Elizabethtown council approves zoning changes, annexation, park improvements, property purchase and appointments

The Elizabethtown City Council on Aug. 18 adopted a slate of ordinances and municipal orders covering land use, annexation, park improvements, property acquisition and an interlocal agreement for an outdoor music venue.

The council approved a second-reading ordinance amending Title 15 of the city code to update sign regulations. The ordinance was approved on a second reading by summary and passed on a 6–0 vote.

The council also adopted zoning map amendments for two adjacent properties on North Main Street. The ordinance to reclassify 202 North Main Street from Urban Residential General (R-4) to Downtown Mixed Use (C-5) passed on second reading, 6–0, to allow uses such as offices. A separate ordinance changing 201 North Main Street from Neighborhood Office (C-1) to Downtown Mixed Use (C-5) likewise passed 6–0. The council said both changes were found to be in agreement with the city’s comprehensive plan; the full ordinance texts are available from the city clerk’s office.

Council members approved an annexation ordinance for the property at 1331 Hayden School Road. The annexation, requested by multiple owners including Diane Matherly Trust, Jackie Addington, Terry and Sharon Bacon, Kevin and Lisa Addington, Glenn and Sandra Turner, Larry and Linda Phillips, L and L Farms LLC, and Hardin County government, will zone the property as Suburban Residential (R-2) upon annexation. The owners provided written consent and the city reported it provided the required notice to Hardin County government. The ordinance passed on second reading; the council recorded the vote in favor.

The council approved Municipal Order No. 49 (2025) to purchase property at 111 Pearl Orchard Road NW from R and L Rentals, LLC for $125,000. The order authorizes the mayor or his designee to execute closing documents and to obtain a title report and a Phase I environmental review.

For American Legion Park Improvements, the council accepted the low bid from BCD Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $1,149,898 and authorized change orders with an aggregate cap of $172,485. Staff explained the low bidder tightened its proposed schedule to 170–180 days to meet the city’s target of completing the work by February–March; council members discussed timeline concerns before approving the order.

Municipal Order No. 52 (2025) approved an appointment to the Planning Commission: Alicia Jenkins was appointed for a term to expire on June 20, 2028. The council recorded a roll-call vote of 4–2 (Bishop: yes; Fulkerson: no; Isaac: yes; Jones: yes; Springsteen: no; Todd: yes); the mayor cited KRS 100.141 in making the nomination.

The council also approved Municipal Order No. 53 (2025), authorizing an interlocal agreement with the Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau to establish financial responsibilities tied to bond payments for an outdoor music venue along Commerce Drive. The mayor is authorized to sign the agreement and submit it to the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

Other routine business included approval of the Aug. 4 minutes. At the end of the meeting the council voted to enter a closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810(6) for discussion of real-property acquisition and personnel matters; the council said no action would be announced afterward.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance (Title 15 sign amendments): Adopted, second reading by summary, vote 6–0. - Ordinance rezone 202 North Main St (R-4 to C-5): Adopted, second reading by summary, vote 6–0. - Ordinance rezone 201 North Main St (C-1 to C-5): Adopted, second reading by summary, vote 6–0. - Ordinance annex 1331 Hayden School Road (to R-2): Adopted, second reading by summary, vote not specified in transcript (adopted by the council). - Municipal Order No. 49 (purchase 111 Pearl Orchard Rd NW): Approved, purchase price $125,000; authorizes title report and Phase I environmental review. - Municipal Order No. 50 (American Legion Park Improvements): Approved; accept BCD Inc. bid not to exceed $1,149,898; change orders capped at $172,485; timeline 170–180 days as discussed. - Municipal Order No. 52 (Planning Commission appointment): Approved; Alicia Jenkins appointed to term ending 06/20/2028; roll-call 4–2 (Bishop yes; Fulkerson no; Isaac yes; Jones yes; Springsteen no; Todd yes). - Municipal Order No. 53 (interlocal agreement, outdoor music venue): Approved; mayor authorized to sign and submit to Department for Local Government.

No motions failed during recorded votes in the transcript excerpt provided.