The Leitchfield City Council on Monday slightly changed course on not allowing hunting on city-owned property.
At the January 16 council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Tammee Saltsman requested the city approve an ordinance that precludes hunting in city-owned parks after walkers at Beville Park witnessed falconry (using a bird of prey to hunt wild animals), resulting in a hawk capturing a squirrel.
“A lot of the walkers, they were very upset to watch that and witness that,” Saltsman said at the time.
Saltsman contacted Kentucky Fish & Wildlife officials regarding the legality of hunting in a public park. She was told Kevin Stahler, the Grayson County man who practices falconry, is within his rights to hunt on public land, and that the city needs to establish an ordinance to prohibit the activity.
During the council’s discussion on the matter in January, it was decided the ordinance should be crafted to outlaw hunting on all city-owned property.
But on Monday night, after Stahler asked city officials to allow him to practice falconry on “some city property,” according to Mayor Harold Miller, the council opted to allow falconry at the old city dump off White Street and Nut Park off Brandenburg Road.
City Attorney Earlene Wilson will now craft an ordinance allowing falconry at those two specific city-owned properties.
LPD probationary period, rezoning approved
The council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance extended the probationary period for newly hired Leitchfield police officers from six months to one year.
The city council also approved a zoning change for the property at 176 West Lake Drive from R-2 (single family, medium density) to C-1 (highway commercial). The council followed the recommendation of the Leitchfield Planning Commission who approved rezoning the property due to major changes in the surrounding areas, as the location has become more commercial in nature.
Executive Session
The council entered an Executive Session for approximately an hour and twenty minutes to discuss an appointment.
Upon emerging from the private session, Wilson said three candidates for an upcoming opening on the Board of Adjustments were interviewed. She added that the interviews “will be considered and a vote taken at then next meeting.”
The opening comes as David Langley steps down from the board. His term ends on January 1, 2026.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
