The Trenton Park Board met Wednesday evening, discussing the progress of the walking trail and the 2005-2006 budget and approving the purchase of a new all-terrain vehicle.
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The Trenton Park Board met Wednesday evening, discussing the progress of the walking trail and the 2005-2006 budget and approving the purchase of a new all-terrain vehicle.
Park Superintendent Jason Shuler said the grading and graveling of the extension of the walking trail has begun and will add .35 of a mile to the existing trail. Shuler said a Chinese Elm and one stump has already been removed and that two other trees in the path of the trail will also be removed. A retaining wall will have to be constructed and two 12-inch tubes will be installed. Also to be removed as part of the extension is the old ?horse? swings at Eastside Park, with some new playground equipment to be installed in the park. As part of the project, a 40-foot wide area of asphalt will be placed on what is now the south parking area at Burleigh Grimes Field, with some sort of obstruction placed on the area to deter parking on the part of that area that is designated for those using the trail.
Board members discussed the 2005-2006 budget, which will be sent to the city council for approval in April. Shuler and board members said the budget is nearly complete, but issues such as Shuler?s salary still have to be determined. In addition, the board is still waiting for information on bonding for the aquatic center financing, as the type of financing in place right now is temporary. It is hoped that this round of bonding will close this month and permanent financing will be in place, which carries a lower rate of interest. A special meeting will be scheduled to finalize budget issues.
The board also continued its discussion of a restroom facility at the Ebbe Sports Complex, with the grounds committee asked to make recommendations at the April meeting. It was noted that if funds from the Ebbe Memorial, which now stands at over $35,300, are used, the board won?t have to bid the project out or pay prevailing wage. If those funds won?t cover the entire project, the fixtures could be bid separately and paid for through park board funds.
The board gave approval to Shuler to purchase a Honda 350 all-terrain vehicle from Dell?s Honda of Blue Springs at a cost of $4,450 and gave him authority to hire Gary Berry as head umpire again this year at a salary of $500. Also approved was the purchase of four Prairie Fire Crab Trees to be planted for Arbor Day near Trenton Middle School and walking trail. Eighth grade students from Diana Klinginsmith?s science class will help members of the Trenton Tree Board plant the trees. The total cost of the trees is $150.
Other discussion items included the possible resealing of the parking lot at upper Moberly Park and vandalism at the aquatic center. Shuler said the louvers in five doors have been broken by juveniles and it was agreed to look into replacing the aluminum louvers with metal ones, which will be less destructible. It was also noted that if the juveniles are apprehended, the board will enforce its policy of not allowing that child to participate in anything in the park system, including using the aquatic center.
In his report, Shuler said the second new shelter house has been completed at Moberly Park and thanked Terry Eaton for his help with the project as well as the Trenton Street Department for the use of a portable generator. Shuler also said the gates blocking off the road at the Rock Barn have been installed, with TMU assisting with the digging of the corner post holes. Shuler also said he has advertised for pool concession attendants, lifeguards, park maintenance and umpires for the summer.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 at city hall.