The D2 Dispatch - 11/13/20

Veterans Day 2020 Ceremony

On Wednesday, I joined Mayor Linda Gorton, Congressman Andy Barr, KDVA Deputy Commissioner Dean Stoops, Lyric Executive Director Whit Whitaker, and my colleagues to celebrate Veterans Day, virtually! Thank you to CM Susan Lamb and her office for making this ceremony happen.

Thank you to all of the Veterans who have served to protect our great nation and preserve our freedom. Because of you, we are blessed with the privileges we have today.

A special thank you to my parents who both served in the USMC. Semper Fi (and happy late birthday)!

If you were not able to join us earlier you can watch the Veterans Day Event by clicking the image below.

Schedule of Meetings

Tuesday, November 17

1:00 PM Planning & Public Safety Committee
3:00 PM Council Work Session

Wednesday, November 18

2:00 PM Electronic Billboard Subcommittee (via Zoom)

Thursday, November 19

4:30 PM Quarterly Committee of the Whole (COW)
6:00 PM Council Meeting

Be advised that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state of emergency and Governor Beshear’s Executive Orders regarding social distancing, meetings of the Urban County Council are being held via video-teleconference. This is pursuant to Senate Bill 150 (as signed by the Governor on March 30, 2020) and Attorney General Opinion 20-05, and in accordance with KRS 61.826, because it is not feasible to offer a primary physical location for the meeting. Therefore, the meeting will be conducted via Zoom video teleconference. You may view the meeting on LexTV Spectrum channel 185, MetroNet channel 3, Windstream channels 3 and 20, or via live stream.

Fayette County has been listed as a critical county in Kentucky due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this classification, in-person public comment has been suspended. We are working on a way to allow public comment via video teleconference. More information coming soon.

Please be advised that a previously scheduled Urban County Council public hearing for a zone change has been CANCELLED due to the COVID-19 pandemic State of Emergency.

The zone change request was submitted by Blackburn Development, LLC for properties located at 325, 329 and 333 Blackburn Ave (PLN-MAR-20-00009).

The Urban County Council will consider rescheduling the public hearing on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 3:00PM during the Council Work Session.

Give thanks, not COVID-19!

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of being exposed to, getting or spreading COVID-19 during Thanksgiving!

Traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people you don’t live with. Avoid high-traffic public areas, such as bathrooms and dining spaces.
Wear a mask at all times when around people.
Avoid potluck-style gatherings and encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks. Limit traffic where food is being prepared or handled. Do not share serving utensils.
Disinfect all resuables when the event is over.

Fayette County has returned to the “red zone” on the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s map at kycovid19.ky.gov. Please be sure to note the new recommendations above from Gov. Andy Beshear for places in the red.

Lexington reported 189 new COVID-19 cases yesterday (11/12/20), bringing the total to 13,279 cases and 103 deaths since the outbreak began in March.

We reached the following thousand-case marks on these dates:

13,000: Nov. 11
12,000: Nov. 5
11,000: Oct. 29
10,000: Oct. 20
9,000: Oct. 6
8,000: Sept. 22
7,000: Sept. 11
6,000: Sept. 2
5,000: Aug. 23
4,000: Aug. 10
3,000: July 28
2,000: July 12
1,000: June 10
1: March 8

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is important to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by following these public health guidelines:

Wear a cloth face-covering in public
Avoid close contact with others
Wash your hands often
Stay home if you are sick

COVID-19 testing available at Red Mile

The Red Mile will host the Mayor’s Mobile Neighborhood Testing Program for free COVID-19 tests for the next two weeks, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today.

“Thanks to The Red Mile,” Gorton said. “Testing becomes more and more important as the number of cases continues to grow. We’ve had a disheartening start to November, as we’ve experienced record-breaking numbers of positive cases in Lexington. It’s still very important to follow public health recommendations … maintain a six-foot social distance, wear a face mask, wash your hands, and get tested regularly.”

MAYOR’S MOBILE NEIGHBORHOOD TESTING PROGRAM
The Mayor’s Mobile Neighborhood Testing Program provides public testing at no cost to the individual. Testing is available without an appointment, with both walk-up and drive-up options.

Since starting the mobile testing program in late June, nearly 14,000 tests have been administered in 58 testing days.

This week, testing will be available, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 12 - 14, at The Red Mile, 1200 Red Mile Road. Next week, testing will take place at The Red Mile, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 19 - 22.

OTHER TEST SITES
There are additional free public testing locations across Lexington.

Drive-thru testing is available at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, 500 Newtown Pike, through Bluewater Diagnostic Laboratory. Testing is available, without appointment, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Free drive-thru testing also continues, through Bluewater, at Southland Christian Church, 2349 Richmond Road. Testing is available 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.

Bluewater, which also administers testing at Mayor’s Mobile Neighborhood Testing Program locations, is offering tests at no cost to the patient. Health insurance information may be requested, but is not required, to receive testing. Tests are available to anyone. Results are generally available in 48-72 hours.

Additionally, through a partnership with the University of Kentucky, UK HealthCare and Wild Health, testing is available to the public at 1505 College Way and 1350 Bull Lea Road. These sites are not intended for UK student testing. Free drive-thru testing is available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., seven days a week. Appointments are required and can be made by visiting lexington.wildhealth.com.

Drive-thru testing is also available seven days a week at the Walgreen’s testing location at 2296 Executive Drive (the corner of Winchester Road and Executive Drive). Tests will continue while test kits are available. Online registration is required at walgreens.com/coronavirus.

Finally, most private healthcare providers are offering testing options for their patients. Urgent Care Centers are also offering COVID-19 testing.

For information on more testing sites go to: lexingtonky.gov/COVID-19.

Bluewater Diagnostic Laboratory has been recognized by the state of Kentucky for expanding the state’s COVID-19 testing capacity. Based in Mount Washington, KY, they are committed to be an industry leader in cutting-edge instrumentation and testing methodologies.

COVID-19 CALL CENTER PHONE NUMBER: (859) 899-2222
Essential COVID-19 information for Lexington: COVID-19 and Lexington
For daily updates on COVID-19 cases in Kentucky, please visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Please note - Starting Nov. 9, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be transitioning to the state’s contact tracing system. Over the next few weeks, our staff will be entering cases into the state’s tracking system while also continuing to use our existing system. We are working with the Kentucky Department for Public Health to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Part of the transition includes loading data from all previous cases into the new system. We do not anticipate the transition will cause any delays in case investigations or in updating our daily COVID-19 case counts on our website. However, specific demographic information might not be available for their daily charts/graphs in the interim. The charts/graphs will return as soon as the information is available to be pulled from the new system.

LFCHD needs your help slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Lexington. By now, you hopefully know the main ways: wear your mask, stay physically distant from others and wash your hands.

These steps continue to remain important, but there's something else you can do!

Anyone who talks about public health becomes a public health communicator, and more people talking about the facts will help Lexington. Share our information to help spread the word so more people hear the facts about COVID-19.

We'll call it a “misinformation vaccination!” Protect the community through facts! Thanks, Lexington!

If you live in Lexington and do not have a way to get to a COVID-19 testing site, the health department can bring a test to you. Call 859-899-2222 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday for help.

Si vive en Lexington y no puede llegar a un sitio de pruebas de COVID-19, podemos traerle un kit de pruebas a usted. Llame al 859-899-2222, lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. para obtener ayuda.

Lexington's COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program

Has your ability to pay rent been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Help may be available.

The Lexington Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Office announces the LFUCG Housing Stabilization Partnership Program, providing financial assistance to those households unable to pay rent due to a change of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program aims to ensure secure housing for tenant recipients for as long as possible. Eligible households can access financial assistance toward either rental arrears or relocation costs.

Eligibility requirements:

80% or below area median income; and
Fayette County resident as of March 1, 2020; and
Certification of inability to pay rent is COVID-19 related; and
Certification of possible or pending eviction with total rental arrears owed or evidence of eviction since August 24, 2020 with the complaint filed after May 1, 2020 for nonpayment of rent as cause.

If you do not yet have a court date, go to covid19renterhelp.org to complete an application.

Residents with a court date can directly contact one of the following partner agencies for assistance:
AVOL Kentucky – 859-225-3000
Community Action Council – 859-233-4600
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington – 859-317-3358
GreenHouse17 – 800-544-2022
The Nest - Center for Women, Children and Families – 859-259-1974
New Life Day Center of Lexington, Ky - 859-721-2325
Step By Step, Lexington – 859-258-7837
Urban League of Lexington – 859-233-1561

To see if you qualify, reference the infographic below. And if you don’t meet criteria for this program, we’ve included some other resources which may be able to assist you. This includes assistance through kyrenterhelp.org, teamkyhherf.ky.gov and teamkyfund.ky.gov.

PSC Moratorium on Utility Shut-Offs Lifted

From Lisa F. Smith, APR, Director, Communications, Customer and Community Affairs of Columbia Gas of Kentucky:

Recently, the Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order lifting the moratorium on service terminations and instructing utilities to proactively enroll residential accounts with arrearages accumulated from March 16, 2020 through October 2020 in an extended payment plan.

In compliance with this order, Columbia Gas of Kentucky has enrolled these residential customers in a 9-month payment plan to assist them in paying the past due balance along with current charges. Customers simply pay the amount due shown on their November bill to confirm their enrollment.

We recognize the economic hardships that have stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic and are hopeful that providing an extended period over which to pay down past due balances will be a help to our customers.

Customers wishing to change to a different payment plan may contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-432-9345. While this proactive action has been taken for customer with arrearages accumulated since March 16, any customers facing difficulty paying their winter energy bills can enroll in an extended payment plan by visiting ColumbiaGasKY.com/PaymentPlans or calling the Customer Care Center.

RHISE
(Rental Hardship to Impacted Service Employees) is proposed for households below 60% AMI, or approximately $47,000 for a 4-person household. The targeted population is service employees in public-facing service industries, including: non-profit community service sector; child care or health care; education; retail and customer service; and food, hospitality, and entertainment. Maximum aggregate award is capped at $2,000 per household. Residents must demonstrate a current delinquency or arrearage in rental or utility payments. Please find attached the program guidelines and informational flyer for convenient reference.

RHISE is federally-funded with $500,000 in CDBG from US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, as part of CARES Act. Council authorized this funding earlier this spring, as part of an initial COVID-19 funding package.

Note: This RHISE program is separate and distinct from the pending Housing Assistance Proposals, soon to be introduced to Council for funding consideration.

The RHISE Program can help local workers prevent rental eviction & displacement. Please contact our team at Community & Resident Services for more information at 859-300-5300.

Kentucky Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification Program

Guest Speakers: Paula M. Weglarz, Program Coordinator, Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet and Sherita Miller, Minority Business Enterprise Liaison, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government

Businesses owned by women and minorities have a unique opportunity to expand their markets and locate contract opportunities. The Kentucky Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification Program, along with Kentucky’s Small Business Connection portal, assists in the development of minority and women owned businesses in the Commonwealth.

The MWBE certification assists Kentucky businesses in qualifying to participate as disadvantaged businesses for Finance and Administration Cabinet projects and contracts.

The MWBE certification helps Kentucky businesses in meeting home state governmental certification requirements when applying for certification in other states.

It also allows businesses to meet the certification requirements of various local governments—including Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government—and public utilities across the Commonwealth.

This class provides an overview of the application process and eligibility requirements, identifies the application form mistakes that can delay the process, and answers frequently asked questions.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Register Now!

Mayor waives local liquor license renewal fees

Mayor Linda Gorton today waived 2020 liquor license renewal fees for bars, restaurants and several other facilities. The waiver applies to businesses shut down by Governor Andy Beshear’s orders as “non-essential,” or those required to operate under limited capacity because of COVID-19.

“The pandemic has hit these businesses really hard,” Gorton said. “They need all the help they can get.”

Over the summer, Gorton worked to cushion the blow on many of these same businesses operating under limited capacity by finding ways to allow them to expand seating on sidewalks and parking lots. “It will be harder for them to use outdoor tables in cold weather,” the Mayor said.

The City also invested $2.5 million in grants to small businesses, including several bars and restaurants, to help with COVID expenses.

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has already waived the state license renewal fees for these businesses. By executive order, Gorton is waiving the local fees.

Any business that has already paid its fees for 2020 will have fees waived for 2021.

The fees range in cost, depending upon the type and size of the business. The impact on the city budget is estimated at $750,000, spread out over two budget cycles.

“Job losses would have a bigger, longer-lasting impact on our budget,” Gorton said. “Our bars and restaurants are an important part of our economy. Lexington’s restaurant scene has a national reputation. We need to do what we can to support it.”

The nation’s hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. That’s also true for Lexington.

The waiver applies to those who hold a Brewer’s License; Caterer’s License; Extended Hours Supplemental License; Limited Restaurant License; Microbrewery License; NQ1 Retail Drink License – convention centers, racetracks, state parks, etc.; NQ2 Retail Drink License – restaurants, hotel restaurants/bars, airport restaurants, etc.; NQ3 Retail Drink License – private clubs, bed and breakfasts, etc.; NQ4 Malt Beverage Drink License – supplemental for small farm wineries, breweries, etc.; Qualified Historic Site License; Quota Retail Drink License (bars); Special Sunday Retail Drink License; Supplemental Bar License; and Entertainment Destination Center License.

Redevelopment and transportation improvement concepts for Nicholasville Road are now available for public review and input

Earlier this year, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government invited the public to imagine the future of Nicholasville Road. Blending community input received since the project kicked off in March with the results of an in-depth study, the City has prepared preliminary transportation and redevelopment concepts to support future growth along the corridor. These concepts are now ready for public review at ImagineNicholasvilleRoad.org.

Imagine Nicholasville Road is a study of the U.S. 27 corridor extending between downtown Lexington and Brannon Crossing, just south of the Fayette-Jessamine County line. Conducted by the LFUCG, the purpose of the study is to identify strategies to better ensure that the corridor's ongoing redevelopment aligns with the community’s need for more housing units and housing options, and to move people more efficiently along the corridor.

“Community input at this phase is very important since the study’s recommendations will be used to help guide future development and determine the priority of transportation improvements,” said Kenzie Gleason, a transportation planner with the City of Lexington. “Since we can’t meet in person right now, we are offering an online opportunity for the public to explore the initial concepts and to submit their thoughts.”

Gleason noted that this phase of public review will continue through Dec. 2, 2020. With the materials online, the public has the opportunity to view them at their convenience, 24/7. The concepts are presented in a series of short, narrated videos, and feedback opportunities are integrated into the online presentation. The public is also welcome to send comments via email to imagine@lexington.gov or by mail to the Division of Planning, 101 East Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Anyone needing special assistance to review the materials can contact Kenzie Gleason at 859-258-3605.

“When reviewing the concepts, it’s important to keep in mind that this plan will guide growth and redevelopment that will occur along the corridor over time, primarily through private development. These changes won’t happen overnight,” said Gleason. “Transportation needs to support redevelopment, improve safety and overall travel along the corridor will be prioritized and coordinated with Lexington’s community-wide transportation improvement program.”

Imagine Nicholasville Road is an extension of the 2018 Imagine Lexington Comprehensive Plan. A core strategy of the plan is guiding population and economic growth along Lexington’s principal corridors. Nicholasville Road is the first of Lexington’s major commercial and transportation corridors to undergo strategic planning as part of the implementation of the plan.

For more information visit ImagineNicholasvilleRoad.com.

2020 Vacuum Leaf Collection Program

The city offers a leaf vacuum pickup collection once a year for single-family homes that receive city waste collection service. The vacuum leaf collection program is a supplement to the year-round yard waste options.

The 2020 vacuum pickup collection began on Monday, November 9 and runs until December 19.

View the interactive collection map as well as other helpful information at www.lexingtonky.gov/leaves.

Residents should prepare leaves before collection begins in their neighborhood:

Rake leaves into the area between the sidewalk and street. If your sidewalk is next to the curb or if you have no sidewalk, place the leaves on the edge of your lawn closest to the street.
Never rake leaves into the street; they can cause traffic hazards and clog storm drains.
Piles should only contain leaves. Other objects, such as tree limbs and rocks, can injure crew members or damage equipment.

Helpful tips:

Check the map regularly up to the date your collection window begins. Weather, staffing, equipment failures and other issues all may impact the vacuum collection schedule. Schedule changes will be reflected on the interactive map. To find the vacuum collection start date for your neighborhood, use the interactive map at LexingtonKY.gov/Leaves.
Sign up for alerts to receive an email if there is a schedule change that affects their neighborhood by visiting LexingtonKY.gov/311alerts.

Please remember:

Each eligible residence has one opportunity to receive leaf vacuum collection.
This service is a supplement to the weekly collection service provided by Lexington’s Division of Waste Management. Waste Management will collect leaves and other yard waste set out in yard waste bags or in yard waste carts on your regular collection day. If you do not have a yard waste cart, you can request one at no additional charge by contacting LexCall at (859) 425-2255 or 311.

Vacuum leaf collections will occur the week of Thanksgiving. Yard waste carts and bags will not be collected that week.

All Fayette County residents, including those without city waste collection service, can dispose of leaves using the following methods:

Haley Pike composting facility: Any Fayette County resident can take two loads of yard waste per month to the facility at no cost. The compost facility is located at 4216 Hedger Lane.
Mulching mower: Mulching is a great way to dispose of leaves. Mulching mixes grass clippings with leaf particles which feeds your lawn.
Backyard composting: There are many options for backyard composting. Local resources for assistance include the Fayette County Extension Office and Seedleaf.

For more information on leaf disposal options, call LexCall at 311 or visit LexingtonKY.gov/Leaves.

Brandi Peacher, Director of Project Management in the Mayor's Office, and Bettie Kerr, Director of Historic Preservation, provided an update earlier this week on the Town Branch Commons project and archaeological finds on a portion of the trail construction.

Click the image below to view the YouTube video.

Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit goes virtual

The next Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit will take place online due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today.

“We started the Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit program last year to provide information and resources to neighborhoods across Lexington,” Gorton said. “Last year’s summits had great participation and involvement from citizens across the city. Unfortunately, we cannot have in-person gatherings at this time, but we can have a virtual summit.” A virtual format will still allow the City to provide information, and to answer questions.

The 2020 Mayor’s Virtual Neighborhood Summit will take place over three days, and cover topics on public works and infrastructure, the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice & Equality, and COVID-19 in Fayette County. Each day will feature panelists who will discuss how these issues are affecting Lexington. They will also answer pre-submitted questions from the public.

Tuesday, November 17

From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, panelists will discuss Lexington’s public works and infrastructure. Panelists include Mayor Gorton, Commissioner of Environmental Quality & Public Works Nancy Albright, Director of Water Quality Charles Martin, and Director of Project Management Brandi Peacher.

Wednesday, November 18

From 11 a.m.-Noon, Wednesday, November 18, panelists will discuss the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice & Equality. Panelists include Mayor Gorton, Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice & Equality Co-Chairs Roszalyn Akins and Dr. Gerald L. Smith, and Commissioner of Social Services Chris Ford.

Thursday, November 19

From 10-11 a.m., Thursday, November 19, panelists will discuss COVID-19 in Fayette County. Panelists include Mayor Gorton, Lexington-Fayette County Commissioner of Health Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, and the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Tyler Scott.

How to submit questions

The public is encouraged to submit questions prior to November 17. Questions can be submitted to summit@lexingtonky.gov, or by calling 859-258-3117.

Each day’s virtual session can be viewed live on LexTV – Spectrum channel 185, MetroNet channel 3, Windstream channels 3 and 20, and live-streamed at lexingtonky.gov/lextv.

For more information on the Mayor’s Virtual Neighborhood Summit: lexingtonky.gov/neighborhoodsummit.

Fight the flu for FREE all fall and winter!

Free flu shots throughout the flu season will be available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY starting Oct. 5 in our Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Call 859-288-2444 to make an appointment, starting Oct. 5. Walk-ins will not be accepted due to requirements to maintain physical distancing.

To learn more, visit www.lfchd.org/freeflushots2020.

¡Luche contra la gripe GRATIS todo el otoño y el invierno!

Las vacunas gratis de la gripe estarán disponibles durante toda la temporada de la gripe SOLO CON CITA a partir del 5 de octubre en nuestra Clínica de Salud Pública, 650 Newtown Pike. Llame al 859-288-2444 para hacer una cita, a partir del 5 de octubre. No se aceptarán personas sin cita debido a los requisitos para mantener el distanciamiento físico.
Para obtener más información, visite www.lfchd.org/vacunas-gratis-contra-la-gripe.

AVOL Kentucky Continues Curbside Testing for HIV and Hepatitis C
Organization remains committed to battling epidemic in midst of global pandemic

AVOL Kentucky is reminding the community that testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, which began curbside service in May of this year, is still available by appointment, at their 365 Waller Avenue location. Fourteen percent of individuals living with HIV do not know they have the virus putting themselves and others at risk.

In response to COVID-19, AVOL launched curbside testing opportunities allowing clients the ability to test from the comfort and privacy of their vehicle and receive results for HIV and Hepatitis C in a matter of minutes. Once results are known, AVOL refers clients to necessary resources, including acquiring harm reduction prevention supplies and further medical care.

“While the coronavirus pandemic has made us think more creatively about how we serve our community, we couldn’t let it hinder AVOL’s advances in ending HIV in Kentucky over the past 30 years,” said AVOL Kentucky Executive Director Jon Parker. “Safety for our staff and clients is our number one priority, and we’ve been very fortunate to be able to provide these essential tests under very unique circumstances.”

Both HIV and Hepatitis C testing requires a simple finger stick and blood sample to be collected. AVOL meets you at your vehicle wearing personal protective equipment, explain the process, and ask a few questions. They collect the sample and ask you to wait a few minutes. They call you with your results while you remain in your vehicle and offer information and education. Before you leave, staff deliver prevention supplies to you at your car.

For more than three-decades AVOL Kentucky has been the leading advocate in central and eastern Kentucky for HIV/AIDS awareness, researching long-term solutions, and implementing measures with a goal of one day eradicating the disease once and for all.

"Our response to meeting the needs of the community has been strategic and thoughtful, while following the prescribed guidelines provided by the CDC and Lexington Health Department," added prevention manager Matt Brewer.

While HIV and AIDS have fallen out of the spotlight in recent years, the epidemic is far from over. An estimated 1.1 million people in the United States are HIV positive, more than ten thousand of whom are living here in Kentucky.

Appointment-only Curbside testing is available Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-8pm, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am-5pm, and Thursdays from 10am-6pm. Clients can make an appointment through AVOL by calling 859.207.2506. Testing at AVOL is always free and always confidential.

Truck-a-Palooza shifts gears, moves online

The city is shifting gears for Truck-a-Palooza, the popular event that provides an up-close look at the vehicles used by the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works. This year the event will be virtual, running Monday, October 19 through Friday, November 20.

During the five week event, members of the public will have the chance to learn about the essential workers who keep the city running smoothly year-round. Designed with children and their families in mind, Truck-a-Palooza will feature 18 trucks and drivers from the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works. Those who tune in will be able to take 360 degree tours of the featured vehicles, learn fun facts about the trucks and meet the people behind the wheel. In addition to live events, virtual Truck-a-Palooza will include crafts and activities that kids can do on their own.

Each week will feature a new set of trucks and their drivers. Children can complete a section of a scavenger hunt each week, and submit a completed version for a reward of miniature city trucks and more.

Find a full schedule of events at LexingtonKY.gov/TruckaPalooza.

Follow along throughout the event on that site, or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at LiveGreenLexington.

Week 1 - October 19 – 25
- This week, we learned all about waste collection trucks!
- Waste collection trucks and their drivers are an essential part of quality of life in a city. Lexington’s Division of Waste Management is the largest municipal operation in Kentucky. Lexington’s waste collection drivers service over 90,000 homes and 4,000 businesses every week. This week, we’ll learn about some of the trucks and drivers who keep this city going.
- To view this week's virtual tour, click here! This website is best viewed on a desktop, laptop or Chromebook.

Week 2 - October 26 – November 1
- This week is all about heavy lifting!
- We're focusing on the knuckleboom, bucket truck and loader. These are the trucks you want if you need to move things around, whether it’s tree limbs, salt, bulky items–or people! Two of these three trucks are an essential part of caring for Lexington’s urban forest, including Lexington’s more than 53,000 street trees. Some of the more common species are maple, oak, pear, ash and sycamore.
- To view this week's virtual tour, click here! This website is best viewed on a desktop, laptop or Chromebook.

Week 3 - November 2 – 8
- Week 3 is focused on road repair and maintenance.
- Take a closer look at the trucks that keep Lexington’s streets and roads in good condition: a street sweeper, street striper, a snow plow and a leaf vacuum. Tour the inside of these trucks and learn all about the people who drive them in rain, shine or snow to keep Lexington moving.
- To view this week's virtual tour, click here! This website is best viewed on a desktop, laptop or Chromebook.

Week 4 - November 9 – 15
- This week, we’re going to take a look at some classic construction machinery: a grader, loader, backhoe and excavator.
- This equipment is used by the Division of Streets and Roads for construction work all over the city.
- To view this week's virtual tour, click here! This website is best viewed on a desktop, laptop or Chromebook.

Week 5 - November 16 – 20
- Jet/vacuum truck, a camera truck, a fiber optic splicing trailer and a leaf vacuum

Thanksgiving Feasts To-Go!

This year’s Nathaniel Mission Thanksgiving Feast will be served To-Go Style with all the fixings you need to enjoy a great holiday meal wherever you call home. Food will be distributed hot on a first come, first served basis starting at 4pm, Sunday November 22nd, and concluding at 6pm or whenever they run out. Come early, get your meals to-go and enjoy this wonderful holiday with those who mean the most to you!

Like everything else, Lexington Rescue Mission's Thanksgiving meal will be different this year. They will provide carry-out meals, and for the first time, will be delivering Thanksgiving dinners.

Anyone in need of a Thanksgiving dinner, can call the Mission from November 2nd through November 14. Please call (859) 381-9600, ext. 233 to reserve your meal(s), a maximum of four. These meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 25, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. From 5 – 6 p.m. we will be offering carry-out meals at Broadway Christian Church, 187 N. Broadway St.

There are three ways you can help:

If you would like to volunteer to deliver Thanksgiving dinners, please contact Yvette Davis at yvette@lexingtonrescue.org.
A gift of $2.16 will provide one meal, so your gift of any amount will be very impactful! Make your secure Thanksgiving gift here.
You can help provide the needed food by purchasing items from our Amazon wish list – https://a.co/72XxSRa – and sending it directly to the Mission.

Donations to service providers have been extremely limited during this pandemic. All providers are working to develop strategies for the public to contribute the basic winter supplies that are so important to those without homes. Below is a list of some general donations that are always needed. We encourage you to contact provider agencies regarding their specific policies for accepting donations. Some agencies have already provided details.

Items needed:

Blankets
Hats
Winter boots/shoes
Winter coats (especially L, XL, XXL)
Gloves
Socks
Scarves
Hand warmers (ex: Hot Hands)

Hope Center - hopectr.org/donate/inkindgiving/
Donation bin located outside emergency shelter (360 W Loudon Ave).

GreenHouse17 - greenhouse17.org/support-us/our-wish-list/

Room In The Inn - Lexington - ritilex.org/ind.ex.php/donate

Natalie's Sisters - nataliessisters.org/current-needs
Accepted on-site by appointment. Call 859-533-5946.

Town Branch Trail

Storm sewer, curb, and trail work near the intersection of Manchester and Oliver Lewis Way continues
Utility relocation is ongoing
Placing concrete for curb and trail near the intersection of Manchester and Oliver Lewis Way.
AT&T will be working along Manchester Street.
Columbia Gas is installing gas lines along the north side of Old Frankfort Pike.

Citation Trail

Trail paving nearly complete
Connections to Mable Lane, Lucille Drive and existing trail continue
ATS to continue work on cross walk at Lucille Drive
ATS to continue work on paving Lucille Drive

CAN’T AFFORD HOME REPAIRS? LEXINGTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MAY BE ABLE TO HELP

Though they are typically associated with homeownership opportunities and new construction, Lexington Habitat for Humanity also partners with existing homeowners to help them stabilize and maintain their homes.

Lexington Habitat’s home repair program, Love Your Neighborhood, is now accepting applications! Low income, Fayette County residents may apply for assistance with problems like roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical repair needs as well as accessibility modifications.

“The typical repair program participant is about 65, has owned their home for more than twenty years and lives on a fixed income, leaving little to no room for repair costs.” says Rachel Smith Childress, Lexington Habitat CEO. “It’s incredibly easy for a home to fall into a state of disrepair. When you can’t fix a leak, you end up with rotted flooring. When your windows become old and broken, your energy bill increases. When you can’t afford ramps and step-in showers as your mobility declines, you lose the ability to live independently in your own home. Repairs that alleviate critical health, safety and affordability issues like these stabilize lives.”

Applicants must own their home, be able to demonstrate a substantial need for repairs and meet other program eligibility requirements. To learn more and apply, visit www.lexhabitat.org/repair or call Lexington Habitat to request an application. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, November 25 at 5:00 p.m. For questions, contact April Smith, Lexington Habitat Family Services Director, at (859) 252-2224 ext. 112 or AprilS@lexhabitat.org.

Lexington Public Library Acquires Site for New Village Branch
New facility will remain at current location with a larger footprint and expanded offerings

The Lexington Public Library today announced the purchase of the site currently occupied by the Village Branch Library and plans to construct a new, significantly larger Village Branch. The new branch will reflect the community’s vision for a state-of-the-art community hub, one that offers robust resources and a myriad of program and service offerings to better meet the needs of the neighborhoods it serves and our community as a whole.

LPL began the development of a master plan in late 2018 to determine the vision and need for library space and facilities, and to provide a framework and guide for future improvements and growth. The planning process was highly participatory, striving to include as many voices as possible in the development of the plan. During the year-long engagement process, more than 2,400 library staff, stakeholders, and community members engaged in the conversation about the vision for library facilities in Lexington-Fayette County. Overwhelmingly, the community supported a reimaging and expansion of the Village Branch Library as the first step in the future of the Lexington Public Library.

“The Village Branch is a cornerstone in LPL’s systemwide vision,” said Lexington Public Library Executive Director Heather Dieffenbach. “It is well-located, but severely undersized. To suit the current needs of the community, and to plan for future growth, Village Library will be reconstructed as a new, signature branch,” she added. Village Branch first opened in 2004 as a fully bilingual location to serve Lexington’s growing Spanish-speaking population.

The next step of the Village Branch project includes hiring an architect and seeking input from the surrounding community on the features and services of the new branch. From there, the current Village Branch, located at 2185 Versailles Road, will be demolished to make space for the reimagined facility. In its place, a new 30,000 square foot, two-story library, which will also offer drive through services will be constructed. The Library began searching for property options in late 2019, prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Village Branch routinely punches above its weight with program attendance and circulation numbers far above what might be expected of a small storefront branch,” said Lexington Public Library Board Chair Lawrence T. Smith. “It has hosted a vibrant homework help program, bilingual GED classes, and employs bilingual staff to help with job search assistance and social services. The opportunity to build a new branch will not only allow Village to address the needs of the immediate neighborhood but will significantly extend its service capacity.”

It is vital that a new Village Branch stay intimately connected with its neighborhood, which has a Hispanic core, as well as a broader, diverse body of low-income residents. Moving the branch out of the walkable range of this user base is not a preferred option.

“For the past sixteen years, the Village Branch and its staff have worked to support the Cardinal Valley and Versailles Road corridor. Now, it’s time for us to invest in its long-term future with a new facility,” said Lexington Public Library Foundation Board Chair Erin Serrate. “The new facility will serve as a beacon to everyone in our community while demonstrating the vibrancy and diversity of our community to those entering our city along the Versailles Road thoroughfare.”

The site was acquired by the Lexington Public Library Board of Trustees. Plans for a capital campaign to support the reimagined Village Branch will be announced by the Lexington Public Library Foundation soon.
For more information please contact the Library’s Director of Development, Anne Donworth, at adonworth@lexpublib.org.

Ticket Information:
$8 Adults| $4 Children | Under 3 Free Per Feature

Show Date & Times:
Saturday, November 14th
Gates Open 5pm
1st Feature: Despicable Me (PG) | 6 pm
2nd Feature: Ford V Ferrari (PG-13) | 8:30 pm

General Information:

No Advance Ticketing
Credit/ Debit Only. This is a cashless event.
No outside Food or drink. Concessions will be available, including Beer and Wine for over 21.
Parking spot/viewing area will be based on the time guest arrives & availability open. All cars will file in starting at front row and going back
Attendees must remain inside vehicle, sit on tailgate, or bring outdoor seating. Must stay within designated parking spot.
Must maintain social distancing; masks must be worn when not inside vehicle- i.e. using restroom, going to concessions, throwing away trash, etc.

Location:
Red Mile is located at 1200 Red Mile Rd. Movie Goers should turn onto Tattersalls Way and follow signage to enter the Infield.

Films in the Infield runs until 12/12/20 - To view a list of upcoming movies, visit redmileky.com/drivein.

SAVE THE DATE!

The Lexington Humane Society's Sit, Stay, BID Virtual Silent Auction will launch on November 13th. They have so many exciting items for you to choose from and ALL PROCEEDS will benefit the animals in your community. Stay tuned for additional details and updates!

Friday, November 13, 2020 - 9:00am to Friday, November 20, 2020 - 11:45pm

There are 40 available packages per month and they are first come first serve, and available for pickup at The Lyric on the dates below. You can claim a package in advance via the registration links provided in this email. If all packages have not been claimed in advance - we will announce how many are left to be claimed at pickup.

Pickup Dates:
November - Thanksgiving: Saturday, November 21
December - Kwanzaa: Saturday, December 19
Pickup window is 1:00 - 4:00 PM on each date listed above!

PLEASE NOTE: Masks must be worn into the building for pickup. If you do not feel comfortable coming in, you are welcome to pull into the drop off lane in front of our Cultural Arts Center entrance and call (859) 280-2201 so we can run your package out to you, or if you need a different pickup window, email us at operations@lexingtonlyric.com.

Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter By Preparing Your Home Now

Before cold weather arrives, Kentucky American Water encourages customers to take a few minutes to help prevent their homes’ water pipes from freezing this winter.

“Taking a few simple steps now can help prevent inconvenience and costly damage this winter,” said Vice President of Operations David Farrar. “We encourage customers to spend a few minutes assessing their homes and completing a few simple tasks so that their homes are well-prepared for colder temperatures.”
Frozen water lines typically occur in areas such as crawl spaces or along the outside walls where unprotected plumbing tends to be more vulnerable to the elements.

Click here to learn how to prepare your home

KEEP UP WITH LEXINGTON'S 2ND DISTRICT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA AND OUR WEBSITE:

Looking for a past issue of The D2 Dispatch?
You can find all of the e-newsletters on our Google Drive as well as via Mailchimp.
Google Drive issues: bit.ly/GoogleDriveArchive
Mailchimp issues: bit.ly/DispatchArchive

Copyright ©2019 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, All rights reserved.

Need us? Here is how and where you can reach us!

Josh McCurn, 2nd District Councilmember
200 E Main Street
Office 519
Lexington, KY 40507
Office: 859-280-8239
Cell: 859-447-4887
jmccurn@lexingtonky.gov

Alicia Larmour, Legislative Aide
859-280-8255
alarmour@lexingtonky.gov

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LFUCG · 200 E Main St · Lexington, KY 40507-1310 · USA