Changes to the city?s nuisance and building codes and a conditional use permit to allow construction of an apartment complex for the developmentally disabled were approved by the Trenton City Council during a meeting on Monday night at city hall.
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Changes to the city?s nuisance and building codes and a conditional use permit to allow construction of an apartment complex for the developmentally disabled were approved by the Trenton City Council during a meeting on Monday night at city hall.
On a 7-0 vote, with Greg Lamp absent, the council approved six ordinances concerning the nuisance and building codes, giving the city code enforcement officer more authority as well as changing procedures regarding the declaration and abatement of nuisances. The duties of the newly-designated Building and Nuisance Board were also defined.
The code enforcement officer will now be able to write tickets or summons for nuisances, authority already given to the police as well as set hearings on nuisance complaints, along with the police chief and city administrator. The code enforcement officer may also make written application for the issuance of warrants, allowing the search of any premises, buildings or structures suspected of being in violation of the city nuisance code.
The current Building Board will now be known as the Building and Nuisance Board, allowing members to deal with both building and nuisance issues. They will be the board that will conduct hearings on nuisance complaints, determining if a nuisance does exist and order an abatement of the situation, if needed.
The procedure declaring a nuisance has also been changed. Once a summons or ticket has been issued, the property owner will be given time to abate the nuisance. If it is not done, a hearing before the Building and Nuisance Board can be set and a 10-day notice will be given. If the board finds during the hearing that a nuisance exists, the owner will have five days to take care of it, or the city will have the authority to do so, with the cost being taxed as a lien against the property.
On a 6-1 vote, with Troy Smith abstaining, the council approved a conditional use permit for the Green Hills Community Action Agency, which will allow for construction of an 11-unit apartment complex on land at 1820 Oklahoma Ave. The structure will house developmentally disabled residents. Construction of the building is contingent upon the awarding of a grant through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Approval was given to a bid from Briggs and Cracraft LLC to demolish properties at 142 E. Sixth St. and 424 W. 10th St. for $5,450. It was the lowest of two received. Briggs and Cracraft also received the bid to remove siding at the 142 E. Sixth St. property at a cost of $750. It was the lowest of three bids received.
The council approved several appointments made by Mayor Gary Hall to various city boards. All are current board members. They include Marti Williams, Beth Gross and Chuck Lankheit, park board; Evelyn Trickel, Building and Nuisance Board; Steve Busch and Mark Morse, TIF; and Larry Woldridge, Board of Public Works. Positions on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Tree Board are still to be filled.
City Administrator Kerry Sampson reported a meeting has been held with the Conservation Department concerning the possible construction of a skeet/trap range at the new industrial park site in the north part of town. Sampson said money is expected to be available after July 1 for such a project and that additional meetings are planned.
Sampson also reported that the city has met with officials from the Missouri Department of Transportation concerning work on drainage that needs to be done by the state before the Highway 6 overlay project planned for next spring. Sampson said some of that work is currently being done.
New police officer Cyle Fewins was introduced to the council. Sampson also gave an update on problems with buildings located across the street from city hall, which have been blocked off as a safety concern after some bricks fell from one of the structures.
Mayor Hall also reminded the public that persons wanting to address the council at a meeting are to file a written request with the city clerk at least three business days prior to the council meeting.
Prior to the council meeting, Fire Chief Tony Ralston presented information concerning A Safer Act grant that would allow for additional full-time firemen to be hired, with the city paying a portion of the cost for four years, then paying the entire salary in the fifth year. Up to $100,000 per fireman could be applied for and Ralston said he hopes to fund three positions. He noted there are currently six full-time firemen, but that there is the possibility one may retire in December. With the grant, Ralston hopes to bring the number of full-time firemen available to eight, which is the number the city had when it adopted use of a volunteer system to assist full-time city firemen in answering calls.
The Administrative Committee sent the issue to the Finance Committee, which voted 3-1 to send the request onto the city council. Kenneth Ewing was opposed. Finance Chairman Gary Hurst reported on the grant, but the council took no action during its meeting. The grant is to be submitted no later than June 28.
An executive session for legal matters was held following the regular meeting. No announcement was made.