Note: Commissioner Carol Gault was unable to attend this meeting.
To view the entire meeting, visit https://youtu.be/O3iV9Oiv9b0.
2022 City Commission Priorities Adoption
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a Municipal Order to adopt the 2022 City Commission Priorities. On February 4 and 5, the Board met to discuss last year’s priorities and determine the 10 highest priorities for this calendar year. The 10 priority items are listed below in no particular order:
- 911 Radio/Tower Upgrades and Operational Funding
- Minority Inclusion
- Downtown
- Southside Enhancements
- Housing
- Beautification
- Community Growth
- Trails and Bike Paths Enhancements
- Continue Efforts to Improve Operational Efficiencies
- Protecting Key Historical and Cultural Resources
The list of City Commission Priorities also includes three continuous improvements action items: stormwater, city facilities, and the joint city/county sports complex.
Robert Cherry Civic Center Renovation Discussion
On February 8, the Board reviewed two renovation design options prepared by PFGW Architects for the 9377 square foot Robert Cherry Civic Center located at 2701 Park Avenue. At this meeting, the Board approved a motion to move forward with the option that uses the existing building footprint with no increase in square footage. This option uses approximately three-quarters of the existing building footprint to provide assembly, kitchen, and storage space with a seating capacity for 160 to 256 people at rectangular tables depending upon the table configuration and dance floor space. The remaining building square footage is designed to provide office and reception space for the Parks & Recreation Department. It will take nearly four to five months to prepare the construction documents and receive bids. The construction phase is estimated to take 12 to 16 months.
The Board also agreed to set aside $1.8 million of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the project. The City of Paducah is receiving $6.439 million in ARPA funding and already has set aside $4 million for stormwater projects.
Support for RAISE Grant Application for Friendship Road/KY 1286 Project
The Board approved a resolution in support of a joint application among the City, McCracken County, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a U.S. Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant for the Friendship Road/KY 1286 project. The City pledges to support the project with $50,000 if the RAISE grant is awarded as submitted. The McCracken County Fiscal Court also supports the application. This estimated $35 million project would lengthen, widen, and realign Friendship Road/KY 1286. This corridor connects Paducah with Lone Oak and Hendron. Those receiving a RAISE grant are expected to be notified in September.
BUILD Grant Contract for Professional Engineering Services
The Board approved 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.
Grant Applications
The Board approved Municipal Orders to apply for the following grants:
- Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant – requesting $25,000 to purchase an all-terrain vehicle to be used by the Fire Department during emergency situations and at special events. There is no local match.
- American Association Retired Persons (AARP) Community Challenge Grant – requesting $50,000 for the Parks & Recreation Department to construct pickleball courts at Noble Park. There is no local match.
- Kentucky Department of Waste Management Crumb Rubber Grant – requesting $29,000 for the construction of a pour-in-place safety surface and expansion of the playground area at Langstaff Park. There is a 25% match requirement.
- T Mobile Hometown Grant – requesting $50,000 to add walkways and purchase accessible swings and inclusive play equipment for installation at Langstaff Park. There is no local match.
Additional Meeting Information
- New 911 Telecommunicators, Mackenzie Dennis and Coby Fauver, were introduced to the Board.
- Mayor Bray presented to Yeiser Art Center Executive Director Lexie Millikan a proclamation for March as Mary Yeiser Month in celebration of the 65th anniversary of Yeiser Art Center.
- Mark Knecht and Mark Kettler were reappointed to the Paducah Golf Commission.
- Steven Page and Cindy Ragland were reappointed to the Creative & Cultural Council.
- Municipal order approved for the acquisition of right-of-way and public utility and drainage easements for property at 5420 Buckner Lane for the Buckner Lane Bridge Replacement Project. The City is accepting construction bids for the project which will improve stormwater conditions by improving the two-lane section of Buckner Lane between Hansen Road and Pecan Drive and replacing the dilapidated bridge over Crooked Creek.
- Ordinance approved for the consensual annexation of 185 Lion’s Den Lane, a nearly 4.64-acre parcel that includes a metal building.
- Ordinances introduced for zoning text amendments and the repeal and replacement of the sign ordinances. The Planning Commission met March 7 and has provided positive recommendations for these amendments.
###
