HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/07323
OCTOBER 16, 2007
At a Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners, held on Tuesday, October 16,
2007, 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 Coleman, Kaler, Smith, Watkins
and Mayor Paxton (5).
WORKSHOP
KENTUCKY UNIFORM BUSINESS LICENSE & WAGE TAX
ADMINISTRATION ACT
Jon Perkins, Director & Angela Copeland, Revenue Manager of the Finance Department,
explained the City's current business license ordinance. State legislation is mandating
that all cities across the state become more uniform. Since the City is going to have to
make changes to the ordinance now is the time to decide, "Is the City going to still use
gross receipts or switch to net profit?" Mr. Perkins and Ms. Copeland explained the
differences between the two. At this time the City utilizes gross receipts as to how a
business license fee is figured. Mandated changes were also discussed along with
recommendations for the City's current ordinance. A hard copy of the powerpoint
presentation is in the minute file which has a more detailed plan. The Commission
delayed making a decision between gross receipts/net profit and directed the Finance
Department to proceed with the state mandated changes and their recommended changes
in the current ordinance. Compliance with state mandated changes have to be effective
by July 15, 2008.
RECYCLING DISCUSSION
Comm. Kaler met with Earnie Via, Chris Yarber—Public Works Department, Merle
Paschdag, member of GPS, and three vendors to discuss recycling. Comm. Kaler feels
that the citizens are ready to recycle. Curbside recycling is not ready to go at this time.
GPS has been collecting once a month. Their numbers keep going up each month. GPS
is gathering more information and will do a presentation in the near future.
DISCUSSION OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES PROGRAM
Steve Doolittle, Downtown Development Director and Carol Gault, Director of Paducah
Mainstreet, presented a plan for an incentive program for gaining new businesses. Tom
Barnett, Planning Director has also been giving some input into the program. The
proposed plan is called the "Retail Fence Program". The area defined for this program is
properties facing Jefferson Street to Kentucky and Seventh Street to the river. Types of
businesses wanted are women's clothing, men's clothing, wine and cheese store, a
sporting goods store and specialty shops. Currently the City offers a fagade loan
program. Proposed changes to the current program include increasing loan amount, start
charging interest and go with a 7 -year term instead of a 5 -year term. Also proposed was
a forgivable loan inducement, direct marketing inducement and property
acquisition/rehab inducement. Criteria will be set that each business will have to meet to
qualify for any of the incentives. A draft of the detailed proposed incentive plan is in the
minute file. To implement these plans the cost to the City would be a one time
investment of approximately $425,000 to $450,000.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
• Chief Benton of the Paducah Fire Department informed the Commission that the Fire
Department has received a grant in the amount of $10,000 from the Fireman's Fund
Insurance Company. The department is going to use the money to purchase trench
rescue equipment. Ceremony to receive the check will be October 22nd at Fire Station
No. 1 on Washington Street.
• Personnel Changes – No discussion, no changes
• Dates for 2008 commission advance with Lyle Sumek were discussed
• City Manager requested a motion to add a clause to the agreement with Merryman
House that the City commit $80,000 cash to Merryman House if the road project
going into the complex should fail.
MOTION-MERRYMAN HOUSE
Commissioner Kaler offered motion, seconded by Commissioner Coleman, that the City
add to the agreement with Merryman House in case the city does not spend the money on
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OCTOBER 16, 2007
the road going into the Merryman House complex then the City give them the $80,000
cash settlement to consummate the deal."
Adopted on call of the roll, yeas, Commissioners Coleman, Kaler, Watkins and Mayor
Paxton (4).
• City Manager requested a brief executive session to discuss economic development
prospects and an employee disciplinary action.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Kaler offered motion, seconded by Commissioner Coleman, that the
Board go into closed session for discussion of matters pertaining to the following topics:
• Future sale or acquisition of a specific parcel(s) of real estate, as permitted by KRS
61.810(1)(b).
• Issues which might lead to the appointment, dismissal, or disciplining of an
employee, as permitted by KRS 61.810(1)(f).
• 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 Coleman, Kaler, Watkins and Mayor
Paxton (4).
Upon motion the meeting adjourned.
ADOPTED: October 23 , 2007
JW"-" xka-k
City Clerk (�'5
Mayor