The Danville City Commission tackled a marathon agenda during its April 14th meeting, covering everything from local sports recognition and zoning disputes to multimillion-dollar sewer upgrades, stormwater infrastructure, and a new fireworks contract.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence for western Kentucky communities devastated by what meteorologists classified as a “1,000-year storm.” Paducah received nearly 16 inches of rain over four days. While Danville was spared that level of rainfall intensity, commissioners acknowledged the challenges recent storms created for local infrastructure.

DCA Basketball Teams Honored

The meeting’s first highlight came in the form of community celebration. The Danville Christian Academy boys and girls basketball teams were recognized for making school history. The boys finished 29–4 and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time, while the girls went 27–8 and advanced to the state Final Four. Both teams won All “A” State Championships, marking the first time in tournament history that a single school captured both titles in the same year.

Shakertown Zoning Record Accepted, Vote Delayed

In one of the most closely watched items on the agenda, the commission formally accepted the Planning and Zoning record related to a proposed zone change on Shakertown Road, despite the Planning Commission failing to provide a recommendation within the required 60 days.

City Attorney Stephen Dexter clarified that the commission now serves as a quasi-administrative body, meaning commissioners may not accept new public input unless the current record is found legally insufficient.

“You are now judge and jury,” Dexter said. “The only two questions that matter: Does it comply with the Future Land Use Map? Does it meet the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan? If not, a new hearing must be held.”

The commission will revisit the matter during its April 28 meeting, giving members two weeks to review the record. Dexter cautioned commissioners to avoid any public or private discussions about the issue, including “texts, emails, and conversations in Kroger.”

Major Infrastructure Projects Move Forward

Commissioners heard detailed presentations on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure upgrades, with a strong focus on sewer capacity, stormwater management, and resilience planning.

Clark’s Run Trunk Sewer Phase II

HDR Engineer Rich Smith outlined plans for the $7.62 million Phase II sewer expansion, which will:

• Increase sewer line capacity to 30 inches

• Replace aging infrastructure downstream to the Woods Drive lagoon

• Cross floodplain areas and Norfolk Southern Railroad via underground boring

• Reduce sanitary sewer overflows during high rainfall

The project follows Phase I, which was completed in 2023 and included 11,500 feet of new sewer line.

Future Wastewater Improvements

Danville is preparing for:

• $15 million in wastewater treatment plant improvements

• $7 million Spears Creek force main upgrade
  These upgrades are aimed at supporting regional growth, new industries, and future environmental compliance.

PFAS Readiness

Utilities representative Marshall Carrier noted Danville’s GAC filtration system currently produces zero detectable PFAS in drinking water—positioning Danville as one of Kentucky’s top-performing water providers.

Drainage Projects and Stormwater Challenges

City Engineer Josh Morgan reported on storm-related drainage issues:

• South Second Street is experiencing persistent flooding near Jacobs Street.

• East Main Hill flooding led to one basement filling with four feet of water.

• A hole opened on Southtown Drive on April 8, prompting emergency barricades and ongoing inspections.

• Projects are also in motion at Delay Avenue, Brookhaven, and Lexington Avenue to address failing inlets and poor grading.

Despite the rain, Morgan said Danville’s sewer system held up due to the rainfall being spread over time. “It’s the intensity that overwhelms the system,” he said.

Public Works Showcases Sidewalks, Traffic Calming, and Skywatch Redesign

Josh Morgan gave an overview of smaller but impactful projects underway:

• New sidewalks completed on Smoke Drive and West Lexington; work upcoming at Second & Walnut and Russell & Roy Arnold

• Speed humps added on Rebel Road and Old Lexington, with upcoming traffic-calming planned for Jackson Street and potentially a mini-roundabout at Seminole and Nokomis

• Restriping and realignment of Skywatch Drive near Starbucks and Chick-fil-A to improve traffic flow

Wayfinding signage (Phase II) and final designs for new welcome signs are also being finalized.

Cemetery Rules, Trail Additions, and Community Events

• A 90-day public comment period is open on updated cemetery regulations and fees.

• A $150,000 grant was awarded to support the 2168 trail extension, with construction expected in the coming years.

• The city is also installing trail benches along Corporate Drive.

Community events were highlighted as well:

• The Show Your Strength 5K will take place May 10 to support Jane Sheffield, a local woman recovering from paralysis.

• A Sexual Assault Awareness proclamation was read and will be presented formally at an April 15 event in Michael Smith Park.

• The Earth Day Celebration is set for April 26 in Constitution Square, with over 20 vendors participating.

Fireworks Contract Approved

The commission approved a $25,000 contract with Pyro Shows, a nationally recognized fireworks vendor that services NFL games and NASCAR events. The vendor replaces last year’s provider following widespread dissatisfaction with the July 4 display. The county is expected to contribute up to $12,500 toward the cost.

Personnel and Executive Session Updates

After entering executive session for litigation and personnel matters, the commission:

• Accepted the resignation of Senior Telecommunications Officer Crystal Floyd, who will now serve part-time

• Approved the hiring of Matthew Hampton as a new police officer

Looking Ahead

Commissioners were reminded to review the updated internal project tracking spreadsheet, which outlines responsibilities and timelines across departments. City Manager Earl Coffey also reported progress on a regional water partnership involving Danville, Stanford, Mount Vernon, and others through the US 150 Utility Commission.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 28, where further infrastructure decisions and the final deliberation on the Shakertown Road zoning case are expected.