Russellville targets city drainage issues

Flooding was the talk of the town for the City of Russellville at the April 20 council meeting, as council members discussed drainage issues at Hester Heights and Filmore Street.

After several incidents of increased rain, city council members received calls from residents complaining of drainage issues in these areas.

“We aren’t used to having as much rain as we’ve had recently, and it seems like this heavy rainfall is occurring more and more,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom.

Councilman David Palmer said he believes the pipes in this area are unable to accommodate the increased level of rain Russellville has acquired in recent months.

After hearing about the reported problems, the council voted to hire Brad Williams Civil Group to do a study concerning flooding in those areas. Once the study is completed, the city will look at the cost of fixing these drainage issues.

“These issues are happening throughout town because of increased flooding,” Grissom said. “We aren’t going to be able to fix them all at one time, but we are trying to take steps forward with getting pricing to start fixing the drainage problems.”

The city council also approved a contract with Sweet Tree Productions for the July 4 celebration.

Grissom said this $9,000 contract involves a $4,500 non-refundable deposit. Because of all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, a clause was added to allow the City of Russellville to use the down payment toward future events if this one has to be canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“That is one good thing is if we have to reschedule this, we aren’t just out this money because it can be applied for future dates,” Grissom said.

The council also approved the hiring of Derek John Russell as dispatcher for the Russellville Police Department.

The city is continuing to advertise for the positions of laborer and equipment operator for the Russellville Street Department.