The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council confirmed a new law commissioner Thursday night and fast-tracked millions of dollars in federal trail funding, while also approving a wide slate of routine zoning, personnel and contract items during a lengthy January meeting. Council voted unanimously t o confirm David Barbary as Commissioner of Law after suspending the rules to give immediate second reading to the appointment. Barbary had been serving in an acting capacity and was formally ratified at a salary of $6,846.16 bi-weekly, effective Jan. 19. The council also suspended the rules to advance a resolution authorizing the city to pursue $4.7 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Program funds for Town Branch Trail phases IV and V, obligating Lexington to a $1.175 million local match. The grant application was approved unanimously. Zoning change, bonds, and staffing moves Among the ordinances receiving first reading was a major zoning change for more than 65 acres along Canebrake Drive, shifting the land from agricultural-rural to a mix of medium-density residential and light industrial zoning in Council District 12. The proposal is scheduled to return for a public hearing by Feb. 18. Council also gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing $18.04 million in general obligation bonds, part of a broader slate of finance and budgeting items tied to fiscal year 2026. Multiple ordinances adjusted authorized staffing levels across city divisions, including waste management, parks and recreation, accounting, emergency management, code enforcement and police. Among them was the creation of a Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator position within the police division. Contracts, grants and economic incentives Council approved dozens of resolutions extending or awarding contracts for infrastructure, parks, utilities, traffic engineering and public safety services. Highlights included: More than $500,000 for a new concessions and restroom building at Constitution Park $216,700 for renovations at the Whitney Young Community Building Utility relocation agreements tied to the Town Branch Trail project totaling an estimated $768,475 Acceptance of $161,050 in state litter-abatement grant funding Council also approved an economic development inducement for Neogen Corp., allowing a rebate of 1% of occupational license fees for up to 10 years under the Kentucky Business Investment Act. Fire and police discipline Council unanimously approved disciplinary actions involving both the fire and police departments. Firefighter Wesley Kimball received a written reprimand for tardiness after failing to report on time for a scheduled shift — his first documented offense since being hired in 2023. Police Officer Mackenzie Mowick received a written reprimand and a two-week suspension of home-fleet privileges after being involved in three at-fault vehicle collisions within a 12-month period. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the officer had since completed additional training, and no injuries were reported in any of the crashes. Public comment and meeting close One speaker, C.E. Huffman, addressed council during the public comment period for non-agenda items, praising the body’s work and encouraging civic engagement. The mayor briefly paused the remarks to remind attendees that the public comment period cannot be used for campaign purposes, citing council rules. The meeting concluded with council announcements highlighting upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, including the Unity Breakfast, march and programming scheduled for Monday. The council adjourned after nearly three hours of proceedings. The post Lexington council confirms law commissioner, advances Town Branch Trail funding appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less