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.