To view the entire meeting, visit https://youtu.be/0ZI-BGVOugg.
Entertainment Destination Center Approval
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance establishing an Entertainment Destination Center (EDC). The goals of the EDC are to draw people to Paducah's downtown, strengthen existing local businesses, and attract new entrepreneurs. This license through the State would boost existing restaurant and hospitality industries by allowing customers to take to-go alcoholic drinks in designated cups from participating businesses and stroll our historic streets, browse the windows of our local boutiques, watch the towboats on the river, and partake in outdoor events. The hours would be daily from 6 a.m. until midnight. The next step is to provide a public notice with a 30-day comment period and submit the application to the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The EDC is expected to be in place by June. For more information including a list of frequently asked questions and a map, visit Entertainment Destination Center.
Time Change for Regular City Commission Meetings
The Board approved amending Paducah Code of Ordinances Section 2-142 pertaining to regular City Commission meetings which are held monthly on the second and fourth Tuesday. The amendment changes the time for the meetings from 5:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dunlap Apartments Grant for Roof Stabilization
The Board authorized up to $100,000 in grant funds to Marian Group to assist with the stabilization of the roof at the former Walter Jetton School at 401 Walter Jetton Boulevard. This project, the Dunlap Apartments, is a $14.5 million investment by the Marian Group in this historic structure. Renovations include rehabilitating housing units, restoring the concert hall for the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, and creating a conservatory for music training and education. Construction is expected to start this summer and take approximately 18 months.
911 Radio and Tower Project
One of the Paducah Board of Commissioners’ priorities is the 911 radio and tower system project. Over the past few years, investments have been made in the 911 Communications Division with upgrades in the telephone, records management, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. The next project is to update the land mobile radio (LMR) system which includes handheld portable radios, mobile radios, base stations, and cell towers. At this meeting, the Board approved an amendment to the Federal Engineering contract to update the 2016 report for the LMR. This report will update needs, requirements, cost projections, and options. Since the original report, several commercial cellular radio towers have been added to or proposed for McCracken County and could provide potential radio coverage. The updated report is expected in about 12 weeks. McCracken County is funding half the cost of the report.
Commission Priorities
Assistant City Manager Michelle Smolen provided an update on the first quarterly report of the City Commission Priorities. In February, the Board selected 12 priorities to improve and enhance Paducah. The first quarterly report showing the progress is posted on the City's website at Commission Priorities. To provide feedback on which priority means the most to you and why and for a chance to win a $250 gift basket, please take the following survey by 4:30 p.m. on April 30: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/2369a83819564b44bd174b0d3360b068.
The Board also discussed the available $19.75 million in bond proceeds and possible projects: Barkley Regional Airport; 911 projects; outdoor sports and recreational facilities; stormwater projects; Southside enhancements; and City facilities. The City and County have tentative plans to hold a joint meeting next Tuesday at 5 p.m. to discuss the proposed outdoor sports complex.
Grant Applications
- Approval to accept the Emergency Solutions Grant through the Kentucky Housing Corporation. This $31,500 grant will assist the Community Kitchen which has been providing hotel/motel vouchers for people needing shelter.
- Approval to apply for the 2021 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant. The $23,125 grant would be used to purchase an all-terrain vehicle for the Fire Department that would assist in rescues and medical calls in hard to reach areas including the Greenway Trail and at special events.
Additional Meeting Information
- Mayor Bray presented a proclamation to Laura Oswald with the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau proclaiming May 2 through May 8 as National Travel & Tourism Week.
- Municipal order approved for the 2021 Annual Plan and Administrative Plan for the Section 8 program.
- Municipal order approved for the permanent right-of-way and utility and drainage easement at 3801 Hansen Road. This is for the upcoming Buckner Lane Bridge project near Oakcrest that will improve stormwater drainage.
- Ordinance approved for a change order to the professional services contract with BFW Engineering & Testing for environmental assessment services related to the $10.4 million BUILD grant for the riverfront.
- Ordinance approved amending the City budget to provide the Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA) annual funding.
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