Welcome everyone to Elizabethtown City Council regular meeting for August 17th, two thousand and twenty-six.

I will now call the meeting to order and ask Councilmember Lamar Jones if he'd lead us the invitation, please.

Let's pray, please.

We have the opportunity to live in Lord.

And the valued citizens and employees that make this just a wonderful place to live, Lord.

We ask for your wisdom tonight, every decision we make.

Give us a spirit of peace, fairness, and deep care for the public, Lord.

Protect our workers on the job and their families at home, Lord.

I just ask you unite us, Lord, with kindness, strength, and mutual respect.

Bless our community with safety, growth, and hope in the days ahead.

We pray for all this in your amazing and glorious name.

Amen.

If you would join me in the pledge.

Motion.

Second.

All in favor.

Aye.

Opposed.

And seeing none, I would ask Councilwoman Julia Springsteen if she would read the resolution.

I'd be happy to all of it.

Thanks.

A resolution of the city of Elizabeth Town, Kentucky, recognizing nonprofit week in the fifth annual nonprofit roundtable conference hosted by Central Community Central Kentucky Community Foundation.

Whereas nonprofit organizations are vital contributors to the strength, vitality, and quality of life of communities throughout the Lincoln Trail region, providing essential services in education, health, human services, art and culture, recreation, and civic life.

And whereas the nonprofit sector represents a significant economic force, employing five employing thousands of individuals, mobilizing countless volunteers, and generating measurable economic activity that benefits residents and businesses alike.

And whereas nonprofit organizations address community needs that would otherwise go unmet, working in partnership with local governments to deliver programs and services that strengthen the social fabric of our communities.

And whereas the dedication, compassion, and work of nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers reflect the very best of the spirit of service that defines our region.

And whereas nonprofit week provides a fitting occasion to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of these organizations and the people who sustain them.

And Central Kentucky Community Foundation, established in 1960 and serving nine counties in the Lincoln Trail region, has long championed the growth and capacity of the nonprofit sector through grant making education and collaborative leadership.

And whereas Central Kentucky Community Foundation will host its fifth annual nonprofit roundtable conference, bringing together nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and community partners to share knowledge, build capacity, and advance the collective mission of service in the region.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that this governing body hereby recognizes and celebrates the week of August 17th as nonprofit week in Central Kentucky and the invaluable contributions of nonprofit organizations to the well-being of our community.

And be it further resolved that this governing body commends Central Kentucky Community Foundation for hosting its fifth annual nonprofit roundtable conference and for its enduring commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector throughout the Lincoln Trail region.

And be it further resolved that this governing body extends its gratitude to all nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers, and encourages all citizens to support and engage with the nonprofit organizations that serve our community.

Done this seventh day of August 2026.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Take a drink of water.

And I do appreciate that.

Um we are recognizing nonprofits.

We have an incredibly generous community, and um without the nonprofits in this area, um, a lot of people would be very lost.

So thank you.

Any discussion?

Seeing none, I need a motion and a second to adopt, please.

Second.

All in favor, aye opposed.

Seeing none, motion carries.

Next up, a motion and vote.

Motion to reject bids received for Steel Grove Amphitheater Ice Rink on July 28th, 2026.

And I'd like to ask Mr.

Pope if he'd come up and explain that a little more.

So as part of the um Steel Grove Amphitheater, there is a uh concrete area in front of the stage that uh in most of the events will be used as an area for the uh concert patrons to uh view the show.

Um initially in the design discussions, we thought that might be an opportunity to um use that area year-round, and so we prepared some specifications to purchase an ice rink and install in that location.

Um, as we've done throughout the project, we've tried to be mindful of a budget, and we budgeted 400,000 for uh that piece of equipment.

We solicited bids, uh, received only one bid.

Uh we thought we would receive additional, but we did receive only one bid, and it was um 716,831 dollars.

So because it was almost twice our budget amount, uh, we kind of met as a team and discuss the uh need for that um piece of equipment at this time, and because of the cost and because of um those discussions led us to that we ought to concentrate on the main use of the facility, which will be for concerts and events of that nature.

It is our recommendation that the council reject that bid and we will continue to evaluate that activity and maybe plan some other type of winter activities for that facility.

So it is used uh year-round, but not as an ice rink in front of the stage.

Any questions?

Thank you, sir.

Any discussion.