Public Meetings - Elizabethtown, Kentucky

The Elizabethtown City Council held its regular meeting on February 17, 2026, at 9:24 PM (UTC). The meeting was brief, with unanimous approval of minutes from the previous meeting, a first reading of an ordinance to close a portion of Sutton Lane, approval of a property purchase for the Commerce Drive Corridor improvement project, and announcements regarding an upcoming neighborhood meeting for the North Downtown Master Plan. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 2, 2026: Approved unanimously by voice vote (motion and second, all ayes, no nays). Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - First Reading of Ordinance No. 4, 2026 – Closure of Portion of Sutton Lane: The ordinance closes a portion of Sutton Lane, with the remaining portion incorporated into Commerce Drive. Judge Howard read the ordinance by summary. No discussion followed. The first reading was held without opposition. - Purchase of 518 Commerce Drive Property: The city approved a municipal order to purchase a portion of property at 518 Commerce Drive from Philip and Roxanne Alcorn for $25,000. The purchase includes drainage and utility easements across the remaining property, supporting the Commerce Drive Corridor Road Improvement Project. The order authorizes the mayor to sign agreements, contracts, and subdivision plats. Approved unanimously. - Announcement – North Downtown Master Plan Neighborhood Meeting: Councilmember Ed Pope announced a second community meeting for the North Downtown Master Plan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Central Avenue Baptist Church. The meeting will have an open house format, seeking input on land use, walkability, infill housing, sidewalk/trail upgrades, street lighting, and alley safety improvements in the target area (bounded by South Mulberry, railroad, Williams Street, and East Poplar). Key Outcomes - Minutes of February 2, 2026, approved unanimously. - Ordinance No. 4, 2026 (closing portion of Sutton Lane) passed first reading; no vote on final adoption yet. - Purchase order for 518 Commerce Drive property adopted unanimously. - Next regular council meeting scheduled for February 23, 2026. - Happy birthday was extended to Councilmember Marty Fulkerson (turning 60 on February 18).

The Elizabethtown City Council held a work session on February 9, 2026, opening with an invocation and pledge. The meeting featured recognition of city employees earning certifications, a detailed stormwater department update, and public comments regarding noise and odor complaints from a nearby industrial facility. No formal votes were taken, but next steps were outlined for addressing citizen concerns. Recognition of Certifications - ABC Officer Certifications: Nineteen police officers and staff were recognized for completing additional alcohol beverage control (ABC) certifications, described as a supplement to the department's enforcement capabilities. Certificates were awarded in alphabetical order. - Playground Safety Inspector Certifications: Parks and Recreation Director Seth Breitner highlighted that Sean Pope and Colin Miller earned Certified Playground Safety Inspector credentials, noting that less than 70% of first-time test-takers pass the exam. The certification helps mitigate liability given over 200,000 playground-related injuries annually. Stormwater Department Update (Rita Davis) - Completed Projects: Replaced two failing corrugated metal pipes (under Westport and Michelle Drive); completed Keeneland Drive ditch stabilization with live stakes; conducted spring survivability survey for plantings. - Ongoing Studies: Drainage studies at Hawkins Drive and Freeman Creek Estates following severe flooding in 2025; FEMA floodplain remapping for the Upper Green River watershed expected within two years. - Permitting & Compliance: 153 new erosion control permits issued; 25 private water quality unit inspections; 12 illicit discharge investigations; 38 plan reviews; 176 stormwater requests in 2025; received a 100% score on MS4 audit from Kentucky Division of Water. - Public Education: Conducted macroinvertebrate sessions with summer/fall camps; partnered with local schools; distributed 54,000 pet waste bags (70% increase since 2023); deployed Storm Squatch mascot. - Upcoming Projects: Valley Creek Lake and Trooper Lake restorations (construction); Henry Street Phase II (fall 2026); Peterson Drive Bridge (pending grant); Clifford Drive Basin (90% design); studies for Deepwood Drive, St. John Estates, French Street; budget requests for additional inspector and replacement of vehicle "Kevin." - Staffing: Six staff in stormwater management section; one inspector in training for environmental science degree (anticipated August 2026). Public Comments & Testimony - Caitlin (near Elizabethtown Community College, train tracks area): Complained about constant buzzing noise 24/7 for two weeks from a facility (suspected recycling center) and a chemical smell that made breathing difficult during pregnancy. Expressed concern for her infant. Mayor stated this was the first report received and promised to investigate. - Stuts Smith (Sandy Circle, near same area): Disputed the mayor's claim, asserting he had previously raised complaints about off-gassing, noise, and house-shaking from the "Maltulsa 2 plant" with city officials. He noted a required sound wall from the building permit was never erected. He stated the issue was not new and appreciated the timing with the stormwater presentation on environmental topics. Council Information Items - Next meeting scheduled for February 17, 2026. - Councilmember Tony Bishop thanked colleagues and community for support during a recent hospitalization. - Motion to adjourn closed meeting pursuant to KRS 61.810 section one; motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were recorded. - Mayor committed to investigating the noise and odor complaints from the Maltulsa 2 plant and following up with the residents. - The stormwater department will present budget requests for additional inspector, vehicle replacement, and capital projects in the upcoming budget season.

The Elizabethtown City Council held its regular meeting on February 2, 2026, at 21:28 UTC (4:28 p.m. local time). The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of previous meeting minutes and action on several ordinances and municipal orders. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an extensive update from the Public Works Director regarding the city's response to a historic winter storm that struck on January 24, 2026. All votes were unanimous, and the meeting adjourned without public comment or closed session. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the January 20, 2025 (as stated in the meeting – likely a slip of the tongue for 2026) meeting were approved unanimously. - Second Reading – Ordinance No. 3-2026: This ordinance amended the official zoning map for properties at 614–622 Pearl Orchard Road, changing the zoning from Suburban Residential (R-2) to Urban Residential (R-3) to allow single-unit homes or zero-lot-line duplexes. The change was found to be consistent with the city's comprehensive plan. The ordinance passed by roll call vote (4-0). - Municipal Order No. 7-2026: Accepted a bid from C&C Portables LLC for annual portable restroom services for Parks and Recreation, at a cost not to exceed $85 per unit with an additional $25 charge for second cleaning. The alternate bid was not accepted. Passed unanimously. - Municipal Order No. 8-2026: Authorized the purchase of property at 501 Commerce Drive from Matthew and Lords Ransdale for $25,000 as part of the Commerce Drive Corridor Improvement Project. The purchase includes acquisition of right-of-way and easements. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Snow Removal Update: Public Works Superintendent Don Hill presented a detailed chronological summary of the city's response to the winter storm that began January 24, 2026. Key points included: - Pre-planning meetings with multiple departments and administration. - Initial storm brought a mixture of snow, freezing rain, and sleet, resulting in approximately four inches of ice welded to pavement – described as a rare, once-in-15-to-20-year event. - Crews worked around the clock with strategic use of plowing, salt application, and steel-bladed equipment. Temperatures frequently dropped to single digits or zero, causing daily refreezing. - Operations progressed from treating arterial streets to neighborhood streets, focusing on intersections, hills, curves, and overpasses. - Statistics for the event (as of February 2): - Diesel fuel used: 1,752.6 gallons ($4,206.24) - Unleaded fuel used: 3,820.9 gallons ($7,068.66) - Total fuel cost: $11,274.91 - Salt used: 383 tons at $122/ton = $46,726 (fifth application applied on Feb. 2; supplier has ordered replenishment) - Public Works labor: 1,682 regular hours + 862 overtime hours = 2,544 total hours (not including Natural Gas, Parks, or other support staff) - Crews removed rubber blade tips and switched to steel plows to break up thick ice, with caution to avoid manhole covers. - Widening of streets and clearing drainage ways in low-lying areas was underway in anticipation of warmer weather (high of 52°F expected next Sunday). - The mayor noted the department's pride and the unprecedented nature of the ice event, emphasizing that crews are working hard to restore normal conditions. Key Outcomes - All four legislative items (minutes approval, zoning ordinance, two municipal orders) were adopted unanimously. - The city continues snow and ice removal operations; next focus includes removing large snow piles and repairing any potholes as ice clears. - The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026. - No public comments were made, and no closed session was held. The meeting adjourned with a motion and second.

The Elizabeth City Council held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, opening with a prayer and roll call to establish a quorum. The session featured the presentation of the June 30, 2025, annual audit, which received a clean opinion despite minor accounting recommendations. The Council unanimously approved five municipal orders regarding zoning amendments, airport bridge loans, street light installations, and property acquisition. Informational updates were provided on the "Christmas in the Park" event attendance and preparations for upcoming winter weather. The meeting concluded with the Council moving into closed session to deliberate on real property transactions. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the January 5, 2025 meeting (Motion carried: 6 for, 0 opposed). - First reading of Ordinance No. 2026: Amends the official zoning map for 614-622 Pearl Orchard Road from Suburban Residential (R2) to Urban Residential (R3) to allow single-unit homes and zero-lot-line duplexes; found in agreement with the comprehensive plan. - Adoption of Municipal Order No. 2026: Approves a promissory note with the Elizabeth City Airport Board for a bridge loan not to exceed $600,000 for a tea hangar building; payable in full without interest by January 1, 2028. (Motion carried: 6 for, 0 opposed). - Adoption of Municipal Order No. 2026: Authorizes a contract with Nolan Rural Electric Cooperative for the installation and maintenance of decorative street lights along Commerce Drive within the current budget; future maintenance on a time and material basis. (Motion carried: 6 for, 0 opposed). - Adoption of Municipal Order No. 2026: Authorizes the purchase of the property at 607 Moore Drive from Michael Miller for $12,000 to support housing opportunities and open space in the Glendale Hill neighborhood; requires a title report and Phase I environmental review. (Motion carried: 6 for, 0 opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - Councilmember Tyler (representing the community) noted that the Harden County Animal Shelter has vouchers for one bale of straw for residents unable to bring large animals inside during the cold, but encouraged others to purchase bales at Lowe's for $6-$7 to provide windbreaks and nesting for pets. Councilmember Tyler expressed a strong position that straw "is really really good and can save an animal's life" if owners care for their pets. - Councilmember Bishop personally celebrated the 81st birthday of Mr. Michael Bell, a de facto mayor of the Glendale area and pastor for over 50 years, who is known for sending messages of encouragement. Councilmember Bishop expressed a position of deep appreciation and friendship toward Mr. Bell. Discussion Items - 2025 Annual Audit Presentation (Heather Cochran, RFHPLC): - Presented the June 30, 2025, audited financial statements. The Council received a "clean opinion," the highest auditing distinction. - Recommendations Issued: - Accounting Principles: Auditor Cochran stated that the City must align revenue recognition with the year expenses were incurred for federal grants (accrual method) rather than when cash is received. Councilmember Bishop questioned the logic of "counting income that you don't have," while Cochran and others affirmed this is a standard Generally Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP) requirement for federal compliance. - Schedules: The City must update the "schedule of expenditure of federal awards" to reflect adjustments made for the timing difference. - Procurement Policies: The City needs to "beef up" written purchasing policies to explicitly include specific requirements mandated by federal guidelines, even though the City was already complying in practice. - Self-Insurance: Cochran noted the City transferred about $2 million regarding self-insurance, which was roughly $2 million short of the actual amount needed, prompting a recommendation to reassess rates for the next year. Councilmember Bishop and others expressed a position that while the methodology is difficult to "fix," the Finance Department is "doing the best you can." - Departmental Performance: Councilmembers Fulkerson and others expressed strong support and appreciation for the Finance Department (Jeff Hawkins and Cyril Burr), describing them as "fabulous," "great," and the "special teams," noting they receive less recognition than other departments. - City Council Information Items (Mayor): - Christmas in the Park: The Mayor reported a position of pride regarding the event, citing approximately 75,000 attendees (based on 30,000 cars at 2.5 people per car) and $45,000 in donations. - Winter Weather: The Mayor stated that public works are prepared for a potential winter storm with predictions ranging from 2 to 12 inches, expressing a position that the city is ready to clear streets "without any issue or hiccups." Key Outcomes - Audit Status: The City of Elizabeth received a clean opinion for the 2025 Uniform Guidance audit, with three minor recommendations accepted for implementation by the Finance Department regarding GAAP compliance, federal expenditure schedules, and written procurement policies. - Legislative Actions: - Zoning map for 614-622 Pearl Orchard Road amended to R3 (Urban Residential). - $600,000 interest-free promissory note approved for the Airport Board construction project. - Contract approved for Nolan RECC street light installation and maintenance on Commerce Drive. - Property purchase approved at 607 Moore Drive for $12,000. - Council Directives: The Council moved to closed session pursuant to C.R.S. §10-810.1 to deliberate on future acquisition or sale of real property by the city. - Discrepancy Note: The transcript refers to the location as "Elizabeth Town" in several instances (e.g., "Elizabeth Town City Council"), while the ordinance text refers to "Elizabeth City Council" and "Elizabethtown." The summary reflects the name used in the official ordinance text for consistency, while noting the transcript's variation.

This work session provided operational updates from the Wastewater Department and the City Administrator regarding ongoing infrastructure projects, followed by a financial update and bridge funding request from the Airport Board. The meeting concluded with a public comment regarding a neighborhood stormwater analysis and a brief closing statement on recent weekend emergency incidents before moving into executive session. Consent Calendar - No routine consent items were formally presented or voted on during this work session. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Elliott (Harvard Drive): Expressed concern regarding the lack of response to her October inquiry and the delay in the St. John Estate stormwater infrastructure analysis, which she was informed would begin in June. She sought an update on the project timeline. - City Response: Councilmember Isaacs stated that an engineering analysis group is currently working on the neighborhood project to determine the best path forward. He directed the city staff (Rita) to contact the resident immediately to provide specific timeline details. Discussion Items - Wastewater Department Update (Director Corey Bond) - Operational Statistics: Reported treating 2.9 billion gallons in the previous year (average 8 million gallons/day, up from 7 million), currently operating at 62% capacity due to high rainfall (62 inches vs. 50 the prior year). - Safety Record: Celebrated 3,715 days (10 years) without a lost-time accident. - Incidents: Discussed a berm breach during April storms that required emergency repair; an administrative order for the repair is expected soon. - Expansion Plan: Presented a facility plan to expand capacity from 13 million to 19 million gallons/day (a 6 million gallon increase). - Cost Estimates: Councilmember Bishop noted that while a conservative estimate is $15 million per million gallons, the current estimated total for the expansion is approximately $120 million due to rising prices. - Funding & Rates: Confirmed new rates implemented July 1st are functioning well without significant public backlash, though Water District 2 receives the inquiries. - City Administrator Project Update (Ed Pope) - Commerce Drive & Music Venue: Construction is progressing on curbs and base asphalt; waterline approval received from the Division of Water. Street lighting conduit installation will be led by No Lynn, with future maintenance contracted to them. - Sinkholes & Karst Topography: Confirmed that geotechnical core drilling (20+ borings) was conducted prior to commencing work, but sinkholes were still discovered during excavation due to the region's karst topography. The extra cost for mitigation was covered by contingency funds, potentially impacting other value-engineered improvements. - Other Construction: - Fire station nearing completion (Jenkins Essex ending end of month). - Police station progressing (structural steel up, roof installed after soil remediation). - Lichfield Road/South Ring sewer upgrades complete; final grant drawdown being processed. - Parks Department: American Legion Park and Freeman Lake restrooms under construction; parking lot funding via $1M state grant. - New Projects: Village Drive and Foxboro Estates drainage projects mobilized to start. Pear Orchard Road Northwest project finalized property acquisition. "Safe Streets for All" grants secured for College Street (funded) and East Dixie corridor (pending grant agreement). - Airport Board Update (Chairman Carl Swope) - Completed Projects: Privately funded corporate hangar finished; terminal building project (state/fed funded) on track for late-spring ribbon cutting. - TEA Hangar Project: A $2.5 million project facing a funding gap. The board took a "leap of faith" to start phase one, but site mitigation costs added $200,000 in unanticipated expenses, and completion occurred sooner than expected, delaying eligibility for the next federal grant round. - Funding Request: Requested $600,000 in bridge/gap funding from the city to complete the project over the next 18 months, with repayment expected once new state/federal grants are awarded in spring. - Council Position: Council members expressed understanding of the complex FAA funding mechanisms (typically 90% federal, 10% local/state) and approved moving forward with drafting an agreement for the bridge funding. Key Outcomes - Project Cost Clarity: Established that the wastewater expansion to 19 million gallons is estimated at $120 million. - Airport Bridge Funding: The Council agreed in principle to provide the Airport Board with $600,000 in bridge funding for the TEA hangar project; staff (Ken) was directed to formalize the agreement. - Public Engagement: Staff pledged to contact Judy Elliott the following day to provide the timeline for the St. John Estate stormwater analysis. - Legislative Action: Motion carried to close the meeting into executive session (KRS 61.810) to discuss future real estate acquisitions and specific economic development proposals, with no vote to be taken. - Scheduling: Next regular meeting set for January 20, 2026, at 4:30 PM, as the January 13 meeting was cancelled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Elizabeth Town City Council convened a work session to review departmental updates, including progress on the wastewater plant expansion and a summary of active construction projects. The City Administrator presented a comprehensive overview of infrastructure initiatives, citing specific cost estimates and timelines. The Airport Board requested municipal bridge funding to complete the Tea Hangar project. The session concluded with public testimony regarding neighborhood stormwater analysis and a closed session regarding real property acquisition and economic development. Consent Calendar - No items listed on the consent calendar; no routine unanimous actions recorded in this transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Elliott (Harvard Drive) expressed concern that she has not received a requested progress report regarding stormwater infrastructure filling her neighborhood since October. She sought a timeline for the analysis initiated in June. She did not explicitly state a position of opposition but requested accountability for the delay. - Council Response: Councilmember confirmed that an engineering analysis is currently underway to determine the best path for relief. The council agreed to have the department contact the resident the following day to provide specific dates, rather than leaving the inquiry unresolved. Discussion Items - Wastewater Department Update (Corey Bond): - Operational Statistics: The department treated 2.9 billion gallons last year, with an average of 8 million gallons per day (up from 7 million). The facility operates at 62% capacity. The department reported 3,715 days without lost-time accidents. - Safety Incident: A berm was breached during April storms due to 62 inches of rainfall, allowing creek floodwaters to enter the plant. Repairs are anticipated within the coming months via an upcoming municipal order. - Expansion Plans: The current capacity is 13 million gallons per day (MGD), with a plan to expand to roughly 19 MGD (a 6 MGD increase). - Cost Estimation: While the initial estimate of $15 million per MGD resulted in a $90 million total, the City Administrator and Mr. Swope noted the current realistic estimate is approximately $120 million due to rising prices. - Phasing: The expansion will be phased, starting with a new admin building and equipment to meet state regulations, followed by potential future capacity expansion based on industry growth. - Rates: New rates implemented July 1st are functioning well, though Water District 2 reports receiving inquiry calls. - City Administrator Project Updates (Ed Pope): - Commerce Drive / Music Venue: The contract for upgrades (Executive Drive to Springfield Road) was awarded to Dirtworks. A three-lane cross-section with a center turn lane is planned. Waterline upgrades were approved by the Division of Water. No Lynn will lead street light installation and maintenance. - Topography Challenges: The outdoor music venue and police station construction encountered unexpected sinkholes and bad soils due to karst topography. Remediation is complete at the venue, though costs exceeded initial contingency expectations. The police station has resumed steel erection and roofing. - Grant Projects: The Litchfield Road and South Ring Road sewer upgrades are complete, with final grant drawdowns requested. University Drive parking and Freeman Lake park projects are under construction, funded entirely by state grants ($1 million) with no city funds spent thus far. - Safety Streets Grants: Funding was secured for the College Street project, but the East Dixie project remains pending due to a delayed federal grant agreement. Once signed, the project has a five-year completion window. - Airport Board Update (Carl Swope): - Project Status: A privately funded corporate hangar is nearly complete. The new terminal building is on track for a late spring ribbon-cutting. - Tea Hangar Project: This 2.5 million dollar project faces a funding shortfall. The city's required local match is 6.9%, significantly higher than the standard 5%. - Funding Gap: Due to early completion of construction and site mitigation costs ($200,000 unanticipated), the board is behind on the timeline for additional federal grant awards. - Proposal: The board requested $600,000 in bridge funding for 18 months to complete the project, with plans to repay via expected federal grants in the spring. - Council Position: The Mayor expressed no objection to the loan, provided a formal agreement is drafted. The interest rate was clarified to be low (approximately 2% or less, not the 20% jokingly suggested). The council directed staff (Ken) to finalize the agreement between the city and the airport board. Key Outcomes - Bridge Funding Approval: The council verbally approved the provision of $600,000 in bridge funding to the Airport Board for the Tea Hangar project to cover a temporary funding gap until federal grants are awarded. - Agreement Directive: Staff has been instructed to draft a formal agreement outlining the terms of the bridge loan between the city and the airport board. - Public Inquiry Action: The City Administrator committed to having the relevant department contact resident Judy Elliott within 24 hours regarding the timeline for the stormwater infrastructure study. - Closed Session: The meeting adjourned to a closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810 to deliberate on the future acquisition or sale of real property and specific economic development proposals. No public votes were recorded during the closed session. - Next Meeting: The next City Council meeting is scheduled for January 20th, 2026, at 4:30 PM.

The Elizabeth Town City Council convened a special meeting on January 5, 2026, held in the newly renovated City Council chambers. The meeting began with a prayer and a recognition of contractors, IT staff, and facilities crew responsible for the building's completion. The council unanimously approved several administrative ordinances and municipal orders regarding meeting locations, zoning changes, street maintenance, and a significant real estate acquisition for community service programs. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 15, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Christmas in the Park: A council member expressed full support for the "Christmas in the Park" event, describing it as "great" and "outstanding" in 2025, noting improvements with each passing year and its significance to the city's identity. - Housewarming Gift: A council member presented a housewarming gift to the Mayor and received a humorous acknowledgment from the Mayor regarding the history of the item. Discussion Items - Zoning Amendment (Ordinance No. 2026-02): Discussion centered on amending the zoning map for 2916 Dolphin Drive, changing the classification from Neighborhood Commercial (C2) to Regional Commercial (C3) to permit hotel uses. The action was aligned with the city's comprehensive plan. - Real Estate Acquisition: The council deliberated on the purchase of 2.89 acres at 1117 Woodland Drive for approximately $1.5 million from CAPCY Properties LLC. The property is intended for community service programs to assist citizens. The Mayor and council discussed the conditional offer and the necessity of title reports, zoning compliance, and environmental reviews prior to closing. - Meeting Location Change: Discussion confirmed the amendment of city code to move City Council and other board meetings from the Pritchard Community Center to the new Council chambers at 212 West Dixie Avenue to ensure compliance with KRS Chapter 61 regarding public accessibility and acoustic requirements. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2026-01 (Meeting Locations): Adopted unanimously (6-0) to relocate City Council meetings to the new chambers. - Ordinance 2026-02 (Zoning Map): Adopted unanimously (6-0) to rezone 2916 Dolphin Drive to C3 for hotel development. - Municipal Order 2026-01 (Streets): Adopted to accept Arnett Place, Mechanical Drive, and Camping Circle into the city maintenance system, along with 2020 feet of Electric Avenue. - Municipal Order 2026-02 (Property Purchase): Adopted unanimously to authorize the purchase of 2.89 acres at 1117 Woodland Drive for $1.5 million for community use, contingent on title and environmental reports. - Next Meeting Scheduled: The council will reconvene on January 12, 2026. - Adjournment: The special meeting was adjourned unanimously.

The Elizabethtown City Council held its regular meeting on November 10, 2025. The meeting featured a special guest, third-grader Elliot Hornbach, as "Mayor for the Day," along with a Christmas in the Park poster contest awards ceremony. Key agenda items included a finance department update from Director Jeff Hawkins and a presentation on the Oak Hills Planned Development District (PDD) master plan by Planning Director Joe Reverman. Public comments raised concerns about a nearby commercial development on Pawnee Drive. Public Comments & Testimony - Phil Dekoff, a 64-year resident of Pawnee Drive and former president of Etown for 50 years, expressed concerns about a 3.5-acre commercial property being cleared behind homes on Pawnee Drive. He noted trees had been removed to the property line without a buffer, raising issues of privacy, security, noise, traffic safety, and potential flooding and erosion. He asked the council to consider buffering requirements when a development plan is submitted. Director Joe Reverman confirmed no formal plan has been submitted yet, but a minimum 20-foot buffer with screening is typically required. - Karen Macy, also a resident of Pawnee Drive, cited KRS regarding noise as a health hazard and described ongoing noise issues from a nearby business for almost four years. She referenced a prior response from the city indicating Elizabethtown lacks a strong nuisance or noise ordinance and that speaking directly with the company was the suggested remedy. Discussion Items - Finance Department Update: Director Jeff Hawkins presented: - Cash balances as of September 30, 2025, were generally up; restricted funds and gas fund remained flat. - Revenue growth over 10 years: occupational tax from $13.6M (2015) to $33.2M (2025); net profits from $2.3M to $6.9M; business licenses from under 4,000 to nearly 6,000. - Staff efficiencies achieved through technology, with reduced headcount in utility office and meter reading while maintaining service. - New banking services RFP sent to local banks (excluding Wood Forest), due by December 31, 2025; evaluation expected in Q1 2026. - New website will allow online tax forms, business license payments, and employment applications. - Medical insurance renewal expected with a minor increase (3-4%); stop-loss claims appear favorable. - Audit fieldwork complete; learning new auditor methods may require adjustments in grant revenue recognition. - Paid tribute to former finance director Steve Park, who passed away November 5, 2025. - Oak Hills Planned Development District (PDD) Master Plan: Director Joe Reverman explained the first reading of a zoning map amendment for the Oak Hills development on Nicholas Street. The PDD district, adopted in August 2025, allows site-specific regulations. The master plan proposes 594 total housing units (single-family, duplexes, townhomes, multi-family), a small commercial section, and 22 acres of open space along Valley Creek. The plan will be considered for adoption alongside the zoning map amendment at a future council meeting. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during this meeting. - The city council will consider the Oak Hills zoning map amendment and master plan at a future meeting (next week as referenced). - The banking services RFP evaluation will proceed in Q1 2026. - Medical insurance renewal details will be finalized after a scheduled meeting with the broker. - Public comments regarding the Pawnee Drive property will be taken into account when a formal development plan is submitted to the Planning Commission.

The Elizabethtown City Council held its regular meeting on October 20, 2025, beginning with an invocation by Councilwoman Micah Tyler and approval of the minutes from October 13, 2025. The meeting included the swearing-in of a newly promoted police lieutenant, second readings of two ordinances, adoption of two municipal orders, and a closed session for real property and litigation discussions. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from October 13, 2025: motion made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Promotion Ceremony: Chief Thompson introduced the department's most recent promoted lieutenant, who was sworn in with the oath of office. - Ordinance 26-2025 (Second Reading) – Scenic Parkway Signage Correction: This ordinance amended Ordinance 18-2025 to correct a clerical error, striking "Miles Street" and inserting "St. John Road" regarding off-premise sign prohibitions along city parkways. No discussion; passed unanimously. - Ordinance 27-2025 (Second Reading) – Gas Rate Adjustments: This ordinance amended chapters 50 and 51 of the code of ordinances, raising natural gas rates across multiple rate classes (facility charges and per-MCF base rates) for the first time since 2012. The Mayor explained that an independent study showed the city's rates were still lower than comparable utilities after the adjustment. The ordinance also permits annual adjustments of up to 5% by mayoral executive order, subject to city council recall within 30 days. The council highlighted the need to cover inflation and equipment costs. Passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0). - Municipal Order 64-2025 – Land Transfer to Habitat for Humanity: The city authorized the transfer of two lots on Mills Court (103 and 105) at no cost to Hardin County Habitat for Humanity for construction of affordable housing. The city also waived certain utility connection and building permit fees. The Mayor noted the city owns many scattered lots from past public works projects and expressed support for partnering with Habitat for Humanity. Adopted unanimously. - Municipal Order 65-2025 – Wastewater Treatment Agreement Amendment with Hardin County Water District No. 2: The order amended a 2018 agreement to set an initial treatment capacity limit of 1.2 million gallons per day from the Glendale service area at the Valley Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Council members discussed the need to plan for expansion due to growth from the Blue Oval project and other development. Staff confirmed the plant's current capacity is about 13 million gallons per day with flows averaging 6–7 million, and the limit helps manage future expansion. The Mayor noted that the council's previous sewer rate increases strengthened the city's position in seeking state funding. Adopted unanimously. - Announcements: The next regular council meeting is October 27, 2025. Halloween trick-or-treating is scheduled for October 31 (Friday) from 5–8 p.m. - Closed Session: The council voted to enter closed session under KRS 61.810(1) to discuss potential future acquisition or sale of real property and existing or possible litigation. No action was anticipated afterward. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 26-2025: Passed unanimously (6-0). - Ordinance 27-2025: Passed unanimously on roll call (6-0). - Municipal Order 64-2025: Adopted unanimously. - Municipal Order 65-2025: Adopted unanimously. - Closed Session: Motion to enter closed session carried unanimously.