The Cave City Council saw many rousing topics at yesterday’s meeting, from an update to potential new business locating in Chapatcha park, to a discussion on the planning and zoning of the production, and distribution of medicinal cannabis effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The meeting began with only one absence, Councilmember Steve Pedigo.
While on the agenda for the evening’s meeting Kevin Myatt, Planning Director for the Joint City-County Planning Commitee, was unable to attend, recognized by Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher, the item was pushed further down the agenda in, in the interest of time.
First to approach the council was Henry Snorton, president of Mission Vision Partner Consulting, a firm that consults the city in matters of economic development and aids in the acquisition of grants.
Snorton expressed his desire to make sure the council is updated, in person, quarterly, with a written update provided to the council every month on the firm’s progress, or any extenuating circumstances that may impede the firm’s efforts.
Snorton apprised the council on grant money that could be used to help the Cave City Police Department afford bodycams for the patrolmen. Snorton pointed to Kylie Fouchee, economic director for Congressman Brett Guthrie’s office, as a close partner on the grant writing process.
Councilwoman Beverly Ford raised some questions in regard to the timeline Snorton presented before the council, as she had been in contact Guthrie’s office herself, previously, in late February.
“All of this seems just like it is now happening,” she said. “When I talked them on the 26th, I think, when council met, I was told she (Fouchee) had everything that she needed…and, now, it looks like you’re giving her everything she needed.”
At this time Hatcher pointed out that the information provided to the council was from “last week or possibly the week before.” This, compiled with the delay of the meeting (which was scheduled for last week) no doubt contributed to the perceived lack of action that Ford was questioning Snorton on.
The council settled on the passing of a resolution to the benefit of the CCPD, which was read aloud by city attorney Bobby Richardson.
In collusion with Snorton, Matt Pedigo, representative for the Barren River Area Development (BRADD) was invited to speak to the council as both parties deal closely with the grant writing process.
Speaking on the Cave City Boys and Girls Club building project, Pedigo reported to the council, that due to rising costs, original plans would have to be “scaled back.”
The council’s attention then moved from grants to economic development, which CEO of Barren Inc. Maureen Carpenter was all too happy to discuss with the assembly. Carpenter led with an update on the budding Chapatcha Industrial Park.
While the parks construction has maintained a steady pace, its development has not been without setbacks, as Carpenter pointed out.
After Carpenter explained more on the ambient development of the park, the microphone was turned over to Teron Mitchell, economic development coordinator with Barren Inc. to talk about new business interested in setting up shop at one of the parks lots.
In his debut report to the council Mitchell highlighted some key facts about the fresh business coming into the park.
While Carpenter and Mitchell were unable to speak on the specifics of the company who purchased the property, due to the confidentiality privilege of businesses moving into an area, they were very optimistic on the short- and long-term effects this business and development taking place at the park will have on the community.
After some discussion the council moved to make a resolution, giving the mayor authority to enter into the contract for the budding business, which was passed unanimously.
Moving on, the council spoke next on the planning and zoning meeting that members were privy to with Myatt about amendments that needed to be made to the commission’s comprehensive plan, up to and including, how the city will manage medical cannabis dispensaries in the future. While Myatt was absent due to a prior engagement, councilman Dennie Doyle spoke about the subject, as he and Councilman Clifton Persley had met on the matter previously.
While Myatt was unable to attend the meeting, he was able to speak to WCLU prior, offering more insight on what role the JCCPC plays in the council’s decisions regarding the city’s plan to adapt to state law.
After an over hour long meeting the council adjourned with little discussion, setting the council’s next meeting for April 8th.