Actions Related to Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Center (vote November 26)
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced two ordinances related to the development of the indoor recreation and aquatic center, an item listed in the City’s Strategic Plan as a WIN (What’s Important Now) initiative. The design of this indoor facility, which would be located at Noble Park, is underway. After a bidding process next spring, construction is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall 2020.
- The first ordinance introduced would amend Paducah Code of Ordinances Section 106-126 to raise the City’s Insurance Premium Tax from 6% to 7% effective July 1, 2020. If approved, the City would begin receiving this additional revenue in October 2020. This 1% increase is estimated to generate approximately $700,000 in annual revenue. These additional funds would be placed toward the annual debt service associated with the 2020A Bond Issue for the indoor recreation and aquatic facility’s construction. This increase in the insurance premium tax would not fund the entire bond payment. The bond would be structured in a way that the City would only pay the interest until other debt obligations retire beginning in 2023 that would make additional funds available.
- The second ordinance introduced is to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bond, Series 2020A in the amount of $22 million for the indoor recreation and aquatic center to include the costs of constructing and equipping the facility. This would be a 20-year bond.
Amend Chapter 14 in Code of Ordinances Related to Dogs at Special Events (vote November 26)
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 14 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances related to dogs at special events. This topic has been discussed at previous meetings based on concerns about the public’s safety when dogs attend crowded community events and festivals that are permitted by the City especially those that provide food such as Barbecue on the River. This amendment states that dogs are not allowed at permitted special events unless
- The dog is certified as a service dog; or
- The dog’s owner’s residence is located within the area designated for the special event; and the dog is restrained by a leash that is no longer than three feet; or
- The permit for the event specifically states that dogs may be brought into the area for the permitted event; and the dog is restrained by a leash that is no longer than three feet.
Interlocal Cooperative Agreement with McCracken County Property Valuation Administration (PVA)
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance to approve an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement in the amount of $13,335 with the McCracken County Property Valuation Administration (PVA). These funds will assist the PVA in hiring additional staff to complete assessment inspections of both commercial and residential properties within the Paducah city limits. The PVA has set a goal of completing county-wide inspections within four years as required by statute.
Accepting Credit/Debit Cards and Echeck Payments (vote November 26)
The City is working through several phases of upgrading the software systems that run many aspects of Paducah City government. The Munis Project aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of internal and external customer service and business processes. One of the new features is the ability to accept credit/debit card and electronic check payments. Services for electronic payment processing will include paying occupational license fees, property taxes, and permits. The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance authorizing the implementation of services fees associated with the use of credit cards, debit cards and echeck payment processing. This ordinance will provide for the appropriate service fee associated with processing the payment to be passed along to the customer. The service fee shall not exceed 4% for debit cards and credit cards or $1.50 for echecks. This form of payment is voluntary, and the customer can avoid paying the service fee by using other forms of payment.
Quick Highlights
- The following new employees were introduced to the Paducah Board of Commissioners: 911 Division Manager Robyn Hood and Neighborhood Project Planner Melanie Reason.
- Municipal order approved for a one-year Strategic Health Risk Advisor and Strategic Benefit Placement Services Contract with Peel & Holland for the administration of the City’s health insurance. The contract amount is for $78,900 with an additional fee of $200 per hour subject to a minimum retainer of $5000 for services requested by the City or the City’s legal counsel for issues that arise in connection to employee bargaining, legal matters, disputes, etc.
- Municipal order approved accepting the Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer Preservation Fund for Kentucky grant in the amount of $10,000. This grant is in partnership with the Paducah Art House Alliance (PAHA) for the roof restoration at the Columbia Theatre located at 504 Broadway. The City is providing $32,500 in roof stabilization funds, and PAHA is matching the grant. This grant is through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- Municipal order approved accepting the donation of property at 831 Campbell Street.
- Municipal order approved authorizing the application for a FY2020 EPA Brownfield grant in partnership with BCA Environmental Consulting. The City is requesting $300,000 with no local match required. If awarded, these funds would be used for assessment and cleanup of the Columbia Theatre.
- Municipal order approved for Change Order #1 with Youngblood Excavating & Contracting, LLC (YEC) for the Greenway Trail Phase IV project. This change order decreases the contract with YEC by $16,208 resulting in a new contract amount of $459,411.
- Ordinance introduced (vote November 26) for Contract Amendment #2 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for the Greenway Trail Phase IV project. This change order increases the contract amount by $46,689 resulting in a new contract amount of $134,189.
- There will be a called meeting between the Paducah Board of Commissioners and the McCracken County Fiscal Court on Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m. at City Hall to discuss E-911 equipment. The City Commission meeting schedule for the rest of the year includes meetings on November 26, December 10, and December 17.
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