Prosigns owners urge Richmond to study stormwater after June 27 flooding

Bethany Fringer, speaking for Prosigns and co-owner Jason Freeman, told the Richmond City Board of Commissioners that the June 27 storm caused the worst flooding the business has experienced, with "tens of thousands" of dollars in inventory losses and approximately $20,000 in damage to the building.

"We respectfully ask that the city direct public works or a city engineer to get done a comprehensive evaluation of the stormwater system serving our area," Fringer said during the public-comment period. She asked the city to review roadway drainage, the storm sewer system, runoff from surrounding hills and the effects of recent development. Fringer noted their property is not in a designated floodplain and therefore did not carry flood insurance and urged the city to coordinate with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet because the roadway is a state highway.

Mayor Blythe expressed sympathy for the business's damage and said the commission would review the materials submitted that evening. City Manager (name not specified in the record) and other officials noted the city has been assessing storm impacts and that multiple agencies may need to cooperate on remedies where state infrastructure is involved.

The comment closed with the owners asking that their area be considered for infrastructure improvements so that future storms do not create preventable public-safety or business emergencies. Commissioners did not take immediate action at the meeting but acknowledged the request and directed staff to review the submission.