At Monday night’s meeting, the Princeton City Council received important updates on the severe storms that inundated the county with over a foot of rain from Wednesday night through Sunday.
Public Works Superintendent Chris Pool reported that the county received more than 13 inches of rainfall, resulting in several street closures.
click to download audioPool stated that, up to this point, he has not identified any significant road damage from the flooding, although some streets still have high water levels.
He noted that several homes have sustained damage from the flooding.
click to download audioHe stated that Public Works, with assistance from inmates at the Caldwell County Jail, had filled and distributed around 1,400 sandbags.
Additionally, Public Works is currently pumping water on US 62 West, next to the Kentucky Soybean Association.
click to download audioPrinceton-Caldwell County Fire Chief Brent Francis stressed to motorists to avoid driving through the water as rescues continued on Monday, following incidents on Varmint Trace Road and I-69 over the weekend.
click to download audioHe emphasized that despite the receding high water, the situation remains dangerous and ongoing.
click to download audioChief Francis added that the community will be dealing with the flood’s aftermath for a while, and said he was “amazed” to see the water level receding in the Tradewater River in Caldwell County.
In another update, City Councilman and Princeton Electric Plant Board member, Jim Joiner, reported that the sewer lift station near Christ Tabernacle is flooded and submerged, necessitating its de-energization that left some residents without power.
In a conversation with WPKY’s News Edge following the meeting, Mayor Brock Thomas commended the Public Works staff for their efforts during the flooding event and said work will continue to progress.
click to download audioIn new business, the Council unanimously approved a contract for finance director services with SHB Consulting, PLLC, a company owned by Stacy Boone, who was previously contracted with Thurmond Campbell Group, which was recently bought out by another firm. Boone was previously contracted through Thurmond Campbell Group and when her contract expired she began her own business.
The new contract with SHB Consulting is $4,644 per month between the city and the water department.
In other new business, the Council discussed a proposal for a community center project at the former health department building on Hawthorne Street, presented by City Clerk Julie Poole. WPKY’s News Edge will provide more information about the project proposal in the coming days.
