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Sewer problem draining church

February 06, 2008|Mike Moore

About 10 parishioners from Nicholasville Baptist Church approached the city commission asking it to do something about a drainage along Chestnut Street.

David Cotton, a spokesperson for the church, said during downpours, the stormwater sewer drain clogs up quickly, causing many problems.

"The drain stops up and the water pools up on the property," he said at last Thursday's commission meeting.

Cotton said that over the years, storm water has backed up and eventually flooded the basement.

In the last three years, Cotton said the church has spend more than $150,000 on different renovation projects and the members are concerned that the city isn't doing enough to correct the problem.

"We don't want to lose our church," he said. "It's a cornerstone to our historic district."

Using photographs, Cotton showed the commission water damage the church has already suffered over the years.

Rick Staley, who attends the church, added that water has come into the church on many occasions.

"It gets two or three inches above the sidewalk, and that's when the water seeps through to the basement," he said.

City street Superintendent Gary Goldey said his department has committed to ensuring the drain remains debris free.

"It's a problem only when the drains aren't maintained properly," he said. "As long as they're clear, they'll take a whole lot of rain."

Goldey said the five storm drains along the street are the older types that were phased out years ago.

"We've made a commitment to the church that after rain, the drains will be checked and cleared," Goldey said. "We have made a renewed commitment to the church."

Commissioner Chris Moore inquired about other available options the city can explore.

"We could possibly get a throat-type drain to put in there," Goldey replied, adding those drains run between $10,000 and $17,000.

Moore said the city will look at the Main Street Program to see if any grant money for drains is available.

In the meantime, the city said the street department would check the drains often to ensure no debris clogs it.

Allen Harrod, the church's pastor, thanked the commission before adding, "This has been an ongoing problem for more than seven years. We just want something done."

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