Free Mulch Giveaway
Saturday, April 17 | 8 a.m. – noon
1631 Old Frankfort Pike (enter via Jimmie Campbell Dr.)
Residents of Fayette County may collect up to one truckload. Mulch is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. LexingtonKY.gov/Mulch-Giveaway
KYTC-D7 updates
Citation at Sandersville: Now that the other side of Sandersville Road has opened, I reached out to the Transportation Cabinet again to push for a stoplight be installed. They let us know that they are currently working with the developer on possible improvements to this intersection as well as the Sandersville – Greendale intersection. They are waiting on plan revisions as well as traffic impact study revisions after a meeting that they had with the developer last month, and are evaluating the need for a signal at this intersection. Again, I let them know that a light at this intersection is needed. I have heard from many of you regarding this intersection and welcome additional feedback.
Georgetown Road at Sandersville: At the beginning of last Summer, I requested pedestrian signals and buttons be installed at this intersection at the entrance to Coldstream Station before the IGA/Shell opened. Now that McDonald's has also opened and there is still not a signal, I reached out to them again. If all goes perfectly, it could be as soon as mid to late next week to have signals and buttons operational on the North side if the intersection.
Georgetown Street at New Circle Road: Work on this project is resuming after it was halted over the winter months. There is remaining utility work along New Circle that must be completed so that the roadway work can be completed. They hope to see this take place soon. The project is anticipated to be complete late Summer/early Fall of this year.
Schedule of Meetings
Tuesday, April 20
1:00 PM CANCELLED - Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee
Presentation: Small Business Stimulus Recovery Grant
Thursday, April 22
6:00 PM Council Meeting
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional protocols are in place to ensure healthy at work standards while still allowing for public comment. The meetings will be held via video teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency because it is not feasible to offer a primary physical location for the meeting. You may view the meeting on LexTV spectrum channel 185, Metronet channel 3, Windstream channels 3 and 20, or via live stream.
Residents may choose to make a public comment in one of two ways:
Register to speak during a zoom meeting
Submit a written comment to be entered into the official meeting record.
* The deadline to register to speak during public comment is noon the day prior to the meeting.
The registration link and listed process are for Urban County Council work sessions and council meetings only.
Please note, Council voted to return to in-person meetings after their Summer Recess on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Fayette County Clerk opening to in-person transactions
The Fayette County Clerk’s office will reopen for in-person transactions on Wednesday, April 14. Beginning that day and thereafter, the office will be available between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm. State guidelines will be followed, requiring social distancing and customers must wear a mask.
Citizens will enter the building from Main Street and be guided by signage and staff to the appropriate areas of the building. The entrance from the Helix parking garage will remain locked to control the flow of people in and out of the building.
Motor vehicle customers will enter through the left (east) entrance. Customers needing access to the Land Records area will enter through the right (west) entrance, and will no longer be required to make an appointment.
Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins, Jr. explained that the structure of the building is not able to handle the crowds that can occur in the motor vehicle area. “We have done what we can to protect the staff and public with Plexiglas and other changes, but it became clear that we could not realistically open until our staff had been vaccinated. We became eligible with Phase 1C and have now completed the CDC recommended timing for effectiveness.”
The office will continue to support online, US mail, and drop box services to minimize the number of people accessing the building. Citizens are urged to continue to use these contactless services to reduce the likelihood of lines and crowding. “We were fortunate to be able to retool our support of contactless services in order to buy time for vaccines to be developed”, Blevins said.
$399 million spending plan - A bold budget for everyone
On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Mayor Gorton presented her FY22 budget. Below are some highlights. Council will begin their "link" process now. I will continue to keep you updated as we move forward in the process.
MAYOR’S COMMISSION ON RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Investments to implement recommendations Commission
New senior staff position in the Mayor’s Office to accelerate implementation of the Commission recommendations.
6 new police officers – including 5 neighborhood resources officers plus sergeant - well known to everyone, and well aware of neighbors’ issues and concerns.
Body-worn cameras all police officers. Cameras start automatically if weapon or Taser drawn o Funding for One Lexington
Housing Advocacy and Community Development Department – Elevate our City’s work on housing, bringing together, coordinating, and improving the government divisions that address housing concerns.
More money for affordable housing
Code Enforcement $200,000 residential assistance fund – Code should help neighborhoods thrive rather than just acting as an enforcer Homelessness Prevention/Intervention $750,000; Hope Center, $775,000
Enhanced focus on economic development.
Multi-faceted investments to allow us to continue to provide more economic opportunities for all Lexington citizens, at a variety of income levels.
Workforce training - $200,000
$500,000 Jobs Fund
SOCIAL SERVICES
$3.6 million to our Extended Social Resource or ESR competitive grants
Recovery Supportive Living Assistance pilot program
PARKS
$4.8 million for parks capital improvements … all over town. Playgrounds, basketball courts, pool slide, building improvements
BASICS
$14 million for paving
$2 million to replace many of the vehicles we drive to maintain our City, including $1.2 million for Streets and Roads
Police: New patrol vehicles, a mobile command post and two police recruit classes, funding for community paramedicine program
Fire: Engine, two new Emergency Care vehicles, and two Emergency Care “remounts,” fire recruit class
Any dog can bite if provoked. They can bite as a reaction to something, if they’re startled, scared, aren’t feeling well, or engaged in play. Socialization and education are keys to dog bite prevention.
135 calls for vicious or aggressive dogs running at large
66 bite reports taken by our office
9 cases that resulted in criminal charges for the nuisance created by animals/vicious dogs
What should you do if you are bitten by a dog?
If seriously wounded, call 911/EMS for immediate medical assistance!
Call our dispatcher at 859-255-9033. Calls for aggressive dogs running at large are a top priority. Depending on the situation, the owner may be cited for the nuisance created by the animal and/or for not having up-to-date rabies vaccinations & city license.
Once a report is taken, the Fayette County Health Department will begin a quarantine process.
What can you do to prevent dog bites?
Socialize your dog to help them feel at ease in different situations.
Be a responsible pet owner to reduce the risk of a dog bite. This includes selecting the right dog for your family, choosing to spay/neuter, and providing proper exercise and training.
Educate yourself and your family on the appropriate ways to approach a dog and warning signs to watch out for.
An annual community-led litter cleanup in participating cities and towns throughout central Kentucky. See below for more info or visit bggreensource.org/mscs.
Our office is teaming up with Bluegrass Greensource, Tom Godell, General Manager of WUKY, and Masterson Station Neighborhood Association for a creek cleanup.
When: April 24, 2021 from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Meetup/Sign-In at the trail head on Masterson Station Drive (clean up will primarily take place along the creek between Masterson Station Drive and Ruffian Way)
Volunteers needed to help with sign in and distribution of bags and gloves, picture taking, and trash collection.
PRESENTED BY PASSPORT HEALTH PLAN BY MOLINA HEALTHCARE
WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER ASHLEY MCCARTY | WORKFORCE RECOVERY PROGRAM DIRECTOR, KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Goodwill is proud to celebrate “Second Chance Month” in April, unlocking brighter futures for Kentuckians who have repaid their debt to society.
Every person has dignity and potential. But one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing and more.
WHO: For anyone who needs a second chance + businesses and service providers interested in supporting the second-chance population
WHAT: A conference detailing reentry efforts, job workshops, expungement services and more
WHERE: Online (Zoom link to be sent at a later date)
WHEN: April 28 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST
WHY: Goodwill motto is “A hand up, not a handout.” April is Second Chance Month, and we believe in the power of second chances!
For more information, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Ben Haydon at ben.haydon@goodwillky.org or (859) 327-0445.
Sign up—Virtual Implicit Bias Symposium on April 28!
Community Action Council is hosting a free, virtual community-wide Implicit Bias Symposium on Wednesday, April 28th, from 5-7PM.
The Implicit Bias Symposium aims to define and discuss implicit or unconscious bias and offer tools to confront, reduce and eliminate this “hidden” bias.
Industry experts from the fields of education, economics, healthcare, housing, homelessness, and law & justice will share how biases negatively impact those they serve.
As part of National Safe Digging Month, Columbia Gas of Kentucky encourages homeowners to Know Your Home and to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring:
Always call 811 or contact 811now.org at least two business days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.
Plan ahead. Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
Confirm that all lines have been marked.
Once lines are marked, only hand dig within 18” on either side of the width of the utility line.
Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings.
If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has called 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked.
Visit kentucky811.org for complete info.
Each spring, Kentucky American Water conducts water main “flushing” to reduce deposits and sediments in the water distribution system that can build up over time. This annual process ensures water is of the highest quality for customers. To prepare for this activity, they also temporarily change their treatment process from using chloramine to free chlorine in some areas.
You may soon notice Kentucky American Water personnel in your neighborhood opening fire hydrants and letting them flow for a short period of time, which is how they flush the water mains. The water flowing from the hydrants will be dechlorinated to prevent any chlorinated water from entering urban streams.
Click hereto find out when crews will be in your neighborhood. For additional information, please call customer service team at 1-800-678-6301.
Do you have a free and/or affordable program that you would like to have listed in our 2021 "I DO" Summer Program List?
Since 2013, Partners for Youth has recognized and supported the efforts of program providers by educating the community about the free and affordable positive youth programs they provide throughout Lexington and the surrounding area.
This list is distributed across Lexington and on social media three times a year; School Year, Spring Break, and Summer. Let us spread the word about your program today!
Send the following information to our Community Partners Coordinator, Angie Green Hampton, at ahampton@lexingtonky.gov.
Program Name: (including organization leading the program)
Description:
Dates & Times: (including age groups)
Location:
Contact Name:
Contact Information: (Phone/email)
Cost (if any):
DEADLINE: Friday, April 23, 2021.
The Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA:
Be a 2021 Graduating Senior from a Fayette County Public high school or program
Have a minimum 2.5 GPA or higher
Be accepted and enrolled in a two or four-year institution or program within 12 months of graduation
Plan to study a service-related area (education, nursing, health services, social work, etc.)
Must be active in school, community or workforce
Write and submit a 500 minimum word essay with application “Why is Community Service Important?”
Complete online application no later than April 30, 2021 at 5 p.m.
LFCHD has Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations available for the next clinic on April 21. The clinics are now open to anyone ages 18 and older who live or work in Lexington. Learn more and MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT at www.lfchd.org/vaccine. They will contact you about scheduling your second dose.
Si es mayor de 18, ahora puede ponerse la vacuna del COVID-19 en Lexington. Nuestras clínicas de vacunación están ahora abiertas para cualquiera mayor de 18 años que viva o trabaje en Lexington. Haga su cita para nuestra clínica del 21 de abril al lfchd.org/vacuna
April 21, 2021
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Consolidated Baptist Church Walk-ins will not be accepted
COVID-19 vaccination is free, but your insurance will be billed for an administration fee. There will be no cost directly to you. You do not need insurance to get the free vaccine.
If you register, please make sure you show up to get the vaccine so that no dose is wasted.
Thank you for your interest in getting vaccinated. If you need assistance, please call our call center at 859-899-2222.
OTHER VACCINATION LOCATIONS
The availability of COVID-19 vaccinations continues to increase in Lexington. All vaccination locations require pre-registration and an appointment. Vaccinations are open to individuals in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C. The federal government is requiring all states to allow any adult to have access to the vaccine by May 1.
There is no cost to receive a vaccination. United States scientific studies show the vaccine to be safe and effective.
Vaccination registration is currently available, by appointment, through Kentucky Regional Vaccination Center (administered at Kentucky Horse Park), UK HealthCare (administered at Kroger Field), Baptist Health Lexington (administered at Lexington Green), Walgreens (administered at various locations), and Lexington VA Health Care System (administered at Bowling Campus).
The Lex Do This! campaign involves outreach through social media, television, radio, print media, billboards, and more. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to spread the word through social media posts explaining why it’s important to get the vaccine. The posts can include a video or by simply sharing a Lex Do This! campaign image. Use the hashtag #LexDoThis in social media posts. There is a digital toolkit located at lexingtonky.gov/vaccineswhere free graphics and videos can be downloaded.
Businesses and organizations can also request free printed posters by sending an email to mayor@lexingtonky.gov.
Volunteer to help
If you are a current or retired health professional, we welcome your help in administering vaccinations. Volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps.
If you are not a current or retired health professional, but want to help with data entry, vaccination site support and more, send an email to mayor@lexingtonky.gov.
The University of Kentucky is also looking for individuals to volunteer in clinical positions, and University of Kentucky employees without credentials to volunteer for non-clinical roles. Learn more here.
Housing Stabilization Program
Do you have rent due? Are you facing eviction?
If you are in need of rent or utility assistance or are looking for information about your application status, LFUCG opened a small call center that will be available to take citizen calls regarding the Housing Stabilization Program. Staff can answer program questions, check application status, and take online applications for those with no or limited internet access. Please feel free to share this contact information below as needed. As a reminder, this program is available to Fayette County renters (no homeowners, unfortunately) with income at or below 80% of Area Median Income and a documentable impact that COVID-19 has had on the household such as a job loss, furlough, etc.
LFUCG Housing Stabilization Program Contact Info
Fayette County residents can apply for rental & utility assistance atcovid19renterhelp.org.
If you receive an inquiry from a resident seeking financial assistance with rent or utilities, please direct them to the website above to apply. If a resident is unable to apply online or has questions regarding a pending application, the resident can email housingstabilization@lexingtonky.govor call 859-280-8424 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is available at various locations in Lexington.
The Mayor's Community Testing Program provides free COVID-19 tests to anyone in Lexington. This program, in partnership with Wild Health, enables individuals to be tested at no cost, no insurance required, and no appointment needed.
Testing is being administered at Bluegrass Community & Technical College, 500 Newtown Pike, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department updates COVID-19 numbers Monday - Saturday, with charts and graphs for additional information, at lfchd.org.
Fayette County is in the “red zone” on the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s map at kycovid19.ky.gov.
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.
Mark your calendars! The next Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10am to 2pm. If you're in Lexington, visit KAWC located at 2300 Richmond Rd. to safely dispose of any expired or unwanted medication.
Weather and wear leave our dog parks a little ruff. So, to make some pawsitive improvements, we’re going to put some of the paddocks on paws to Whippet into shape.
Starting Monday, April 12, one paddock at Masterson Station, Jacobson, Coldstream and Wellington dog parks will be closed for a few weeks while we reseed grass and fill holes. Then, in the fall, we will close the other paddock at each park and do the same.
Registration for our 2021 summer camps opens April 20! Outdoor activities, dancing, tennis, swimming, art, golf – so many fun ways for your kids to spend their summer!
Spring is here in Lexington, and it’s the perfect time to start something new! Welcome to the Bluegrass in your Backyard, a new blog about our shared natural spaces in the Parks system. You may have visited one of our three natural area parks: Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, McConnell Springs, and Hisle Farm Park. But did you know that 29 of over 100 other parks are now included in our Bring Back the Bluegrass program?
Although we’re still in the baby stages, our hope is that Bring Back the Bluegrass will one day create wild spaces in parks throughout Lexington. The 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan was informed by members of the public who completed a survey about the future of our parks. Walking and hiking trails, nature parks, and nature programming were all listed as priorities for our city! As a result, the Bring Back the Bluegrass initiative was born and we are now in the beginning phase of naturalizing these spaces. Everyone should have access to the beauty and health benefits of natural spaces, and you can help make it happen! Visit this blog to learn about Bring Back the Bluegrass, nature in our parks, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Community Action Council has partnered with United Way of the Bluegrass and their Central Kentucky Economic Empowerment Project (CKEEP) program to provide free tax preparation services to individuals earning up to $56,000 in 2020.
We are serving throughout Bourbon, Fayette, Harrison and Nicholas counties! Here’s how to get scheduled!
Appointments are available through May 17th.
Appointments can be made by calling 2-1-1 or online at this website: uwbg.itfrontdesk.com
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
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