Lexington council splits over whether to move Mint Lane pump station; motion to authorize easement talks at Dunbar fails 9–4

The Lexington‑Fayette Urban County Council on April 14 wrestled with a technical and political choice over where to fix a failing sewer facility after a lengthy public‑comment period and an engineering presentation by acting water‑quality commissioner Charlie Martin.

Public commenters were sharply divided. Opponents of moving the facility outside the urban service boundary (USB) warned that relocating a pump station to Bowman’s Mill Road would set a “slippery slope” precedent for sprawl. John Phillips of the Lexington Frankfort Scenic Corridor said placing a new station outside the USB “is a horrible precedent.” Several speakers representing farming and conservation interests urged keeping infrastructure inside the USB to protect farmland and the Bluegrass landscape.

Supporters of relocation — including Price Bell of Mill Ridge Farm and his family — argued the Bowman’s Mill site is technically superior and could unlock a state‑funded wetland restoration on Mill Ridge that officials said depends on moving the pump station. Beth Bell, representing Mill Ridge Farm, said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife “is…