Resolution Supporting Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority’s Application for Federal Funds to Develop Riverport West
The Paducah Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution supporting the McCracken County Fiscal Court and the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority in seeking up to $15 million in matching funds through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program to advance the Riverport West Project. The resolution recognizes the Riverport as a vital economic development asset and economic catalyst for Paducah, McCracken County, and the surrounding region, supporting industry, commerce, job creation, and regional competitiveness. It also affirms the designation of the Riverport Authority as the authorized representative for the project and underscores the City’s commitment to collaborating with county and state partners to secure funding for the design and construction of this important infrastructure investment.
The Riverport’s current facility located at 2000 Wayne Sullivan Drive is at full capacity. The development of Riverport West would include the construction of a dock facility with direct rail access via Paducah & Louisville Railway (P&L). The proposed site is adjacent to the Triple Rail Site and located less than two miles from the U.S. Department of Energy Paducah site.
Household Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program
Public Works Director Chris Yarber explained the Household Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program, a service planned for March 2026 that allows residential households to place up to three large household items at the curb for free during their assigned collection week. The program applies only to residential properties using rollout containers (including apartments using rollouts) and requires no registration. Bulk items include furniture, mattresses, and major appliances (with required freon-free tags), must be curbside by Sunday evening of the assigned week, and will be collected once crews service the area.
Collections are organized by regular garbage pickup days, with one zone serviced each week throughout March. Items must follow placement and preparation rules, and prohibited materials (such as electronics, hazardous waste, tires, or untagged appliances) will prevent collection. Households placing more than three items may be charged a pay pile fee, starting at $25. Regular garbage and recycling services will continue as usual, and the City will assess program results and resident feedback after completion. Residents should expect an informational postcard by mail later this month.
Authorize Golf Carts on Certain Paducah Streets
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance that was introduced late last year creating a new section of Paducah Code of Ordinances Chapter 110 regarding traffic and vehicles. This ordinance permits the operation of golf carts on City of Paducah streets with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
There are 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 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. This ordinance goes into effect April 1.
Repeal and Replace Chapter 42 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances related to Rental Occupancy
After meeting with landlords and incorporating their feedback into this ordinance, the Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to repeal and replace Chapter 42, Article III of the Paducah Code of Ordinances related to Paducah’s Residential Rental Occupancy Permit, which is for the rental or leasing of one and two-family residential dwellings. Mayor Bray emphasized that everyone who rents or leases a unit to the public will need to register their unit in order to receive a valid rental occupancy permit. The goal is not to penalize landlords but to make sure that places are safe to rent. Updates to this ordinance aim to improve safety, clarify enforcement procedures, and enhance transparency for both landlords and tenants.
Additional Meeting Information
- Municipal Order approved authorizing a contract between the City and the International Association of fire Fighters for a Fire Ground Survival Train the Trainer Course.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing Contract Modification No. 2 with Avanti Restaurant Solutions for the walk-in refrigeration system at the Paducah Sports Park.
- Municipal Order approved amending the contract with Kistner Eddy Executive Services (KEES) for the Hotel Metropolitan Executive Director Search.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the release of a request for proposals for the City Hall Stabilization Project.
- Municipal Order approved for a contract with Jim Smith Contracting for street resurfacing.
- Ordinance approved authorizing a street name change from Downs Drive to Steve Doolittle Drive. The only address affected is the Paducah Sports Park. This name change is to honor Steve Doolittle for his more than 35 years of public service to the City and County. Doolittle passed away unexpectedly last year.
- Ordinance approved accepting the plat approval and surety agreement for Melody Lane Street. This is a new street that will provide access to a new apartment complex under construction off Nolan Drive.
- Ordinance introduced to approve the mid-year fiscal year 2026 budget amendment.
- City Manager Daron Jordan mentioned that crews are removing dead shrubbery in the planters around City Hall. New plants will not be installed until upcoming work on City Hall is completed.
- After meeting in closed session as permitted by KRS 61.810(1)(g), the Paducah Board of Commissioners returned to open session and approved a development agreement providing incentives for the property located at 3470 James Sanders Boulevard.
###
