Paducah City Commission Meeting – March 10, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM on March 10, 2026, by Mayor George P. Bray. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Wilson, who was attending a meeting on the city’s behalf. The agenda included proclamations, public comments, consent items, two municipal orders, an ordinance adoption, three ordinance introductions, and a discussion of Noble Park’s centennial.

Proclamations

• Mayor Bray proclaimed March 2026 as American Red Cross Month and Brain Injury Awareness Month, honoring the work of the Red Cross and Neuro Restorative.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the February 24, 2026, meeting.
• Appointments to boards: Jennifer Cook (Senior Citizens Board), Paul King (Waterworks), Rick Cochran and Mark Kettler (Golf Commission).
• Property transactions: acquisition of 729 South 13th Street ($9,729 reimbursement) and sale of 715 Jones Street ($1) to Teddy Bear Estates.
• Authorized RFPs for storm pipe repair at pump station 5 and Coleman Road Sidewalk Project.
• Accepted a Kentucky Pride Fund composting grant of $502,416 for a screen.
• Declared police vehicles surplus and approved transfer to McCracken County Schools for $19,000.
• Approved a $25,000 advance operational support addendum for the Hotel Metropolitan co-stewardship agreement.
• All items passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Taylor (President, Jefferson Street Area Association) strongly opposed the Catterjon development plan, stating the 12‑home layout would face houses toward each other rather than toward Jefferson or Broadway, detracting from the historic district. He noted a third proposal to turn four lots facing Jefferson but was told only 3,944 sq ft of buildable space remained (below the 6,000 sq ft minimum). He urged the commission to reconsider.
• Bill Coscarelli (220 Fountain Avenue) supported maintaining the integrity of the historic district and called for earlier public engagement by city planners, referencing his experience in Carbondale.
• Jack Burry and Miss Burry echoed the frustration, emphasizing that the neighborhood association was not consulted before plans were finalized.

Discussion Items

• Catterjon Development Agreement: Carol Gault presented the final agreement with Westwood Development LLC. The project, named Clayton Park, will consist of 12 homes averaging $400,000 and 1,800 sq ft (total ~$4.5 million). Incentives include a 5% construction rebate, two years to break ground, and a five‑year cap. After the eighth lot is sold, common areas (including private drives) transfer to the HOA. The planning commission held two public hearings and made a favorable recommendation. Gault noted that staff went beyond normal procedures to engage neighbors, including a meeting with Mr. Mills and the association. Commissioner Henderson acknowledged the concerns but said the project is “good for the masses” and voted yes. Commissioner Smith and Mayor Bray also supported, believing it will raise property values on Jefferson Street.
• Bond Retirement: The city approved retiring two bond issues (2013A and 2018B) using existing funds. The 2013A bonds (original $1.12 million for Noble Park pool, outstanding $265,000) are callable; the 2018B bonds (outstanding $495,000) will be placed in escrow through maturity. This will save approximately $30,000 and reduce future debt service by about $270,000 per year for three years. The bonds carried interest rates near 4%; current investments yield ~3.5%. The motion passed unanimously.
• Lumos Fiber Franchise: The commission adopted an ordinance granting a non‑exclusive 10‑year franchise to Lumos Fiber of Kentucky. George Kemp, construction relations director, presented a full three‑year build‑out plan covering most of the city. He emphasized the company’s commitment to communication and restoration, noting they will handle complaints within 24 hours and resolve issues in two to four days. Commissioner Smith raised concerns about past fiber projects causing long‑term yard disruption and requested tighter permitting timelines. The city engineer will be asked to incorporate restoration deadlines. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Ordinance Introductions: Three ordinances were introduced:
  1. Medical Cannabis Dispensary Signage – Allows NatureMed to use logos, symbols, and brand colors on signage at their only Paducah dispensary, with restrictions (no neon, no off‑premise signs). The planning commission recommended approval on March 2.
  2. AFSCME Local 1586 Agreement – A three‑year contract (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029) with updates to grievance procedures, vacation policy, and base wage increases tied to state compensation limits. Adds Veterans Day as a holiday and increases boot allowance.
  3. Police Department Bargaining Unit Agreement – Similar three‑year contract with mandatory annual physicals and phasing out retiree life insurance (grandfathering current participants). Both agreements were negotiated in three meetings and were praised by the city manager.
• Noble Park 100th Anniversary: Taylor, from Parks and Recreation, presented a history of Bob Noble Park (founded in 1926) and plans for the centennial. Key initiatives:
  • Tree Planting: 100 trees (white oaks, bald cypress, red maples, sugar maples) to diversify the canopy. Residents can sponsor trees for $200 each (options for 3, 5, or 10 trees).
  • Celebration: July 30 – August 2, 2026, including movies, concerts, a fun run, yoga, kids’ activities, a history walk, and discounted pool admission.
  • Merchandise: T‑shirts, posters, and magnets will be sold at the parks and recreation office. Commissioner Henderson noted strong community interest in the tree program.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the Catterjon development agreement (Westwood Development) for Clayton Park (12 homes, ~$4.5 million). Vote: 4–0 (Commissioner Wilson absent).
• Approved the bond retirement motion (unanimous).
• Adopted the Lumos Fiber franchise ordinance (unanimous).
• Introduced three ordinances for medical cannabis signage, AFSCME contract, and police contract; second readings will occur at a future meeting.
• Executive Session held for real estate, litigation, personnel, and economic development discussions; no action taken afterward.