Recognition of Commissioner David Guess
The Board presented Commissioner David Guess with an appreciation plaque in recognition of his years of service to the City of Paducah. Commissioner Guess’ term officially ends December 31. Guess has served as City Commissioner since January 2021 with previous terms from 2003 through 2006.
Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Proclamation
Mayor George Bray presented a proclamation to Paducah Cooperative Ministry, Washington Street Baptist Church, and Community Kitchen representatives proclaiming December 21 as Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. This time in December marks the longest night of the year and serves as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those without shelter. This proclamation also is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of service providers, advocates, and community members who work to support those in need with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.
Christmas Parade Award Presentations
Assistant Director of Recreation Taylor Morsching and Recreation Supervisor Ashley Kearney presented awards to the first-place winners in the six categories for the 2024 Christmas Parade. The parade which had approximately 100 entries was held December 7 in downtown Paducah with the theme, Christmas in Toy Land. An estimated 7000 people attended the parade along with an additional 1000-plus parade participants. First-place winners are as follows:
- Themed Float – Dippin’ Dots/J & J Snack Foods
- Religious Float – The Church of Jesus Christ
- Non-Float – Goodwin Farms
- School Float – McCracken County Schools
- Drill Team – Xplosive Dance Force
- Band – McCracken County High School Band
Update on Hotel to be Constructed at 519 North 3rd Street
Mayor George Bray announced that he received an email from U.S.A. Hospitality that the agreement has been signed with Marriott for the construction of a Marriott Aloft hotel on the property at 519 North 3rd Street. Mayor Bray said, “This is good news and bodes well for the city.” The hotel, a $15 million private investment, is proposed to have four stories and approximately 120 rooms. The groundbreaking is expected next spring.
This property is adjacent to the Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront and within walking distance to the Paducah Convention Center complex in downtown Paducah. The City purchased this property in 2015 which previously housed a nursing home and hospital. As part of the development agreement, the City will convey the property to the developer. If the developer defaults, the city would be able to regain ownership of the property.
Approve Creative & Cultural Council’s Request for Proposals for Public Art
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a municipal order authorizing the Creative & Cultural Council to issue a request for proposals for a public art project that would be located in Paducah’s Southside, specifically on Walter Jetton Boulevard. The RFP was adopted by the Creative & Cultural Council on November 21 and will be released following adoption by the Paducah Board of Commissioners.
The competition is open to all professional visual artists, ages 18 and older, with public art experience that is commensurate with this project’s scope. Applicants must reside within a 90-mile radius or have previously lived within a 90-mile radius of Paducah/McCracken County. Proposals must be submitted by March 14, 2025, with a budget of up to $50,000.
To enhance arts and culture in Paducah, the City established the Paducah Creative & Cultural Council in December 2019. One of the Council's roles is to assist with the installation of public art in neighborhoods, public places, and commercial corridors.
2025A General Obligation Bonds
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to issue General Obligation Bond(s), Series 2025A, in the approximate principal amount of $27.82 million for two important projects: Paducah Sports Park and Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project (BUILD Grant). This would be a 20-year bond. This bond was discussed by the Board at its November 12 meeting.
The Paducah Sports Park is a City, County, and McCracken County Sports Tourism partnership that will total approximately $70 million to construct. Per the interlocal agreement with the County and Sports Tourism, the City and County are splitting the costs of the project. However, 80 percent of the bed tax funds collected by the McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission are dedicated to debt service payments. The City already has pledged $12.5 million from previous bond funds. This upcoming bond would provide an additional $22.5 million for the project. The City expects to receive about a half million dollars from the bed tax to be used on the City’s bond.
The remaining approximately $4.5 million of this upcoming bond would be used for the Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement (BUILD Grant) Project. The City expects to be able to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to cover a portion of the debt payment.
Boards and Commissions
- Appointment of Kay Cochran to the Paducah Civic Beautification Board.
- Appointment of Lanie Fearon to the Barkley Regional Airport Authority Board.
- Appointment of Jason Coltharp to the to the Paducah-McCracken County Joint 911 Parcel Fee Appeals Board.
Additional Meeting Information
- Assistant Director of Recreation Taylor Morsching introduced a new Parks & Recreation Department employee, Recreation Supervisor Ashley Kearney.
- Municipal Order approved to amend the Tyler contract to add the Capital Budgeting and remove the Capital Projects Explorer software modules.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the contract with Galls LLC for uniforms and gear for the Police Department.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the donation of real property located at 1200 Caldwell Street and at 854 Main Street.
- Ordinance approved amending Chapter 106 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances as related to business licenses to add clarifying language to make it clear that each business location must be treated as a stand-alone license.
- This is the last City Commission meeting for 2024. City Hall and other city offices will be closed to the public on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
- The Paducah Board of Commissioners will have an inauguration ceremony on December 30 at 5 p.m. in the atrium of City Hall. The public is invited to attend.
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