The Trenton City Council heard a report on its yearly independent audit, approved three ordinances and gave approval to a mayoral appointment during a meeting Monday night at city hall.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
The Trenton City Council heard a report on its yearly independent audit, approved three ordinances and gave approval to a mayoral appointment during a meeting Monday night at city hall.
Mark Higgins, a certified public accountant with Lockridge, Constant and Conrad, presented the city?s annual audit for the year ending April 30, 2003. Higgins explained differences in this year?s audit, which includes the use of GASB 34, a new accounting procedure that gives actual monetary figures to assets that were listed in previous audits as well as lists depreciation figures for those items. Higgins said this allows for a better explanation of the city?s actual worth and gives the public a clearer idea of the city?s financial situation. Trenton Municipal Utilities has been using the process, however, this is the first year the city audit has been done in this manner.
Higgins said the audit showed no significant findings, adding that segregation of duties still remains a concern. However, he noted that because of the small number of employees who handle specific financial tasks, it was not possible fr the city to separate some of those duties. He went on to say that no problems were found in that regard and noted the city ?came out well? in the financial review.
The council approved an ordinance, making a wording change to an agreement between the city and the Trenton R-9 School District that would allow the district to remain at its current location at the airport during the next two years without paying rent. An ordinance repealing the previous agreement was also approved.
Under the contract, the district would be able to continue occupying the airport building owned by the city for a three-year period, with the city not requiring rent for the first two years. Should the school district choose to leave before that time, the district would have to pay the city $12,000. In the third year of the contract, and any subsequent years after, the rent to the district would be $750 per month.
The lease could be terminated by either party at any time by giving 60 days prior written notice. The district would be responsible for utilities for the facility.
A third ordinance approved made a change in the zoning map for property along a portion of Iowa Boulevard, rezoning it from R-2, lower density residential, to MU, mixed use. City Administrator Kerry Sampson said the change would allow for more consistent use of the land in that area.
The council approved the mayor?s appointment of Jim Walker to the Police Personnel Board. He replaces Jim Wattenbarger, whose term expires this month.
In other business, the council:
? commended city staff for its participation in the Great Northwest Day, in which the city was a participant. Several persons who attended gave a review of the day, which included visits with legislators and officials in Jefferson City.
? was told the Administrative Committee would meet at 5:30 p.m. on March 2 to review the street program, the inspection ordinance and discuss the municipal court situation.
? was informed the city has received a contract from the Union Pacific Railroad, agreeing to pay its share of the cost of replacing the 22nd Street Bridge on a one-third, one-third, one-third basis, as had been requested by the city. Sampson said he hopes work can begin soon.
? recognized members of Boy Scout Troop 97, who attended the meeting as part of their Citizen-ship and the Community badge work.
The Finance Committee met before and after the council meeting to continue work on the 2004-2005 city budget. The group reviewed requests by each city department and plans to meet again to discuss changes in the LAGERS retirement plan as well as personnel issues.