LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council moved forward Thursday night with a major solar energy project and significant government restructuring as it addressed a full agenda of ordinances and resolutions.

The council gave final approval to lease approximately 357 acres of the Haley Pike Landfill to Edelen Renewables for development of a solar photovoltaic project, following months of negotiation over the deal's terms. The city is leasing the land to Social Impact Solar LLC at $85 per acre, generating an anticipated first-year base lease payment of $30,345.

The project received a 10-3 vote in favor of the lease, with two members absent, despite concerns from some council members that the community benefits agreement should be approved separately before the mayor executes any final documents. Council members pressed the issue because Edelen has said construction must begin by mid-June to qualify for federal tax credits scheduled to sunset in July.

The council also approved significant restructuring of city departments by reorganizing and transferring both the Division of Engineering and the Division of Building Inspection from the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works to the Department of Planning and Preservation, with implementation taking effect July 1, 2026.

Other significant actions included approval of a budget amendment for fiscal year 2026, authorization for the mayor to execute a bomb technician training agreement with Point One USA for $60,000, and acceptance of a catering services bid for the Family Care Center. The council also approved permanent civil service appointments and various agreements with educational institutions including Eastern Kentucky University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College for student placements in fire and emergency services programs.

The council heard a presentation from Frederick Douglass High School's cheerleading program and addressed street dedication and stormwater management issues. Additional business included approval of a Change Order decreasing a stormwater quality project contract and a civil penalty settlement with the state over permit violations at the West Hickman Wastewater Treatment Plant.