Due to renovations in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, the meeting was held at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Crounse Hall, Room 101 (4810 Alben Barkley Drive). All of the November and December City Commission meetings will be held at WKCTC due to the renovation project. The City of Paducah appreciates WKCTC’s generosity in hosting the meetings.
To view the entire meeting, visit https://youtu.be/09CA_x9ecO8.
City Block Update
Mayor George Bray provided a brief update on the City Block Project in downtown Paducah. The public parking area is open. Mayor Bray is in contact with developer, Weyland Ventures, as Weyland seeks a financing partner to launch the boutique hotel for the Jefferson Street side of the block. However, due to the holidays, Mayor Bray doesn’t expect a significant update from Weyland until next year.
Contract for the Relocation of the Dog Parks
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Evrard Company, Incorporated for the construction of dog parks and roadway improvements in Noble Park. This project is to relocate the current dog parks at Stuart Nelson Park to Noble Park since construction will start next year on the Paducah Sports Park which will use a portion of Stuart Nelson Park. The intention is to have the new dog parks open prior to the closing of the dog parks at Stuart Nelson Park. McCracken County will fund a portion of the dog park relocation project based upon the interlocal agreement approved in 2022.
The dog parks will be constructed in an area adjacent to the Anna Baumer building behind the amphitheater. This area, which is similar in size to the current dog parks, has natural shade and open running space for dogs. Plus, it is secluded from Lake Montgomery and associated waterfowl. In addition to the dog parks, this project will include roadway improvements into that section of Noble Park, paved parking areas, and pedestal water fountains.
Amend Paducah’s Code of Ethics Ordinance
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 2 of Paducah’s Code of Ordinances regarding the Code of Ethics. Paducah is working toward becoming a Certified City of Ethics through the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC). This program recognizes cities and city officials that have adopted principles and procedures that offer guidance on ethical issues and a mechanism to resolve complaints at the local level.
In June, as part of KLC’s application requirements, Paducah adopted a resolution establishing the six ethics principles to govern the conduct of city officials and employees. In October, the City authorized an agreement with KLC which includes the reviewing and updating of Paducah’s ethics ordinance to ensure that it meets the standards set out in KRS 65.003. At this meeting and in consultation with KLC and the City’s attorney, the Board introduced amendments to Paducah’s Code of Ethics. These changes include
- Updating definitions including the addition of domestic partner as a family member;
- Amending dollar limits related to gifts and honoraria from $100 to $200;
- Updating sections related to Confidential Information;
- Defining violations of the Ethics Code as misconduct;
- Adding new sections related to Withdrawal from Participation, Endorsements, Meeting Attendance, Social Media, E-mail & Text Messages, Incompatible Offices, Equal Employment, Conduct, and City Policies & Ordinances;
- Expanding the requirement for financial interest statements to department-head-level directors;
- Setting a regular meeting date for the Board of Ethics;
- Updating and simplifying the process of filing complaints and the procedure for holding hearings.
Following the adoption of ordinance updates, KLC will provide training for the Paducah Board of Commissioners, the Board of Ethics, and the City Leadership Team. This will qualify the City of Paducah for inclusion as a Certified City of Ethics.
Paducah Civic Beautification Board Annual Business Awards
In addition to a special beautification award presented to Dennis Rouleau with Barkley Regional Airport, the Paducah Civic Beautification Board presented annual business awards to the following 17 businesses:
Downtown
1. Clymer Law, PLLC, 629 Washington Street
2. Cynthia’s Ristorante, 125 Market House Square
3. Market House Theatre Kentucky Avenue Properties: Studio 200, 209 Marine Way and Dance MHT Studios, 249 Marine Way
4. Mike’s Automotive Repair, 703 S. 3rd Street
5. The Focus Building, 221 Kentucky Avenue
Lower Town
6. A.I.R. Studio, 621 Madison Street
Midtown
7. Adam Ford State Farm Insurance, 2601 Jackson
8. Jennings & Associates Financial Advisors, LLC, 1920 Broadway
9. Music Garden, Bob Noble Park - El Arbol Garden Club, Fleur de Lis Garden Club, Four Seasons Garden Club, LaPetite Fleur Garden Club, Paducah Garden Club, Prestwick Garden Club and Potting Shed Garden Club, City of Paducah Parks & Recreation Department, and several private donors
10. OKN Mercantile, 121 S. 17th Street
11. Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, 421 N. 13th Street
12. Sullenger Law Office, PLLC, 2508 Jefferson
West End
13. Baptist Health Medical Group Pulmonary & Critical Care, 546 Lone Oak Road
14. Chantillies, 540 N. 32nd Street
Mall Area
15. Flamingo Row, 2640 Perkins Creek Drive
Southside
16. Kolb Park, 1650 S. 6th Street
17. Taco John’s, 2201 Bridge Street
Additional Meeting Information
- Paducah Power System Director of Finance Doug Handley presented the public power provider’s annual audit report. The audit shows that Paducah Power is in a strong position with strong internal controls. The audit did not have any recommendations for improvement.
- Cheryl Sullivan appointed to the Creative & Cultural Council.
- Municipal Order approved to renew the Regional Government Enterprise Agreement with ESRI for GIS computer mapping software.
- Municipal Order approved for the 2024-2025 fuel contract with Midwest Terminal.
- Ordinance approved for a contract amendment and finalization with Central Paving Company for the South 25th Street Improvement Project.
- Ordinance approved for a contract amendment with Jim Smith Contracting for the Floodwall Flap Gate Replacement Project approved in 2021. This amendment adds the replacement of eight sluice gates to the project.
- Ordinance approved for a residential infill agreement between the City of Paducah and EMD Properties, LLC for LaBarri Subdivision. The City signed in 2019 the final plat of subdivision for the project off New Holt Road. This eight-year agreement reimburses the developer for ad valorem taxes up to nearly $198,000 for the cost of the installation of the public infrastructure.
- Ordinance introduced amending Section 126-76 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances as recommended by the Paducah Planning Commission. The text amendments relate to sign regulations.
- Ordinance introduced to approve a non-exclusive, ten-year telecommunications franchise agreement with Ritter Communications.
- Ordinance introduced amending definition of “Project” in the Series 2020A Bond Ordinance. This bond was issued for the purposes of constructing a municipal sports and recreation facility. Since that time, the Commission has decided to use the funds to support the Paducah Sports Park (outdoor sports complex), Barkley Regional Airport’s new terminal and facilities, new equipment for the Paducah/McCracken County Public Safety Radio Communications System, and additional projects deemed necessary by the Board of Commissioners.
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