Elizabethtown City Council Work Session - April 27, 2026

Note: The transcript of the meeting indicates the date as April 22, 2026, but the system specifies the meeting took place on April 27, 2026. This summary uses the system-provided date.

The Elizabethtown City Council held a work session on April 27, 2026, covering a police promotion, presentations on community programs and infrastructure, and several announcements. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on receiving information and discussing future projects.

Ceremonial Items

• Swearing‑in of Michael Mertz as Patrol Lieutenant: Mayor administered the oath of office. Chief recognized Mertz’s seven years of service in patrol, narcotics, and as sergeant. Family and fellow officers attended.

Presentations and Reports

Mission Hope for Kids / Hope Academy

• Dara Bryant presented on behalf of the organization. Since registering as a 501(c)(3) in 2012, Hope Academy has produced 15 high school graduates, all of whom began attending in elementary school and continued through high school. Six of those graduates earned bachelor’s degrees (from Campbellsville, Western, and UK), and one is pursuing a postgraduate military career. Five former students are currently enrolled in college (ECTC, Morehead State, Western). For the 2026 graduating class, four students are enrolled: one gainfully employed, one enrolling at ECTC, one heading to cosmetology school, and one enlisting in the U.S. Army. Bryant read a testimonial from a 2025 graduate who credited the program with helping her adjust to college and life. Council members expressed strong support for the organization and noted the council’s annual enthusiasm for funding it.

North Downtown Neighborhood Plan

• Amy Williams (Taylor Siefker Williams) presented the plan, which was developed from September 2025 to March 2026 with two community workshops. The plan identifies 14 improvement projects under five themes: infrastructure, walkable connections, identity and design, balanced development, and neighborhood pride. Key findings: about 75% of residents cited speeding on Main Street; 80%+ wanted more lighting (though mapping showed many existing lights); connectivity to downtown was a major desire. Highlighted projects include:
  • Main Street intersection improvements at Crutcher and Williams, lane narrowing (striping or median), and a neighborhood traffic management plan.
  • Alley improvements (Vega, Quince, possibly McLeod Place) and a clean‑and‑clear initiative.
  • Sidewalk and trail additions (priority: Crutcher Street, then Williams, Brown, Warfield) and crosswalk upgrades.
  • Railroad crossing improvements at Crutcher (near‑term) and a potential new crossing at William Street (long‑term dream, likely not at‑grade).
  • Bike racks, water/wastewater coordination, gateways and placemaking, dilapidated building maintenance, design guidelines, commercial transitions on Mulberry, a pocket park, community garden support, a neighborhood liaison group, public art/murals, and community‑led events (e.g., seasonal decorations, tree program, yard of the month).
• Next steps: finalize the plan, program CDBG funds. In FY2026‑2027: complete a drainage plan for the entire neighborhood, environmental documentation, and the West Railroad sidewalk. In FY2026: decide on Main Street lane‑narrowing option. In FY2027‑2028: design Main Street and the two intersections, with construction possible in FY2028. Future projects (beyond 2032) may require outside funding.
• Council members discussed the proposed trail/boardwalk behind the courthouse (part of the downtown plan) and the difficulty of adding railroad crossings. The mayor noted the need to coordinate with the railroad.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

• Andrew Bowen and Jim Haggerty (Prime AE) presented the facility plan for expanding the Valley Creek plant. The plan aims to increase capacity to 18 million gallons per day (MGD) from the current 13 MGD, with a peak hydraulic capacity of 42 MGD. After evaluating three options—building a new plant (estimated $150‑180 million) or expanding the existing plant via biological or chemical treatment—the city chose biological treatment. This option saves significant capital and operational costs, avoids a new discharge pipeline to the Nolan River (saving $8‑10 million), and maximizes reuse of existing infrastructure. The plan also includes rehabilitating existing facilities for a 20‑year life, a new operations and maintenance building, and a new wet‑weather storage basin.
• The facility plan was submitted to the Kentucky Division of Water in December 2025; on April 24, 2026, the state gave preliminary approval to proceed to public hearings. Final approval is expected in six months. Two contracts were presented: one for design and construction procurement (estimated 16 months of design, construction from 2028 to mid‑2031), and one for pilot testing of sludge dewatering equipment (belt filter press vs. centrifuge) to determine the best technology for the plant.
• Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough planning and noted the importance of the expansion for continued growth.

Public Comments

• None.

Council Information Items & Announcements

• Next regular meeting: May 4, 2026.
• Birthday wishes: Councilmember Julia Springsteen’s birthday was acknowledged for the next day.
• Pathway Home Program: Officer Denham, in partnership with Helping Hand of Hope’s Hope Burke, launched a program to provide bus tickets, hotel stays, and meals for individuals stranded in the city. Donations will be accepted through Helping Hand of Hope. Social media posts will share details.
• American Legion Park (Funtopia) reopening: The park’s renovations (new pavilion, bathrooms, sidewalks, shade structures) are ahead of schedule and complete. The park is open for the summer, including the pool, pickleball courts, and Funtopia.
• Work ethic certification interviews: Councilmember noted the city’s participation in interviews at Central Hardin High School, highlighting talent retention and the value of city job opportunities.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken.
• The council received the North Downtown Neighborhood Plan and the wastewater treatment plant expansion update. Staff will proceed with next steps, including: scheduling a public hearing for the wastewater facility plan, beginning design work, and evaluating project delivery methods (e.g., construction manager at risk).
• The police promotion was officialized.
• The city will promote the Pathway Home program and the reopening of American Legion Park.
• The meeting adjourned without a closed session.