Leitchfield’s Public Square was a major topic of discussion at the city council meeting Monday, May 4.

Jake’s Place restaurant owner Janie Embry was granted temporary permission to set up Coca-Cola umbrellas and tables on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

The council agreed to change the city ordinance that almost removed the colorful display. It was agreed the tables could remain until the final wording for the ordinance is agreed upon.

“Originally that ordinance was put in there to prevent vending machines from being installed along the Square,” said city Councilman Billy Dallas.

Industrial Consultant Dudley Cooper also reported to the council that he has been in contact with the Department of Local Government in Frankfort to have the square renovated like many cities in the Commonwealth.

“It is a wonderful square,” said Cooper. “Many towns do not enjoy a full square like we have here and we are doing everything we can to help return our square to the bustling place it used to be.”

Councilman Steven Elder presented the council pictures of the empty buildings along the square and asked it there were anyway to beautify the area.

“There are many buildings around the square that are extremely ugly,” said Elder. “Do these buildings not qualify as an eyesore that the city can require the owners to clean them up some?”

Elder went on to add that many of trees and shrubbery are damaged from the recent ice storm and an effort should be made to remove the battered trees.

It was agreed that the council will contact the local FFA students at the high school to help improve the vegetation and flowers around the square.