Emancipation Day Resolution
Immediately before the start of the meeting, elected officials, faith leaders, and the community gathered on the steps of City Hall for a photo symbolizing the shared commitment to preserving the legacy and significance of August 8th. This gathering was inspired by a historic 1958 photograph by Art Kane which captured a moment of unity, leadership and cultural excellence in Harlem. The goals of Paducah’s gathering are to honor the past, celebrate progress, and look toward a strong future. After the photo was taken, the group walked together into City Hall. This event was organized by the Community Growth Legacy Foundation.
During the meeting, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a resolution formally recognizing and memorializing August 8 of each year as Emancipation Day in the City of Paducah. The resolution encourages residents, community organizations, and institutions to commemorate this day through events, educational activities, and celebrations that honor the history and legacy of emancipation. The resolution includes the following statements.
WHEREAS August 8, 1866, is historically recognized in Paducah, in Western Kentucky, and in many communities across the region as the date on which formerly enslaved people first learned of and celebrated their freedom; and
WHEREAS African American churches in Paducah, in Western Kentucky, and in many communities across the region were instrumental in the movement for equality and emancipation, serving as pillars of strength, faith, and community for their members and the community at large; and
WHEREAS Emancipation Day has been honored for generations in Paducah as a time for reflection, celebration, education, family reunions, and the recognition of the resilience, contributions, and cultural heritage of African Americans; and
WHEREAS the City of Paducah acknowledges the importance of preserving and uplifting the histories and traditions that shape the community, including those that highlight the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality; and
WHEREAS formally memorializing August 8 as Emancipation Day affirms the City’s commitment to fostering inclusion, honoring local history, and supporting opportunities for residents to come together in celebration and learning; and
WHEREAS recognizing Emancipation Day aligns with the City of Paducah’s ongoing efforts to promote civic pride, cultural understanding, and community engagement.
For the schedule of events for the August 8th Emancipation Celebration organized by the W.C. Community Center, visit Celebration schedule.
W.C. Young Community Center Lease and Upcoming Renovation Project
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a Municipal Order for a new three-year lease with the W.C. Young Community Center organization. The City owns the building at 505 South 8th Street and leases it for $1. The W.C. Young Community Center organization is responsible for the exterior landscape and interior maintenance with the City responsible for the roof, exterior walls, sidewalks, structural components, and major repairs.
The City is also planning a major interior renovation of the Community Center, with an estimated investment of approximately $125,000. Planned improvements include a new kitchen, ceiling grid, lighting, flooring, and renovated bathrooms. The goal is to complete the renovations by June 30, 2027.
Ordinances Related to the Construction of a Speculative Building in Industrial Park West
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced two ordinances related to the construction of a 100,000-square-foot speculative building at 5700 Commerce Drive in Industrial Park West. The project is intended to strengthen economic development efforts by attracting new businesses and creating jobs in Paducah. Furthermore, upon the future sale of the building, it is anticipated that the City will be reimbursed for its investment.
The first ordinance introduced authorizes an interlocal agreement between the City of Paducah and the Paducah-McCracken County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for the speculative building’s construction. Under the agreement, the IDA will serve as the project manager, developer, and owner of the facility. The City is the funding partner and recipient of a competitive $2 million Kentucky Project Development Initiative (KPDI) grant for the project.
The second ordinance introduced authorizes the issuance of general obligation notes in an amount not to exceed $6 million to fund project costs.
Noble Park 100 Celebration
Assistant Director of Recreation Taylor Morsching provided an overview of the Noble Park 100 celebration which will be held July 30 through August 2 to celebrate Noble Park’s 100th anniversary. New additions to the event schedule include an opening ceremony featuring remarks from the Paducah Board of Commissioners on Thursday at 3 p.m. and three free amusement rides on Saturday, August 1 from 4 until 8 p.m.
In addition to the four-day celebration, there is a gift shop at the Parks and Recreation office and tree planting sponsorship opportunities. So far, 49 trees have been sponsored. To see the full schedule of events, visit Noble Park 100.
Boards and Commissions
- Reappointment of Jana Dawson and LaToya Richardson to the Paducah Human Rights Commission.
- Reappointment of Bonnie Koblitz to the Tree Advisory Board.
- Appointment of Debra Calhoun to the Paducah Riverfront Development Advisory Board (PRDA).
Additional Meeting Information
- Municipal Order approved for the Fiscal Year 2027 contract with Sprocket, Inc. with the City providing $100,000 for the organization’s small business development and entrepreneurial programs.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the Engineering Department to submit a grant application to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for County City Bridge Improvement Program (CCBIP) funds. If awarded, these funds would be used to replace the County Park Road bridge.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application for a Kentucky State Homeland Security Grant requesting $56,500 to upgrade the Bomb Squad’s equipment.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application for a Kentucky State Homeland Security Grant requesting $286,332 for a mobile command center.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the City Manager to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the design of a new police facility. The new facility will be built on a 7.9-acre site at 3047 Jackson Street, which the City purchased in March for this project. The new facility will be approximately 40,000 square feet in size and will include garage space for specialty vehicles and training areas include an indoor shooting range.
- Ordinance approved for the consensual annexation of 435 and 485 Berger Road and associated rights-of-way.
- Ordinance approved for a non-exclusive, ten-year telecommunications franchise agreement with Uniti.
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