By GAGE WILSON
For WCLU News
The Cave City Council’s Nov. 18 meeting opened with lighthearted jokes and laughter as members prepared to tackle the evening’s agenda. Following the customary opening procedures, the council reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes from its October meeting.
October’s restaurant and transient room tax collections were next on the agenda, with over $81,800 in revenue transferred to the Cave City Tourist and Convention Commission.
Zoning and property classifications dominated the meeting, beginning with the second reading of an ordinance to de-annex property that had been unintentionally included in a previous annexation.
The council also approved several new ordinances proposing annexations and rezoning for properties along Louisville Road, South Dixie Highway, and Happy Valley Road. These proposals involved reclassifying residential, industrial, and commercial properties to better align with future development plans. In total, the ordinances encompassed over 100 acres, based on recommendations from the Joint City-County Planning Commission.
Most ordinances passed with minimal discussion, except for one regarding rezoning property along South Dixie Highway. Councilwoman Beverly Ford asked why the owner had applied to change the zoning from residential to commercial.
Planning Director Kevin Myatt said, “From the testimony he [the owner] gave, he felt that his lot is more commercial than residential as it’s located on a major thoroughfare.” He added that even if the property were rezoned to a commercial classification, provisions exist to allow residential use if desired.
After completing the first readings of the rezoning ordinances, the council quickly moved through department reports.
Mayor Dwayne Hatcher provided an update on the proposed changes to parking spaces on Broadway Street, discussed during last month’s meeting. The council had agreed to consider switching from parallel to angled parking. Hatcher noted that engineers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently surveyed the area, and a cost estimate will be made public once received and reviewed.
The mayor also reminded residents about the upcoming “Light Up Cave City” event, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, at 4 p.m.
The next council meeting is set for Dec. 9.
