HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-13APRIL 16, 2013
At a Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners, held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013,
at 5:30 p.m., Mayor Kaler presided, and upon call of the roll by the City Clerk, the
following answered to their names: Commissioners Abraham, Gault, Rhodes, Wilson
and Mayor Kaler (4).
The Board met and held a workshop for information regarding the Kentucky Prescription
Drug Card, presented by Human Resources Director Cindy Medford and an update on the
Riverfront Redevelopment Project led by City Manager Jeff Pederson.
Details from the City Commission Highlights prepared by Public Information Officer
Pam Spencer are as follows.
WORKSHOP
Kentucky Prescription Drug Card Program
Human Resources Director Cindy Medford briefed the Mayor and Commissioners about
the Kentucky Rx Card program which is a free statewide prescription assistance program
open to anyone regardless of age or income. Commissioner Richard Abraham had asked
Medford to research the validity of the program. Medford found that the Kentucky
League of Cities advocates it. City Manager Jeff Pederson says, "We are simply trying to
help the public to know that this is out there." There are no forms to fill out and no
restrictions on membership. The goal is to help the uninsured and underinsured afford
prescription medications. However, those with health insurance can also use the program
on non -covered medications. Both brand and generic medications are eligible for
discounts ranging from 30%-75%. Kentucky Rx Card is accepted at more than 56,000
pharmacies across the country, including all major chains. In addition to the prescription
drug card, the program offers other discounts on teeth whitening supplies, prescription
eye glasses, hearing aids, and diabetic supplies. The program is estimated to have saved
more than $9 million to Kentucky residents. Medford also provided statistics regarding
the health of Kentucky's residents. Kentucky currently is second in the nation for
tobacco use and sixth in the nation for high obesity rates and for diabetes. According to
the 2010 Census, more than 647,000 Kentuckians do not have health insurance.
Kentucky residents can obtain a free card, search drug pricing, and locate participating
pharmacies by visiting www.Kentucky&Card.com. The website lists participating
pharmacies in the Paducah -McCracken County area including CVS, Kmart, Wal-Mart,
Walgreens, Sam's Pharmacy, and Strawberry Hills Pharmacy.
Riverfront Redevelopment Project Update
City Manager Jeff Pederson provided the Mayor and Commissioners with an outline
including funding sources, funds spent to date, and budgets for each of three projects
related to the riverfront project. This presentation was an informational one with no
action taken. The construction contracts for the first two projects are planned to be
introduced at next Tuesday's Commission meeting with a second reading on the
ordinances the following Tuesday. If approved, the work for the first two projects would
begin in May.
Ohio River Boat Launch Project: Bids were opened in March for the Ohio River Boat
Launch Project which will add a boat ramp, courtesy dock, and parking area at the end of
Burnett Street. Burnett Street would be improved from North 8" Street to North 6th
Street over the floodwall. In tallying the available grant funding, funds spent to date on
the project (dating back to 2007), the reallocation of current year MAP funds (State
municipal aid program for funding road projects), and proposed funding of nearly
$200,000 from next year's Investment Fund budget, the total project budget will be $2.94
million.
Breakwater Project (also known as the mass fill or bump -out project): The Engineering -
Public Works Department received sealed bids for the Riverfront Redevelopment Project
Phase 1-A, Piles and Mass Fill, project on April 4. This project involves the installation
by barge of approximately 230,000 cubic yards of stone fill in the Ohio River to create a
land mass, the installation of guide structures for a gangway, and the removal of existing
concrete rip -rap. Once the fill is in place, it will need to settle for nine to 12 months
before further work can commence. Due to the three received bids being in excess of the
funds available, the bids were rejected. The bids ranged from $6.6 million to $8.2
APRIL 16, 2013
million. City Engineer -Public Works Director Rick Murphy says the bids were
surprisingly high since the engineering estimate was $3.9 million. The City of Paducah
commenced competitive negotiations with the bidders on Monday, April 15, bringing the
bid to $4.49 million. So far, dating back to 2008, the City has invested $1.26 million in
this project including engineering design, legal fees, and mussel relocation costs. At this
point, there is a $1.42 million shortfall. Pederson recommends using more than a half
million in funds from an upcoming bond or from the general fund reserve in addition to
the proceeds from the sale of the city -owned property on Sheehan Bridge Road. The City
bought the property several years ago for $900,000 with the plan to construct a sports
complex. Pederson says, "The sale of the Sheehan Bridge Road property has not
happened yet. It will happen in May or probably June." Pederson has been working with
local auction companies to get an idea of land prices and feels the City can reclaim its
investment in the property.
Marina Services Building/Gangway/Transient Dock Project: Bids would not be
requested for this project until 2014. It involves the construction of a marina services
building and fueling station, a 400 foot transient dock, and a gangway. Slips for a marina
would be bid alternates. This project includes the landscaping for the breakwater
project. Including funds spent to date and grant funding, this project is expected to cost
$5.1 million.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
At a previous commission meeting Paducah Renaissance Director Lisa Thompson gave a
summary about the new policies and procedure for the Downtown Farmer's Market. At
tonight's meeting, the City Manager informed the Commission the proposed new
schedule days of service would change from 3 days a week to 6 days and the hours will
be the same as last year.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Gault offered motion, seconded by Commissioner Abraham, that the
Board go into closed session for discussion of matters pertaining to the following topics:
1. Future sale or acquisition of a specific parcel(s) of real estate, as permitted by
KRS 61.810(1) (b).
2. A specific proposal by a business entity where public discussion of the subject
matter would jeopardize the location, retention, expansion or upgrading of a
business entity, as permitted by KRS 61.810(1) (g).
Adopted on call of the roll, yeas, Commissioners Abraham, Gault, Rhodes, Wilson and
Mayor Kaler (5).
ADOPTED: April 23, 2013
City Clerk
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