To view the entire meeting, visit https://youtu.be/eSjo-P50c90.
Discussion of McCracken County Sports Complex and 911 Radio and Tower Project
Mayor George Bray and the Commissioners discussed two of their priorities: the McCracken County outdoor sports complex and the 911 radio and tower project. The Board made several points:
- The Board is working with the McCracken County Fiscal Court on developing partnerships for both projects.
- The 911 project is a public safety priority due to the fact that the radio infrastructure is at its end-of-life.
- At this time, the Board is waiting on the updated report from Federal Engineering that will outline the projected costs, options, and needs for the 911 radio and tower infrastructure project.
- In addition to the capital needs for the 911 radio and tower infrastructure, there are operational funding needs. At one time, the user fee on landline phones was able to significantly fund the operations. However, with the decline of landline phones, the City and County each are providing operational funding with the City providing approximately $800,000 this fiscal year.
- The Board is in favor of a path forward with the County to address both projects.
City Manager Contract Extension
The Board approved a Municipal Order extending the contract with City Manager Jim Arndt through July 31, 2021. Arndt’s contract was set to expire July 1. Earlier this year, Arndt announced that he would be leaving Paducah to pursue a career as a municipal government consultant. The City currently is in the process of recruiting the next city manager with in-person candidate interviews beginning next week.
Amending Code of Ordinances Section 70-5
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to Section 70-5 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances specific to dogs on leashes in City parks. The amendment brings the code up-to-date to allow for unleashed dogs in City parks which have been designated as dog parks.
Joint Sewer Agency Update
Paducah-McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency (JSA) Executive Director John Hodges gave an update on JSA’s current projects and the upcoming rate adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for Utilities. For more JSA information, visit https://www.jointsewer.com/.
Additional Meeting Information
- The Board was introduced a new employee: Risk Safety Manager Braden Throgmorton.
- Municipal order approved to purchase a Zetron Fire Station Alerting System for the E911 division. This system replaces the existing fire station paging system that sustained damage from a lightning strike.
- Ordinance introduced to approve the second amendment to the lease agreement with Cremation Society of Paducah.
- Ordinance introduced to approve a budget amendment for the current fiscal year in the amount of $2.9 million. These funds will be used as matching funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Floodwall Rehabilitation Project.
- Ordinance introduced for the fiscal year 2022 budget which is set to be adopted later this month. The City’s fiscal year begins July 1.
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