[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656866,"mediaKeyId","5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f","parentId",5113939,"title","Resident raises allegations of manipulation in city compensation study during public comment","audioSeconds",365,"startMs",1812000,"endMs",2177000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f&start=1812&end=2177","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f/thumbnail_1812000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656866/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Resident-raises-allegations-of-manipulation-in-city-compensation-study-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656866-edb2549b9e633f36d198d7fb18a1c406/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101758&Signature=SOzjTR2NllMXnkg4tChLhV-zQTllfcl8g56TbqNFrMk81S-Glr2A8xPRhnvtGDE2H68ijoC1OTNeScjSm1esrjxjBCidt~yOZjyzRksKODN8rSFG3D-KRbgBhl2sN6zhjlHOJzHO-~kSHRPnyDnvNYDJAYZRlPWfSnd-wvaYC8dH4YedQ1xd-aDL1bWr5eAIluKnXYhIj5LCfTV59VW2qOQgei0zaMUlWos4wGg3MsCuJWjhVOGZtsKqjlFu~FAhmWRL1xS-BZ~HaGXwMW~fHcDLWtvPHm4inhAlU~KbMs~yoI~MEMBIgLk~WcYJoU~Bogp02iEcLvWTGADPAAIY9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lexington","date","2025-07-01T00:00:00Z","article","During public comment at the July 1 council work session, Rick Day of the Third District alleged problems with the city's recent compensation study and urged councilmembers to seek transparency and correction.

Day told the council he had raised concerns to city staff and that, when issues were identified, Human Resources sought to discredit his claims rather than provide the underlying methodology. He said the 2022 compensation study lacked benchmarks that the 2014 study had provided and described portions of the study's methodology\u0000\u0000including a quantitative point-factor job analysis and statistical modeling technique\u0000\u0000as being withheld from the public as \"proprietary.\" Day urged the council to request the study authors or peer jurisdictions to share their work and cited the City of Winchester as an example where a commissioner's review prompted a corrective second study.

Day also alleged that employee reclassifications in 2017 may have affected pay outcomes and repeated concerns about the use of a \"time and current position\" factor that he said was not clearly described in the study materials. He said specific examples show apparent inconsistencies between years of experience and salary determinations and said HR has not provided answers when he asked for details.

Council members constrained remarks during public comment by asking that speakers avoid disparaging personal remarks; no council action on the compensation study was recorded during the work session. Day said he can provide documentation to support his statements.

The council did not debate or decide on any changes to the compensation study during the July 1 work session; the substance of Day's allegations was presented to the record during public comment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lexington - Council Work Session - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Rick Day, a Third District resident, used his public-comment time to allege that Human Resources manipulated data in the city's compensation study and called for transparency and independent review.","taxTitle","Lexington City, Fayette County, Kentucky","taxId",5707,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656872,"Planning committee report details zoning changes tied to state law; solar ZOTA slated for July discussion",108,1414000,1522000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f&start=1414&end=1522","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f/thumbnail_1414000.jpg","/articles/6656872/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Planning-committee-report-details-zoning-changes-tied-to-state-law-solar-ZOTA-slated-for-July-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656872-29260536ada60fe94ba213e99fd04d00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101758&Signature=LXl2emlduuvt9vTqxOgw9d0yAD5VZLh7tx73QXRfTq3CVI7vDbk3oI7ElvDfd4~16dYzVPg8bU2ylamV6sPAFAFFo2M7sg1g6~OBOAagWuu7IjEjL1MAfyvUzeYhQvM2tYKeg69-1sMwkB77tl56rnjtYEgIEV1GJZAl3-CGrx75iNmxZe9QUc8erJ0HWlnUGas7-yVYinGX50B5R4H0aKtSEu-uibDOWi45FJD8q~Is2ngyNzpwC2UMDsL2JRg33qMytMly9AQyrB5kyEZg2~FFpaq~fTyPq5Z4fvuK2Mr8IBW9vlfNfulC-2ouOMVtPCi2KS~h6OScbYAsjdEjSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the July 1 work session, Councilmember Sheehan reported that the May 6 General Government and Planning Committee meeting included a presentation on zoning changes meant to comply with House Bill 443 and that the solar energy system zoning ordinance text amendment (ZOTA) will be the first item at the July committee meeting.

Daniel Crum, principal planner (presented to the committee per Sheehan's report), outlined a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment that would update definitions for clarity, remove subjective review criteria and replace them with objective standards, and shift many development-plan reviews to a ministerial (staff-level) process unless applicants request waivers or a health, safety or welfare concern is raised. The report said the proposed changes aim to implement objective development standards and reduce items requiring hearings; further amendments were expected to be discussed at the work session and during upcoming meetings.

During public comment on the ZOTA and solar siting, Leigh Carolyn (Twelfth District) urged the working group to intensify outreach to the public and to consider regulatory settings that preserve agricultural properties even as utility-scale solar projects enter the county. Blake Spurgeon of Silicon Ranch thanked the council for examining the ZOTA, offered the company's willingness to engage and answer questions, and said the developer plans to continue outreach before the next milestone in August.

Vice Mayor Wu told the committee that an LP GMP presentation would be scheduled for the May quarterly committee of the whole meeting and that the solar-energy ZOTA would be the first item on the July GGP meeting agenda. The committee adjourned at 2:48 p.m., per Sheehan's report.

The work session record indicates the council will continue ZOTA discussions in committee and that further amendments are expected before any final action is taken.","The General Government and Planning Committee reported changes to zoning procedures to comply with House Bill 443 and said the solar energy system zoning text amendment (ZOTA) will be the first item at the July committee meeting; public commenters urged outreach and engaged solar developers offered cooperation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656876,"Council questions scope and licensing of counseling services for summer youth program",437,803000,1240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f&start=803&end=1240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f/thumbnail_803000.jpg","/articles/6656876/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Council-questions-scope-and-licensing-of-counseling-services-for-summer-youth-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656876-70158cebac78ce9f45b5a1e8778a1195/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101758&Signature=iHJpy232QQxdrVD3kecn8rVigEHYOjbnpV36qza7rpbFRJfJ5Xi0-F90sUP1~HETeMt9QWJpoJVjJ5I3oU2WnTo0jumgwpE81DgwQdYd-mbLEZNo~1CXdyvsx~VvnBjIiaGP~XjYdjnqfElT1HJyw2khCy~PCHl89544MW1mCq1Z356WCqKVPjpnA6wgqGX9eFLzeYgoaKxpFx8ebpcT7FFWw4A5BR6HI9P2dvGPQUm7r7x9hO80YirZdnijRnU5vuVm60B6Kuz7HSV2R65pVNPUvdM6coKLWGWV0uug2-m2CivF95S3cPQxtQgzByh6RT5erCq1QiJt5RmZcq6MdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members questioned staff July 1 about an agreement with Andrews Counseling and Consulting PLLC to provide counseling services for the city's summer youth program and asked about licensing, hours and reimbursable expenses.

City staff said Andrews Counseling will provide group therapy sessions during the summer program rather than clinical one-on-one services. Staff said there are four members of the Andrews team, and that Travis (last name not specified on the record) is licensed in Kentucky; group therapy as described on the record is not required to be licensed in Kentucky. Staff also said the contractors will be reimbursed for certain expenses, and that those reimbursable costs are included within the $39,000 contract amount rather than in addition to it.

Councilmember Beasley and others asked how often the contractors would be on-site. Staff said Andrews counselors attend the program on Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays, typically for about two to three hours per day while multiple group sessions run concurrently. Staff estimated roughly 30–32 hours of direct on-site counseling work for the summer program, and added that Andrews also helped develop the program plan prior to camp.

Staff also described a planned mobile or app-based tool developed by Andrews that allows enrolled youth, with parental consent, to track emotional regulation through music and other resources. For ongoing care beyond the summer program, staff said in-school mentoring and city connections to local counseling agencies are part of the continuum, and parents are informed of referral options when signing youth up for the program.

No formal vote on the agreement was recorded during the work session; the item was discussed as part of new business and placed on the docket for the July 1 council meeting.","Council members sought details on an agreement with Andrews Counseling and Consulting PLLC to provide group therapy and related services during the summer youth program; staff said the contractor will provide group (nonclinical) sessions, one licensed provider is in-state, and the $39,000 contract includes reimbursable expenses.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656881,"Council hears plan for six additional cameras to link with city system",31,730000,761000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f&start=730&end=761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f/thumbnail_730000.jpg","/articles/6656881/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Council-hears-plan-for-six-additional-cameras-to-link-with-city-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656881-91c452341c9b53dfbe266c807726c5ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101758&Signature=XtpAgJA6hm0l01TPn2vZy-TumYuOlXEaPqOS5C88NLyRJpfLHQ3p9E4FMZt9FflH2QKB8UsdS~Vk1oTmUsRXAAKgWLFGpD-mXCLEbsx4Lk2dp4zsDwHs0NEaT09sSWW1RujhJT1X470s4xzehXPNuC2zWFFpZXxI2YhTGcF2F5ZbldboqJDaoJ3b8WDRCKKZDWtndZUTraOcc8hk7C1jACoQVSC9YR5m5T2Hc5CrKHGxS3J1dTeLSevhEJ-LGCgRTj2l09KesVrPyaVYHZGWLY2or3b1Kka5GYdy4T1DOkAdjSQG4pxVJSncpcVRX18fbuaoSXMiL2sKgOzQdnPK6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lexington City Council members heard details July 1 about an encroachment permit that would allow the Fayette County Sheriff's Office to install six additional cameras on Versailles Road and integrate them with the city's existing camera infrastructure.

Sam Murdoch, special operations, said the encroachment permit would cover six “flight cameras” that the Fayette County Sheriff's Office will pay for and for which the sheriff's department will have custody and control. Murdoch said the city will work with the sheriff's office after permit approval to determine placement and operational details because the sheriff will be the custodian of the six cameras.

Councilmembers asked how the shared access would work. Murdoch said both the sheriff's department and the Lexington Police Department will have the ability to use the cameras once they are in place; the sheriff's office will maintain custody and pay for the devices. The council did not take a separate formal vote on the permit at the work session; the item was discussed as part of the new business docket.

Councilmember Reynolds asked whether the cameras are an addition to existing flat cameras on Versailles Road; staff responded that these are additional cameras and that the sheriff's office would fund them. Council members were told that final siting and custody arrangements will be coordinated with the sheriff's office after the permit is approved.

No privacy policies, data-retention rules, or memoranda of understanding were discussed on the record at the work session. Councilmember comments focused on custody, cost, and operational coordination rather than legal frameworks.","Council discussed an encroachment permit that would allow Fayette County Sheriff's Office to install six additional cameras on Versailles Road; the cameras will be paid for and controlled by the sheriff but integrated into city infrastructure for shared access.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656886,"Council approves docket additions and budget amendments ahead of July recess",297,266000,563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f&start=266&end=563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113939-6707aa4fdac9a5f97ceec6535181862f/thumbnail_266000.jpg","/articles/6656886/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Council-approves-docket-additions-and-budget-amendments-ahead-of-July-recess","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656886-fe787d33b75c7a9a410fdf442d2eaa1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101758&Signature=Kjp3MlLnJGD9hsGmbg2cpmnXduBuVOCTBM1VYGlLoe4fKFmaBlcpgmPqCxQcW9H3rnbpX~AlDOuCVFYbh-qzR5Vn7JArMqqQL3jTtmVzbBoufDpHHIchthRobXNcP1O6kQsarz2saobTxRZVuC5buKM~Q9m8rdg1bcug6KI1Z53F8emJYTJVRhJakx4HkJN0DzEBySZPtNmhQVY-9k6XXl0cmWuTfht1Q9kzxKs42LKtlsvDqPOiuAiKginakW-msYPtpiOd1TKbx56sicenOpT6EjU9hnsptrG9AfYDzzZlzcrJk09946a0f-yLPQ~r~qY9bpWMow1bYuG59-ocOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lexington City Council on July 1 voted to place multiple resolutions and budget amendments on the July 1 council meeting docket and approved an amended list of budget changes that included revenue recognition from Kentucky American Water Company.

The council approved placing on the docket a resolution authorizing assignment of the agreement with WT Group LLC related to the comprehensive update of the urban county government's Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan; a resolution authorizing an agreement with Mackey Group LLC (doing business as Weiser Strategies) for mass-marketing collateral development at a cost not to exceed $60,000 in fiscal year 2026 (with future years contingent on appropriation); and a resolution establishing a residential parking permit program for the 607 hundred blocks of West Short Street, to operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

On behalf of the administration, the council also placed on the docket a second amendment to an agreement with Community Action Council (serving Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas counties) related to administration of the 1 Lexington Community Partners Violence Prevention Grant Program, increasing the amount awarded by approximately $58,500 in FY26, with future years subject to appropriation.

Separately, council approved a motion to add a budget amendment recognizing $208,927.46 in revenues from Kentucky American Water Company during FY2025 for the paving cost-share program so the item could receive two readings before the council's summer recess.

Other routine items approved at the work session included approval of the docket as amended, the June 24 work session table of motions, neighborhood development fund actions, appointments, and donations. The council moved into a closed session later in the meeting under KRS 61.810(1)(b) (real property deliberations) and KRS 61.810(1)(n) (contract award deliberations) and afterward adjourned.

Votes at a glance
- Assign agreement with WT Group LLC (ADA transition plan assignment): motion moved by Councilmember Sheehan, seconded by Councilmember Baxter; voice vote \"aye,\" motion passed.
- Agreement with Mackey Group LLC dba Weiser Strategies (marketing collateral, ≤ $60,000 FY26): motion moved by Councilmember LaGree, seconded by Councilmember Lynch; voice vote \"aye,\" motion passed.
- Residential parking permit program (607 hundred blocks of West Short Street, 24/7): motion moved by Councilmember Reynolds, seconded by Councilmember Ehlinger; voice vote \"aye,\" motion passed.
- Second amendment with Community Action Council (1 Lexington Community Partners Violence Prevention Grant Program, ≈ $58,500 FY26 increase): motion moved by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Curtis; voice vote \"aye,\" motion passed.
- Budget amendment recognizing Kentucky American Water Company paving cost-share revenues ($208,927.46): motion moved by Councilmember Brown, seconded by Councilmember Curtis; voice vote \"aye,\" motion passed.

These items were placed on the July 1 council meeting docket or otherwise advanced so they could receive subsequent readings before the council's summer recess.","At its July 1, 2025 work session, the Lexington City Council voted to place several resolutions on the July 1 docket, approved a budget amendment recognizing paving cost-share revenue, and advanced multiple administrative items for full council consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident raises allegations of manipulation in city compensation study during public comment

Planning committee report details zoning changes tied to state law; solar ZOTA slated for July discussion

Council questions scope and licensing of counseling services for summer youth program

Council hears plan for six additional cameras to link with city system

Council approves docket additions and budget amendments ahead of July recess