City Commission Meeting Highlights - January 25, 2022

Date of Release: 
January 25, 2022

To view the entire meeting, visit https://youtu.be/lqj8meXCCbg.

 

Mayor George Bray’s Opening Remarks

  • Mayor Bray said the community is looking forward to the AQS Quilt Show which is scheduled for April 27-30.  Today, representatives from AQS, the Convention Center, and the City met to discuss the inflation of the dome pavilion.  The City has agreed to pay a portion of the cost required for the dome’s installation and deflation. This extra convention space is used by AQS for various show vendors.  For more information about Paducah’s Quilt Show, visit https://www.americanquilter.com/quiltweek/event/landing/eventid/22 
  • Mayor Bray thanked McNabb Elementary for the invitation to speak yesterday to the entire student body about the benefits of being a good listener. 

 

Commission Priorities 2021 Annual Report Presentation

Assistant City Manager Michelle Smolen provided an overview of the City Commission Priorities 2021 Annual Report.  In February 2021, the Board selected 12 priorities to improve and enhance Paducah.  The report summarizing the 2021 accomplishments is posted at Commission Priorities along with detailed webpages for each priority.  On February 4 and 5, the Paducah Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss and select the priorities for 2022.

Regarding the 2021 priorities, a few of the accomplishments are listed below:

  • The 911 Communication Oversight Committee began meeting this month with the goal of recommending system upgrades, funding options, and a governing structure.  The City and County have a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to be equal partners in capital expenditures.
  • The City and County commit to be equal partners in financing the design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance costs for the outdoor sports facilities currently being designed for the former Bluegrass Downs site and Stuart Nelson Park.
  • The City transferred four surplus property parcels to be used for new housing.
  • The Board approved an annexation incentive policy to encourage City growth.
  • The City is working with Peck, Flannery, Gream, Warren on a schematic redesign of the Robert Cherry Civic Center to include banquet and catering space and offices for Parks & Recreation Department staff.
  • Downtown Paducah saw a net of 12 new businesses during 2021 along with the implementation of the Entertainment Destination Center.
  • Communications have been enhanced using an email marketing platform.
  • In reviewing needs and improvements to the City’s facilities, the City Manager’s Office and Public Works are prioritizing a list of more than 250 improvement items.
  • The Remote Workers Incentive Program was developed and launched in August 2021.
  • The City has designated $4 million of the American Rescue Plan Act funding for stormwater projects including the Buckner Lane Bridge Project and the South 24th/South 25th Road Improvement Projects.
  • City employees are scheduled to complete diversity and inclusion training in March.
  • The focus on the Southside region of neighborhoods included the Southside Rise & Shine beautification events and celebrations.  The Southside Steering Committee is being identified with its first meeting expected in February.

 

Street Closings for New Paducah School System Head Start Facility

The Board introduced an ordinance to close segments of Polk Street and Otis Dinning Drive as requested by the adjacent property owner, Paducah Independent School System.  These road closures are in preparation for the construction of a new Head Start Facility.

 

Additional Meeting Information

  • Mayor Bray presented a proclamation to representatives of the St. Mary School System proclaiming next week as Catholic Schools Week.
  • Reappointment of Mark Workman to the Electric Plant Board.
  • Municipal order approved accepting the donation of property located at 1219, 1223, 1225, and 1227 Tennessee Street and 726 South 13th Street.
  • Municipal orders approved for Fleet Maintenance Service Agreements between the City of Paducah Fleet Division and the following agencies:  Paxton Park and Reidland Farley Fire Protection District.  The City will provide maintenance services for each agency’s vehicles at hourly rates.
  • Municipal order approved for the FY2023 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Highway Safety Grant Application.  The Police Department is requesting $32,503 which if awarded would be used for traffic safety overtime pay and the purchase of four radar units.

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