Continuous Improvement Item - City Facilities

City Facilitiescontinuous improvement - city facilities

Objective

Implement action items identified in the facilities maintenance plan.

Identify a replacement/relocation plan for Fire Station 4 (3189 Jackson Street) and Parks and Recreation Facility (1400 H.C. Mathis Drive).

Note: This was a 2021 City Commission Priority.  In 2022, city facilities became an item listed for continued focused improvement.

Key Team Members

City Engineer Rick Murphy
Finance Director Jonathan Perkins
Fire Chief Steve Kyle
Parks & Recreation Department Director Amie Clark
Public Works Director Chris Yarber

Expectations

  • Budget for projects identified within the facilities maintenance plan on an annual basis
  • Establish a city facilities improvement plan similar to fleet
  • Consider using a portion of existing bond proceeds for identified projects within the plan
  • Solicit design and construction estimates for the facilities

Accomplishments - 2021 to present

Facilities Improvement Trust Fund and Funding  The City Manager’s Office and Finance prepared an administrative guideline for the creation of the City Facility Improvement Trust Fund.  In FY2022, the City has allocated $800,000 to initiate the fund.  The goal is to have $1 million available in FY2023 to begin facilities maintenance projects with departments reimbursing the Trust Fund beginning in FY2024.

Working to Implement Improvements  The City Manager’s Office, Public Works, and Engineering are working on a facilities improvement implementation plan based on the needs identified in the facilities study.  They are prioritizing the 269 improvement items in the study by safety, functionality, and aesthetics in preparation for the FY2023 budget process.

Fire Station #4 Facility  Reviewing options, site requirements, and potential property acquisition for a future Fire Station #4 replacement. Planning to discuss facility needs with Board of Commissioners at an upcoming meeting.  Prior to the meeting, Board of Commissioners will tour Fire Station #4, and the City will hold a media preview. 

Parks & Recreation Facility  Met with a developer to discuss future development opportunities for the existing parks building located at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive.  This building currently houses the Parks & Recreation Department and the Senior Center.  It's an expensive building to maintain in its current state with utility costs around $100,000 per year.  The Senior Center is reviewing options that would be more economical for its operations including the renovation of the current facility on HC Mathis, relocation to another facility, and/or the City’s support of a CDBG grant application for funds for the project.  Met with PADD office to discuss CDBG grant opportunities and application process for the Senior Center, renovation, or relocation project.

Robert Cherry Civic Center   

  • The Paducah Board of Commissioners discussed at its June 22, 2021, meeting the future of the 9377 square foot Robert Cherry Civic Center located at 2701 Park Avenue.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City closed the facility in 2020.  Since the facility operates at an annual loss of more than $35,000, the City is looking at repurposing it to house the Parks & Recreation Department and provide a community banquet hall.
  • Peck Flannery Gream Warren (PFGW) completed a feasibility study on the building which was used to create a RFP due September 8, 2021, from architectural and design firms for the project.
  • In September 2021, the Board authorized the City Manager to enter into negotiations with PFGW for the engineering design to renovate the Civic Center with the Board approving the contract with PFGW in October.
  • In January 2022, PFGW met with stakeholders to gather input on community civic center needs to inform the design of the banquet space.
  • After hearing from PFGW in February and March, the Board approved a motion at its March 22, 2022, meeting to move forward with the option that uses the existing building footprint with no increase in square footage.  This option uses approximately three-quarters of the existing building footprint to provide assembly, kitchen, and storage space with a seating capacity for 160 to 256 people at rectangular tables depending upon the table configuration and dance floor space.  The remaining building square footage is designed to provide office and reception space for the Parks & Recreation Department.  It will take nearly four to five months to prepare the construction documents and receive bids.  The construction phase is estimated to take 12 to 16 months.
  • At the March 2022 meeting, the Board agreed to set aside $1.8 million of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the project.   The City of Paducah is receiving $6.439 million in ARPA funding and already has set aside $4 million for stormwater projects. 

Commission Priorities

Read all Commission Priorities and Continuous Improvement Items including each action item's objective, key team members, and expectations by visiting Commission Priorities.