About the Considerate & Kind Paducah Campaign
In October 2023, the City of Paducah launched an informational and awareness campaign called Considerate & Kind Paducah. This campaign includes social media posts, informational news releases, and advertising to bring awareness to various city ordinances and to encourage ways to build a community that is considerate of each other.
Communications Manager Pam Spencer said, “Working in city government, the elected officials and staff receive numerous comments, ideas, and complaints from the public on a variety of quality of life topics ranging from excessive noise to picking up after pets. In researching other communities and organizations that have worked to address similar quality of life elements, I found that the public relations initiative focused on awareness and encouraged being kind and considerate. It almost sounds too simple, but that’s the beauty of it. If we are being considerate, then many issues disappear.”
Informational Topics and Codes
- General Information
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As the Considerate & Kind Paducah campaign continues, check this page often. Informational posts and links to Paducah's Code of Ordinances will be posted below.
- Stormwater Drainage, Water Quality, Litter, and Picking Up After Pets
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Introduction
The first month of the Considerate & Kind Paducah campaign focused on stormwater drainage and water quality, leaf collection and Paducah 311, litter, and picking up after pets. Paducah has approximately 6600 storm inlets and more than 170 miles of sewer systems that accept stormwater flow.
Mayor George Bray said, “Paducah is a river city uniquely situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. But this unique location also means that we need to be good stewards of the water that flows into these bodies of water. By joining together to reduce litter, pick up after our pets, and eliminate debris in the gutters and drainage systems, the community will benefit with enhanced stormwater flow, a reduction in contaminants in the drainage system, and an aesthetically pleasing environment. Being a more Considerate & Kind Paducah will bring all of us a sense of satisfaction, but more than that, it will help us become a more beautiful and environmentally healthy city.”
Social Media Posts
Stormwater Drainage (October 18, 2023) As we work together to be a more Considerate & Kind Paducah, improve stormwater flow and help maintain our local streets by keeping leaves, litter, grass clippings, and weeds out of the gutters and drainage areas. We have approximately 6600 storm inlets! Keeping debris out of the streets also improves their safety for motorcyclists and bicyclists. Paducah Code 42-47(h)(1)
Bagging Leaves | 311 Service Requests (October 26, 2023) Bagging leaves will prevent them from clogging stormwater inlets. Plus, we use the leaves at our Compost Facility. Once you have bags of leaves (or other service requests), contact the City through the 311 app or online portal. This is a great way to work together as a Considerate & Kind Paducah. Paducah Code 42-47(h)(1)
Protect Water Quality (November 1, 2023) Fall is a popular time of year to fertilize yards. However, be Considerate & Kind to the environment and our waterways by reducing the use of fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals get into our drainage systems and ultimately the rivers. Also, properly dispose of chemicals (such as at the annual City-County Spring Clean Up Day) to protect the environment and wildlife. Paducah Code 42-52
Pick Up After Pets (November 7, 2023) When it rains, stormwater runoff carries dirt, garbage, fertilizer, yard debris, motor oil, chemicals, and pet waste to our storm sewer systems, streams, and rivers. As we work to be a more Considerate & Kind Paducah, be sure to pick up after your pet! Your neighbor will appreciate it. Plus, when pet waste (which contains bacteria) ends up in water bodies, it impacts oxygen levels and causes excessive growth of algae and weeds – not good for the water quality! Paducah Code 14-35(b)
Properly Dispose of Cigarette Butts (November 14, 2023) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, help eliminate litter on our streets and in our waterways by properly disposing of cigarette butts. Most cigarette filters are actually made of plastic fibers (cellulose acetate)! Paducah Code 42-47(b)
Related Codes
Sweeping of Litter into Gutters (Paducah Code of Ordinances 42-47(h)(1)) The code is as follows: (h)Sweeping litter into gutters. (1)No person shall sweep into or deposit in any gutter, street or other public place within the City the accumulation of litter from any building or lot or from any public or private sidewalk or driveway. Persons owning or occupying property shall keep the sidewalk in front of their premises free of litter.
Throwing Litter from Vehicles (Paducah Code of Ordinances 42-47(i)) The code is as follows: (i)Throwing litter from vehicle. No person, while a driver or passenger in a vehicle, shall throw or deposit litter upon any street or other public place within the City, or upon private property.
Illicit Discharges (Paducah Code of Ordinances 42-52) This section of code is intended to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City by declaring illicit discharges into the storm sewer system to be nuisances, and more specifically: (1)To protect and enhance the water quality of watercourses and water bodies in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act by prohibiting non-stormwater discharges and connection to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), collectively called stormwater conveyance system. (2) To prohibit illicit discharges and connections to the MS4. (3)To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance and monitoring, and enforcement procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this section.
Sanitary Disposal of Dog Feces (Paducah Code of Ordinances 14-35) The code is as follows: (a)It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in charge of a dog to permit such animal to excrete feces on school grounds, city parks, sidewalks or other public property, or on any private property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of the dog without the permission of the owner of said property unless the owner or person in control of the dog immediately removes all feces deposited by the dog and disposes of same in a sanitary manner. (b)It shall be unlawful for any person to place animal feces in storm sewers or upon the property of another or to dispose of such feces in any manner except by depositing it in a toilet or a covered, fly-tight container normally used for garbage.
- Eliminating Nuisance Items
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Introduction
For January and February 2024, the campaign is focusing on eliminating and properly storing items that could present themselves as a nuisance or even a personal health or environmental danger. These items range in size from the proper disposal of prescription medications to eliminating an inoperable vehicle from a property.
Mayor George Bray said, “A popular New Year’s resolution is to get organized and declutter. Once we emerge from the colder weather, making sure our properties are picked up by getting rid of no longer needed or broken items helps us emit a greater pride in our homeplace. From a City of Paducah perspective, this New Year’s resolution could apply to neighborhoods and individual properties. Decluttering could mean making sure yards and alleys are picked up and getting rid of items such as an abandoned or inoperable car on your property that could be considered a neighborhood nuisance. When we commit ourselves to cleaning up our properties and ensuring larger items are properly stored or eliminated, neighborhoods are more attractive, and you are more considerate of your neighbors. If you require assistance in any way, the city is willing to introduce you to agencies that may be able to assist.”
Social Media Posts
Proper Disposal of Medications (January 25, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, properly disposing of prescription medications protects the community by ridding homes of potentially dangerous, expired, or no longer needed drugs and by preventing pills from getting into the wrong hands. Proper disposal also protects our water quality since these medications will not enter our water bodies. The Paducah Police Department provides a year-round drop box located in the Department’s lobby at 1400 Broadway. The box is accessible during normal business hours. Police will properly destroy the medication. Only pills and patches are accepted. Liquids, needles, and sharps are not accepted. Free and anonymous service.
Proper Storage or Disposal of Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles (February 1, 2024) Neighborhood beautification - protecting the environment – charitable donation. These results are from properly storing or getting rid of an abandoned or inoperable vehicle. As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, we are providing a list of frequently asked questions and options as you work to get rid of a no longer needed vehicle. Several charities will accept them!
Proper Storage or Disposal of Junked Appliances (February 8, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, when you have an old appliance such as a stove or washing machine, store it indoors or out of sight until it can be disposed of properly. Those items are accepted at Spring Clean Up Day in April. Call Public Works (270-444-8511) to learn more about disposal options.
Removing Garbage Rollouts after Collection (February 15, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, keep neighborhood streets attractive by removing garbage containers from curbside/streetside after garbage collection. Rollouts may be placed at the pickup point the evening before the scheduled service.
Removing Rubbish from Property (February 22, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, properly disposing of garbage prevents it from blowing into the streets or a neighbors yard. Also, eliminating unneeded materials and garbage will reduce the danger of attracting insects or rodents.
Resources and City of Paducah Codes
Prescriptions - Regarding the proper disposal of expired or no longer needed prescription medications, the Paducah Police Department provides a year-round drop box located in the Department’s lobby at 1400 Broadway. The box is accessible during normal business hours. No information is requested, and the police department will properly destroy the medication.
Nuisance Items - Several nuisance items are addressed in Chapter 42 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.
- Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles. Paducah Code 42-48(b)(1-3)(link is external). For a list of frequently asked questions, visit abandoned or inoperable vehicles.
- Junked Appliances. Paducah Code 42-48(b)(1)(link is external)
- Rollouts Left at Street. Paducah Code 42-49(d)(3)(c)(link is external) - Waste containers may be placed at the point of pickup the evening before the scheduled pickup service. Waste containers shall be removed from the point of pickup not later than 11 p.m. of the day of the scheduled pickup.
- Rubbish Accumulated on Property. Paducah Code 42-50(a)(2)
- Preservation and Maintenance of Trees
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Introduction
For March 2024, the campaign is focusing on the benefits of trees, their maintenance, and the planting of desirable tree species.
In 2023, the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters named Paducah a Tree City USA for the 31st consecutive year.
Mayor George Bray said, “Paducah’s designation as Tree City USA honors our commitment to urban forest management. In the City Commission’s most recent strategic planning session, we prioritized community beautification, and of course, a healthy tree canopy is one key to Paducah’s aesthetic appeal. We work constantly on new housing and development, but at the same time, we must preserve our tree canopy and all the aesthetic beauty and quality of life benefits healthy trees provide. It is always a balance, but we are committed to preserving our tree canopy.”
Tree Advisory Board Chairman, Jonathan E. Perkins, who also is an ISA Certified Arborist, said, “As a Tree City USA, our citizen-led Tree Advisory Board is always seeking new ways to improve our beautiful city through maintenance and preservation of Paducah’s invaluable urban forest. Trees are important to people and communities, and we strive to help advance that idea through our role as advisors not only to our community leaders but also to the public at-large.”
High-quality trees of desirable species provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. Some of the benefits include improving the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increasing property values, reducing home cooling costs, removing air pollutants, and providing wildlife habitat.
Perkins added, “Some of the benefits provided by trees and a healthy urban forest are obvious and appreciated but others are not as well-known. Research finds that in addition to their ability to provide physical benefits like reducing the amount of rainwater entering our often-over-taxed sewer systems, trees provide mental health benefits. The Harvard School of Public Health noted, A growing body of research shows that regularly spending time around trees provides a wide range of human health benefits, from lowering stress to improving cognition to boosting longevity, according to experts.”
Social Media Posts
Tree City USA (February 29, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, let’s work together to maintain a healthy tree canopy. For 31 consecutive years, the Arbor Day Foundation has named Paducah a Tree City USA. The keys are to plant and maintain desirable tree species in proper locations. Then, enjoy the numerous benefits!
Tree Topping (March 7, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, talk to a certified arborist before significantly pruning a tree. Topping a tree can create considerable stress due to starvation by removing too many leaves and the development of decay at the wound sites.
Sight and Sidewalk Obstructions (March 14, 2024) As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, properly place and maintain trees, shrubs, and other vegetation so that they don't limit access to sidewalks, block traffic signs, or reduce the line of sight for drivers.
Won't You Be My Neighbor Day (March 20, 2024) Fred Rogers said, “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?” March 20 is Rogers’ birthday. As a Considerate & Kind Paducah, spread joy and beauty in your neighborhood on his birthday and every day. Learn More about Won't You Be My Neighbor Day
Recommended Tree Species and Proper Planting (March 28, 2024) Trees provide shade, habitats for birds and critters, and neighborhood beauty. But some tree species are not recommended since they may be invasive or high maintenance. Before planting a tree, please read the list of recommended and not recommended trees provided by Paducah’s Tree Advisory Board. Also, as a Considerate & Kind Paducah, avoid planting near utility lines and near the edge of roadways or sidewalks.
Resources and City of Paducah Codes
Paducah Code of Ordinances Chapter 118 regulates and controls planting of trees and shrubbery, encourages the protection of existing trees in the streets and public grounds within the City, and establishes procedures and practices for fulfilling these purposes.
