider several items, including the annual stormwater priority list, an update to the city's blasting ordinance, and a discussion of sustainability options. The committee will also approve the summary of its June 18, 2024 meeting and address any referred items.

• Approval of June 18, 2024 Committee Summary
• Annual Stormwater Priority List (0922-22)
• Update to Chapter 8 in Code of Ordinances Related to Blasting (0793-24)
• Explore Lexington's Sustainability Options (0499-21)
• Items Referred to Committee (0821-24)

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee approved an ordinance providing up to 56 hours of paid leave and 240 hours of unpaid leave for classified civil service employees who are victims of domestic violence or crime. The committee also received updates on the Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program and the Mental Health Court aftercare program.

• Approved ordinance for 56 hours of paid and 240 hours of unpaid leave for crime/domestic violence victims
• Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program update regarding opioid crisis and Naloxone distribution
• Discussion of Mental Health Court's $180,000 community block grant and alumni aftercare program
• Presentation on public safety recruitment and retention pay scales from 2019-2024

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee met to review monthly financial performance and economic development initiatives. The agenda includes updates on the Public Infrastructure Program and the Commerce Lexington Regional Competitiveness Plan.

• Monthly Financial Update: FY2024 performance reflects a surplus of $21 million or more
• Commerce Lexington (CLEX) Regional Competitiveness Plan: LFUCG has invested $322,000 to date
• Public Infrastructure Program: Proposed ordinance to amend and restate Ordinance No. 141-2022
• Public Infrastructure Program loan limits: Maximum of $500,000 or 10% of total project cost

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee will discuss recycling practices and explore sustainability options for Lexington. The meeting also includes the approval of the April 30, 2024, committee summary.

• Review of recycling practices (0292-19)
• Exploration of Lexington's sustainability options (0499-21)
• Approval of April 30, 2024 Committee Summary (0643-24)

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee approved several amendments to the Urban Growth Management ZOTA, including new rules for drive-up windows and micro-distilleries. The committee also reviewed Rural Land Management Board recommendations for short-term rentals in agricultural zones and received a report on updating public input processes.

• Approved amended Urban Growth Management ZOTA regarding drive-up/drive-through facilities
• Approved micro-distillery requirements limiting production to 10,000 gallons of distillate annually
• Reviewed 10 short-term rental recommendations for Agricultural Zones, including conditional use permit requirements
• Received Public Input Subcommittee report on new technology and public comment guidelines
• Approved amendment to item 11 title regarding Boards and Commissions Comprehensive Review

Budget Committee of the Whole (Budget COW)

The Budget Committee of the Whole is reviewing the April FY2024 monthly financial update and the status of ARPA fund expenditures. The meeting includes presentations on various department reports and individual council member recommendations.

• April FY2024 revenues totaled $416,618,521 against $374,753,217 in expenses
• ARPA funds have $108.8 million obligated out of a $121.2 million total allocation
• ARPA spending includes $62,643,001 for revenue replacement and government services
• ARPA spending includes $12,954,007 for premium pay for high-exposure staff
• ARPA spending includes $36,881,159 for addressing negative economic impacts

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee reviewed several public safety and health initiatives. Members voted to approve an ordinance that bans retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats to combat puppy and kitten mills.

• Ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores
• Proposed $500 fine for retail pet stores violating the new ordinance
• Gun Violence Task Force recommendations report-out
• Substance Use Disorder Intervention Program update regarding SAMHSA grant
• Discussion of expanding the Mental Health Court with an Aftercare Program

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee reviewed ten recommendations from the Rural Land Management Board regarding short term rentals (STRs) in the Rural Service Area. The recommendations propose requiring conditional use permits, limiting STR density, and restricting rentals to hosted models. The committee also discussed updates to the Disparity Study and a new consent agenda model.

• RLMB recommendation: Require conditional use permits and septic tank certification for STRs in Agricultural Zones
• RLMB recommendation: Limit STRs to one per property and no more than one within a 1-mile radius
• RLMB recommendation: Restrict Agricultural Zone STRs to 'hosted' models only
• Approval of resolution and ordinances regarding a new consent agenda model
• Approval of resolution pertaining to the Disparity Study Update

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee reviewed the FY24 Urban Services Fund, which manages street lights, refuse collection, and street cleaning. Members also received updates on urban forestry initiatives and the Hazard Street Tree Cost-Share Program.

• Review of the $58,731,979 Urban Services Fund
• Urban Forestry/Street Trees update including the Hazard Street Tree (Cost-Share) Program
• Review of street light financials and the $8,063,820 FY24 revenue estimate
• Review of refuse collection financials and the $40,859,650 FY24 revenue estimate
• Review of street cleaning financials and the $2,422,530 FY24 revenue estimate

Budget Committee of the Whole (Budget COW)

The Budget Committee of the Whole is reviewing the Mayor's proposed FY2025 budget and discussing revenue adoption. The meeting also includes a third-quarter financial update and a report on ARPA fund expenditures through March 31, 2024.

• FY24 9-month revenue of $349,991,327 against a budget of $333,847,043
• FY24 9-month expenses of $339,391,074 against a budget of $371,945,577
• ARPA total allocated funds of $121.2 million with $80.3 million expended
• ARPA expenditure for Revenue Replacement/Government Services totaling $59,409,410
• ARPA expenditure for Premium Pay totaling $12,954,007

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee reviewed the 2024 Annual Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) report and updates on the Urban Growth Master Plan. The meeting also included a summary of previous discussions regarding shelter feasibility and zoning ordinance text amendments.

• 2024 Annual PDR Update regarding 32,000 acres of conserved farmland
• Shelter Feasibility RFP study funded by $200,000 from FY23 Fund Balance
• Urban Growth Master Plan expansion and community engagement timeline
• Proposed Urban Growth Ordinance ZOTA to modernize zoning and housing density
• Review of the largest PDR easement involving 1,170.64 acres on Sulphur Well Rd.

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services & Public Safety Committee is reviewing a proposed ordinance to ban the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores to prevent the use of puppy and kitten mills. The committee also received updates on the Community Paramedicine Program and the Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition.

• Proposed ordinance prohibiting retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats
• Proposed $500 fine per violation for unauthorized pet sales
• Update on Community Paramedicine Program following up with 735 unique individuals in 2023
• Report on Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition housing stability program ($60,000 used)
• Gun Violence Task Force report-out regarding prevention and mitigation recommendations

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee reviewed monthly financial updates and economic outlook forecasts. The meeting also included a presentation on the Regional Competitiveness Plan and information regarding a potential parks funding ballot referendum.

• Monthly Financial Update – March 2024
• Lexington Economic Workforce & Revenue Update
• Lexington Economic Outlook & Occupational Tax Forecast
• Regional Competitiveness Plan implementation deliverables totaling $322,000
• Parks Funding Ballot Referendum discussion

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee is reviewing a proposal to establish the Lex Grow Trees Grant Program using $1.5 million in allocated funds. The meeting also included updates on energy initiatives and a preview of upcoming ordinance updates.

• Lex Grow Trees Grant Program: two annual rounds of ~$500,000 in available funding
• Lex Grow Trees: $1.5 million total allocated for tree canopy growth and support
• Energy Initiatives: status update provided by Sheehan and Bush
• Chapters 16 & 17B Ordinance Update: preview of upcoming changes
• Microtransit discussion: review of potential $400,000 earmark for on-demand transit

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee approved an amended ordinance to prohibit housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, effective March 1, 2024. The committee also received updates on the Community Paramedicine Program and the Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition.

• Ordinance creating section 2-31.2 to prohibit housing discrimination based on lawful source of income
• Community Paramedicine Program update including $1.3 million COSSUP grant
• Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition update including $60,000 for housing stability
• Review of Emergency Financial Assistance and rent/utility assistance programs

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee reviewed the city's second-quarter financial performance and an annual comprehensive audit. The meeting also included a presentation on technology ecosystem development and regional competitiveness.

• $55.9 million in transfers from the FY23 General Fund Balance to various funds
• Annual comprehensive financial review of the June 30, 2023 audit
• Technology Ecosystem Development presentation by the Technology Association of the Bluegrass
• $121.2 million total allocated for ARPA funds

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee met to discuss the Urban Growth Master Plan update and proposed zoning ordinance text amendments. The agenda also included a presentation on the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and a Shelter Feasibility RFP.

• Urban Growth Ordinance ZOTA regarding density, housing affordability, and land use
• Outdoor Lighting Ordinance establishing regulations for light pollution and shielding
• Shelter Feasibility RFP
• Master Plan Presentation regarding community engagement and project timelines
• Global Lex 2023 Annual Update regarding Limited English Proficiency outreach

Environmental Quality & Public Works (EQPW) Committee

The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee is reviewing a presentation on microtransit mobility options and an odor control plan. The meeting also includes a review of the previous December 2023 committee summary.

• Discussion of microtransit/on-demand transit models
• Odor Control Plan discussion
• Review of December 5, 2023 Committee Summary

Budget, Finance & Economic Development (BFED) Committee

The committee reviewed the second quarter financial update for the fiscal year. Discussions included updates on short-term rental revenue, the Lexington Jobs Fund, and the Exaction Program.

• Quarter 2 Financial Update covering revenues and expenses through December 2023
• Short-term rental (STR) revenue update and enforcement timelines
• Lexington Jobs Fund update noting $1.4 million currently available for award
• Exaction Program update regarding infrastructure costs and dissolution goals

Social Services & Public Safety (SSPS) Committee

The Social Services and Public Safety Committee is reviewing a proposed ordinance to prohibit housing discrimination against residents using lawful payments like Housing Choice vouchers. The draft ordinance would create a new section in the Fairness Ordinance and is proposed to take effect March 1, 2024. The committee also received updates on assistance programs and reviewed previous committee summaries.

• Proposed ordinance to prohibit housing discrimination based on lawful source of income
• Discussion of assistance programs update
• Review of November 14, 2023, committee and special committee summaries

General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee

The General Government and Planning Committee reviewed updates on the Urban Growth Management Plan and a study regarding employee pay by race, ethnicity, and gender. The committee also received an update on Global Lex services and diversity and inclusion workshop results. No formal actions were taken on these items.

• Urban Growth Management Plan update involving 2,700-5,000 acres
• Analysis of LFUCG compensation data for 1,400 employees
• Diversity and Inclusion workshop report covering 1,515 employees
• Global Lex service update regarding 1,000+ walk-in visitors
• Annual status review of 12 committee referral items