Resolution Supporting Funding Request for Roadways to Ohio River Triple Rail Megasite

The Mayor and Commission approved a resolution supporting Paducah Economic Development’s (formerly Greater Paducah Economic Development Council) request for funding from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet relating to the design and construction of roadways that would provide access to the Ohio River Triple Rail Megasite.  The Megasite, also known as Riverport West, is located in the western part of McCracken County.  The site consists of more than 1100 acres with more than 4400 feet of Ohio River frontage.  A new roadway could provide quick and more direct access to the site making the site more attractive to development and industry.  For more information about the Ohio River Triple Rail Megasite, visit www.epaducah.com.

Mandatory Alcoholic Beverage Server Training

City Manager Jeff Pederson and Commissioner Gerald Watkins led a discussion on the possibility of Paducah requiring those who sell and serve alcohol in Paducah to have either Server Training in Alcohol Regulations (S.T.A.R.) training or similar training.  Commissioner Watkins is an advocate for requiring the training.  Watkins says, “I think it needs to be passed to have a positive effect.  If we can save one life, it’s well worth it. We want to do everything we can, not to be a burden to businesses or employees, to keep people safe.”  Commissioner Richard Abraham says, “It’s a common sense thing to do.  If I were a server in a restaurant, I would want the additional training.”  Assistant Police Chief Stacey Grimes supports making the training mandatory.  Assistant Chief Grimes says, “I would say the majority of our fight calls after midnight are due to individuals being over-served.”  Before deciding to draft an ordinance making the training a requirement, the Mayor and Commission would like to hear a presentation at an upcoming Commission meeting from the director of the S.T.A.R. program and an instructor.  Plus, they want the public to have a chance to voice their opinions. 

The S.T.A.R. program, created in 2001, is offered through the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).  The goal of S.T.A.R. is to prevent youth access to alcohol and to prevent over-service.  The training also explains retailer liability and how to handle different scenarios such as spotting a fake ID or confronting a patron that needs to be cut off.  During the four hour course, the student is educated about responsible service, receives fake ID training, and learns about Kentucky laws.  Following the course is an exam that must be passed to receive a three year certification.  Courses are held throughout Kentucky including Paducah.  The cost is $35 per student.     

Tornado Outbreak on March 2

The Mayor and Commission voiced their sympathy and words of support to families living in Kentucky affected by the tornado outbreak last Friday.  One of the hardest hit areas was in Morgan County in the eastern half of the state where six people were killed.  The majority of the town of West Liberty was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado with 140 mile per hour winds.  The tornado left a damage path one mile wide.  Commissioner Gayle Kaler says, “Making a donation to the American Red Cross would be one of the best ways to help them.”  Mayor Bill Paxton says, “Even though we were spared, others were not.” 

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