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Public comments press city on floodgate closures after high‑water event; residents seek better notice
Summary
Public commenters and commissioners discussed a recent high‑water event when floodgates were closed, including a riverboat that could not pass and homes that flooded; a resident urged coordinated robocalls to notify vulnerable neighborhoods, and the mayor and staff committed to improving city–county communication.
Three members of the public urged the commission to improve communications around floodgate closures after a recent high‑water event in which some residents reported sudden flooding and a riverboat could not transit into Paducah.
Clay Norton, a manager at a local museum, asked why the floodgate was closed for a riverboat during Quilt Week and said the boat diverted to Grand Rivers, causing lost revenue. “We’ve lost enough boats or visits to Grand Rivers already,” Norton said.
Mayor George P. Bray replied that the city prioritized safety during a large rain event and that decisions about gate operation were made with public safety foremost. “We put the safety of our citizens at the very top of what we do,” the mayor said.
William Joyce, a longtime volunteer firefighter and resident of Oaks Road, described major property losses when floodwaters rose quickly and urged the city and McCracken County to coordinate notifications. Joyce asked whether the city and county could start a robocall to alert residents in low‑lying areas when gates will be closed. He said in one event water rose in 10–12 hours and his home was later under six feet of water.
City staff said the county leads emergency management while the city controls the gates and that the two agencies had held meetings since the event. Mayor Bray said the city and county agreed they can improve the communication plan and that the partnership would be strengthened.
Commissioners heard the public comments during the public‑comment portion of the meeting and thanked residents for attending; staff said they would pursue changes to the communication plan with county emergency management.
