LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Council unanimously approved zoning changes and budget amendments at its April 30 meeting while fielding continued community concerns about the city's controversial network of Flock cameras.

An ordinance modifying conditional zoning restrictions for properties at 532 and 550 South Broadway and 659 Plunkett Street passed 13-0, as did a budget amendment totaling Schedule No. 27 of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations. The council, presided over by Mayor Linda Gorton, also approved numerous contracts and grant awards, including a $425,900 contract with Mefford Contracting, LLC for the Town Branch Exterior Window Replacement Project and a $100,526 federal grant for victim assistance services.

During public comment, multiple residents expressed privacy concerns about the city's license plate reader cameras. The cameras, part of an ongoing program since 2022, use artificial intelligence to photograph and catalog vehicle license plates throughout the city. The city now operates 125 Flock cameras, and supporters note they have helped officers close hundreds of cases and recover stolen vehicles, but critics argue they raise civil liberties issues.

Isaac Looney expressed concerns about privacy implications and false flag incidents in other cities, while Paige Hensley requested transparent data on the cameras' effectiveness. Blake Spurgeon clarified that Silicon Ranch was not involved in work on the solar Zoning Overlay Tax Abatement (ZOTA) and said he would provide feedback on the new ordinance.

In other business, the council honored Dr. Nicholas Van Sickles, an infectious disease specialist, with the 2026 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award for his contributions to public health in Lexington. Alan McDaniel invited council members and constituents to attend Mayfest at Gratz Park.