HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/09NOVEMBER 17, 2009
At a Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners, held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at 5:30
p.m., Mayor Paxton presided, and upon call of the roll by the City Clerk, the following answered to
their names: Commissioners Abraham, Gault, Kaler, Watkins and Mayor Paxton (5).
PRESENTATION
HOUSING & POVERTY IN PADUCAH
John Williams, Sr., gave a presentation of an ongoing project he has taken on trying to understand
why housing (low rent and subsidized) and poverty in Paducah is higher than the national and state
average. He discussed goals to enhance the public school system, data learned from studying local
school issues, percentage of free and reduced lunches, etc. A copy of his report is contained in the
minute file and is posted on the City's website.
WORKSHOP
DISCUSSION OF TRANSFER OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY (401 KENTUCKY AVE.)
Paducah Renaissance Alliance Executive Director Steve Doolittle- Over the last couple of weeks
there has been discussion of a property swap between the City and GeoTech-Marcum Engineering.
The city owned property is located at 401 Kentucky Avenue and the Marcum property is located on
South 17`i' Street. The city building a/k/a the Commerce Center houses GPEDC, Chamber of
Commerce, McCracken County Community Career Endowment and EntrePaducah. The building
was given to the City in 2003 by Regions Bank and contains 17,000 square feet. The estimated cash
value of $675,000 was put in the deed. At this time an appraisal has not been completed. Mr.
Doolittle went over the pro's and con's of the city owning the building. Since 2003 the City has spent
over $281,000 in maintenance costs. If the City should decide to accept the proposal the City would
gain:
❖ 50+ employees in downtown
❖ eliminate a building the city did not purchase
❖ eliminate an average of $40,000 annually in maintenance costs
❖ gain a property with $100,000 in equity
Susan Guess, President of the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, informed the Commission
that the Board is supportive of the City if they decide to move forward with the proposition. The
Chamber cannot afford to take the building.
MANAGER REPORT
❖ Announcement that Paducah Renaissance Alliance has been selected by National Trust for
Historic Preservation as one of the 10 semifinalists for a Main Street Award.
❖ Calendar Items
❖ City Hall and other city facilities will be closed over the Thanksgiving holidays.
❖ Personnel actions -no discussion
❖ Property Tax Issue — The commission has received a complaint regarding the tax payment for
FY2010. A citizen was upset that the %2 (split) payment amount has changed from $350 to
$500. After discussion of the situation the City Manager recommended that changes not be
made midstream. Commission agreed to leave the payment as is and not amend the
ordinance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Abraham offered motion, seconded by Commissioner Gault, that the Board go into
closed session for discussion of matters pertaining to the following topics:
❖ Proposed or pending litigation, as permitted by KRS 61,810(1)(c).
Adopted on call of the roll, yeas, Commissioner Abraham, Gault, Kaler, Watkins. and Mayor Paxton
(5).
Upon motion the meeting adjourned.
ADOPTED: November 24 2009
Jonrn� S. &��k
City Clerk