At Monday's regular meeting, the Lynch City Council discussed damage caused by the recent flooding throughout the city.

"The storm started on May 30 and the next day, it caused a lot of damage to the city," said Mayor Tom Vicini. "It is permanent damage."

Several roads and creek beds were washed out.

The most severe damage was to the new water line running to the new water tank.

It washed away 40 feet of the embankment in front of the water line, took out the water line and drained the water tank, according to Vicini.

"The cost to repair it was $6,400, money that could have been used for other things, but it had to be done," said Vicini.

"This is why the boil water advisory is in effect," he said.

A severe water leak has been found between the dog house and the fire hydrant at the Lynch countyclub. The club lost two of its three foot bridges during the flood and received serious damage to the creek walls.

"Water got up over the flood wall and damaged property," said council member Terry Lewis. "The water was up over Gap Branch bridge; it was a foot from the road."

"Over six inches of rain fell during the storm," said Vicini.

Drains and creeks were stopped up from debris and logs that were washed down from the mountains above Lynch.

The mayor issued a declaration of emergency last Monday and said he is waiting to hear from Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop on the results.

"The judge told me, that he submitted Harlan County as a whole, not just one city, all of Harlan," said Leo Miller.

FEMA also has been contacted and the city is awaiting an inspection of the damage.

The mayor and Miller will try to set up a meeting with Congressman Hal Rogers to get funding for the repairs.

"We need help before we lose buildings and any more roadways," said Vicini.

In other business, the council:

n heard from Leo Miller concerning the update the sidewalk. The sidewalk will be finished by Thursday, if it doesn't rain, according to Miller.

n awarded the $50 gift certificate for the slogan contest to Chris Obradovich, but voted to use a different slogan. The new slogan is "Welcome to Lynch, Kentucky The portal to Big Black Mountain Where coal mining is our heritage and Bulldog and Pirates legends live on."

n heard updates on the Tri-City Grand Reunion. The men's breakfast will be held along with the annual Charles Stewart Golf Tournament.

n heard from Marvin Goins on the rusty water situation at 539 Jenkins Road.

n heard the first reading of the 2004-2005 budget.

n heard from David Bradley from Waste Management on a solid waste proposal.