News Editor The Lexington City Council at its June 9 meeting approved three Health and Wellness projects that had been previously approved by the Health and Wellness Committee.

Hospital Board President Jim Kenney was on hand to discuss the projects as well as the procedures for approving funding for submitted proposals.

Kenney said that as part of the hospital lease agreement signed in 2015, HCA Midwest annually donates $50,000 for projects that benefit the health and wellness of the entire community.

In 2021, the procedures for approving projects were streamlined when the committee was reorganized to include Lafayette Regional Health Center CEO Darrel Box, one member from the Hospital Board, and three citizens, explained Kenney. Kenney remarked that this move has made a big difference in simplifying the process. The revamped committee also decided to award the majority of Health and Wellness funding (80 percent) each year for a project that provides long-term benefits for the community, said Kenney.

Kenney brought three projects approved by the Health and Wellness Committee to the Council for final approval. Projects approved by the Council were: 1) $77,000 toward replacing the city’s storm warning system. The system will have six non-moving sirens that cover city limits to city limits. The Hospital Board will contribute $100,000.

2) $30,000 for the Early Childhood Center to improve the playground surface and equipment. Lexington School Superintendent Amanda Finkeldei is checking with insurance to see if the area could be opened to the public. Lexington R-5 leases the space from the 4-Life Center.

The Council offered its approval pending approval from the 4-Life Board and approval from the school district insurance to allow it to be open to public.

3) $2,000 to the Lexington Community Betterment Association for the downtown Christmas Lights project.