Jackson Purchase News

City Commission Meeting Highlights - March 14, 2023

Proclamation for Paducah Tilghman High School Wrestling Team as State Champions

Mayor George Bray presented a proclamation to Head Coach Seth Livingston and members of the Paducah Tilghman High School Blue Tornado Wrestling Team in celebration of their 2023 KHSAA State Championship. The team earned 185.5 points to secure their first-ever championship title.

 

Proposed Legislation Regarding Annexation

Mayor Bray said the City is closely following proposed state legislation that would place a moratorium on city annexations even if the annexation is consensual unless the annexation meets limited criteria. Mayor Bray said the State’s economic development and growth are driven by the growth of cities and the amenities they offer. In a spirit of cooperation and collaboration, Mayor Bray said he wants cities and counties to work together to balance the interests of everyone.  Furthermore, he stated that the cooperation between the City of Paducah and McCracken County is excellent, and both government agencies currently are working on a joint comprehensive plan.

 

Discussion of Terrace Hills Preliminary Subdivision Plat

Mayor Bray and the Board discussed the proposed subdivision called Terrace Hills at 3750 Pecan Drive and 600 and 601 Deer Lick Place. The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the proposed subdivision on February 6 and approved the preliminary subdivision plat. This Planned Unit Development currently depicts 122 residential lots of duplexes and single-family homes with sidewalks on approximately 26 acres. The property currently is wooded. The developer plans to build the subdivision in three phases over a span of several years with a stormwater detention pond in each phase. These single-story homes with garages would be valued at approximately $250,000. Neighbors voiced their concerns at the Planning Commission meeting and at this City Commission meeting. Concerns include the removal of trees, the density of houses, an increase in traffic, and stormwater runoff. Mayor Bray appreciated the comments and said the City will be working with the developer as he develops the final plat for approval. The City wants to balance the neighborhood’s concerns and the need for growth and housing in Paducah.

 

Discussion Regarding City’s Portion of Convention Center Roof

Mayor Bray, the Board, and City Manager Daron Jordan discussed the deteriorating roof at the Convention Center and the roof on the former Showroom Lounge which is at the back of the Convention Center. The Lounge is owned solely by the City. City Manager Jordan anticipates conversations regarding the roof sections and the future of the Showroom will be incorporated in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget process. Mayor Bray stated the Convention Center is an important community asset.

 

Boards and Commissions

•    Appointment of Allan Rhodes to the Paducah Planning Commission.

•    Appointment of Mark Thompson and reappointment of Jeanne Stroup and Steve Seltzer to the Paducah Golf Commission.

•    Appointment of Evan Rittgers to the Electric Plant Board.

 

Additional Meeting Information

•    Municipal orders approved accepting the donation of property located at 1401 Old Mayfield Road and at 1400 Tennessee. The more than 14-acre parcel donated by P&L Railroad off Tennessee Street will be the site of a new training field for the Fire Department.

•    Municipal order approved authorizing the 911 Services Board Grant application requesting $8828 for GIS services.

•    Municipal order approved authorizing the 2023-2024 Household Hazardous Waste Grant application requesting $40,632 for Spring Clean Up Day. This year’s event will be Saturday, April 15 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

•    Municipal order approved accepting the $200,000 Community Development Block Grant on behalf of Four Rivers Recovery Center. This grant also required the City to introduce an ordinance amending the City’s budget to reflect the grant amount.

•    Municipal order approved authorizing the Mayor’s signature on opioid settlement participation agreements for the Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart National Opioid Settlements.

•    Ordinance approved for the consensual annexation of 2631 Holt Road as requested by the property owner.

•    Ordinance approved for a non-exclusive, ten-year telecommunications franchise agreement with OpenFiber Kentucky Company (dba Accelecom), a local internet service provider.

•    Ordinance introduced amending the fleet plan budget.

•    Ordinance introduced accepting the contract with Jim Smith Contracting, LLC for unit prices including milling and asphalt paving for the 2023-2024 street resurfacing program.

•    Ordinance introduced amending the City Police Officers Educational Incentive Plan to increase the educational incentive payments by 50 percent in order to assist with the recruitment and retention of police officers.

Original source can be found here.