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A Record of Results

I was accessible. I listened. And I delivered results

Serving on Council means working on issues that affect all of Lexington while also staying focused on the needs of the district you represent. I believe a district Councilmember has a responsibility to bring tangible, positive changes to their community. These improvements  make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of residents.

I made commitments to the 4th District, and I kept them. This is a look at the projects, investments, and results that followed. Over 40 accomplishments in just my first term. Here are some of those accomplishments that were finalized while I was in office.

  • Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez 4th District Newsletter The 4th District Dispatch
  • Lexington Fire Department and Fayette County Public Schools Recruitment Improvement

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  • ABC Ordinance change Congregation Enforcement
  • ABC Ordinance congregating enforcement
  • Brigadoon Right-In Right-Out changes and extended left turn onto Reynolds Rd from northbound Nicholasville Rd
  • Brenda Monarrez Newsletter The 4th District Dispatch
  • Imagine Nicholasville Rd
  • Veterans Park Pedestrian Trail and Additional Parking
  • Babe Ruth Concession Stand and  Restrooms
  • Wilson Downing Sidewalk
  • Wilson Downing Fence Pedestrian Safety Barrier
  • Wilson Downing Paving
  • West Hickman Water Treatment Plant Odor Control Ash Tank Odor Issues
  • Kirklevington Park Lighting
  • Forest Green Drive Edgelines
  • Spangler Drive Edgelines
  • Changes to left turn arrows and traffic light timing
  • Ragweed control at Parks
  • Pebble Creek Stream Restoration
  • Tree Pruning
  • Clayvis Court Storm Water Drainage
  • Relocated Fire Hydrant Lansdowne Drive
  • Nicholasville Rd Foliage Cut Back Improve Line of Sight
  • Fiddler Creek Speed Tables
  • Southpoint Drive Pedestrian Refuge
  • Tiverton Way Pedestrian Refuge
  • Yellow Curbing and extra road markings
  • Flashing Stop Signs
  • Soccer Goals Kirklevington Park
  • Additional Stop Sign and signage
  • Additional traffic signage
  • Reduce Speed to 25MPH on Camelot Drive and Tiverton Way
  • Victoria Way No Parking Yellow Curbing and Extended Right Turn Lane
  • Tiverton Way Wayfinder Sign at Habersham Drive
  • Tiverton Way Habersham Drive Wayfinder signs
  • Meadowbrook Park Bollard
  • Veterans Park Elementary Outdoor Learning Space
  • Brenda Monarrez and President of Southern Middle School PTA
  • Brenda Monarrez and Southern Elementary Principal
  • Brenda Monarrez and Tates Creek High School Principal

Over 40 Accomplishments in My 1st Term

Results and Leadership for All of Lexington:

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1. 4th District Dispatch - 

Created the 4th District Dispatch, a biweekly newsletter designed to provide residents with meaningful, useful information about the issues that directly affect their daily lives. Each edition focused on practical information, from traffic impacts and road closures to district projects, paving, neighborhood events, odor concerns, parks initiatives, and other city updates. The goal was to give residents information they could use, not simply fill space, and residents frequently told me they valued the newsletter because it kept them informed about what was happening in their neighborhoods.

2. Building a Firefighter Recruitment Pipeline - 

I worked with our Lexington Fire Department,  Fayette County Public Schools, LFUCG Law Department, and FCPS’s Law Department to establish an agreement allowing students in the Firefighter Science program to complete required ambulance ride-alongs with LFD. The agreement created an opportunity to build relationships with students pursuing EMT and firefighter careers and strengthen Lexington's future recruitment pipeline.

(At the time, the Lexington Fire Dept. was facing a shortage of more than 50 firefighters. Students in the Firefighter Science program were earning EMT and EMR certifications, but their required ambulance ride-alongs could not be completed with LFD because there was no agreement between the city and FCPS. Instead, students were completing those hours with neighboring fire departments—giving those departments an opportunity to build relationships with students who could become future applicants. I promised our firefighters I would improve recruitment efforts when I campai The agreement was put into place in September 2024.)

3. Closing a Loophole and Strengthening Enforcement of the ABC Ordinance - 

As a campaign commitment, I sponsored and led an ordinance change that strengthened enforcement of Lexington's congregating ordinance around ABC-licensed premises. The previous definition of a “package liquor store” required the sale of distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages, excluding businesses such as convenience stores and gas stations that sold only beer. I changed “and” to “and/or,” closing that gap in enforcement.(In the 4th District residents complained about the store on Lansdowne and Tartan Dr. where there had been multiple reports of shots fired in the area.) Changed Nov 2024

4.  Improving Safety on Nicholasville Road - 

I used 4th District Capital Funds to improve safety at the Brigadoon Parkway and Nicholasville Road/Reynolds Road area. The project made Brigadoon Parkway a right-in/right-out intersection, eliminating the left turn onto southbound Nicholasville Road, and extended the northbound left-turn lane onto westbound Reynolds Road. These changes addressed a difficult intersection with limited visibility and a history of crashes.

5. Keeping the 4th District Informed -

 I made a Council Comment to provide the 4th District with accurate information about the Imagine Nicholasville Road project, including its history, what had already been completed, what was underway, and what residents could expect next. Because Nicholasville Road is a state project, I wanted residents to understand the plan already in place and how the process would move forward. With so much confusion and misinformation surrounding the future of Nicholasville Road, residents deserve clear information about a project that would have a significant impact on the 4th District. (The KYTC released it's completed study July 2026 here.)

6. Veterans Park Trail & Parking Improvements - 

I used 4th District Capital Funds to fund the design of a new pedestrian trail and additional parking at Veterans Park. The design positioned the project to move forward. Construction is being funded by the new Parks Tax. 

7. Babe Ruth Park Concession & Restroom Improvements -  

I used 4th District Capital Funds to fund the design of a new concession stand and restroom facility at Babe Ruth Park. The existing facility has inadequate electrical and plumbing systems, including recurring restroom flooding, and can no longer adequately support larger tournaments. The design is now underway, positioning the project for future construction funding.

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Results for the 4th District:

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8. Wilson Downing Sidewalk Project - 

I kept my promise to residents of the 4th to improve pedestrian safety by getting the Wilson Downing sidewalk project constructed while I was in office. The project addressed a long-standing need for safer pedestrian connections to neighborhood schools, bus stops, and nearby businesses.

9. Wilson Downing Pedestrian Safety Improvements - 

I used 4th District Capital Funds to install a protective fence along Wilson Downing Road, creating a physical barrier between pedestrians and traffic. The improvement was especially important for children walking to and from school and helped address unsafe vehicle movements that were putting pedestrians at risk.

10. Wilson Downing Paving -

I prioritized Wilson Downing Road for resurfacing after seeing its deteriorated condition, including numerous asphalt patches, extensive cracking, and an uneven driving surface. With both an elementary and middle school along the road, improving its condition was important for the safety and daily travel of students, families, and other residents who use it. (Other examples of collectors I prioritized: Clearwater Way, Southpoint Drive, etc.)

11. West Hickman Wastewater Treatment Plant — Ash Tank Odor Control - 

I escalated persistent odor concerns at the West Hickman Wastewater Treatment Plant, particularly around the ash tank, which became especially problematic during warm weather. I worked to keep the issue in front of city leaders and kept residents informed as plans for the necessary improvements moved forward. The Mayor ultimately committed significant funding to address the odor problem.

12. Improving Safety at Kirklevington Park - 

At the request of surrounding residents, I worked with Parks officials and Kentucky Utilities to improve lighting in the parking areas at Kirklevington Park, improving visibility and safety for residents using the park in the evening.

13. Traffic Calming Through Roadway Edgelines - 

I used 4th District Capital Funds to install roadway edgelines on several neighborhood streets. Edgelines create a visual boundary between the travel lane and parked vehicles, making the roadway feel narrower and encouraging drivers to slow down while providing a clearer separation between moving and parked traffic. (Forest Green, Tiverton Way, Spangler, Laredo, Camelot Drive.)

14.Improving Left-Turn Signal Safety - 

I worked with traffic engineers to adjust the left-turn signal timing from Man O’ War Boulevard onto both Belleau Wood Drive and Clearwater Way. The changes reduced the amount of time drivers had a flashing-yellow, permissive left turn and increased the time available for a protected left turn, providing drivers with a safer opportunity to make the turn. Changes were also made at the Osborne Drive and Man O'War intersection.

15. Ragweed Control at Belleau Wood Park and Kirklevington Park -

At the request of surrounding residents. 

16. Pebble Creek Stream Restoration - 

At the request of residents, I worked to restore a section of Pebble Creek in the Belleau Wood neighborhood where stormwater runoff had caused significant erosion along the streambank. The restoration stabilized the streambank, helped protect the surrounding area, and created a healthier environment for wildlife.

17. Improving Visibility and Safety at Intersections - 

I worked with Environmental Services to address trees and vegetation that were obstructing stop signs and limiting drivers' sight lines at intersections throughout the 4th District. I pushed for necessary pruning and, where needed, tree removal and stop-sign relocation to improve visibility and safety.

18. Clayvis Court Stormwater Drainage Improvements - 

At the request of residents, I worked to improve stormwater drainage on Clayvis Court, where runoff was causing significant erosion around the drainage outlet. The improvements stabilized the area, helped manage stormwater runoff, and protected the surrounding property.

19. Relocating a Fire Hydrant for Safety - 

A resident brought to my attention that a fire hydrant in front of their home had been struck by vehicles multiple times. I worked with the Lexington Fire Department, which coordinated with Kentucky American Water to relocate the hydrant across the street, reducing the risk of future vehicle strikes while keeping this critical emergency infrastructure accessible.

20. Improving Visibility Along Nicholasville Road - 

I made a habit of driving throughout the 4th District to proactively identify issues that could affect residents’ safety. Along Nicholasville Road, I noticed that overgrown trees and foliage were obstructing drivers’ lines of sight when entering the roadway from side streets such as Southpoint Drive. I contacted the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and requested that the vegetation be cut back. KYTC responded to my request and completed the work in less than 30 days, improving visibility and safety for drivers entering Nicholasville Road.

21. Fiddler Creek Speed Tables - 

A resident contacted me about speeding on Fiddler Creek, where drivers were using the street as a cut-through. I worked with the neighborhood and used 4th District Capital Funds to install speed tables—without requiring residents to contribute financially, as is the norm. Although the street was outside the 4th District, it is part of the Pinnacle neighborhood, and I believed those residents deserved the same consideration I would give my own constituents.

22. Pedestrian Refuge: Southpoint Drive & Rose Hurst Way and Tiverton Way & LaRue -

 I used 4th District Capital Funds to install pedestrian refuges at Southpoint Drive & Rose Hurst Way and Tiverton Way & LaRue Avenue, creating safer places for pedestrians to cross these busy roadways. The Tiverton Way refuge fulfilled a 2022 campaign promise to improve pedestrian safety for residents crossing to and from Fritz Farm, while the Southpoint Drive refuge provides a safer crossing for pedestrians accessing Veterans Park.

23. Improving Visibility & Pedestrian Safety - 

I worked to have yellow curbing refreshed and extended at multiple locations throughout the 4th District to improve drivers’ lines of sight and keep vehicles from parking in areas where they could obstruct pedestrian crossings, driveways, and intersections. pedestrians.

24. Flashing Stop Signs for Safer Intersections - 

I used 4th District Capital Funds to install flashing stop signs at multiple intersections throughout the district where increased visibility was needed. I also had stop bars added to clearly identify where vehicles should stop, reinforcing safe stopping and improving intersection visibility. (Located at: Tiverton Way & Habersham, Clearwater Way & Watertrace, Southpoint Drive & St. Elias, Clearwater Way & Ridgewater, Wilson Downing & Belleau Wood {removed for traffic circle})

25. Expanding Recreation at Kirklevington Park - 

A Lexington resident contacted me about the need for soccer goals at Kirklevington Park, where residents regularly gathered for pickup games. Although he was not a 4th District resident, I worked to make the improvement happen and used Capital Funds to provide permanent soccer goals for the park.

26. Improving Traffic & Pedestrian Safety: Clearwater Way & Ridgewater Drive and Southpoint Dr & Aligan Way -

At the request of Waterford residents, I worked to improve safety at Clearwater Way and Ridgewater Drive, where residents, pedestrians, and children regularly travel to the clubhouse, pool, and school bus stops. Improvements included additional stop signs, Stop Ahead signage, enhanced pedestrian crosswalk markings, and yellow curbing. I also worked with Southpoint residents to address similar safety concerns at Southpoint Drive and Aligan Way.

27. Lowering Speed Limits for Neighborhood Safety -

I had the speed limit reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph on Tiverton Way and Camelot Drive by unanimous support from my colleagues. Although classified as collector roads, both run through exclusively residential areas where residents walk to schools, parks, shopping, and other neighborhood destinations.

28. Improving Traffic Flow on Victoria Way - 

I extended the yellow curbing along Victoria Way from Man O' War Boulevard to south of Bradford Colony Drive, establishing a no-parking zone and extending the right-turn-only lane onto Man O' War. The change improved visibility and allowed traffic to move more efficiently through the intersection.

29. Improving Wayfinding on Tiverton Way - 

Residents brought a safety concern to my attention involving large trucks navigating Tiverton Way. Drivers were continuing straight instead of turning onto Habersham Drive toward Man O' War Boulevard, some - times becoming unable to navigate the sharp turn farther ahead and having to back up. I worked to add wayfinding signs on Tiverton Way and at Tiverton Way & Habersham Drive to clarify the proper route and prevent these hazardous maneuvers.

30. Improving Pedestrian Safety at Meadowbrook Park - 

I worked to install a barrier at Meadowbrook Park to prevent vehicles from driving between the parking lot and pedestrian trail to park on the lawn near the basketball and pickleball courts. The barrier protects pedestrians from vehicle traffic while still allowing Parks staff access for maintenance.

31. Veterans Park Elementary: Outdoor Learning Space - 

I used 4th District Neighborhood Development Funds to provide picnic tables for an existing outdoor shelter at Veterans Park Elementary, creating an outdoor learning space for students and expanding the school's ability to use the area for educational activities. The school also shares a connection with the surrounding Pinnacle neighborhood, allowing the investment to benefit both students and the broader community.

32. Southern Middle School : Spartan Day -

 I helped fund T-shirts through 4th District Neighborhood Development Funds for students participating in Spartan Day at Southern Middle School.

33. Southern Elementary :

     a. Basketball Program - I fully funded basketball uniforms for Southern Elementary students using 4th District Neighborhood Development Funds.

     b. School Supplies:  Donated school supplies to be distributed at the school's back to school bash. 

34. Tates Creek High School :

     a. Removing Barriers to Participation - I used 4th District Neighborhood Development Funds to provide more than 600 bus passes to Tates Creek High School students so transportation would not prevent them from participating in extracurricular activities and events. For students from lower-income households, the cost of getting to and from these activities could be a significant barrier to participation, and I wanted to help remove it. 

     b. Events - Fully funded the Senior cookout May 2024 and the Spellling Bee prizes (Kings Island Tickets).

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