Elizabethtown City Council Regular Meeting - November 10, 2025

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.