The Trenton City Council approved an ordinance and heard several reports during a 15-minute meeting on Monday night at city hall.
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The council approved an ordinance accepting an agreement with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Co. of Kansas City for engineering services on the wastewater treatment improvement project. The contract with Burns and McDonnell covers a 30-month period, including a one-year follow-up once construction is completed in 2009. According to the contract, the cost to the city would not exceed $479,000 without approval of the city. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in March with a completion date of 15 months.
Seven of the city’s eight councilman approved the ordinance, with third ward councilman Chuck Elliott being absent.
Approval was given to two appointees to the Tree Board. Anita VonBurg, who is also a member of the Park Board, and Jacob Black will join Beth Mack and Wenda Seymour as members of the board. A fifth appointment is still to be made.
City Administrator Kerry Sampson reported that around 147 individuals have signed up for the World Changers project for this summer, which would equate to around 16 homes having work done on them. The city is working with Rural Development to obtain funding for materials.
Sampson said that Community Developer Sean Burge, Gary Hurst of the Downtown Improvement Association and Jackie Soptic of the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission would be attending a workshop to learn about financing available through the DREAM Initiative and that a public hearing would be held on Monday, Feb. 26 on the enhanced enterprise zone for Grundy County. He also gave updates on the 22nd Street Bridge and Kitty Street projects, which are expected to begin in the next few months.
Housing Inspector Gary Beverlin reported that final work is being done on the city’s application for state money to fund a demolition project. A total of 46 to 47 properties have been identified thus far to be included in the project. Ann Hamilton of the RPC is assisting with the application.
Councilman Kenneth Ewing reported the Finance Committee has begun work on the city budget, which will go into effect on May 1. Airport Advisory Board Chairman Dyle Wilson reported on the recent board meeting.
Mayor Cathie Smith said that in light of recent incidents at Kirkwood, the city would be reviewing its safety regulations involving city council and other city-related meetings and said that the information would be discussed at later meetings. She also reported on the Great Northwest Day at the Capitol, in which several city officials participated. The city of Trenton had a booth at the activity, which also included visits with legislators and other state officials. Mrs. Smith said local representatives were able to meet with legislators privately prior to the event, which she said would be very helpful.
Special mention was also given to the cooperative effort between the city, township and citizens in helping with snow removal during the recent snowstorm.
A report from New Hope was postponed as the representative of the business was ill. The report will be given at the Feb. 26 meeting.