CivicLex presents: This week in City Hall

by Jillian Riseman, CivicLex Weekly

🥇 Big Topics we’re following

🚰 EPA Consent Decree: Update
Last week, the Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee heard an update on Lexington’s Consent Decree obligations.

What is the EPA Consent Decree?

In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky filed a lawsuit against Lexington for violating the Clean Water Act, arguing that the City had failed to properly maintain its sanitary sewer and its stormwater sewer systems, causing pollution and waterway flooding near the city. You can read our full write-up of last week’s presentation here.

No action was taken on this item.

🚜 Urban Service Boundary: Share your input on the USB Expansion!
Last week, CivicLex helped TSW Consultants and the Division of Planning kick off the Urban Growth Plan public input with the very first public input opportunity on the new expansion areas! We heard a ton of helpful feedback from a variety of people who showed up to the event.

How can you get more engaged with Lexington’s growth? While there will be many more options in the New Year, here’s how you can plug in now:

• Read about the 2024 Urban Growth Plan’s goals and process on its new website.
• Take this survey to help guide the plan’s direction!

Planning Commission to vote on Urban Growth Management ZOTA this week

On Thursday, December 14th, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on the Urban Growth Management Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA).

As a reminder, the Urban Growth Management ZOTA proposes a significant number of changes aimed at advancing goals in the Comprehensive Plan related to walkability, bikeability, housing diversity, increased density, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability. You can read our full write-up of it here.

The Planning Commission will meet on December 14, 2023 at 1:30pm in Council Chambers. You can attend this hearing in-person or watch live on LexTV.

Updates from Last Week

Environmental Best Practices in Paving

At the EQPW meeting on December 5th, Councilmembers heard from Rob Allen, Director of Streets and Roads, on their paving best practices.

This presentation highlighted Lexington’s innovative practices in using recycled asphalt and maintaining road quality in sustainable ways.

No action was taken on this item.

Changes to the Environmental Commission

The EQPW Committee heard a presentation from the Environmental Commission on December 5th. Their presentation advocated for some process and procedural changes to be made to their governing ordinance.

These changes were approved unanimously by the Committee, and will be voted on by the full Council in the New Year.

Public Comment on conflict in Gaza

In last week’s Thursday Council Meeting, residents from and in support of Lexington’s Palestinian community gave public comment asking the Council to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza. The public comment came after several members of the Council and representatives from Fayette County Public Schools participated in a town hall on the issue earlier in the week.