Elizabethtown City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

The Elizabethtown City Council convened on September 14, 2026, at approximately 8:20 PM UTC. The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call. Council business included recognizing employees who earned CDL and playground safety certifications, first readings of tax ordinances, approval of a sanitary sewer construction bid, a contract amendment for the Steel Grove Amphitheater, and a presentation on national recognition for the police department. The council received no public comments and concluded with a closed session on personnel matters.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The council approved the minutes of the August 17, 2026 meeting by motion and second.

Recognitions & Presentations

• CDL Certification Program: Don Hill, Public Works Superintendent, reported that ten city employees completed the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program this year; seven were present to be recognized. The program includes classroom theory, safety-focused testing, behind-the-wheel driving, and the walk-around inspection. Hill noted the city previously sent candidates to the state for testing, which did not meet the city's specifications. He explained that Class C certification is required to operate two vans used for the day program at Pritchard, while Class B certification covers jetters, dump trucks, and vehicles used by public works, gas, and parks and recreation departments. The mayor joked that his own request to obtain CDL certification was denied by the city administrator and public works director.
• CPSI Certification: Seth Breitner, Parks and Recreation Director, announced that Brandon Frederick and Natalie Miller earned Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification, a national certification through the National Park System. The city hosted the CPSI course in Elizabethtown for the first time this year. Breitner noted that most candidates must retest due to the difficulty, and that the certification helps reduce the city's liability for insurance claims.
• Family Legacy: The council noted that two members of the CDL group - and approximately seven total in the fire department - are siblings or children of current or former city employees, describing it as a testament to the city.
• Police Department National Feature: Chief Thompson reported that the Elizabethtown Police Department was selected to be featured on all IECP platforms for the next year. The feature highlighted EPD's community policing initiatives - including an event filmed at Helmwood Heights - and the department's embrace of technology alongside traditional policing. Chief Thompson stated that Elizabethtown is the best city he has experienced in more than 30 years of working across the state, citing the resources available to citizens and employees.

Ordinances & Municipal Orders

• Ordinance 14, 2026 - Motor Vehicle and Watercraft Tax (First Reading): The ordinance levies an ad valorem tax of 11.6 cents on each $100 of assessed value of all motor vehicles and watercraft taxable for municipal purposes, effective as of January 1, 2026. Revenue will fund officer and employee salaries, street repairs and maintenance, street lighting, fire and police department operations, and other proper legal demands against the city. Taxes are due December 1, 2026; unpaid bills become delinquent after December 31, 2026, and owe a penalty of 5% if paid by January 31, 2027.
• Ad Valorem Tax Ordinance - Real Estate and Tangible Property (First Reading): A first reading by summary levying an ad valorem tax of 10.5 cents on each $100 of assessed value of all real estate and tangible personal property taxable for municipal purposes, with the same due dates and 5% delinquency penalty provisions.
• Zoning Change Consistent with Comprehensive Plan (First Reading): A first reading by summary of a change approved by the Elizabethtown City Council, found to be in agreement with the city's comprehensive plan. The full text is available from the city clerk's office.
• Yale Drive Sanitary Sewer Project: The council approved a municipal order accepting the bid from Schroeder Construction for the Yale Drive Sanitary Sewer Project in an amount not to exceed $139,720. Bids were publicly opened on September 9, 2026. The order authorizes the mayor or designee to sign contracts, obtain permits, and approve change orders with an aggregate amount not to exceed $20,958.
• Steel Grove Amphitheater Contract Amendment: The council approved a municipal order amending the contract with Cognit and Hacker to add construction services including paving of all parking areas and construction of a maintenance storage facility. The council-authorized guaranteed maximum price remains at $41,082,281. The project is a partnership with the Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau.
• $1 Million Donation: A council member announced a $1 million donation to the city from an anonymous donor, expressly designated for the Steel Grove Amphitheater project and not for other city purposes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments; the mayor opened the floor and saw none.

City Council Information Items

• Next Meeting: The next city council meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026.
• Cooling Shelter: The mayor reported that a cooling shelter was activated during a recent severe heat event. Fifteen people used the shelter at the end of the day, and three visited the community center location. The mayor affirmed the city's commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get out of extreme weather.
• Lawn Parties Season: The summer lawn parties series concluded; the mayor noted that weather was unfavorable on most dates, but the series offered Wednesday night community events.
• Events Information: The council directed residents to eTownEvents.com and the City of Elizabethtown events social media pages for registration and information.
• Campaign Sign Reminder: The planning department requested that political candidates place campaign signs on private property and not in right-of-ways, as staff have had to remove signs throughout town.

Closed Session

• The council voted to enter closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810, Section 1, to discuss personnel matters that might lead to the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee. The motion passed with no opposition. No action was expected to come out of the session.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the August 17, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Recognized seven CDL-certified employees (of ten program completers) and two CPSI-certified parks employees, Brandon Frederick and Natalie Miller.
• Advanced Ordinance 14, 2026 (motor vehicle/watercraft tax at 11.6 cents per $100) and the ad valorem tax ordinance (10.5 cents per $100) through first readings.
• Approved Schroeder Construction's $139,720 bid for the Yale Drive Sanitary Sewer Project with up to $20,958 in change orders.
• Approved the Steel Grove Amphitheater contract amendment with Cognit and Hacker, maintaining the $41,082,281 guaranteed maximum price.
• Announced a $1 million anonymous donation designated exclusively for the Steel Grove Amphitheater.
• Scheduled the next council meeting for September 21, 2026.
• Authorized a closed session under KRS 61.810 for personnel discussion; no action anticipated.