RUSSELL — The Russell City Council discussed drainage issues after heavy rains in the area two weeks ago.
The council also approved the 2009-10 budget and a new compensation scale for city employees.
Two people addressed the council about drainage issues during a section of the meeting open to the audience. Both issues are ongoing problems made worse by heavy rains.
Mayor Bill Hopkins promised to come to both properties to inspect them and see what can be done, but no solutions were proposed.
Dr. Sanjiv Gupta of Russell said the basement of his house has flooded about three times since he bought the house on Sparrow Court eight years ago. It flooded most recently two weeks ago after heavy rains.
He said the problem comes from the city not clearing or cleaning drains, which caused water to back up into his pipes.
“We know that we are stuck there and we are hurting really bad financially, emotionally and physically,” Gupta said.
He said the flooding had caused damage to his basement as well as mold growth.
Gupta said he hoped the city could do something to protect his house.
Council member Dave Kersey said the problem might stem from a drainage ditch that used to exist behind Gupta’s home but was filled in during the construction of another house.
Hopkins said he would look into the situation, but the city might be limited in its response because some of the problems might stem from private property owned by individuals or the Russell Independent School District.
Gupta said, while he felt council members listened to him, he didn’t feel he got a concrete response from them about a solution.
Dr. Juett Cooper of Russell said drainage at a house across the street from his on Verna Drive is causing flooding. Water runs across the street and into his lawn because the house was constructed in a bowl-shaped area and there are springs under it.
The problem has prevented him from insuring a landscaping project, he said.
It also causes an area on the road where vehicles can easily hydroplane and wreck, he said.
“It’s causing us a lot of problems and it’s a danger to the community in my opinion,” Cooper said.
Hopkins also promised to inspect Cooper’s property.
After hearing from the audience, the council passed the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year unanimously. The 2009-10 budget estimates total revenues will be about $3.8 million. The city expects to have $35,179.78 in excess funds at the end of the fiscal year.
The budget goes into effect on July 1 and didn’t change after its first reading on June 8.
The council also unanimously approved a 3.2 percent raise for all city employees.
KATIE BRANDENBURG can be reached at kbrandenburg@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2657.
Local News
Russell council discusses flooding, approves raises
- Local News
-
-
Business touts better living
Yvette Pennington is a true believer in the power of living better as we live longer.
-
Police beat: 2/9/12
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Safe Harbor benefits from Shop and Share Day
Shop and Share Day brought a record number of donations to Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky.
-
Local briefs: 2/9/12
For the fifth year in a row, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has given the Southern Ohio Medical Center Cancer Center funding to support the Hands of Hope grant program.
-
Judge's ruling paralyzes General Assembly
Confusion reigns in the wake a judge’s ruling that state redistricting maps passed by the General Assembly are unconstitutional. That ruling says until the legislature offers a plan which meets constitutional muster, 2012 candidates for the legislature must run in the districts drawn 10 years ago.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Business touts better living
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
