Information on the city’s demolition project was presented and appointments to various committees approved when the Trenton City Council met on Monday night at city hall.
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Bids are being accepted at city hall until 9 a.m. on Friday, July 2 for the demolition of 13 properties that are part of the second round of bids being taken for the project. A tour of the properties is planned for Friday, June 25, with prospective bidders to be at city hall by 9 a.m. to participate. Under the bid requirements, the demolition work must be completed within 60 days of the issuance of “notice to proceed” on the project and hazardous materials must be transported to a certified landfill.
Properties to be included in the next round of bids include 144 E. Seventh St., owned by Judy Schroeder; 410 E. 11th St., owned by Johnnie Munn; 1418 Chestnut, owned by Tom Klinginsmith; 1417 Cedar and 1419 Cedar, owned by Hodge Presbyterian Church; 3915 Oklahoma Ave. (the old Gables), owned by Jim Corethers; two homes at 120 and 128 E. Seventh St., owned by Gary Black; 411 W. 12th St., owned by Matthew Snow; and four buildings at 111, 115, 117 and 119 E. 17th St., owned by Dwayne Garrison. It was noted that the work currently being done at the Garrison buildings included removal of asbestos and other debris in preparation for the demolition project.
The council also agreed to purchase signs that would be used to identify structures which are being taken down as part of the demolition project.
The council approved several appointments to boards and committees. They included:
Park Board – reappointment of Chance Elliott and Tara Christy (one vacancy remains).
Building and Nuisance Board – reappointment of Vince Neal.
Planning and Zoning/Board of Adjustments – reappointment of Bob Gallup and appointment of Jean Peace (replacing Pat McWilliams).
Tree Board – reappointment of Beth Mack and Wenda Seymour.
Board of Public Works – reappointment of Robert Day.
Airport Advisory Board – reappointment of Dyle Wilson, Gary Hooyman and Mark Cole.
TIF Commission – reappointment of Peggy Bradley and Stan Lowrey.
Police Chief Bob Lewis recognized his officers for their work on two burglary reports that resulted in the arrest of individuals who have been involved in other burglaries (see accompanying story).
Bids for two city owned properties were accepted and were the only two received. Todd Grooms purchased property at 2002 Oak St. for $1,300 while Tonia Sayer purchased the lot at 25th and Chestnut for $300. There was a minimum bid on the Oak Street property due to taxes owned, which was met. No bids were received on a third property at Speedway and Harris Avenue. An ordinance formalizing the purchases will be brought back to the council at its next meeting.
Councilman Dr. Nick McHargue, as required by law, disclosed his interest in participating in the city’s sidewalk program on behalf of a relative. The project is contingent upon the participation of other property owners in that area, which is in the 300 block of DeBolt on the west side of the street.
City Administrator Kerry Sampson said that a maintenance official from Union Pacific was to be in Trenton today to inspect the decking of the 17th Street bridge, which needs to be replaced. Sampson said the UP had indicated work would be done in August, however, city officials believe the work needs to be done sooner.
The city has also visited with UP and Missouri Department of Transportation officials concerning the First Street railroad crossing and is waiting for them to come up with options before taking any action. Sampson noted the city has no jurisdiction over the crossing, however, does have a concern for the safety of the public and wants to see something done.
The contractor is to be in town this week to finish up a “punch list” of work on the Kitty Street project while plans are moving forward on improvements at the airport. Sampson reported that the city is dealing with a leak in the basement of city hall and that once the cause of the issue is determined, cost estimates will be obtained and the problem fixed.
Sampson reported that work continues on the sewer issue at Ninth Court and Grant, with Trenton Municipal Utilities to use a camera to look at the damaged sewer line and determine exactly what repairs need to be made. Sampson said the city only wants to make repairs “one time.”
He also updated the council on an event held at the shooting range by the Missouri Sheriff’s Association in which 45 persons participated. It is the first statewide event held at the range. He said the city is talking with RPC officials concerning two buildings the city recently obtained ownership of (located across the street from city hall) and the possibility that the buildings can be placed on the demolition project list.
The council gave councilman Joe Foster permission to paint the base of the flag pole at Five Points for the Gooseberry Festival this weekend.
In other business:
• TDIA Director Debbie Carmen told about activities in connection with the Gooseberry Festival this weekend as well as the July 4 activities planned for downtown Trenton.
• Community Developer Ralph Boots said that the Certified Government Program has funding available for historic preservation projects in the downtown area. He also said the ATV races scheduled for last weekend have been rescheduled until Saturday, July 17, which be believes could lead to bigger crowds than had been anticipated for the June race.
• Park Superintendent Jason Shuler recognized city crews who assisted with moving dirt to the ATV track as well as those who have helped with marking the fields for the soccer league. There are around 130 youth involved in the league.
• The Board of Public Works will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29 for its regular meeting. A session is planned at 5:30 p.m., during which time the board and other city officials will be meeting with representatives of LAGERS concerning the city’s retirement program.
• City Street Supervisor Larry Griffin reported that milling will begin next week on some city streets as part of the summer street program. Griffin said he would be informing the public through the media as to the time and places the work will be done.
• Dr. McHargue told council members about a request that came before the Board of Adjustments concerning the possibility of constructing a metal building near the Grundy County Museum. The request, from Ted Druckenmiller on behalf of the museum, was denied due to safety concerns expressed by the board.
• Councilman Jim Bush reported on a Lions Club cabinet meeting he attended at which time he was told that the Lions Club has an ATV group that would like to schedule races in Trenton as well as a tractor pull group that would be interested in coming to Trenton as well.