Paducah City Council Meeting Summary - November 25, 2025

The Paducah Board of Commissioners convened on November 25, 2025, to proceed with the annual Civic Beautification Business Awards, public testimony on infrastructure and animal welfare, and several key municipal orders and ordinance introductions. The meeting focused heavily on the South Side Revitalization Plan, including property transfers to the Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency (URCDA), new housing incentives, and the introduction of an abandoned urban property tax. Public speakers and commissioners engaged in robust discussions regarding the need for balanced infrastructure investment, the implementation of a breeding ordinance, and the regulation of golf cart usage.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes for the November 4, 2025, special call meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
• Received and filed documents regarding the joint appointment of Jessica Housman to the 911 parcel fee appeals board to replace Jules Jones.
• Appointed Valerie Pollard, Bob Wade, Brian Wyatt, Jewel Jones, and Douglas McClure to the Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency (URCDA).
• Appointed Mark McGregor to the Board of Adjustment to replace Erna Boykin.
• Approved personnel actions and a contract modification with A and K Construction for a purchase credit of $1,341,242.08.
• Authorized the facility maintenance division to advertise for sealed bids for window tint and film for City Hall.
• Vote Tally: All items approved unanimously (Commissioner Henderson: Aye; Commissioner Smith: Aye; Commissioner Thomas: Aye; Commissioner Wilson: Aye; Mayor Bray: Aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Parker Jaco: Expressed strong support for Paducah's vision and growth but voiced concerns that the city is neglecting basic infrastructure. He argued that faded road paint, cracked sidewalks, and unsafe crosswalks will not support future population growth. He passionately requested the commission prioritize fundamental infrastructure improvements such as safe streets, connected sidewalks, and functional bike lanes to ensure community dignity and safety.
• Kimberly Yates: Expressed urgent support for the adoption of a breeding ordinance (Artie's Law). She argued that the current lack of statewide regulations has led to irresponsible breeding that overwhelms shelters, burdening taxpayers with costs while yielding zero revenue for the city. She positioned the proposed ordinance as pro-community and pro-revenue, advocating for licensing, litter limits, and veterinary oversight to reduce animal suffering and increase public safety.
• Commissioner Thomas: Expressed support for animal control and the intent of the breeding ordinance but cautioned the board to carefully consider the backlash received since the previous introduction. He encouraged reflection to ensure the best possible decision that balances interests, noting that the board has not yet finalized next steps.

Discussion Items

• Civic Beautification Business Awards: The board recognized ten businesses and organizations for exterior improvements and beautification, including Maggie Armand/Hernandez Painting, Goodwill Opportunity Center, Golden Carrot Natural Foods Store, West Kentucky Technical College, Hotel Metropolitan of Paducah, Chicken Salad Chick, Innovations Branding House (unable to attend), Advanced Internal Medicine, West Park Village, Primax Composite Home Systems, and Sola Salon. Commissioner Wilson joked about Dr. Reese winning the award before leaving the room for a previous meeting.
• Funding for Paducah Cooperative Ministry: Commissioners discussed a municipal order to provide up to $200,000 in funding for an emergency shelter. Commissioner Henderson praised county leadership for collaborating with the city and expressed appreciation for the work of Lacey and her team. The funding structure involves $100,000 delivered by April 1, 2026, and the remainder contingent on meeting construction benchmarks.
• URCDA Property Transfers: Commissioners discussed transferring 29 properties from the City to the URCDA to support Phase 1 of the South Side revitalization, and four properties back from URCDA to the City that are outside the revitalization area. Mayor Bray and Carol Galt emphasized transparency regarding URCDA operations despite recent negative correspondence, and noted that CFSB representatives were present to discuss financing incentives.
• Board Member Compensation Ordinance: Commissioners debated an ordinance establishing compensation of $100 per meeting for chairpersons and $75 for members, starting January 1, 2026. Mayor Bray expressed support, citing equity with the County (which pays similar rates) and the need to value the time and expertise of board members to attract quality candidates, though acknowledging some community pushback regarding public service volunteering. The Commission voted to approve the measure.
• Golf Cart Ordinance: Commissioners introduced an ordinance allowing golf carts on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less, with prohibitions on driving past sunset and requirements for inspection and insurance. Commissioner Wilson and Mayor Bray suggested the ordinance requires further study due to community concerns regarding minors, neighborhood-specific restrictions, and the sunset prohibition. Commissioner Wilson proposed forming an ad hoc citizen committee to study the issue and recommend adjustments, particularly regarding night-time usage and specific neighborhood restrictions.
• Abandoned Urban Property Tax: Commissioners introduced an ordinance imposing a tax rate of $1.50 per $100 of assessed value on vacant, dilapidated, or tax-delinquent properties for one year or more. Commissioner Wilson and Mayor Bray supported the tax as a motivational tool to deter speculation and encourage redevelopment, arguing the cost of blight exceeds the administrative and tax implementation costs. The discussion clarified that the tax does not authorize entry without a warrant, does not mandate repairs, and includes deferral options for properties under active renovation or sale.
• South Side Incentives Ordinance: Commissioners introduced expanded homeowner and developer incentives. Palmer and Carol Galt detailed a 30% reimbursement grant up to $30,000 for home renovations and new construction. For developers, they outlined a "gap financing" model where the city provides a zero-percent interest second mortgage to cover the difference between appraisal and sale price, reducing over 10 years to minimize buyer income impact. CFSB representatives were praised for offering 100% financing support.
• Commission Priorities Update: Michelle provided a status report on commission priorities, highlighting: 21 new downtown projects (including two new distilleries and a U.S. Bank renovation), significant progress on the Riverfront Plaza (targeting substantial completion by July), the hiring of a code enforcement officer, and the successful launch of the "My Paducah" app (880 downloads). She noted ongoing work on mental health initiatives, the Greenway Trail design, and a capital improvement plan for future facility needs.
• City Manager Comments: Mayor Bray reminded the public of holiday closures for Thanksgiving, noting the change in trash/recycling schedules to the following Monday. Commissioner Henderson addressed misleading advertisement campaigns regarding the breeding ordinance and praised the city's new partnership with WKCTC for the "Insight" job show, which aimed to increase government transparency.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously: Consent Agenda items; Municipal Order for $200,000 Emergency Shelter funding with Paducah Cooperative Ministry; Municipal Order transferring 29 properties to URCDA and 4 properties back to the City; Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances to establish board member compensation ($100/$75 rates).
• Introduced for further study/reading: Ordinance creating new traffic regulations for golf carts (Commission decided to form an ad hoc committee for further study); Ordinance creating a new tax category for abandoned urban properties; Ordinance abolishing the old South Side incentives and establishing new homeowner and developer grant programs.
• Next Steps: The Golf Cart ordinance will be reviewed by a proposed ad hoc citizen committee; The South Side incentives and Abandoned Urban Property Tax will move to next readings and implementation planning; A Capital Improvement Plan and budget alignment for priorities are scheduled for review on January 16, 2026.
• Executive Session: The commission voted unanimously to enter executive session for collective bargaining, personnel matters, and specific business proposals, followed by adjournment without further action.