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Leitchfield council discusses splash‑pad expansion, street lighting and new industrial site
Summary
Councilmembers asked parks staff to collect estimates for a splash‑pad expansion and discussed playground upgrades and pickleball court timing; council also noted IDC/county purchase of about 86 acres on Salt River Road to market for industry and a developer request for streetlights in a new subdivision.
Councilmembers used the Jan. 5 meeting to discuss a range of local capital and economic development issues, from parks improvements to a newly acquired industrial site.
Councilmember Terry asked the parks director to consult an engineer and produce cost estimates for expanding the city's splash pad and upgrading playground equipment so the council can evaluate options. Council members said the project is "on the front burner," acknowledged tourism contributions could help and noted a possible need to amend the budget if tourism funds are included. The council debated whether to prioritize a splash pad and playground upgrades over a planned pickleball court expansion that may interfere with existing playground areas.
On economic development, council members discussed support for EDC staffing and referenced Richie Sanders as someone who brings useful regional contacts. According to the mayor's remarks, the Industrial Development Council (IDC) and the county purchased roughly 86 acres on Salt River Road with utilities in place, providing the city with property to present to prospective businesses.
Councilmember Tim reported a local employer had recently let 30 employees go, saying, "They let 30 people go today," and tied the report to broader concerns about jobs and automation. There was no employer response recorded in the meeting.
A developer flagged a new subdivision off Field Top and Cave Mill Road and requested the city sign a request for a couple of street lights; council members discussed coordinating with the electric provider (named in the transcript as Warren Rule) and with the state road department, which plans to add lighting at the roundabout and along the route to the Clarkston city limits (the state contact estimated 5–7 lights). Council agreed staff should pursue bids and discuss monthly cost arrangements for a couple of fixtures.
What happens next: Staff (parks, planning and public works) were asked to obtain estimates and bids and to follow up with the council. The industrial site purchase gives staff a property to market to prospects; council did not take formal economic development action at the meeting other than discussion and direction to continue outreach.
Direct quotes from the meeting: - On layoffs: "They let 30 people go today." — Tim. - On parks: "So it's kinda on the front burner now." — Mayor (as recorded in the transcript).
The council did not take binding votes on the parks or development discussion items; they requested follow‑up work and estimates for future agenda consideration.
