HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-13MAY 75 2013
At a Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners, held on Tuesday, May 7, 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 Gault, Rhodes, Wilson and Mayor Kaler (4). Commissioner
Abraham was absent (1).
WORKSHOP:
At the City Commission meeting two items were listed on the agenda. First item, "Fire
Department Cost Recovery Proposal", with Fire Chief Steve Kyle providing the
presentation and the second item was the "Roof Stabilization Program" presented by Lisa
Thompson, Executive Director of Paducah Renaissance Alliance.
The following Commission Highlights prepared by Pam Spencer, Public Information
Officer, summarize the discussion at the meeting. No action was taken.
City Commission Meeting Highlights
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
Note: Commissioner Richard Abraham vas unable to attend this meeting
Fire Department Cost Recovery Proposal
Paducah Fire Chief Steve Kyle presented the Commission with a proposal to recover the costs that
the Fire Department spends when it responds to the following specific incidents: vehicle fires,
motor vehicle collisions with extrication, and unpermitted burning events. This user -fee would
include city and non -city residents. Chief Kyle estimates that the City could recover approximately
$20,000 per year. Chief Kyle says, "It's an increasing trend around the country for fire departments
to recover some of the costs for the services provided." The process would involve a vendor service
that would pass along the user -fee to insurance companies involved in the vehicle fires or extrication
incidents and to the property owner in the unpermitted burning events. Chief Kyle adds that the
Concord and Reidland-Farley Fire Departments charge the insurance companies of residents when
they respond to particular incidents. City Manager Jeff Pederson says, "This is the instance of a
director looking at revenue opportunities to bring money into the tight budget." The Mayor and
Commissioners asked Chief Kyle to draft an ordinance and to provide information from other cities
that are involved in cost recovery for their fire departments.
Roof Stabilization Assistance Program
Main Street/Paducah Renaissance Alliance (PRA) Executive Director Lisa Thompson briefed the
Mayor and Commissioners on a draft ordinance creating the Roof Stabilization Assistance Program.
The program's purpose is to address the large number of buildings in the Renaissance District that
have deteriorating roofs. The main goal is to save the buildings. Thompson says, "One of the things
you want to do first and foremost in any home or building is to keep the water out." PRA looked at
Rocky Mount, North Carolina's roof stabilization program as an initial guideline. By providing
incentives or assistance to property owners to repair their roofs to a standard that would lead to a ten
year warranty, the City will help limit the further deterioration of the buildings. In order to be
considered deficient, the building or unit must need a minimum of $50,000 worth of improvements.
In the draft ordinance, the City would reimburse 1/3 of the total cost of the roof repair not to
exceed $50,000 but at a minimum of $16,666. Thompson says, "The goal is to target these large
properties where the property owner is having a hard time putting together the funds." Funding for
the program would initially come from the leftover facade loan funds currently held by Columbia
Club, Inc. The Mayor and Commissioners had questions including the application criteria and
process, the type of loan (forgivable or revolving), and the future use of the structure. Thompson
will address these questions and concerns and provide an updated draft of the ordinance.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
A report was not given.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None were given tonight.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None were given tonight.
ADOPTED: June 11, 2014
City Clerk