City Commission Meeting Highlights

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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EntrePaducah Small Business Incentive Plan Proposal

Over the past few weeks, City Manager Jeff Pederson and Commissioner Carol Gault have been meeting with EntrePaducah Executive Director Terry Reeves and his staff to develop a plan to provide incentives to encourage start-up businesses in targeted markets.  Reeves outlined the proposed plan’s guidelines which will be voted on by the Commission at an upcoming meeting.  Reeves says, “The new jobs that have been and will be created in this country are from new entrepreneurial start-ups.”  For a business to be eligible for the Small Business Incentive Plan through EntrePaducah, among other things, it must open a business headquartered in Paducah, complete a business plan and submit a development proposal to EntrePaducah, and create four full-time jobs within 12 months of operation.  The incentive funds would come from the City of Paducah with the City allocating $60,000 per year from economic development reserves in the Investment Fund.  The maximum incentive that a qualified business client could receive would be $10,000.  The incentive funds would be allocated as matches to what the entrepreneur contributes.  Reeves says the plan has a good return on investment since there is the potential for the incentive plan to create at least 24 full-time jobs per year.  Commissioner Richard Abraham says, “I have long believed that the government’s job is to create an environment for businesses to be successful.  I applaud the effort.  This is putting our money where our mouth is.”

2011 County Bond Issue Interlocal Agreement (vote September 27)

The Mayor and Commissioners introduced an ordinance for an interlocal cooperation agreement to finance the 2011 Murray State University bond issue.  The County will issue $10 million in bonds to finance the construction of the Murray State University Paducah Campus off Audubon Drive in Paducah.  Commissioner Gerald Watkins says, “I think it’s wonderful that we are moving full steam ahead with a true two plus two with Murray State University.”  As part of the interlocal agreement, the City will contribute an amount not to exceed $175,000 per year toward the debt service of the County held bonds.  The anticipated annual appropriation toward the debt service includes the $175,000 from the City, $325,000 from the County, and $290,000 from Murray State University. 

Amend-Repeal Ordinances Prohibiting Firearms in Parks and the Skate Park

After being brought to the City of Paducah’s attention by a citizen, the City of Paducah’s current Parks and Recreation ordinances have language prohibiting firearms in the City parks and skatepark which is contrary to language in the Kentucky Revised Statutes.  The Mayor and Commissioners approved an ordinance removing the language prohibiting the open carry of firearms.  City Manager Jeff Pederson says these changes bring the City in compliance with State code.

Flooring for Paducah Recreation Center (vote September 27)

The Mayor and Commissioners introduced an ordinance to approve the bid in the amount of $29,787 from Aztec Flooring, Inc. to supply and install an indoor modular sports flooring at the Paducah Recreation Center.  The Paducah Recreation Center is the former Margaret Hank Life Center located at 1527 Martin Luther King, Jr.  The City finalized the purchase agreement for the Center this summer.  The facility will host classes, sports leagues, educational seminars, and various events.  A grand opening reception for the Paducah Recreation Center will be Saturday, October 29 at 4:30 p.m.

Quick Highlights:

• ·        The Mayor and Commission recognized the newly elected officers of the Paducah Ambassadors.  The new officers are Charles Allen, President and Saundra Hill, President-Elect with board members Bill Farr, James Scott, and Phillis Wagner.  Mayor Bill Paxton praised the work of the Paducah Ambassadors.  Mayor Paxton says, “They work hard during the Quilt Show and during BBQ on the River.  They are downtown on Saturday providing people information.  They are everywhere, and they make Paducah a better place.”

• ·        Boards and Commissions:  Adophus Jones, Jr. appointed to the Paducah Power Board.

• ·        Ordinance approved accepting the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Grant in the amount of $45,793 to be used by the Paducah Police Department for approximately 1200 hours of traffic enforcement salary and overtime, fuel, training, and state sponsored conferences and meetings.  No local match is required.

• ·        Ordinance approved to extend the lease with Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey for the city-owned property at 117 South First Street.  The lease will be extended for 10 years.  Seamen’s Church will pay the City the annual rate of $3 per square foot.

• ·        Ordinance introduced (vote Sept. 27) to amend the fiscal year 2012 budget to include improvements to Compost Facility and the purchase of various vehicles.

• ·        Ordinance introduced (vote Sept. 27) for a contract with Golden Circle Ford for the purchase and delivery of six 2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Pursuit Vehicles in the amount of $148,836.

• ·        Ordinance introduced (vote Sept. 27) for a contract with D&D Construction in the amount of $135,978 for the construction of a new single-family home at 1402 Harrison Street in the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood.  Funds from the Kentucky Housing Corporation’s GAP pool will be utilized on the home.  The City has a $300,000 line of credit with FNB for the construction of two homes.  As each home is built and sold, the homeowner, who has been pre-qualified, will be responsible for paying the borrowed money plus interest to FNB.

• ·        Ordinance introduced (vote Sept. 27) to purchase recycling containers to be used at the GPS-Recycle Now facility at 1830 North 8th Street.  The containers will be purchased through a State contract from Pro-Trainer in the amount of $38,934.  A grant through the Kentucky Division of Waste Management will cover the majority of the cost. 

• ·        Ordinance introduced (vote Sept. 27) to accept the 2011 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Accountability Grant in the amount of $23,121.  There is no local cash match.  The award will be used to purchase equipment for the Paducah Police Department.

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