City Commission Meeting Highlights - March 8, 2022

Note:  Mayor George Bray was unable to attend this meeting.

To view the entire meeting, visit https://youtu.be/1oMhmTb3VsQ.

 

Actions Related to Buckner Lane Bridge Replacement Project

Regarding the Buckner Lane Bridge Replacement Project, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of right-of-way and permanent public utility and drainage easements at 5403 Buckner Lane and a permanent right-of-way at 5256 Buckner Lake Circle.  Currently, the City is accepting construction bids for the project which improves the two-lane section of Buckner Lane between Hansen Road and Pecan Drive and replaces the dilapidated bridge over Crooked Creek near the intersection with Buckner Lake Circle that has been affected by flooding and severe weather events.  The project also includes the installation of a new culvert under Oakcrest Drive near the intersection with Buckner Lane.  This project will improve stormwater conditions in the area by reducing the number of times Crooked Creek comes out of its banks due to severe storm events.  The project is expected to be completed in either late 2022 or early 2023.

The City has nearly $383,000 in State and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Funding for the project.  The City also is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

 

BUILD Grant Contract for Professional Engineering Services

The Board introduced an ordinance for a professional engineering services contract with HDR, Inc.  Along with subcontractor BFW, HDR will be completing the engineering design, permitting, procurement, and construction oversight for projects outlined in City’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant award.  The project's primary objectives are to provide improved transportation elements and increase the passenger experience for riverboat visitors who visit downtown Paducah.  After the engineering design and construction bidding process, the approximately 18-month construction period could begin in the summer of 2023.   

The BUILD grant is a package of transformative projects for Paducah’s downtown and riverfront.  The projects include the following:

  • A new dock structure and excursion landing plaza to be located just downstream of the foot of Broadway;
  • Improved bike and pedestrian linkages through the improvements of three intersections, the addition of wayfinding, and creation of a multi-use path; and
  • Improvements near the transient boat dock (former Executive Inn site) to include green space and seating.

In November 2019, the City was notified of the $10.4 million award to be administered through the Maritime Administration (MARAD).  Since the notification, the City has been working to complete the project’s environment assessment. 

 

Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Preparation

City Manager Daron Jordan says the intent is for the first reading of the fiscal year 2023 budget to be at the last meeting in May.  The City’s fiscal year begins July 1.  Currently, the Finance Department is working to project fuel costs since the City purchases approximately 220,000 gallons of fuel each year.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training

This week, city employees and the Board of Commissioners are participating in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training.  The training consists of two-hour workshops with a facilitator.  To provide for small group discussions, each workshop is limited to approximately 40 people.

 

Resource Regarding Service Animals

As a follow-up to a discussion at a previous Commission meeting about service animals, City Manager Jordan said the following weblink summarizes various ADA rules and definitions to make sure there is no discrimination against someone with a disability who uses a service animal.  https://beta.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/

 

Additional Meeting Information

  • New employees in the Parks & Recreation Department were introduced to the Board.  The employees are Emelyn Herndon, Nathan Hardie, Khalil White, and Phillip Pruitt.
  • Kerry Fulcher appointed to the Building, Electrical, Fire Codes Appeals Board.
  • Municipal order approved for a lease amendment with AT&T.  AT&T leases space from the City-owned tower at 510 Clark Street along with equipment sheltering space.  This amendment increases the amount of space with an increase in the monthly rent paid by AT&T.
  • Municipal order approved to apply for a Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives (KDLA) Local Records Grant for the Fire Department.  The grant request is for $46,000 which would be used to contract with an archivist to digitally conserve historical documents.
  • Municipal order approved accepting the $200,000 Community Development Block Grant for the CenterPoint Recovery Center.
  • Municipal order approved for Fleet Maintenance Service Agreements between the City of Paducah Fleet Division and the City of Mayfield.  Fleet will provide maintenance services for the City of Mayfield’s vehicles at hourly rates.
  • Municipal order approved to apply for the 2022-23 Kentucky Household Hazardous Waste Grant which helps fund the annual Spring Clean Up Day.  This year’s Spring Clean Up Day will be April 23 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
  • Ordinance introduced for the consensual annexation of 185 Lion’s Den Lane, a nearly 4.64-acre parcel that includes a metal building.

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