In this installment of City Notes, we spoke with Brian Claar, City Engineer for the City of Nicholasville. With over three years in the role and a career rooted in civil engineering, Claar shared insights on the city’s stormwater system, how residents can play a role in keeping it functioning properly, and the importance of clear public communication in his work.
From Engineer to City Servant
Claar, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, began his career in West Virginia working in highway transportation and erosion control. Over time, he transitioned into the power sector and later construction, experiences that gave him valuable technical and business development skills. He eventually returned to Lexington and, looking for a more community-centered role, found his way to Nicholasville’s City Engineering Department.
“I’ve had great mentors who each taught me something different, technical knowledge, creating a positive team culture, and how to write clearly and precisely,” Claar said.
Understanding the City’s Stormwater System
Nicholasville’s stormwater infrastructure is aging, and unlike utilities such as water or sewer, it does not have a dedicated revenue source for upkeep. Many components of the system have been in place for decades, making maintenance and upgrades a challenge.
What’s more, Claar explained that the approach to stormwater has shifted from simply redirecting runoff to treating it before it reenters the environment.
“Stormwater used to be about getting it off-site quickly. Now it’s about quality. We’re trying to make sure what leaves a property is as clean as possible,” he said.
How Residents Can Help
When it comes to protecting local water quality, residents have a big role to play. Claar emphasized that simple actions, like cleaning up after pets, properly disposing of yard waste, and never dumping oil or chemicals into storm drains, can make a significant difference.
“People may not realize it, but whatever is on the ground ends up in our lakes, rivers, and streams,” he said. “Something like a quart of oil can spread across a large body of water, creating real environmental harm.”
Keeping an Eye on Stormwater Issues
Residents can report stormwater concerns, like suspicious discharges or blocked drains, through the Streets and Stormwater page on the city’s website or by calling City Hall and asking for the Engineering Department. These reports are part of the city’s effort to monitor and address illicit discharges, ensuring pollutants do not make their way into local waterways.
Partnering for Regional Solutions
Nicholasville is a member of the Kentucky Stormwater Association (KSA), a network of municipalities and engineers who share ideas and solutions to stormwater challenges. Through this group, Claar and his team stay current on emerging practices and collaborate with nearby cities to address shared concerns.
The city is also part of the MS4 program (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System), a federally mandated effort to monitor stormwater quality. Each year, Nicholasville submits an MS4 report to the state outlining its compliance and public education efforts.
A Role That Matters
For Claar, public service is about being part of something meaningful.
“In previous jobs, I was part of big companies, but in this role, I feel like I’m doing something that helps people I see every day, my neighbors, my community.”
He also takes pride in shifting public attitudes around stormwater.
“If just a few people begin to change their habits, pick up litter, clean up after pets, improve erosion control, it can ripple out and make a real difference.”