An ordinance first believed to be defeated was actually approved by the Trenton City Council after city officials reviewed statutes that cover the council’s voting procedures.
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During Monday night’s meeting, the city council voted 5-2-1 on an ordinance that would close a portion of East Fifth Street between Maupin Street and Harris Avenue and revert ownership back to Lindell Willey, who plans to remove the street and build a garage on the site. After that vote, City Administrator Kerry Sampson said the ordinance had failed because six votes were needed for an ordinance to be approved. However, a discussion with the city attorney and a review of the voting procedures after the meeting revealed that a majority of elected members of the council is needed for an ordinance to pass, which means the five yes votes were enough for the ordinance to be approved.
Voting in favor were Terry Toms, Kenneth Ewing, Ed Holt, Chuck Elliott and David Trickel. Dr. Nick McHargue and Jim Bush were opposed. Steve Perry abstained.
During discussion, Dr. McHargue reiterated a comment he made at the April 9 meeting, asking the council to consider requiring money be put in escrow when the closure of an asphalted street is requested for a specific project to make sure the project gets completed. It was noted that the city has closed roads in the past, but none that have been asphalted. Dr. McHargue said he wants to make sure that not only the project is done, but that it is done correctly, especially in regard to removal and disposal of asphalt.
Elliott said he agreed with Dr. McHargue, but was voting in favor because he didn’t feel the council could go back and change the requirements after Willey had already made his request. He did suggest that the council take a look at requiring escrow money in the future and Mayor Cathie Smith asked the Administrative Committee to take a look at such a proposal, bringing back a recommendation to the council at a future meeting.
The council voted 8-0 in support of efforts by a committee of local citizens to raise funds to replace the Welcome to Trenton signs with new ones. Ted Druckenmiller, a member of the committee, appeared before the council to update them on the replacement efforts. The committee hopes to raise up to $24,000 to erect three signs at the sites where the current signs are located. He noted that two of the three signs are in disrepair and the committee wants to replace them with more stable structures. It is estimated each sign will cost around $8,000, which will include materials and labor. The Trenton Master Gardeners have agreed to do the landscaping work around the signs and do the upkeep. Letters are to be sent out to individuals and organizations seeking donations for such an effort. Persons wanting to give money can do so through the Green Hills Rural Development, Inc., a 501(c)(3), which makes the donations, tax deductible, or by contacting Druckenmiller, Gary Schuett or Jim Bush, who serve as the sign committee.
Approval was given to a chip and seal bid from Musselman and Sons at a cost of $91,715 ($2.21 per square yard). It was not the lowest bid submitted, however, Sampson indicated that the staff recommended the company due to experience, capacity and equipment that the company has. The other bid submitted was from G&G Asphalt Company of Maryville, $87,150 ($2.10 per square yard).
The council approved committee and board liaison appointments made by Mayor Smith. They include:
• Finance Committee – Ewing, chairman, Dr. McHargue, Holt, Trickel and Phil Hoffman (BPW chairman).
• Administrative Committee – Holt, chairman, Bush, Perry, Ms. Toms and Ewing (Finance Chairman).
• Economic Development Committee – Perry, chairman, Ewing, Elliott and Ms. Toms.
• Planning and Zoning – Dr. McHargue and Bush.
• Public Safety – Trickel.
• Tree Committee – Elliott.
• Airport Advisory Commit-tee – Dr. McHargue and Bush.
• Park Board – Ms. Toms and Holt.
• Board of Public Works – Perry and Elliott.
• Extension Council – Dr. McHargue.
• Building and Nuisance Board – Trickel.
In other business, the council:
• was told the final fire training classes would be held this weekend and that a live propane burn would be done at the National Guard Armory from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, weather permitting.
• was told the asphalt plant was up and running and that the street department would run the sweeper this week as part of the Community Pride Cleanup activities. The brush dump will be open all week during regular business hours as well as from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
• was told the USDA was still awaiting word as to whether or not it would receive funds this year that would be used for the World Changers project this year. Sampson said the money is part of a bill that is being held up in Congress. It was unsure whether or not other monies could be found to replace those funds.
• was told that five members of Boy Scout Troop 97 and members of the Trap/Skeet group planted up to 1,500 trees this past weekend at the new trap/skeet range.
• was told the city was readvertising for the economic developer’s position.