Commission Rejects Motion to Repeal Resolution

The Paducah City Commission rejected a motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Richard Abraham to repeal the Veterans Day Parade resolution of May 16, 2017.

The resolution deals with what flags can be flown in the parade. Mayor Pro-Tem Abraham was concerned that the resolution is a violation of the first amendment. However, legal opinions obtained by the commission indicate that the resolution does not violate the first amendment.

Before making the motion, more than a dozen people addressed the Board in support of keeping the resolution intact. Upon a call for a vote, the motion to repeal the resolution failed on a 1-3 vote. Mayor Pro-Tem Abraham was the only member of the Board who voted to repeal the resolution.

Mayor Pro-Tem Abraham thanked all that spoke to the commission and said he is thankful to God that we live in a country where opinions can be shared like this, about things that one feels passionate about.

In other business, the commission approved a change order with A&K Construction that reduces the cost of the City Hall renovation by $156,998.

They approved four municipal orders and introduced two ordinances. The ordinances will be voted on at the February 12th meeting, and deal with closing the unnamed right-of-way between Buckner Lane and Exall Lane, and executing the final plat of subdivision and the escrow agreement for Townhomes of LaBarri Farms Subdivision, located at 1720 and 1740 New Holt Road. 

They also heard an overview of the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report which includes the City audit, given by Finance Director Jonathan Perkins and David Hampton of Kemper CPA Group, LLP.

Three new police officers were sworn in, Logan Barrow, Pedro Loredo, and Jeremy Teague. Former Paducah Police Chief Brandon Barnhill was presented with a Duke of Paducah award, and Mayor Pro-Tem Abraham presented a proclamation to students and representatives of the St. Mary School System, proclaiming January 27th through February 2nd as Catholic Schools Week.

The next regularly scheduled commission meeting will be on February 12th, at 5:30 pm.