The Commission meets the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m. in the fifth floor conference room of the LFUCG Government Center unless otherwise noted; see the calendar for specific dates and times.
CURRENT OFFICERS
| CHAIR | Danny Woolums |
| VICE CHAIR | Grace Downey |
| SECRETARY | Sarah Asalon |
| TREASURER | Scott Southall |
| DIRECTORS | Candice Rogers |
| IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR | Blaine Early III |
CHARTER AND CODE OF ORDINANCES
Chapter 2 ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE V. – METROPOLITAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION
Sec. 2-96. – Established.
A commission for environmental improvement is hereby created which shall be known as the “Metropolitan Environmental Improvement Commission of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government,” hereinafter called the “environmental commission.”
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 1, 9-26-74; Ord. No. 41-83, § 1, 3-24-83)
Sec. 2-97. – Membership.
The environmental commission shall consist of not more than forty (40) nor less than twenty (20) members appointed by the mayor subject to the confirmation by the council. The membership shall be representative of all residents of the urban county and shall include at least two (2) members from each of the twelve (12) urban county council districts.
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 2, 9-26-74; Ord. No. 41-83, § 1, 3-24-83)
Sec. 2-98. – Terms of members.
Terms of members shall be four (4) years beginning October 1 and ending September 30, of the respective year. Initial terms shall be staggered so that a proportionate number serve one (1), two (2), three (3) and (4) years respectively. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment and the successor shall be appointed for the unexpired terms. Any member may be appointed for additional terms. The first members of the environmental commission shall assume their duties effective October 1, 1974.
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 3, 9-26-74; Ord. No. 41-83, § 1, 3-24-83)
Sec. 2-99. – Officers and rules of procedure.
The officers of the environmental commission shall consist of a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, and three (3) directors, elected by the membership at the June meeting to serve a term from July 1 to June 30. The duties of the officers shall be implied by the respective titles and such as may be specified in the bylaws. The environmental commission shall determine its own rules and order of business and shall provide for keeping a record of its proceedings.
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 4, 9-26-74; Ord. No. 41-83, § 1, 3-24-83; Ord. No. 132-88, § 1, 6-16-88)
Editor’s note— The user should note that § 3 of Ord. No. 132-88 provides that the provisions set forth in § 2-99 “shall become effective on June 1, 1989.”
Sec. 2-100. – Meetings.
The environmental commission shall meet in regular public session at least nine (9) times a calendar year. These meetings shall be held on the first Monday of the month, unless otherwise designated by the officers. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or by the written request of ten (10) members.
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 5, 9-26-74; Ord. No. 41-83, § 1, 3-24-83)
Sec. 2-101. – Duties and functions of the environmental commission.
The environmental commission shall:
(1) Advise the mayor, the council, the planning commission, the board of adjustment, the building inspector, and all other appropriate bodies and officials concerning the environment and environmental policies of the community.
(2) Strive to improve the environment and quality of life of Fayette County by promoting and encouraging good environmental standards and practices in the development and growth of the community; research, draft, negotiate and support the passage of ordinances and statutes and laws on local, state and federal levels that concern the environment, land use planning and community development; encourage the enforcement of existing ordinances, statutes and laws.
(3) Investigate and study pollution of the air, land and water in the community; formulate plans for the elimination and reduction of such pollution; promote and support cleanup campaigns and antilitter projects; develop civic pride in improving the aesthetics of the community; encourage individuals, organizations, businesses, schools and neighborhood associations to improve the appearance of their properties and surroundings; promote landscaping and general beautification of public rights-of-way, buildings, parks, open spaces and utility installations.
(4) Promote greater public consciousness of local environmental problems and needs; publicize local environmental activities; compile and provide a list of environmental speakers to all interested persons, schools and groups; promote the development of environmental curricula in local schools; encourage and organize workshops, seminars, films, slide shows and speaking programs on environmental concerns.
(5) Maintain and preserve records of meetings and actions, and make these records available for public inspection.
(6) Perform any other act necessary or appropriate to carry out the purpose of this article.
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 6, 9-26-74; Ord. No. 41-83, § 1, 3-24-83)
Sec. 2-102. – Intent.
The intent of this article is to establish the metropolitan environmental improvement commission to enhance every aspect of the environment for the betterment of the urban county.
(Ord. No. 184-74, § 7, 9-26-74)
Secs. 2-103—2-105. – Reserved.
REVISED BY-LAWS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
(April 3, 1989)
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be “The Environmental Commission of Lexington and Fayette County,” hereinafter the “Commission.”
ARTICLE II
Purpose
Section 1. The general purpose of the Commission shall be to improve the environment of Lexington and Fayette County. The Commission shall be concerned with the environmental policies and problems of this community.
Section 2. To achieve this purpose the Commission shall advise and work with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, the Planning Commission, the Board of Adjustments, the Building Inspector, and all other appropriate bodies and officials.
Section 3. The Commission’s activities may include, but are not limited to the following: formulating land-use policies; representing the public interest in a better environment to all appropriate bodies and officials; researching and drafting desirable environmental ordinances and regulations; developing public awareness of environmental policies, goals and problems; enlisting the active support of individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in environmental improvement; encouraging strict enforcement of environmental ordinances, regulations and laws.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. Total Commission membership shall not exceed forty (40) members.
Section 2. Members shall be residents of Fayette County. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Urban County Council.
Section 3. Terms of appointment shall be four (4) years. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms in the manner prescribed for original appointment.
ARTICLE IV
Organization
Section 1. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
Section 2. The officers shall be elected at the Annual Membership meeting in June. Three Directors shall also be elected at the June meeting.
ARTICLE V
Executive Committee
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the four officers, the three directors, and the immediate past Chairperson. Said past Chairperson shall serve on the Executive Committee for the fiscal year following retirement.
Section 2. The Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, or upon written request by four (4) Committee members.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall have the authority and power to act for the full Commission between meetings of the Commission.
Section 4. The Executive Committee shall confirm the appointments of appointive staff and committee chairpersons.
Section 5. The Executive Committee shall report all action taken to the full membership of the Commission.
Section 6. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 7. Issues shall be decided by a majority of those Executive Committee members present.
Section 8. The Executive Committee shall conduct the business of the Commission in conformity with Commission policies and objectives. The Executive Committee shall be subject to direction by a vote at full Commission meetings.
Section 9. The Executive Committee shall be authorized to make expenditures up to fifty dollars ($50) without prior approval by the full Commission.
Section 10. The Executive Committee will actively recruit and retain new Commission members using the office of the Secretary to facilitate this function.
ARTICLE VI
Nominations and Elections
Section 1. The officers and directors shall be elected by a majority of the members present at the Annual Membership Meeting held in June of each year.
Section 2. At least thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting in June, the Chairperson, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of five (5) Commission members.
Section 3. At least ten (10) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting, the Nominating Committee shall present, to the membership, names of candidates qualified and willing to serve in each of the elected offices for the following calendar year. Additional nominations may be made from the floor, provided they are made with the consent of the nominee.
Section 4. All vacancies, except that of the Chairperson, which occur between June meetings shall be filled by the Executive Committee. An officer so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term or until the vacancy is filled by election. In case of a vacancy in the office of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson shall serve automatically as Chairperson to complete the unexpired term.
Section 5. Term of office shall begin July 1 following the June election and continue until June 30 of the following year.
ARTICLE VII
Duties of Officers
Section 1. The duties of officers shall be implied by the respective titles and as such may be specified in these Bylaws.
Section 2. The Chairperson shall have the duties of supervision and management as may pertain to the office of Chairperson, and such other powers and duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws and designated from time to time by the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Chairperson shall appoint all standing committee chairpersons and the chairperson of all special committees necessary to carry on the work of the Commission, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 4. The Chairperson shall be an ex-officio member, without the right to vote, of all standing and special committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee.
Section 5. The Vice Chairperson shall act as first assistant to the Chairperson and shall during the absence of the Chairperson or his/her inability to act, exercise in respective order all his/her powers and duties, and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the Executive Committee.
Section 6. The Secretary shall sign all official minutes of full Commission meetings and of Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary shall also conduct all membership procedures including maintaining a list of possible future members, nominating persons from this list for membership when vacancies occur, personally contacting such nominees to assure that they have the time and interest to be active members, seeking appointment of such nominees from the Mayor and Urban County Council, and seeking the removal of any member who misses four (4) consecutive Commission meetings or who otherwise fails to participate actively in Commission activities.
Section 7. The Treasurer shall pay all bills when signed by the Chairperson, or by the member incurring the bill and when authorized by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, and shall present a report at each regular Commission meeting of the transactions of the preceding month.
Section 8. Upon retiring from office, all officers shall deliver to the Chairperson all records, papers, and other property belonging to the Commission.
ARTICLE VIII
Membership Meetings
Section 1. There shall be at least nine (9) regular meetings of the membership each calendar year. These meetings shall be held on the first Monday of the month, unless otherwise designated by the Executive Committee [which shall decide the change of date].
Section 2. There shall be an Annual Membership Meeting held in June of each year for the election of officers and directors.
Section 3. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by the written request of ten (10) members.
Section 4. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the current membership of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of the business of the Commission. Current membership, as used in this section, shall include all persons who have applied and been recommended for membership, whether or not said persons have been formally appointed by the Mayor and the Urban County Council.
Section 5. Issues shall be decided by a majority of those members present at a membership meeting.
Section 6. Any member shall be subject to removal by the Mayor after such member fails to attend four (4) consecutive meetings without sufficient cause, or otherwise fails to take an active part in Commission activities.
ARTICLE IX
Standing Committees
Section 1. There shall be four (4) standing committees:
A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Its activities shall include the following: investigate and provide information to the public on the existence, scope and enforcement procedures of ordinances and statutes pertaining to the environmental aspects of land use planning and community development; research, draft and work with the full Commission on negotiating and supporting passage of such ordinances and statutes; with the agreement of the full Commission, provide information, advice and recommendations to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, and to the Lexington-Fayette County Planning Commission and other appropriate agencies on environmental policies and goals.
B. POLLUTION ABATEMENT COMMITTEE: Its activities shall include the following: investigate and study noise, air, water, land and visual pollution in the community; formulate plans for the elimination or reduction of such pollution; with the agreement of the full Commission, advise appropriate officials and administrators having jurisdiction over the causes of such pollution; recommend and support effective and reasonable environmental legislation at the local, state and federal levels; promote and support clean-up campaigns and anti-litter projects whenever necessary; help to develop civic pride in improving the aesthetics of the community; encourage the enforcement of existing ordinances.
C. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Its activities shall include the following: publicize local environmental activities through the available media; compile and provide a list of environmental speakers to all interested persons, schools and groups; promote development of environmental curricula in local schools; publicize the Commission’s role in improving the environment; encourage and organize workshops, seminars, films, slide shows and speaking programs on environmental concerns; promote greater public consciousness of local environmental problems and needs.
D. AWARDS COMMITTEE: Its activities shall be limited to the following: generally arrange the Commission’s annual presentation of Environmental Improvement Awards to individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions which have significantly contributed to the betterment of the local environment; solicit names of nominees for such awards from interested parties and the public at large; after investigation of all nominees, select the final recipients; organize the actual presentation of the Annual Awards; publicize the environmental activities of the award winners; encourage interest in winning such awards.
Section 2. The Chairperson shall appoint all standing committee chairpersons, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. The members of each standing committee shall select from among themselves an Associate Chairperson who shall act as the first assistant to the Committee Chairperson, and who shall conduct the activities of the committee during the absence of the Chairperson or his/her inability to act.
Section 3. All members shall actively serve on one or more standing committees of their choosing. The Commission shall recommend to the Mayor that a member shall be subject to removal after such member l) fails to voluntarily join a committee, or 2) fails to attend three (3) consecutive committee meetings or otherwise fails to take an active part in the committee’s activities.
Section 4. Special committees shall be appointed by the Chairperson, with the approval of the Executive Committee, from time to time as special situations and needs arise.
ARTICLE X
Employees
Within the limits imposed by the funds available for its use, the Commission may employ such staff personnel and consultants as are necessary for the performance of its functions. Appointments shall be made by a majority vote of the members in attendance of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE XI
Amendments
Section l. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members attending a Commission meeting.
Section 2. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which they are to be voted upon.
ARTICLE XII
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Commission shall coincide with the fiscal year of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
ARTICLE XIII
Parliamentary Authority
The rules contained in Robert’s Parliamentary Law and Robert’s Rules of Order Revised (latest edition) shall govern the conduct of this Commission unless otherwise stated in these Bylaws.
AD-HOC COMMITTEES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
SYNERGIES COMMITTEE is an ad hoc committee that identifies opportunities for interaction of the Commission with other organizations in Lexington/Fayette county to promote effective use of time and resources for greater environmental benefit.
POLLINATOR COMMITTEE is an ad hoc committee that promotes the expansion of pollinator habitat in Lexington/Fayette County.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Environmental Commission 