OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Paducah City Commission Meeting - January 27, 2026

City Commission — Tuesday, January 27, 2026
BodyPaducah, Kentucky
SessionCity Commission
DateTuesday, January 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:34:40

Transcript — Verbatim
1:44

Good afternoon, good evening, everyone.

1:46

Welcome.

1:47

Always good to see a good crowd here.

1:50

I'll go ahead and call this meeting to order on January 27th, 2026, and ask the city clerk to please call roll.

1:57

Commissioner Henderson.

1:58

Present.

1:58

Commissioner Smith.

1:59

Here.

1:59

Commissioner Thomas.

2:01

Commissioner Wilson.

2:02

Present.

2:02

Mayor Bray.

2:03

Present.

2:04

I would ask uh Commissioner Smith to do the invocation, and then we'll remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:15

Father, we thank you for your grace and goodness.

2:18

May your face continually shine upon us so that your ways may be known in our communities.

2:24

Amen.

2:27

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

2:31

And to republic for which it stands, one nation and a God, individual with liberty, and justice.

3:22

Might be the last year to do the audit.

3:31

So okay, well, I hope y'all all had a chance to uh look over your uh financial statements uh for tonight.

3:41

Uh my name's David Hampton.

3:43

I'm a partner with Kemper CPA group.

3:45

Unfortunately, uh Lauren Delaney, who is an upcoming partner in our firm.

3:51

Uh, she's not with us.

3:52

She actually managed the job and performed pretty much everything on it.

3:56

And I just kind of sat back in the review process, but I was hoping to introduce her, but she still snowed in.

4:03

But uh, we'll try to get her over here some one evening so y'all can meet her.

4:08

Uh auditors had a chance and Stephanie's had a chance to work with her for several years.

4:15

I think they're pretty pleased with her, and so uh, but anyway, uh first off want to thank you all again for the opportunity to be in your own auditors.

4:24

Uh we want to thank uh the staff of the city for all their attention and assistance and cooperations during the audit, and we certainly uh want to thank you all for the opportunity.

4:36

Especially want to hand out to Audra and Stephanie, their staff.

4:42

They did a wonderful job again this year.

4:45

Um course, John was here, and he's always done a wonderful job as well.

4:50

But you know, now we got rid of him.

4:52

Now we got some good blood in there.

4:54

We can move forward.

4:56

No, so I'll miss John, but I'm certainly happy to work with Audra.

5:00

I've been working with her for several years and extremely enjoyed it.

5:04

But they've they really work hard for us to get it done.

5:08

So uh this is your annual comprehensive financial report.

5:14

Uh it consists of an introductory section, the financial statements, which include our auditors' report, your basic financial statements and management discussion and analysis required and other supplemental schedules, uh statistical section, and then a single audit section.

5:32

So that's kind of an overview of the report uh on page 11 or page 16 of the PDF, and I don't think I didn't do a presentation.

5:42

I didn't know if you had a PDF or not.

5:44

So, anyway, this is our independent auditors report on page 11.

5:49

Uh, the second paragraph discloses our opinion, and as noted, we've turned these statements are fairly stated in all material respect.

5:57

This is known as an unmodified or clean opinion, uh, no gap departures.

6:03

Uh, in the fifth paragraph, and the first paragraph of the next page, we discuss the cities and our responsibilities as your auditors.

6:12

These financial statements are the responsibility of city.

6:16

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these statements and notes.

6:21

Uh with that in mind.

6:22

Uh, this is noted in paragraph four.

6:25

On page 12, we applied limited procedures to the required management discussion and analysis, the pension and other post-employed supplemental informations on pages 14 through 29 and 103 through 108.

6:42

Uh, because this information is not out of it, we don't express an opinion on this.

6:48

And then, as noted uh in the fifth paragraph, we did audit uh procedures on supplementary information included on pages 109 through 129, the schedule of expenditures of federal awards on pages 150 and 151 and determined these statements and schedules are fairly presented in all material respect.

7:12

The second paragraph of page 13.

7:16

Uh, we do not audit the introductorial section or this fiscal section, so accordingly, we don't express an opinion on those, that information as well.

7:27

And so that concludes our report on your financial statements.

7:31

Uh, because you are a governmental entity, you are required additional reports under the governmental auditing standards back on pages 152 and 153 toward the back of your uh ACFRT.

7:47

Uh this report will disclose our findings, if any, regarding internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with certain laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements uh in accordance with governmental auditing standards.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development████████████████████████24%
Procedural████████████████16%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████████15%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████10%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Arts And Culture████4%
Historic Preservation████4%
Personnel Matters██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Paducah City Commission Meeting - January 27, 2026

The Paducah City Commission met on January 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM (approximate start) with Mayor Bray presiding and Commissioners Henderson, Smith, Thomas, and Wilson present. The meeting included an audit presentation, updates from Main Street Paducah, new employee introductions, approval of a consent agenda, adoption of multiple municipal orders and ordinances, a discussion of the Build Grant riverfront project, and an executive session.

Financial Audit Presentation

  • David Hampton of Kemper CPA Group presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. He stated the audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion with no material weaknesses or instances of non-compliance. The report includes the independent auditor's report, management discussion and analysis, financial statements, and required supplementary information. Hampton commended city staff, particularly Audra and Stephanie, for their cooperation.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments were scheduled or received.

Main Street Paducah Update

  • David (board chair) along with Executive Director Blaine McDonald and Assistant Manager Carly Dick reported on the first six months of Main Street as an independent 501c3 organization. Key statistics presented:
    • 189 buildings in the Main Street footprint; 127 are businesses (including 22 restaurants/bars and 13 museums/galleries/theaters).
    • 21 vacant buildings; 11 are under construction or recently sold, 3 for sale, leaving 10 truly vacant.
    • 87% building occupancy (up from 50% in prior years).
    • Six-month growth (July–December 2025): 26 development projects (completed and in progress), $14.7 million in reinvestments (three times higher than 2024), 9 buildings sold.
    • 11 holiday events, monthly merchant meetings, an upstairs downtown showcase, and a Pork Stock fundraiser.
    • Social media: 2.5 million engagements.
  • Goals set for the year: 10 new businesses (achieved, on track for 20 by June 2026), 40 events (25 already achieved), fundraising of $50,000 (exceeded, on track for $100k). FNB Bank signed on as presenting sponsor for the summer music series.
  • Announced Fridays after Five music festival: 10 consecutive weeks (June 5–August 7, 2026), featuring 30 bands across three stages on Broadway. Volunteer needs and corporate sponsorship details were discussed.
  • Commissioners Henderson, Smith, Wilson, and Mayor Bray expressed strong support, praising the team's energy, focus on economic development, and social media impact. Commissioner Smith noted the shift beyond just events to supporting merchants and attracting businesses.

New Employee Introductions

  • Fire Chief Kyle introduced two new employees in the fire prevention division:
    • Scott Heron – Deputy Building Inspector, started August 2025. 35 years of construction experience, previously a third-party inspector for Toyota.
    • Chris Likens – Code Enforcement Inspector, started October 2025. Retired from Mayfield Fire Department (20 years), also has construction and small business experience.

Consent Agenda

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously (4-0) with no items removed. It included:
    • Approval of minutes from January 13, 2026.
    • Appointment of Latoya Burton Richardson to the Human Rights Commission.
    • Reappointments to the Electric Plant Board and Board of Ethics.
    • Various personnel actions and municipal orders for payments, bids, grants, surplus property, and contractual agreements (including city manager's employment renewal).
    • A $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant application.

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Adoption – Municipal Order

  • Finance Director Audra presented the FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, a five-year roadmap for major capital projects. The plan includes 38 projects totaling $104.2 million, with priority rankings from "imperative" to "desirable." The CIP does not authorize appropriations; all projects must go through the annual budget process. The plan will be updated annually. Commissioner Henderson described it as a necessary tool for long-term planning. The motion to adopt passed unanimously (4-0).

Riverport Authority Grant – Municipal Order

  • The commission approved a $145,312.24 grant to the Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority to retire legacy debt, facilitating plans for a new Riverport West facility at the Triple Rail site. Commissioner Wilson noted the debt is from years past and that the authority has outgrown its current site. The authority has already secured a $3.5 million state grant for design and is applying for federal DOT grants. Passed unanimously (4-0).

Duke and Duchess Foundation Matching Grant – Municipal Order

  • A $25,000 matching grant was approved to support the newly formed Duke and Duchess Foundation, which aims to expand charitable work honoring Duke and Duchess awardees. Jennifer McIntosh Lasher and Rayla Trigg reported the foundation has raised $25,000 in private donations, adopted bylaws, received 501c3 status, and plans a public launch in 2026. Mayor Bray recused himself, and the motion passed 3-0 (Commissioner Henderson aye, Commissioner Smith aye, Mayor Pro Tem Wilson aye).

Brooks Stadium Commission Amendment – Ordinance Adoption

  • An ordinance was adopted amending the Brooks Stadium Commission to allow one or more ex officio non-voting members. The commission appointed Eddie Jones to a term expiring December 5, 2029, and appointed Dr. Frank "Doc" Heidegg as an ex officio member to retain his expertise. Passed unanimously (4-0).

Street Name Change Ordinance Introduction

  • An ordinance to rename Downs Drive as Steve Doolittle Drive was introduced. The change honors the late Stephen D. Doolittle, former city employee and McCracken County Deputy Judge Executive, and affects only the sports park entrance. The motion to introduce passed unanimously (4-0).

Subdivision Surety Bond Ordinance Introduction

  • An ordinance was introduced authorizing a surety agreement with Chapman Property Development LLC for Melody Lane street improvements, accepting a $150,000 bond and street acceptance plat for the 32-unit Melody Hills apartment complex. Passed unanimously (4-0).

Build Grant Riverfront Project Update

  • Greg (staff) provided an update on the $22 million riverfront project. Construction is 70% complete (~$15 million spent). Progress includes:
    • Excursion pier with pre-cast panels installed.
    • Compass rose feature at Harrison Street opening.
    • Amphitheater, shelters, and landscaping.
    • Improvements at Convention Center and trail connections.
  • Completion estimated between July and September 2026.
  • Commissioner Wilson raised concerns about two concrete monoliths at the floodwall entrance (formerly coal chute supports). City Manager recommended removal, and the commission requested a cost estimate to remove them, noting they detract from the new project.

City Manager Comments

  • The annual South Side Chili Supper scheduled for January 29 was postponed to February 5, 2026 (5:30 PM at WC Young Center) due to weather.
  • City Manager thanked public works crews for snow and ice response.
  • Commissioner Smith noted fiber optic companies have left yards torn up and work incomplete. Greg (engineering) said above-ground work is not permit-tied, but the city will follow up with companies and seek a progress update. Commissioner Smith stressed the need for timely restoration.

Executive Session

  • The commission voted to enter closed session (4-0) to discuss a specific business proposal per KRS 61.810(1)(g), with no action anticipated afterward.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, good evening, everyone. Welcome. Always good to see a good crowd here. I'll go ahead and call this meeting to order on January 27th, 2026, and ask the city clerk to please call roll. Commissioner Henderson. Present. Commissioner Smith. Here. Commissioner Thomas. Commissioner Wilson. Present. Mayor Bray. Present. I would ask uh Commissioner Smith to do the invocation, and then we'll remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Father, we thank you for your grace and goodness. May your face continually shine upon us so that your ways may be known in our communities. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to republic for which it stands, one nation and a God, individual with liberty, and justice. Might be the last year to do the audit. So okay, well, I hope y'all all had a chance to uh look over your uh financial statements uh for tonight. Uh my name's David Hampton. I'm a partner with Kemper CPA group. Unfortunately, uh Lauren Delaney, who is an upcoming partner in our firm. Uh, she's not with us. She actually managed the job and performed pretty much everything on it. And I just kind of sat back in the review process, but I was hoping to introduce her, but she still snowed in. But uh, we'll try to get her over here some one evening so y'all can meet her. Uh auditors had a chance and Stephanie's had a chance to work with her for several years. I think they're pretty pleased with her, and so uh, but anyway, uh first off want to thank you all again for the opportunity to be in your own auditors. Uh we want to thank uh the staff of the city for all their attention and assistance and cooperations during the audit, and we certainly uh want to thank you all for the opportunity. Especially want to hand out to Audra and Stephanie, their staff. They did a wonderful job again this year. Um course, John was here, and he's always done a wonderful job as well. But you know, now we got rid of him. Now we got some good blood in there. We can move forward. No, so I'll miss John, but I'm certainly happy to work with Audra. I've been working with her for several years and extremely enjoyed it. But they've they really work hard for us to get it done. So uh this is your annual comprehensive financial report. Uh it consists of an introductory section, the financial statements, which include our auditors' report, your basic financial statements and management discussion and analysis required and other supplemental schedules, uh statistical section, and then a single audit section. So that's kind of an overview of the report uh on page 11 or page 16 of the PDF, and I don't think I didn't do a presentation. I didn't know if you had a PDF or not. So, anyway, this is our independent auditors report on page 11. Uh, the second paragraph discloses our opinion, and as noted, we've turned these statements are fairly stated in all material respect. This is known as an unmodified or clean opinion, uh, no gap departures. Uh, in the fifth paragraph, and the first paragraph of the next page, we discuss the cities and our responsibilities as your auditors. These financial statements are the responsibility of city. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these statements and notes.

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