Madeline Drake

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussions included recognizing city employees for career milestones, such as 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. Fire Department promotions and recognitions were presented, including the Firefighter of the Year (Hunter Thomas) and Fire Officer of the Year (Thomas Kale). An update was provided by Michelle Kale, Executive Director of CASA of the Heartland, detailing service expansion across six counties, significant impact metrics for 2025, a growing waitlist, and cost-per-child savings. Steven King presented on the role of the Ombudsman office at Catholic Charities, advocating for residents in assisted living and nursing homes, and seeking community volunteers and friendly visitors. The council also addressed scheduling, confirming that the meeting for the following week was canceled, with the next meeting scheduled for March 9th. The session concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss potential real property acquisition/sale and litigation matters.

The council meeting involved opening the session and subsequently reading and adopting Municipal Order Number 022026. This order authorized the conditional purchase of approximately 2.89 acres of property located at 1117 Woodland Drive from Cay Properties LLC for a sum of $1.5 million. The purpose of this purchase is to potentially serve as a location for community service programs. The order further authorized the mayor or their designate to sign all necessary documentation, including title reports, zoning compliance, and phase one environmental reviews. Following the adoption of the order, the session concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The work session included an update from the Wastewater Department, highlighting that the department is fully staffed, has achieved over 10 years without lost time accidents, and treated 2.9 billion gallons of water last year, operating at 62% capacity. Key operational issues discussed included necessary repairs to a berm after a flood incident, for which a municipal order is expected for funding. The department is also moving forward with facility expansion plans, aiming to increase capacity from 13 to 19 million gallons per day, estimated to cost around $120 million, with initial phases focusing on an administrative building and compliance equipment. The City Administrator provided an extensive construction project update, noting progress on the Commerce Drive project (in conjunction with the outdoor music venue), the near completion of the fire station, and delays at the police station due to poor soil conditions. Other reported projects included sewer line upgrades on Lichfield Road and South Ring Road (utilizing grant funds), park improvements, and the commencement of work on Village Drive and the Foxboro Estates drainage project. Further, federal grant projects for the East Dixie corridor and College Street were mentioned, along with securing easements for the Pear Orchard Road Northwest project.

The council meeting addressed the opening procedures and the consideration of Municipal Order number 0620262026. This order involved approving a contract for financing the purchase of property located at 1331 Hayden School Road. The financing agreement is with West Point Bank, with terms outlined in a proposal dated January 20, 2026. The purpose of this acquisition is to support the Elizabethtown Airport Board in expanding air services for the community. The Mayor and/or their designate were authorized to execute all necessary documentation. Following the approval of the order, the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The special meeting commenced with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by recognition of individuals involved in the new council chambers' evolution. Key actions included the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1-2026, which amends the code regarding city council meeting locations, moving them from the Pritchard Community Center to the new City Council Chambers at 212 West Dixie Avenue to comply with state statutes. Additionally, Ordinance No. 2-2026 was adopted, amending the official zoning map for 2916 Dolphin Drive from C2 to C3 to facilitate uses such as a hotel. Municipal Order No. 1-2026 was approved, accepting specified streets (Arnette Place, Mechanical Drive, Camping Circle, and Electric Avenue) into the city street maintenance system. Finally, Municipal Order No. 02-2026 was adopted, authorizing the purchase of property at 1117 Woodland Drive for $1.5 million for potential community service programs. The meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss future acquisition/sale of real property and economic development proposals before reconvening to officially close the session.