Paducah Transit Authority Fixed Route Updates
Paducah Area Transit System Executive Director Jeremi Bumpus provided the Paducah Board of Commissioners an update on recent upgrades to the transit system’s service. In mid-October, PATS deputed an app, called MyRide, which allows users to see where the buses are at any given time on their routes. Furthermore, PATS has upgraded its fixed route system and is no longer using the hail system. There are now four routes with approximately 130 designated bus stops. The goals are to increase safety, rider experience, and efficiency. PATS has been serving the area since 1981. In 2024, the transit system provided 192,000 trips. For more information, visit https://www.paducahtransit.com/.
Amend Paducah Code of Ordinances to Authorize Payments for Board Members
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to amend the various sections of City Code to provide compensation for voting members of certain boards. Currently, the City of Paducah provides appointments to 32 boards with more than 200 appointed members. Most of the board members do not receive compensation for their time. The purpose of this ordinance amendment is to recognize the time, expertise, and service of citizen volunteers, encourage broader community participation, and support the recruitment and retention of qualified individuals to serve in these important roles.
Under the ordinance, compensation would begin January 1, 2026. Chairpersons would receive $100 per meeting attended, and all other voting members would receive $75 per meeting attended. City staff members serving on or assisting boards in an official capacity, as well as ex-officio City Commission members, would not receive payment or reimbursement for meeting attendance. Any board member may voluntarily decline all or part of their compensation at any time by providing written notice to the appropriate official. Payments made under this ordinance will be exempt from occupational taxes.
The ordinance applies to several boards and commissions including the Board of Adjustment, Civic Beautification Board, Municipal Housing Commission, Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, Transit Authority Board, Paducah Riverfront Development Advisory Board, Paducah Creative and Cultural Council, Board of Ethics, Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes Appeals Board, Code Enforcement Board, Human Rights Commission, Brooks Stadium Commission, Civil Service Commission, Paducah Planning Commission, Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency, Commissioners of Waterworks, Tree Advisory Board, and the Historical and Architectural Review Commission.
Amend Paducah Code of Ordinances to Authorize Golf Carts on Certain Paducah Streets
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance creating a new section of Paducah Code of Ordinances Chapter 110 regarding traffic and vehicles to permit the operation of golf carts on certain streets. This ordinance amendment is a follow-up to the Board discussion at its August 12 meeting. This ordinance amendment would allow golf carts to operate on City of Paducah streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
There would be several requirements and limitations. Golf carts must be inspected by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, permitted by the Paducah Police Department (one-time $25 permit until the golf cart changes ownership), insured, and operated only between sunrise and sunset. Plus, operators must hold a valid driver’s license, display a slow-moving vehicle emblem, and follow all traffic laws. Golf carts may cross state-maintained roadways where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, but the golf cart cannot be driven along those roadways. Exemptions are provided in the ordinance for city-owned golf carts, riverboat tourism shuttles at the riverfront, and carts used within permitted special events.
The Paducah Police Department may deny, suspend, or revoke permits for safety or compliance violations.
Amend Paducah Code of Ordinances to Prohibit the Sale of Dogs and Cats by Retail Pet Stores and in Public Places
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores and in public places within city limits. Mayor Bray said that he would like to have more information and do additional research on this topic prior to this ordinance coming back for a vote. Mayor Bray also said that he is worried about limiting businesses.
This proposed measure is designed to address concerns about the sourcing of animals from large-scale commercial breeding operations, commonly known as “puppy mills” and “kitten mills,” where inhumane breeding practices often result in poor health, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of proper care. The intent of this legislation is to reduce animal cruelty, protect consumers, and encourage the adoption of shelter animals. Under the ordinance, retail pet stores would not be permitted to sell dogs or cats of any age. However, stores may partner with animal shelters or qualifying rescue organizations to provide adoption space for animals in need, provided that the store does not own the animals or receive compensation from adoptions. It would also be unlawful for any person to sell or offer dogs or cats for sale in public areas such as streets, parks, markets, and parking lots, with exceptions for licensed shelters, rescue groups, or educational exhibitions such as 4-H programs or county fairs. Ordinance violations would result in fines of $500 per offense, with each day of continued violation considered a separate offense.
The Board also introduced an ordinance to amend Paducah’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 106-147 related to business licensing for retail establishments. The amendment clarifies that no business license would be issued or renewed for establishments engaged in selling or offering live dogs or cats. However, businesses that sell pet supplies or provide space for animal shelters or rescue organizations to showcase adoptable animals would continue to obtain or renew their licenses.
Additional Meeting Information
- Mayor George Bray presented a proclamation to Katy Adreon proclaiming November as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. Adreon is the STAY Program Student Success Advocate at the Paducah Independent School District. STAY is an acronym for School and Transition Assistance for Youth. The program helps connect students and families with resources to help students stay in school.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the City Manager to issue a request for proposals for preferred docking agreements along the City’s riverfront for riverboats. These preferred docking agreements would include the Foot of Broadway and the new pier that is under construction.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application for a Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Grant requesting $8589.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the purchase of P25 compliant mobile and portable radios for the Police Department.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application for a Kentucky League of Cities Liability Grant in the amount of $3000. These funds would reimburse the City for completed sidewalk repairs and improvements.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing a request for bids for a drain line replacement at Fire Station 1.
- Municipal Order approved for a modification in the multi-purpose fire and rescue boat that is under construction.
- Municipal Order approved for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Paducah Independent School District for the 911 Center and first responders to have remote access to view the school’s security cameras. The cameras would be accessed only during health and safety emergencies.
- Regarding the federal government shutdown, City Manager Daron Jordan mentioned that the City has submitted a $5.4 million reimbursement for BUILD grant expenditures.
- Tuesday, November 11 is a city holiday. There will not be a City Commission meeting on that date. The community is invited to attend the Veterans Day events. Garbage and recycling collection will be pushed to Wednesday, November 12.
- City Manager Jordan also mentioned that the lights in Dolly McNutt Memorial Plaza have been upgraded providing better illumination at night.
- Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Wilson initiated a discussion with the Board asking that the City place on the next meeting agenda the request from Paducah Cooperative Ministry regarding funds to assist in the construction of a 50-bed shelter. The McCracken County Fiscal Court recently approved providing $200,000 toward PCM’s shelter. The Board voiced their support in adding the item to an upcoming meeting.
###
