City Commission - Regular Meeting

[music] [music] [music] Good afternoon everyone and welcome. I'll go ahead and call this meeting to order on November 4th, 2025 and ask the city clerk to please call ro.

Commissioner Henderson present. Commissioner Smith here. Commissioner Thomas present. Commissioner Wilson present. Mayor Bray here. Um I will ask uh Commissioner Wilson to say the invocation and then we'll remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Heavenly Father, thank you on behalf of all of us who are gathered here today for all of the many blessings that we have. Uh thank you for the ability to be involved in useful work. Please provide your guidance for us tonight and for those who are making decisions that impact other issues across our country. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. City Manager, are there any deletions to the agenda? Mayor, none this evening.

Okay. The first thing on the agenda is um a proclamation. Uh November is hunger and homeless homelessness homelessness awareness month. Uh there's been a lot of uh lot of publicity and a lot of discussion recently about homelessness and um and the city is proud to offer a proclamation uh this month uh in honor of all the agencies and those out out there. Not only the f folks that are homeless, but the agencies and the folks that support uh the initiatives to try to support those that need it most. So I will, as has become tradition, I'll come up here and read this proclamation and then I guess uh you and I'll get the photo op.

Okay. Okay.

[clears throat]

Whereas hunger and homelessness continue to be a serious challenges for far too many individuals and families and communities across our nation. And whereas in the United States, millions of people struggle to meet their basic needs, spending nights without shelter or facing food insecurity each day. And whereas individuals and families experiencing hunger and homelessness often face barriers to employment, health care, education, and safety that perpetuates cycles of pro poverty. And whereas communities, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and volunteers across Paduca are working tirelessly to provide food, shelter, and critical services to those in need. And whereas hunger and homelessness awareness month is an opportunity to educate the public about the realities of poverty, to celebrate the dedicated service providers who work to meet immediate needs and to call for systemic solutions that address the root causes of hunger and homelessness. And whereas every person deserves access to safe, affordable housing and nutritious food. And it is the collective responsibility of our community to ensure these fundamental human rights are protected. Now therefore, I George Pibbray, mayor of the city of Paduca, proclaim November 2025 as hunger and homelessness awareness month. Mayor, you want to step to the

Get your steps in.

[laughter] There you go. Thank you so much. Thank you for being here.

Thank you. [snorts] Okay. The next uh item on the agenda is uh we have uh Jeremy Bumpus here, the executive director of uh the Paduka Transit Authority. I know Jeremy and his board have been working hard over the last uh 6 to 12 months uh to kind of uh transform the uh the system, the bus system that we have in Paduca and been hearing a lot about it. So been looking forward to having you here.

Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat] Good evening, commissioners. Uh thank you for allowing me to present today. I'll be very brief but just want to go over the uh major updates we've made to our fixed route system here in the city and uh how it impacts the city. Uh so if you all turn your attention here so I want to start by saying for those of you who may not be familiar so PATS has been in existence since 1981 serving Paduka and it's since expanded [clears throat] and so we now serve four counties of course McCracken County, Ballard, Marshall and Northern Graves. Uh, and last fiscal year, we did 192,000 trips between fixed route and demand and response, what we called our scheduled service. So, the major updates are [clears throat] what you're looking at here to our fixed route system. We have four fixed routes, red, blue, green, and yellow, that operate throughout the city. Um, and I'm just going to point out a few things and then I will finish up. Um, what you see here, these dots here, these are what you these are what you call designated bus stops. So in Pat's 40 plus years of existence, it never had designated bus stops. Uh we operated on a hail system which was dangerous. It was inefficient. Um and so with the work of a consulting firm, um we were able to determine where these bus stops should be. Um they conducted a transit study that took about 6 months to complete. Um where they interviewed our staff, interviewed passengers, collected data to help us determine [clears throat] where these stops are. Um so as you see we have approximately 130 stops between those four routes all throughout the city. Uh and then of course here let me so with the bus stops which is a major improvement to our system. I forgot about the lag here. Um along with the bus stops we introduced a real time app. So now passengers are able to track our buses in real time. Um, and you can see here, so our system runs from 7 am to 7 pm, [clears throat] six days a week with

this last run upcoming at 6 o'clock, but you're able again to see the buses move in real time. So, as you can imagine, that helps with planning, it helps with efficiency, and it it improves the rider experience. So, that is live.

Yes, this is live. So, this is their green line, which [snorts] as you see right now is it must be stopped, but you're able to see the capacity of the bus. you're able to see the next stop. Well, I'm sorry. Let me click off of that. But if you were to click on a stop, for example, Southside Walmart, you can see the bus is expected there in 18 minutes and then the next stop for Southside Walmart will be 6:30 or 6:29. So those times are approximate based on the GPS location of the bus in real time. So, you can imagine how useful and helpful this is to all the passengers and for people who aren't from the city trying to navigate and get around the city. Um, I'll point a couple other things with this and then I'll wrap this up. Um, during that transit study, we were able to improve or make some changes to our routes. So, our yellow line, which is our busiest route, it's what we call our mall route. Um, we were able to extend that out to the new Goodwill location. Um, and we were also able to add Anderson Court because we wanted to make sure all of the housing authority [clears throat] properties were serviced and that was one that wasn't getting serviced. Um, and also we did not have service to downtown Paduca. So, our vehicles did not go beyond our fixed route buses did not go beyond Fourth Street. And so, now we have two designated stops. one here right on the corner of let's see Madison and second and the other is right behind the quilt museum. So anyone who's in downtown Paduka who wants to access public transportation via our fix route now has the option to do that downtown Paduca. And so I'll leave you all with this. There's there's so much more I could talk about with this system. U but I want to be respectful of everyone's time. So a lot of work, time and money went into this um of course with the support of the city. So, we we really appreciate that. Um, but why this matters for the community, it improves

rider experience, um, the overall efficiency of our routes, um, the safety and accessibility, and then I think it looks great for the community. It shows that Paduka is willing to invest in smart infrastructure, um, and that we're moving forward. So, as the city continues to grow, Pats will continue to grow, and we we want to improve and we want to be along for the ride. Um, because there are eyes on us nationally. Um, we are the only, and I'm sure this has been discussed in previous meetings, but Paduka is now an urbanized area. We are the only urbanized urbanized and rural transit transit authority in the entire state of Kentucky. So, we receive federal funding directly from the FTA and directly from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Um, so yes, we're the only one in the state. So, there are a lot of eyes on us right now because we're operating by serving rural counties and serving an urbanized area. There's no other city or area or transit authority in the state that does that. Uh and to add to it, we are the largest public transportation agency west of Bowling Green. So again, this puts a lot of eyes on us. So we want to make sure when people are talking about Paduka and people are talking about pets and they talk about public transportation, we can pull this up and be proud of it. So um I'll leave you all with this. Um and this is typically how I wrap up presentations because most of us are fortunate enough to have our own transportation. So many people are not familiar with PATS. Um, but there are several individual people in this community that solely rely on us for their transportation and we take great pride in that. So, uh, again, we appreciate the support of the, uh, commissioners and the city of Paduca. And again, we hope to continue to improve our services.

Great job, Jeremy. Um, questions. Any questions from commissioner? What was the name? Is it an app or can they just go

Great question. So, this is the online version. So this is a link. It's it's on our website pats.mmytransit.live and it's also an app. So if you go to our website padukatransit.com um you can find the information on how to download the app whether it's in the Google Play Store or on the Apple store. Um and we also have brochure information brochures in our lobby. We're located at 850 Harrison Street for anyone who doesn't know. Um you can come into our lobby and pick up information brochures. It has new maps, new schedules, information on how to download the app. And again, this is new to our entire uh community. So, there have been a lot of questions. So, we encourage people don't hesitate to call, don't hesitate to come into the office and ask us questions. Um because it is a big change for a lot of people. So, uh the name of the app, it's called My Ride. Yep. My Ride. So, if you go to our website, padukatransit.com, there's information on how to download that app. You said that the the yellow is your busiest route.

Yes, sir. And that is the mall route. Yes, sir. So, has there been any discussion of late as to how you might be able to service individuals from the mall to the city after you all shut down?

That has been a discussion of extending hours. Um, what we found and [clears throat] I'm I think it eventually it will happen, but what we found is the wrership wouldn't be there. The logic behind that is once you get beyond 7 8:00, what else is open in the city of Paduca? Now, of course, people going home and getting off work, but is the demand there? And is that enough to pay drivers and have staff available to transport individuals? Um years ago, this was before my time, there was um uh there was an agreement or something done with information age park with a business out there [clears throat] and they wanted extended hours and what was determined was the wrership wasn't there. So to have staff available and to extend the hours, it wasn't needed at the time, but that's not to say that it won't in the future. So the demand uh if we get there, then yeah, we'll definitely look at extending those hours.

So how it's a good question. So, I mean, so it sounds like you're open to considering extending hours based upon demand. So, how do you determine that? So, typically it comes with some sort of survey or study. Um, and that was actually a part of our transit study asking about extended hours and the demand just wasn't there. Um, and I think it's just the community we live in. Um, when you think of after hours, so for example, tonight, what's open after 900 p.m.? Well, I guess my issue is the mall closes, [laughter] correct? 10 p.m. So, so there is your

That's true. That is true. And that you're right. You will have people who need rides home, but will there be the demand to support that? How many people are we talking about? You know, and then of course this is public transportation. So, how many of those individuals have their own transportation? Um, there are a number of people that work out in that area. The majority of them don't work at the mall that use our services though. Um, most of them work at the restaurants, Walmart. [clears throat] Um, and so unfortunately we're not there yet, but again, I'm not opposed to the idea of extending those hours. Do we have do Uber and Lyft operate in Paduka? To my knowledge, there is, but it's very very

limited. It's funny because I did a um, [clears throat] which surprised me. I did a uh uh I did both Uber and Lyft yesterday from the airport just a random time and there was uh Lyft was to say they they were going to be there in like 20 minutes and then Uber said they'd be there in like 18 minutes. So I didn't know they even exist. You never see them around. So I get maybe it's very spotty. [clears throat] It's very random. Yeah, it's very random. There's drivers out there, but they they drive when they want to. Yeah.

Uh they don't drive when they don't want to. Uh and you know, one of the one of our issues is they they they're not downtown at night on weekends. Yeah. You know, when when people uh want it. And uh so far we've not been able to crack the code, you know, on how to how to increase that. Mhm. I think we will see an increase increased need late at night when uh the one of the flights new flights coming in to Barkley is going to be landing. Yeah. I think 11 or something. Yeah. That's going to be a challenge for this entire community. And I know uh Pats [clears throat] typically is the answer for a lot of that transportation, but

um our primary purpose is public transportation. So when you get into those flights and and Uber rides, that's more so private and that's not what we're designed to do. and there's some restrictions in what we can and can't do when you're dealing with federal dollars. Um, [clears throat] so I think that's a that's a an issue as a community we can hopefully solve soon. Um, because that after hours transportation is going to be really really important. Um, but during work days between 7 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. we got you. [laughter] But you're not going to the airport. We will, but just during those times.

Oh, you are. Airport is a stop. Well, it's not a stop, but we have our we have our scheduled service. So, this is more so what I'm showing you here is our fixed route. Our scheduled service, which many of you probably see around town, the smaller vehicles. We we call those cutaways, and they're white. Um, that's our scheduled transportation. So, you can call 24 hours in advance and between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We'll pick you up and take you anywhere. That's our door-todoor service. Okay. A couple more questions. Um, do you do you track how many downloads you've had on your app so far? Not yet. We've just released this October 16th, so we haven't gotten that data yet, but I'm sure we can get that um with the developers who created the app. That actually is a really good question. I I may I may find out. Okay.

Yeah. Yeah. I if if I were you, I'd want to track the number of downloads. Okay. You know, which would uh you know, if it's too low, you know, then you know, we need to promote it, you know, and maybe the city can help you promote that. Okay. You know, get it out to people because I mean I think that's a real valuable service. Yeah, for sure. For sure. I think so, too. So, yeah, I'll work on getting that information. I'd like to get probably a month or two's worth of data to see where we are. Sure. And um you know, I can So, my second question is uh you mentioned the number of u number of routes 192,000. That was a number. Yeah. 192,000 trips. Trips. Correct.

So, do you track the number of people that use your service? So the way that we do it is it's they're called unlink passenger trips. So essentially when someone gets off and gets on that's one trip. Um so over the course of the day you know the same person could count multiple times. So is I assume that's what you're asking correct? Yeah. So the 192,000 does represent in people getting on or off the bus. Correct. Correct. So if two people get off is that is that two or one? Two. That's two. Correct. Okay. Correct. So the only duplication on that would be if they rode more than one in one day. Right. Right. Okay. And again that's split between fixed route and demand and response. Um

just a quick breakdown. So the fixed route trips was 146,000 approximately. And the demand and response was our scheduled service was about 46,000. Oh wow.

And the demanded response is spread amongst four counties. So you're talking Marshall, McCracken, Ballard, [clears throat] Northern Graves. And then of course long distance trips. Most people probably don't know this, but well, most of you know this. Um, Paduka there there are procedure medical procedures and appointments that can't be done here in the city. And so people have to go to Lexington to Nashville. We do those trips primarily for Medicaid patients. So we will take people to Lexington for those surgeries or for those appointments. Um, and that's quite frequent. So those 192,000 of trip those 192,000 trips, many of those were long distance also. So final question, do you track the number of trips over time? So if you look at 2022, 23, 24, 25, and what what is the trend look like?

It's up and down. Um especially with the COVID year. Um you know, I joined Pats in 2022, right? Um so we were trending at about 200,000 plus over during co pre-COVID. Of course, COVID you had a major dip. So, we're just now getting to back kind of the pre-COVID numbers hovering around 200,000 and I think this year we will surpass 200,000 based on where we're trending. Um, ridership just tends to increase year-over-year. So, um, I think we'll get back to our pre-COVID numbers and my goal is to hopefully get to 215,000 within the next few years.

Very good. Great presentation. Thanks for all your hard work. Any other questions from anybody? Okay. Thank you for being here, Jeremy. Thank you. [clears throat and cough] No public comments. Okay.

All right. Uh we'll move the consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the board of commissioners and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There be no separate discussion of these items unless a board member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. The city clerk will read the items recommended for approval unless any commissioner has an item that they'd like removed for the separate discussion. Hearing none, I'd ask the city clerk to read. Please

approve minutes for the October 21st, 2025 special call meeting of the board of commissioners. to receive and file documents. [clears throat] Personnel actions. A municipal order authorizing and directing the city manager to initiate a request for proposals for preferred docking agreements along the city's riverfront. A municipal order authorizing the mayor to execute an application for a US Department of Justice bulletproof vest grant program in the amount of $8,589 for the purchase of 21 body armor vests accepting any grant [clears throat] funds awarded by the US Department of Justice and authorizing the mayor to execute all documents related to same. a municipal order authorizing the purchase of P25 compliant mobile and portable radios from Communications International in the total amount of 91,267.71 cents to be used by the Paduka Police Department and authorizing the mayor to execute all documents related to same a municipal order authorizing the mayor to execute an application for an fiscal year 2026 Kentucky league of cities liability grant in the amount of $3,000 for partial reimbursement of sidewalk repairs and improvements. ments by accepting any grant funds awarded by KLC and authorizing the mayor to execute all documents related to SA. A municipal order authorizing and directing the city manager to initiate a request for bids for replacement of the main drain line at the fire station number one. Municipal order authorizing the mayor to execute change order number one in the amount of $7,630 to the contract with Lake Assault Boats Incorporated.

So move second. Call roll. Commissioner Henderson. I. Commissioner Smith. I, Commissioner Thomas, I. Commissioner Wilson, I, Mayor Bray, I. We have one municipal order on the agenda for tonight. And, uh, I know Chief Leair is here, but I'll go ahead and ask the city clerk to please read it. a proposed motion of the board of commissioners to adopt a municipal order entitled a municipal order authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of understanding [clears throat] between the city of Vaduka and the Vaduka Independent School District to allow 911 and first responders to access security cameras. So moved second.

Good evening everyone. Uh what you have before you is an agreement that has already been approved by the Puka School Board. um they implemented new camera systems and new security systems within the last few months and in talking with Superintendent Shively um he had the idea of allowing us access to those cameras for real-time situations, emergency situations. Um and this agreement just kind of set some parameters for when when we would access it. [clears throat] It would allow access for our 911 folks to be able to see what's going on in real time or police and fire, but it would only be during emergency situations. questions. I don't think I don't have any. Thank you, Brian.

Call roll, please. Commissioner Henderson, I. Commissioner Smith, I. Commissioner Thomas, I. Commissioner Wilson, I. Mayor Bray, I.

So, we have four ordinances to introduce tonight. This is the first reading of all of these, and uh I'll ask the city clerk to please read the first one. A proposed motion of the board of commissioners to introduce an ordinance entitled an ordinance [clears throat] amending the code of ordinances of the city of Aduka, Kentucky to enact payments for board members. This ordinance is summarized as follows. This ordinance amends the city of Duka code of ordinances to establish consistent compensation for voting members of various city boards, commissions, councils, and advis advisory bodies at a rate of $100 [clears throat] per meeting for chairpersons and $75 per meeting for members. Payments authorized by this ordinance will begin on January 1st, 2026. So move.

Second. Discussion. We've uh talked about this um significantly in the past. Uh any questions or thoughts about where we're going with this? How do we determine the amount? I know we studied other cities and what they were. So Okay. Yep. We studied other cities. We looked at um several different cities and specifically ones kind of in similar size um thing. It ranges from as low as $25 for a member all the way up to probably 200 for some of your utility boards and those kind of things. Um so we kind of took kind of a middle approach. I got you.

How are we going to track that?

Oh, sorry. So tracking will be um I've met with all of our internal departments that staff these boards. So if you're looking at the impacted boards um for example, a lot of these fall under planning. So planning would help them track attendance. So it'll be fully based on attendance. Um and typically they'll be paid quarterly. So let's say you attended three meetings in the quarter, you would be paid for those three meetings. um it will be through direct deposit payments. Um they'll be set up as vendors in our system and receive payments that way. Um for the boards that are mainly external and have um like Paduka Water, Paduka Power, those type of boards um we'll be working directly with Claudia for the most part to make sure that the payments are made uh through our systems. [clears throat]

And if those boards have special called meetings, extra meetings, they will be paid for those as well. They will be paid for all regular and special cold meetings. Um they wouldn't be paid for any like volunteer or event related type things.

Questions? You seem [laughter] like your your nose is all scrunched up. What's the I just got my glasses on. You can't tell us. [laughter] Oh yeah, we can. I We're going to take a vote on that. [laughter]

Okay, thank you. And thanks and and just to remind all of us, I guess, you know, we uh we took a look at what this would cost us. And it's it is going to cost about uh as I remember about $100,000 a year, uh is what the cost. And so, but but again, when we looked at it, analyzed it, I mean, I do a lot of board appointments, all you know, you all approve them. Um, you know, the the boards that we appoint to here do so much great work in the city and they're so important to the city and so having them engaged and active and wanting to attend meetings I think u I think helps the city and uh also helps us attract a higher quality board member. So, okay. Um, [clears throat] I will ask the city clerk to read the next ordinance.

A proposed motion that the board of commissioners introduce an ordinance entitled an ordinance creating a new article of chapter 110 traffic and vehicles of the code of ordinances of the city of Paduca, Kentucky, related to golf carts. This ordinance is summarized as follows. This ordinance allows golf carts to operate on city of Paduka streets with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Golf carts must be inspected by McCracken County Sheriff's Office, permitted by the Paduka Police Department, ensured and operated only between sunrise and sunset. Operators must hold a valid driver's license, display a slowmoving vehicle emblem, and follow all traffic laws. Golf carts may cross statemaintained roadways where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, but cannot be driven along those roadways. A $25 permit fee is required. valid until the golf cart changes ownership. The police department may deny, suspend, or revoke permits for safety or compliance violations with appeals rights through the city manager. Exemptions are provided for city-owned golf carts, riverboat tourism shuttles at the riverfront, and carts within permitted special events. Uh violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines of 20 to $500.

So moved. Second. All right. We talked about this one just briefly, but how would the McCracken County Sheriff's Office go about inspecting it? Does someone have to take their golf cart there or what happens if they don't have a trailer? They can take it there or um they can uh have them come out to inspect. So, the KRS authorizes $5 fees for inspection at the sheriff's department. Um, and it authorizes up to $15 for having to travel to do an inspection. And is the $25 permit required? That's annually. That is a one time. It is a one time a $25 fee.

Onetime $25 fee until it changes until the golf cart would change ownership. Correct. Trying to make it a little bit easier for for folks. And to that point, that permit, they would not have to bring the golf cart to the police department because it's already been expected at the sheriff's department. So it wouldn't require [clears throat] them to have to also transport it or us to go do that. They would have to bring the the information to the police department just to show what it that it already they had everything.

Okay. So, my concern with this one, I mean, I'm I'm I'm for this, but but my concern has been enforcement of the age limit, enforcement of the speed limit, and I know that that's going to tax our, you know, our police force more. Um, Chief, uh, are you going to be doing anything special or um, just watching for Sorry to drag you up here, but, uh, I'm just, this has been my only concern and I think, you know, I I have a friend that lives friends that live in the pines, and, you know, one of them was telling me about, you know, this could be a 13-year-old kid whipped around a corner, you know, going like a bat out of Hades and uh and I know we I'm just concerned about how we enforce it.

I I think that's going to be uh this is obviously something new that we haven't dealt with before. Um so we'll have to just have to stay on a case by case basis really. Um you know obviously if somebody looks like they're extremely underage then you know we'll we'll deal with that. But you know each one will be really no different than uh any other traffic violation. [clears throat] Okay. Okay, thank you. So, the next two ordinances are related uh to prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores. And this is something we have discussed previously. We had a presentation

the last meeting or the one before. I'm going to let um I'm going to let this the city clerk read the first ordinance and then I have some things to discuss.

A proposed motion that the board of commissioners introduce an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the city of Puka, Kentucky to add there to a section prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores and in [clears throat] public places. This ordinance is summarized as follows. This ordinance amends chapter 14 of the code of ordinances of the city of Paduca to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores and in public places within city limits. Violations of the ordinance will result in fines of $500 per offense with each day of continued violation considered a separate offense. I'll

move second. So, uh, today, uh, we've got a an email that went out to all the commissioners in support of this. I think everybody got that. And then also, you may have gotten I'm not sure if everybody got it, but uh, there was um, an email and a request for a call with me uh, from a representative, something called the Pet Advocacy Network. I received that one. That's forwarded that to you. I think everybody did. Okay. [clears throat]

So, I took a call from her this afternoon and for 15 minutes she pretty much um you know went uh went on about uh their opposition to this and why and um I can share that that email with everybody. uh but uh they don't believe that the city should be uh in the business of preventing of saying what can be sold in in pet stores. Um they don't believe that uh that this law, this ordinance in any way would stop or hinder um puppy meals. and and in fact they went as far to say as Pets Smart who um who I think we were I don't want to say led to believe but it was said here that PetSmart was in compliance and didn't participate in this but uh apparently I was told that in Texas earlier this year PetSmart came out against this because they wanted to be able to sell animals, I guess, in certain locations and there was a firestorm of, you know, um, backlash against them from people, Humane Society people who were trying to stop the, you know, the puppy mills. And so I think we've landed right in the middle of what it's been said to me is we've landed in the middle of a sort of a national discussion, you know, between two uh interest groups, you know, both with, I'm sure, good intentions.

And so I think we need to take a little just a little time to do a little research. Uh certainly I'm not sure how much we can get done before before we have a second reading, but I I'm just going to say let's take a pause, a timeout, and do a little more research so we're a little more informed because all this came up today.

Let me have a question. What when they did that uh talk or presentation last time we met, I was scratching my [clears throat] head going, where'd this come from? because someone had to be or somehow it got promoted where who was who what was the driver for that I guess is the question because the way they described it and the way I understand it it's kind of like a um a solution looking for a problem because I don't think we we have this happening in Paduka so but I didn't know why it would had the legs to end up getting getting something for us to consider why there was a need for that too.

Man, I I want to be careful cuz I'm I really don't know enough about this to I'm just not that informed. But but I know that there's a big network of folks who u provide for adoption of animals. Yeah. And um Okay. So, uh Todd Blevens. Yes. Yeah. I'm here. Mayor, I I didn't want to be out of order, but I'm happy to step up if needed. Yeah, why don't you? Sure. Sure. I mean, give us your perspective. I mean, and um yeah, I I guess first, mayor, in regards to the PetSmart incident down in Texas. Um

so, yes, that actually that that came up in Texas. Uh and what I can tell you is that that was actually I I want to I want to speak candidly. Um, that was actually an outright lie. I have media reports that we can send you from, you know, independent media sources that the group claimed that PetSmart was in support of selling puppies and kittens in their store. They are not. I, you know, I I obviously I'm an advocate, but that's why I mentioned the media. Happy to send you all the media reports of that. Um, as far as the nationalization issue, so we actually following my presentation to you all last month, uh, we set up at a couple of community events here in town. One of them was the Barktober event. I think that was on October 11th, but we had some, uh, postcards that we distributed to or we had [clears throat] available for people to sign in support of the ordinance and actually brought those for you all tonight. So, we uh sent those out in partnership with the McCracken County Humane Society, who you all heard from last time, in addition to Rover Dunover, the local dog groomer. I don't know if you all go there or not, but Rover Dunover was was and is very enthusiastic about this. They actually had these sitting on the front desk for whenever folks bring their dogs in. Uh, so I was going to leave these for you all tonight. I counted 32 signed cards. These are all Paduka residents. Um, so I just wanted to kind of relocize that a little bit. I understand what you're saying, mayor, about the nationalization.

I think my concern, you know, and again, I want to do a little more research, but but my concern is is limiting businesses who do not want to be limited. Sure. you know, I mean, and and kind of to use Commissioner Smith's, I mean, we, you know, we don't we, you know, if it's a solution looking for a problem, I mean, I'm just not sure that we have the problem. I mean, I understand there's when it comes to pets, there's passion. Sure. I mean, we all love our pets and um so everybody's passionate about it. And I just think from our perspective, I think it's important that we make an informed decision. I understand that, mayor. Hear all sides.

Sure. And if and if I may to answer your question, commissioner, about why now. Um I think that that trade group and and I do want to say that is just an that is an industry trade group that despite the name pet advocacy network. They used to be called the pet industry joint advisory council. So they are there to represent you know their interests. But so what are their interests from your perspective?

So I can go in the weeds on this for you. So the board is made up of various pet store voices. And one of the voices that's on that board, I'm not sure who you spoke with, but there is a pet store chain called Pet Land. And I want to distinguish between PetSmart, which does not sell dogs and cats in stores. I think you all heard from Tracy with McCracken County Humane. They actually do the what we call the right thing in partnering with them. [clears throat] Pet Land on the other hand, which is they're they have a seat on the board, they do sell dogs and cats. And so I would venture to say, mayor that they are the ones that would drive any opposition to this, but again, they are an outlier in their own industry. And I'm happy to provide you all with all kinds of information on that. And I don't want to just pick on them because it's not a

I don't view this as a tit for tat or anything like that, but that is going to be their interest. But to to come back to the commissioner's question, I would venture to say the only reason that they are weighing in on this is because maybe they would like to bring a puppy store into the community. I think otherwise they would be doing this. When you say puppy store, you mean a store that buys from puppy mills or a store that I mean a store that uh that would buy puppies from and sell puppies from reputable breeders. So it would be the former because in reality mayor the the second one is not that that just doesn't happen.

Doesn't exist.

No. And the reason for that is if you think about when you go into one of these puppy stores, they are going to have all kinds of these novelty fancy breeds. Well, the only reason that they can keep the only way that they can keep the shelves stocked, so to speak, is by working with breeders who can churn them out again and and always have inventory so that whenever you go into the store, you're able to see, oh, there's that multi poo or whatever I would like. Um now again I mean you all know you don't have that problem right now and the reason that I wanted to emphasize all the preventative problems last time was because as I said then once a business like that does come into the community the associated problems that I talked about last time not just the puppy mills but the selling sick dogs the consumer lending practices those follow. So you know as I said last time an ounce of prevention is always worth more than whatever the other part of that saying is.

[laughter] So, [snorts] what is your organization?

Yes, man. So, I'm I'm the Kentucky state director with a organization called Humane World for Animals. So, I live I wanted to set the record straight, by the way. I believe the mayor thought I was from from Indiana. I live in Kentucky. Uh I'm I've spent a few years in Indiana and I think I butchered my explanation of that, but I live over in Richmond, Kentucky. So, I'm our state director and what I do in that role is obviously in addition to advocacy partner with shelters and rescues all over the state to try to help them in whatever way we can and this is one part of that through policy work. So, on the way down today I stopped at two county shelters on the way down to talk about how can we help them and with another county I'm working on an ordinance there to update their vicious dog ordinance. So, this I'm not saying that McCracken County brought this to us. We're doing it in partnership. But that is that's my role is to try to help them

to be their advocate. Humane world for animals is the old humane society. Is that right? Yes. We changed our name as if as if the convolute matters any further. So yes mayor we used to be called the humane society of the United States and we rebranded in February of this year. So okay I left my jacket in the car. Let's go. So you're also part of a national organization. Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am. But I'm the, you know, state. I I view myself as much more local than that. And so what other cities I think you you went over this last time. There were how many cities in Paduka? I mean in six. Only six at this point have passed it, right? What are they?

Yep. Uh Elizabeth Town, I'll do them in chronological order. Elizabeth Town was first. Radcliffe right next door. Louisville, Lexington, Frankfurt, and then Campbell County passed up in Northern Kentucky passed the first county level ordinance. And in in most of those instances, they did come to us to say, you know, either we've had a problem with one. I'm sorry about that. With one of the puppy stores in the past, like in Etown, they had one of those stores, that store vacated, but they then passed the ordinance because they realized all the problems that were rife in this industry. They said, "Let's go ahead and take care of this before another one of those can come in."

Any other place any other questions from anybody? So, I again [clears throat] I think you know I appreciate you being here coming all the way down here from Richmond and uh I can tell you're passionate about about this. Um I I heard just as much passion on the other end of it. So it was like but I think from our standpoint we just want to make the best decision we can and um so um we'll we'll huddle internally and figure out what our next steps are. I understand mayor and I'll I I'll get you some follow-up information on the Texas thing and you know whatever else we need to do. So thank you all again. Thank you.

Thank you. And oh and oh I'm sorry Mr. City Manager. Where should I leave the cards? If you leave them right there we will take care of it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um, go ahead. And mayor, so I spoke to the same lady, I suppose, and I I told her that she probably needs to talk to you as well, but she did mention that they like her organization has some regulations that they could recommend for us instead of cuz what I got she wanted something different than an outright ban. So yeah, she said that to me, too. And and so we went a little deep on that. I said, "So, you're telling me that you've got a an ordinance, you know, that, you know, that would be acceptable?" And she said, "Well, no, we've just got some language."

So, um I'm not sure. I'm not sure really how what what she's got for sure, but but I think she's going to be watching this tonight and so she may be providing us some additional information. But

so just from a a procedural measure you have introduced it. Uh there is no timeline on the clock for you to adopt or even to adopt just because you have introduced it. So you could you just because I just want to make sure that that is clear is just because it's been introduced it would take a second reading for adoption. Uh but you're not required to have a second reading. Does it it doesn't automatically come up for the next meeting though unless the mayor puts it on the agenda. There is no need to table it. No. No. You uh on the introduction there is no statutory limitation that you have to maintain that the next meeting.

So I would just ask that perhaps before you put it on the agenda that maybe you you poll us or I mean I guess you should see where we are going back up. Absolutely. Well, we're going to provide information for all of us, right? In order to make a better informed decision, y so we'll all be in the loop, right? And you you could also have an additional discussion without having it up for a second reading if you wanted to. Mhm. [clears throat] As long as it's just two of us and not three. Well, I mean, if the commission item without a second reading, you could do that. Okay. Okay. I see what you're saying. Okay.

All right. Let's go on and um and read the the next ordinance. Uh go ahead and introduce it. So, both of them are on I think they're related. A proposed motion that the board of commissioners introduce an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 106-147 of the code of ordinances of the city of Paduka, Kentucky related to retail merchants to clarify licensing [clears throat] restriction on the sale of live dogs and cats. This ordinance is summarized as follows. This ordinance amends section 106-147 of the Paduka code ordinances to ensure the city's business licensing regulations align with recently adopted prohibitions on the retail sale of live cats and dogs. It it clarifies that no business license will be issued or renewed for establishments engaged in selling or offering live dogs or cats as those activities are now prohibited under chapter 14 article 3 of the code. However, businesses [clears throat] that sell pet supplies or provide space for animal shelters or rescue organizations to showcase adoptable animals may continue to obtain or renew their licenses provided they comply with applicable regulations.

So moved. Second. [clears throat] And this is just changes in the business license in order to adapt. Okay. Okay. Um that's it for our municipal orders and ordinances and uh we'll move now to comments from city manager and commissioners. City manager

uh mayor and commission uh as I've done for the last several meetings just want to update you about uh the impact [clears throat] to our local finances related to the federal shutdown. Uh we are still financially in a in a good place. However, did want to make you aware that we have uh roughly $5.4 million uh request for reimbursement on our build grant that is out there. um [clears throat] don't know um how long that that will. We have the funds uh to cover that until it comes in for a short period of time because we have some other funds that but you know the longer the federal shutdown u does prolong or is prolonged uh we will start feeling some financial pinches and such that. So I just wanted to kind of keep you up to date. That's the biggest one uh that we have out there. there. I know there's some other activities like the the transfer of the Oscar Cross uh facility or to the Armory facility to the Oscar Cross that's been impacted by that and some other things that we're just keeping an eye on and working with federal delegation to kind of keep them a breast of of what you know the impact is locally. But just want to assure you know right now uh we are still in a good financial shape uh in relationship to that. But the longer it does go on, then we'll have to uh to look at some some of those uh how it impacts us more locally. Uh and I'll answer any questions about that. No.

There's lots of news about that. Yeah. Yeah. So, uh second one, just want to remind uh uh the commission and our public that next Tuesday uh is Veterans Day and so we have the Veterans Day parade uh as a holiday for the city. So, trash service uh will be adjusted uh as well. But uh we've got Revy early in the morning. Uh the parade activities over at Dolly McNut Park and the parade starting at I think 10:00 a.m. um for the Veterans Day parade. And so if your schedule of allows you, we invite those to to participate in in that activity. And um what Pam sent out today was 10:00 for the awards, 11 o'clock for the for the parade. Okay. Yeah. 10 o'clock. I had 10 o'clock start time. I Yeah. Thank award the Dolly McNut.

Yeah. And the parade will actually start from that area as well too. And then speaking of Dolly McNut, I encourage you to uh when you leave tonight to look over at Dolly McNut. Uh you'll notice uh that one of the projects that we did to increase safety, the lights have been replaced in Dolly Mut and it makes it a lot safer and a lot brighter uh aspect over there. And so so uh kudos to uh Amy and her team for for dog birding that project and and getting it done. And it provides for a safer uh passageway and and the use of that when it gets dark. So you're here, Amy. Anything else? Okay. Comments down this way. Anybody? No comments from there. I do. Okay.

I wanted to follow up. Uh, perfect timing for tonight on the proclamation that was addressing homelessness because I I [clears throat] really think it's time for us to discuss the request from the Feduka Cooperative Ministry. I didn't get it on the agenda tonight because this is special called meeting, but I would like to see it on a agenda coming up at a regular meeting um even maybe to vote on it. I think we've all had some several conversations. We've all seen the need. We've seen um the work that's being done right now by Paduka Cooper Ministry to build the 50 bed shelter. I know the county recently pledged 200,000 I think a 100,000 payment now and 100,000 later and I would really like to see the city do the same. I think that they have documented the need. They have a really good strong plan in place. It uh I don't believe anybody's just going to move here from out of the county or come here just because we have the homeless shelter because it is a check-in at night and a checkout in the morning. They it's my understanding that they will help to encourage or get people to the Goodwill Opportunity Center where they can hopefully get them [clears throat] back on their feet. And I just believe it's time for us to step into that. We have done some more uh funding recently for them to help them as well as Washington Street and I believe the community kitchen. I just think it's time that we take that next step to address a desperate need in our community. So I'd like to get it on the agenda. Wanted to have it open for discussion. and I certainly support it and uh hope that you know you all will as well. If we need to have a more another formal presentation by PCM, I'm sure they would be here. I didn't call them and ask them to come tonight. I felt like I would just bring it up.

Sure. That that could happen to have other board members here, but I definitely support it and hope that you all will, too. Sounds good to me. Absolutely. I mean, it is it is indeed a growing need in our community and uh I think that both the city and the county should indeed find ways in which we can support PCM and make sure that that takes place. It's a big deal. So, I think yeah, I agree with you.

Well, I just want to applaud uh the county uh the fiscal court for stepping up, you know, and listen to the presentation and and jumping out there. I mean homelessness. I mean sometimes we get caught up in city county stuff. Uh but you know the city of Paduca is in McCracken County. That's right.

You know and and so there's homelessness. Um even though within the city limits is where you see a lot of the homeless. They're most visible and where a lot of the agencies are that deal with them. Uh there's homeless folks in both Paduka Independent Schools and in McCracken County schools. So I would be for um in this case following the county's lead

and uh so if it starts off with we can talk about it I guess among ourselves before the next meeting. But I'd certainly, you know, be um be positive on on the first 100,000, you know, coming up. And so we can work and um I appreciate you bringing it up. And I thought it was I thought it was really kind of kind of groundbreaking. Yeah. I think if the county is doing it, I think that we need to

certainly match what they're doing and kind of shows community support. So, so I know you were talking about 100,000. I would I would like for us to look at the 100,000 at the next voting opportunity and then the a second 100,000 maybe follow what the the county is doing. Uh I think theirs was for con theirs was just for restrooms, but it would be for [clears throat] construction uh of the site. And you know, I know just just building it doesn't make us it's not going to run just because it's built. are also going to need a lot of furnishings inside and you know I'm guessing staffing too but definitely they'll need the furnishings inside. So I just would like for us to keep it the goal is 200,000 even if it's in two payments.

Sounds good. We'll work on we'll work we'll work on a municipal order for the for the first available meeting and then the city manager you and I will be need to talk about the the funding and where it comes from. Yep. Thank you. Thank you. And mayor, real quick, I forgot to mention um today I went on not your time. [laughter] It just came to my mind, but I went on a tour with Easter Seals today. Um I know they have another tour opportunity coming up and I don't know if anybody else has been on a tour. Yeah, I'm signed up in December

and it was very eye opening because I never knew what their facility really did. I know um that some of my friends on the Special Olympics team attend there and they also provided the artwork in one of our offices here. So um it [clears throat] was very eye opening. They even talked about, you know, we've seen them in the news recently, but I have to say their facilities, their staff, like they are a top-notch um facility. Everything they do is top-notch. So, it was really great. And for anybody in the community that may be interested in doing a tour, I would really recommend it. I toured the child care facility this morning at 10:00 for grandparents day, which [laughter] was also a book fair. So, yes, I was there as well today.

Okay. If uh nobody has anything else, I would we don't have an executive session, so I would entertain a motion to adjurnn. So second [laughter] Caro, Commissioner Henderson. Yeah, I Commissioner Smith I. Commissioner Thomas, I Commissioner Wilson. Hi. Mayor Bray, I

[music] [music]