LEXINGTON, Ky. — Minutes from the January 15 meeting of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Council show the body approved several measures including a significant federal grant for the Town Branch Trail expansion and recognized a prominent community advocate who has served Lexington for four decades.

At the January 15 meeting, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Linda Gorton to apply for $4.7 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Program funds to advance Town Branch Trail Phases IV and V. The project would require a local match of $1.175 million. Town Branch Commons, a transformative public-private park and trail system, traces the historic Town Branch Creek through downtown Lexington and links the city's two major trails, the Town Branch Trail and the Legacy Trail, giving 22 miles of uninterrupted trail connecting downtown to the countryside.

The council also approved a proclamation honoring Jacobo Aragón Torres Day on January 15, 2026. Torres has worked as a court interpreter, taught Spanish at Lexington School and Lexington Catholic High School, served as volunteer coordinator for RadioLex, co-founded the United Hispanic Association, and assisted with Casa de la Cultura during his 40 years of residency. Council member Reynolds credited Torres with bringing the tradition and celebration of Día De Los Muertos to Lexington. Torres emphasized the importance of diversity and the need to reject fear in favor of understanding and unity.

In other actions at the January 15 meeting, the council approved multiple ordinances affecting city employment and budgeting. These included modifications to six waste management positions, changes to various city departments, and issuance of $18.04 million in general obligation bonds for fiscal 2026. The council also ratified the appointment of David Barberie as Commissioner of Law and approved construction bids for city projects including Constitution Park and the Whitney Young Community Building renovation.

Several resolutions establishing grants and agreements also received preliminary approval, including a quitclaim deed for surplus property near Nicholasville and a lease amendment for office space on Tates Creek Centre Drive. All actions at the January 15 meeting were approved unanimously.