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Abraham Wants No Bids on Aquatic Center Until 2021

Abraham Wants No Bids on Aquatic Center Until 2021
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By Bill Hughes
Feb. 24, 2020 | PADUCAH
By Bill Hughes Feb. 24, 2020 | 07:29 PM | PADUCAH
Paducah City Commissioner and Mayoral candidate Richard Abraham plans to introduce a resolution at Tuesday's Commission meeting that would postpone bidding on a proposed aquatic center for a year.

Abraham sent a statement to West Kentucky Star outlining his reasons for the resolution. He wants to reassign $20 million in bonds allocated to the aquatic center for repair of the city's storm water system, instead. 

Abraham initially expressed this desire at the January 14 meeting, and it was discussed at the city's planning retreat on January 25-26. He said other city leaders did not indicate they wanted to reallocate the money, but did raise the priority level for the Stormwater Master Plan.

Saying he thinks a more deliberate process should be taken before obligating the city to such a large debt, Abraham also expressed a desire to let the local non-profit group Friends of the Parks raise capital that they hope would offset the city's operating costs for the new center. Abraham says as far as he knows, the group formed in 2018 has not reported any funds raised. He's concerned that in addition to the bond note, the city would also have to pay all of the center's operational costs, placing an additional burden on taxpayers.

Abraham told West Kentucky Star he's learned that aquatic centers in Rolla, Missouri and Marion, Illinois are struggling financially, and he doesn't want that to happen here.

He said if the city decided to reallocate the money, it would require a few extra steps, but it can be done.

Abraham's resolution is on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, which means anyone can comment on the issue. As a reminder, comments are typically allowed at the end of the meeting. 

 

Here is Commission Abraham's complete statement:

"The acceleration of the Wellness Center Project occurred right after I inquired about the possibility of  reassigning  the 20 million in bonds. I proposed to move the money, from the Wellness Center, to the repair of our troubled stormwater skeletal infrastructure. We must, begin, to remember our purpose and strategy as defined in the statutes of KRS for elected officials, within our form of government.

I do not believe that any of us, deliberately, means harm to our city. However, we should observe a rational protocol in a project this magnanimous, by slowing down the process of obligating ourselves to the point of no return.  Thank God, such a slowing down is allowed by federal law, regarding these types of bonds.
 
As examples, The Skate Park and The Boundless project (recreation for special needs) though motivated by the public, were handled differently than the  Aquatic Wellness Center.  The Skate Park was a partner with the city and was supported financially, in a large way by the public, in regards to funding. The Boundless project “only” required access to the land, by the city.  Boundless covered ALL the financials, except for the safety surface. These are perfect examples of how the city and the public should work together.

With a majority vote to postpone the bidding of the project until March 2021, all will benefit, such as:

The Board of Commissioners can solidify their purpose, of protection of the city, by making sure we are accessible to the public between now and March 2021, for discussion, of this project.  

 The Friends of the Park will have an opportunity to change their information listed on GuideStar from -0- assets and -0- income to 10 million or more and will have an opportunity to change their present stand that prohibits the city from having a ‘say’ as to how the 10 million, they promise to raise,  is used (for the Center). 

It will give us time to study the path the Bond Counsel offers as to our choices available.

This time will allow us to begin to  reason together, study our options and make an informed choice that is not rushed along, for the protection of all. 

As a Commission, supporting this resolution will show our responsible, reasonableness, reset us as to the words we spoke when asking for your trust when voting for us, and will give everyone equal time to revisit the strategic wisdom needed for a final solution on a difficult prospect.

Commissioner Abraham"

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