May 30th, 2022
5th District Newsletter
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Hello Neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Memorial Day. This time of year, especially after the difficult years we've faced together recently, is always a stark reminder of the sacrifices many of our armed forces personnel have made since our founding. I deeply appreciate and revere those servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us; it is my hope we continue to make our communities stronger and better places to live in their honor.
This week Council will be finalizing the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. We will hold meetings on May 31st and June 2nd to vote on the recommendations from each of the Budget Subcommittee Links and individual Councilmembers before we ultimately approve a balanced budget that aims to represent Lexington's values and support critical work across our community. The budget will then receive its two readings and go into effect on July 1st, 2022. I encourage you to reach out to myself and other Councilmembers with any thoughts you may have about our budget priorities this year.
Lexington is also gearing up for warm-weather activities! Parks & Recreation recently announced this year's 4th of July celebrations and the opening of city pools! The 4th of July parade is returning and Parks has scheduled some new and exciting events for this year. Lexington's four aquatic centers – Castlewood, Southland, Tates Creek, and Woodland – opened this past Saturday, May 28. The community pools at Douglass and Shillito will open this Saturday, June 4. Our pools will return to their regular hours for the first time in three years! You can review the full schedule for Independence Day festivities and more information about pool openings in the newsletter below.
I'd also like to congratulate all of our students and their families for making through another tough school year! There were many graduations across Lexington over the weekend; my own daughter had her 8th grade graduation last week. It was great getting to celebrate these hard-fought milestones, and I remain proud of, impressed by, and hopeful for our young people in Lexington.
Speaking of our young people and those who care for them, last week was a very difficult week for many people across our nation. The most recent school shooting in Texas hit very close to home for me--as a mother, community leader, and educator. Lexington is not immune from gun violence, and I am beyond thankful for those who work day-in and day-out to eliminate and reduce these senseless acts of violence. Our public safety professionals, mental health providers, faith communities, government agencies, non-profits, and so many others continue to seek solutions to address Lexington's violent crime. There is no one solution to the issues we face as a city or a nation, but as I stated at the May 26th Council meeting, I do know that we will continue working together to address these senseless killings any way that we can. You can view my full statement here.
Take care,
Liz
Upcoming Meetings:
Lex TV broadcasts live government meeting coverage, original programming and bulletin board information. You can find us on Spectrum channel 185 and MetroNet channel 3, view our live stream and archived meetings online or watch programming on our YouTube channel.
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AUDREY GREVIOUS GRADUATION 2022
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My colleagues and I had a wonderful time celebrating some of Lexington's newest graduates! The students at the Audrey Grevious Center have had to overcome many obstacles in order to reach this milestone; I'm proud of their hard work, determination, and belief in themselves. Education is such a vital part of determining our life's path, and I'm thankful for the wonderful educators we have in Lexington.
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Larry Johnson was the keynote speaker during Creative Morning's most recent talk on Friday, May 27th. As a local small business owner with a background in athletic training and yoga focused on preventing injuries, Mr. Johnson gave a compelling talk about the theme of "Now." I was invited to lead a meditation for the group to help center the conversation.
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Congratulations to all of our Lexington Fire Department members who were recognized on Saturday, May 21st, 2022! Our firefighters are some of the best in the country, and I'm proud of the work do they do keep Lexington safe every day of the year.
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The Lexington Public Library held a successful job fair on Tuesday, May 24th. They had mobile classrooms and had numerous tables outside of the Central Branch Library; it was a great afternoon and I look forward to the next!
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My family and I had a blast this weekend participating in the "Lexington Mural Challenge." Lexington has over 50 recognized murals across our community; we had a friend in town visiting and he was very impressed with the vibrant public art in Lexington. I encourage you to check out the mural map from VisitLex to plan your own outing!
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MEMORIAL DAY WASTE UPDATE
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Lexington’s Division of Waste Management will adjust its collection schedule for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
No city waste collections will be made on Monday, May 30. Residents and businesses that normally receive curbside pickup on Mondays will be serviced on Wednesday, June 1. Those with Monday service should place their carts out after 4 p.m. on Tuesday to ensure Wednesday collection.
Businesses with dumpsters (landfill-bound and recycling) normally serviced by the city on Mondays will have their units picked up on Tuesday, May 31. Businesses with dumpsters, normally serviced on Tuesdays, will have their units picked up on Wednesday, June 1.
Tuesday cart collection will not be impacted. Thursday and Friday cart and dumpster collection schedules will not be impacted.
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Council is working towards finalizing the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. We will hold meetings on May 31st and June 2nd to vote on the recommendations from each of the Budget Subcommittee Links and individual Councilmembers, and ultimately approve a balanced budget that aims to represent Lexington's values and support critical work across our community. The budget will then receive it's two readings and go into effect on July 1st, 2022.
I encourage you to reach out to myself and other Councilmembers with any thoughts you may have about our budget priorities this year.
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CITY TO PURCHASE 30 ACRES ON KENTUCKY RIVER
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Mayor Linda Gorton announced plans to purchase 30 acres on the Kentucky River, the only public access to the river in Fayette County.
The city has signed an agreement of sale for the property with John Kelley, whose family has owned the property for decades. The property is located off Old Richmond Road, near the I-75 bridge into Madison County.
The property will be paid for with Parks Acquisition Funds, fees developers pay to the city that are used specifically to acquire parks property. The cost is $1.16 million.
The sale must be approved by the Urban County Council.
The City has not set an opening date for the property.
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Keeping Lexington running is a big job — and sometimes that requires big equipment. Come out to Truck-a-Palooza on Saturday, June 4, from 1-4 p.m. to see more than 20 trucks from the City! Meet the drivers who help keep Lexington running, plus see trucks in action during the “road-eo” skills challenge. Stop by for crafts, games and giveaways throughout the day! Learn more at LexingtonKY.gov/Trucks.
**Note: there will also be a sensory-friendly pre-event from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Any families who would like more information can contact Alice Hilton at ahilton@LexingtonKY.gov or (859) 327-2857.
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Bluegrass Greensource (BGGS) is excited to be back in person for this year’s GreenFest, Saturday, June 4, 2022, 10:00am-3:00pm at The Living Arts & Science Center.
Local experts will be presenting 12 green living workshops ranging from intro to plant foraging and vertical farming, to sustainable hunting and rainwater harvesting, a Home Energy Efficiency Workshop that comes with an energy efficiency kit to take home, and more. $10.00 registration lets you chose from any of the available workshops to attend and learn from experts throughout the day.
In addition to the workshops, we will have a variety of things open to the general public:
- Over 20 eco-friendly vendors and environmental educational booths
- Food available for purchase by Amazing Gracie’s Food Truck and Woke Junk Food Vegan
- Two showings of Habitat Earth at the Farish Planetarium.
- Two LexTran Electric Bus tours
- Lunch tours to learn about the sustainable features of The Living Arts and Science Center.
Registration will be available online until 5:00pm Friday, June 3 and will reopen onsite at The Living Arts & Science Center, Saturday June 4 at 10:00am.
For more information about GreenFest, contact pattie@bggreensource.org or call 859-266-1572, ext. 226.
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The Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is creating a plan to connect east Lexington to downtown with a walkable and bike-friendly route. The goal is to link the Brighton Trail in Hamburg to the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden trailhead in downtown Lexington, which is where the Town Branch and Legacy trails meet.
The study is currently in the kick-off phase. The community can submit their feedback through an online survey at connecteastlex.com until June 30, 2022. The project team is seeking input from the community on trail design preferences and areas that need better connections.
This study continues the city's efforts to create a quality trail network across Lexington and will develop project concepts to connect the Legacy Trail, Town Branch Trail and Brighton Trail.
There are three study goals:
- To identify improvements to fill the gaps between the Brighton Trail and downtown.
- To coordinate the timing and trail design across several projects that are planned in the study area.
- To create a safe, comfortable and continuous trail that better connects neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and other destinations.
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NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT LEXINGTON FARMERS MARKET
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FreshRx for MOMs is a produce prescription program for expectant mothers enrolled in Medicaid.
FreshRx provides participants who meet eligibility requirements $24 in tokens to purchase locally-grown, fresh produce weekly for up to 40 weeks at the Lexington Farmers’ Market.
Healthcare and Social Service practitioners can also contact the Program Site Coordinator, Christina, a copy of the Provider Resource Guide. Freshrxformoms@lexingtonfarmersmarket.com
For more information visit www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.com/FreshRx
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"Volunteers needed to help with community garden! Watering and harvesting slots are available. Watering can be done once for about a half an hour anytime during the 2 to 3 day period you sign up for. Harvesting takes place on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 10 am. No gardening experience required. Check the calendar for open slots and either message or email me at kenwickneighbors@gmail.com if you are able to sign up."
You can review open slots here!
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FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES ANNOUNCED
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Lexington’s Division of Parks & Recreation has announced the schedule for this year’s Fourth of July weekend of events, which includes the return of the Fourth of July Festival and Parade, as well new offerings and annual favorites.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, July 1, with an Ice Cream Social at the Fifth Third Pavilion in Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park. A new event headlines Saturday night, July 2, at Moondance Amphitheater, as Red, White and Blues will offer tasty foods and drinks to the tunes of local blues legend TeeDee Young. The Patriotic Concert returns to Gratz Park and Transylvania University on Sunday, July 3, with the Young at Heart big band and Lexington Philharmonic.
July Fourth will be packed with lots of fun events for the entire family to enjoy. Ready, set, and race down Main St. as we get the day started at 7:25 a.m. with the 46th Annual Bluegrass 10,000 race, featuring the popular new route that premiered last year. The Fourth of July Festival returns this year, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with food trucks and live music. At 11:30 a.m., the annual parade will stroll through downtown, which will get everyone in the patriotic spirit. Splashes of light and color will light up downtown as we cap off the night with the city’s fireworks extravaganza near the corner of Main St. and Oliver Lewis Way.
Visit lexingtonky.gov/fourthofjuly for more information about the events and activities happening Fourth of July weekend in Lexington.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 1
Ice Cream Social
Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 2
Red, White & Blues
Moondance Amphitheater
5 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 3
Patriotic Concert
Transylvania University and Gratz Park
Preshow: 5 – 6:30 p.m. – Young at Heart Big Band
Main show: 7:30 – 9 p.m. – Lexington Philharmonic
Monday, July 4
Bluegrass 10,000
Corner of Main St. and N. Limestone St.
7:25 a.m.
Fourth of July Festival
Courthouse Plaza
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fourth of July Parade
Main St. (Downtown)
11:30 a.m.
Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Main St. and Oliver Lewis Way
10 p.m.
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The four aquatic centers – Castlewood, Southland, Tates Creek, and Woodland – opened Saturday, May 28, and the two neighborhood pools – Shillito and Douglass – will open on Saturday, June 4. The pools will return to their regular hours for the first time in three years.
All city pools are receiving needed infrastructure improvements and new features funded through federal American Rescue funds. Southland, Woodland, Shillito, and Douglass pools have already had their diving boards replaced. Southland Aquatic Center, located in Southland Park, one of the more popular pools in the city, is set to receive various other improvements.
“We have substantial improvements coming to all of our city pools in the coming years,” said Monica Conrad, Director of Parks & Recreation. “With new and repaired features, as well much-needed replacements for filters, pumps, and filtration systems, we will be able to extend the life of our pools.”
Future improvements include a new pool slide at Douglass, new aquatic features at Woodland and Southland, repairs to the aquatic feature at Tates Creek, a new filtration system at Douglass, new filter tanks at Southland and Woodland, new pumps at Castlewood and Southland, and pool decking repairs at Shillito.
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NONPROFIT CAPITAL GRANT PROGRAM REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
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The City of Lexington is providing a one-time grant to local 501(c)(3) agencies for major capital projects in two categories:
1.) Facility improvement (ex., the purchase, construction, expansion, repair of a building, installation or major overhaul of HVAC systems, etc.)
2.) Operational investments (ex., purchase of major equipment, such as generators or vehicles).
Community nonprofit partners with established proven track records of performance that are located in Lexington Fayette-County are invited to apply. These grants are for capital projects, are funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, and are subject to federal reporting and spending requirements.
To be considered, completed proposals are due no later than 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21 via the LFUCG’s procurement software at https://lexingtonky.ionwave.net/Login.aspx. For assistance in registering, contact Katie Osborne at (859) 258-3320 or kosborne@lexingtonky.gov.
The proposal must contain the required documents and respond to each of the required narrative/application questions to be complete. Submissions containing significant omissions of the required information will be considered non-responsive and will be removed from the funding process and constitute an incomplete proposal.
Applicants who have questions regarding the RFP or the process should contact Todd Slatin at (859) 258-3320 or tslatin@lexingtonky.gov.
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LFUCG BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES
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Joining a board or commission is a great way to have your voices heard on local issues that matter to you. If you're looking for a way to give back and help to shape the direction of Lexington's future, I encourage you to review this list and apply! You'll find the current list of vacancies for the City's boards and commissions, application deadlines/requirements, and meeting schedules.
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Learn more about all current job openings here!
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