LEXINGTON, Ky. — Newly released minutes from the Urban County Council's March 12 meeting show the body approved carbon monoxide detection standards and zoning changes while postponing a contentious resolution regarding a solar farm at the Haley Pike Landfill.

At the March 12 meeting, the council unanimously approved two ordinances adopting provisions of the 2024 International Fire Code requiring carbon monoxide detectors in existing buildings and residential dwellings, with implementation set for 180 days after passage. The council also approved several zoning changes, including rezoning 3.267 acres at 2914 Clays Mill Road from Single Family Residential to Mixed Low Density Residential for Dailey Homes, LLC.

The most contentious item on the agenda involved a proposed ground lease with Social Impact Solar LLC for approximately 357 acres of the Haley Pike Landfill. Seven residents spoke in opposition to the resolution, including members of the Lexington Model Airplane Club, which has operated at the site for 26 years. The club, which has more than 130 members, operates a 60-acre airfield at the 687-acre landfill and urged the council to find an alternative location for the solar project.

Following discussion, the council unanimously voted to postpone the solar lease resolution to March 26. Council members asked staff about the project timeline, community benefits, and the flying club's operational needs. Richard Dugas with the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works informed the council that the Flying Model Airplane Club's lease would not be renewed as of April 27, 2026.

Other items approved at the second reading included amending the Masterson Station Park Advisory Board membership and approving neighborhood development fund agreements with community organizations including Fayette Alliance, Inc., Community Inspired Lexington Inc., and the Young Men's Christian Association of Central Kentucky.

The council also approved an ordinance amending post-construction stormwater control standards and an ordinance dedicating a portion of Shaker Drive as a public way.