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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/07AUGUST 21, 2007 At a Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners, held on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at 5:30 p.m., Mayor Paxton presided, and upon call of the roll by the Assistant City Clerk, the following answered to their names: Commissioners Coleman, Kaler, Smith, Watkins, and Mayor Paxton (5). PROCLAMATION 19TH AMENDMENT/WOMEN'S RIGHT TO VOTE Mayor Paxton presented a proclamation to Audrey Lee and Merryman Kemp, with the Paducah Business and Professional Women Organization, celebrating the 87th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote. Mayor Paxton introduced and welcomed Pam Spencer, the City's new Public Information Officer. WORKSHOP FOUNTAIN AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION UPDATE Tom Barnett, Director of Planning and Joel Scarbrough, Director of Inspection, presented a power -point presentation updating the Commission on the progress of the revitalization program efforts in the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood. The Revitalization Plan was adopted in April of this year due to the neighborhood being in decline. However, in May of 2006 the Inspection Department began increased enforcement of rental and commercial property. Increased police enforcement has reduced the number of assaults, drugs and thefts significantly. A Neighborhood Watch program will begin next month. The City has acquired 46 properties with one piece of property being turned over to an individual who has spent $56,000 to fix it up (1517 Harrison). Tom introduced Charlie Doherty. Mr. Doherty was hired in May as a part-time employee to assist citizens with questions, guidelines, etc. about the program. The Alliance of Churches is also assisting residents in the area with minor home repairs. The City has received a $375,000 grant but was turned down for the $1 million grant from CDBG this year. Will apply again next year. A developer is currently interested in the Thomas Jefferson site for a mixed-use development. Also, other developers are interested in other sites. The power -point displayed several different house plans that will be used in the revitalization area and Tom expressed the desire to develop this neighborhood as a "green space" and "eco -friendly" if possible. Incentives are being offered in the form of low interest loans from BB&T Bank and Paducah Bank. The City is also looking into eliminating permit fees and other fees. Items Tom and Joel are still working on include: • Establishing a salvage yard to sell, at a lower cost, the lumber and bricks from the homes that are torn down. • Establishing an incentives program. • Developing a marketing blitz. • Develop and maintain the website: www.fountainave.com • Neighborhood Meeting on September 13th to discuss the issues surrounding Lang Park. (side note: Money has been cut from city budget for park improvements) • Groundbreaking ceremony on September 24th. Mayor Paxton added he believes it's necessary for the City to advertise to the 40 million baby boomers beginning to retire and looking to downsize to affordable housing. He then asked for comments from the Commissioners. Commissioner Coleman stated he has received numerous complaints from citizens in this neighborhood and was contacted today by Mr.' George Ross who was in attendance at the meeting. He asked Mr. Ross to 290 AUGUST -21,2007 address the Commission. Mr. Ross stated that his father has owned commercial property at the corner of 13th & Monroe streets since the early 80's. The property has been levied fines totaling $32,750. Mr. Ross believes the City is trying to drive homeowners out of the neighborhood by the continual harassment and is using the grant money received to help people from out of state move in and fix up the properties. Joel stated that many efforts have been made over the last 11 months to get the property owner to upgrade his property. However, no upgrades have been made in the last 25 years. Mayor Paxton thanked Mr. Ross for attending the meeting and expressing his concerns. The Mayor stated this is a good program and he wants to continue dialogue with the residents. The Commission is asking the property owners to maintain their properties. The Commission wants a community that is growing and attractive. Commissioner Watkins reiterated that he voted against this program because he thought the residents currently living in the Fountain Avenue Neighborhood could not afford to upgrade their homes to the code enforcement expectations. CITY MANAGER REPORT • Mr. Zumwalt reminded the Commission of a previous meeting where residents adjacent to the Barkley Woods Subdivision development expressed concerns with allowing the developer to burn the many piles of trees and brush on the site. The City wants to be developer friendly while minimizing problems to neighboring residents. Much discussion ensued. The Mayor asked each Commissioner if they would be willing to allow an open burn once the burn ban (due to the current drought) is lifted. Commissioners Coleman, Kaler, and Smith said "no". Commissioner Watkins said "possibly, if the conditions were right". The Mayor stated that a meeting would be scheduled with the City Engineer, City Manager, and Fire Marshal to discuss possible solutions. • Calendar Items Upon motion the meeting adjourned. ADOPTED: August a S , 2007 Assistant City Clerk