At Monday night’s meeting, the Princeton City Council listened to concerned citizens who pointed out significant flooding issues impacting their homes, attributing the problem to a potentially malfunctioning drain that had successfully prevented flooding for nearly three decades.
Lois Jackson, a resident of South Seminary Street, presented the Council with photographs showing flooding that had entered their homes, despite the area not being designated as a flood zone. She explained that the City had installed a drain over thirty years ago, and there had been no flooding issues until 2023, indicating that the drain might not be functioning properly.
Jackson mentioned that the drain is currently retaining water.
click to download audioShe emphasized that if the drain issue is not resolved, the flooding problem will continue.
In response to Councilman Brian Conger’s question about the drain’s destination, Mayor Thomas indicated that they believe it leads into a cave system.
click to download audioFollowing further discussion, Mayor Thomas said he’s uncertain about what could be done regarding the drain issue but stated that they would reach out to an engineer to investigate the matter.
Regarding the flooding issue, Public Works Superintendent Chris Pool informed the Council during his department report that the flooding had damaged two bridges, forcing them to close two streets. He noted said one bridge is located on North Franklin Street at the intersection with Shephardson Street, and the other is on Hawthorne Street between Marcus and Locust streets.
click to download audioIn the new business, the Council unanimously approved the annual Municipal Road Aid agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a total of approximately $146,577 for the fiscal year starting July 1, with the first distribution amounting to $85,308.
In other action, the Council authorized Mayor Thomas to sign a deed accepting MicBeth Drive into the city’s street system. The street was dedicated to the city by the owners, Vernon Michael Dearing and Mary Dearing.
