Trenton Park Board members considered bids for the painting of the Trenton Family Aquatic Center and voted to close the pool prior to Labor Day during a meeting held Wednesday evening at city hall.
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Two bids were submitted for painting of the TFAC and board members voted to approve the low bid of $16,100 from G.D. Hanes Construction of Boonville, contingent upon a good reference check. The park department is supplying all materials, which are estimated at about $5,400, and Hanes will be acid washing all concrete surfaces, removing oils, chips and foreign materials. All metal surfaces will be wire-brushed and sanded to remove rust and all areas will be rinsed and neutralized with a baking soda solution to ensure proper paint adhesion. In addition, the entire area will be primed. Hanes also agreed to apply an additional coat of paint in three to five years as determined by the park department for additional protection, with the park department supplying the materials. The other bid received was for $21,439 from Hempen Industrial Services of Argyle, IA. If Hanes’ references are adequate, Park Superintendent Jason Shuler will move forward in finalizing the agreement with the company and work will begin right after Labor Day and should take about two weeks.
The board voted to close the aquatic center for the season on Sunday, Aug. 29. The last weekday for it to be open is Friday, Aug. 13, but the center will be open the weekends of Aug. 14-15, Aug. 21-22 and Aug. 28-29. There was a lengthy discussion of whether or not the pool should close prior to Labor Day, but it was agreed that the tradition has been to keep the facility open through August and Labor Day is late this year. Several reasons were cited for closing in August, including the difficulty in having enough lifeguards after college students have returned to school, the need to have the pool ready for painting and the cost of chemicals, pumps, etc., when it is not being used daily. It was noted that attendance drops dramatically after school starts as well. The pool has brought in approximately $58,715.80 so far this year, including $47,332.72 in admission revenue and $11,383.08 in concessions. A total of 8,943 people have visited the facility, with 66 single passes, 89 family passes, 14 swim passes and 15 lap swim passes sold. In addition, 38 pool parties have been held.
Three board members of the Trenton Soccer Stars, a summer league that just ended its inaugural season, addressed the board. Linda Cowling, Molly Long and Kristi Urich thanked the board and the park department for their efforts in helping get the program started. They said there were 130 participants in this summer’s program and that the cost was less than expected because the Green Hills Soccer Club funded the purchase of two sets of goals. The Park Department paid for flags, which can be used again next year, and provided labor for lining the various fields. It was noted that there were several older youth who played in the league, which was somewhat surprising to the organizers. Plans are under way to hold the program, which was held on Sundays in June, again next year and organizers feel even more youth will participate.
Mrs. Urich, who is also a member of the Trenton Rotary Club, said the club is interested in helping develop the soccer fields at Gladys Grimes Park, which are not level. Shuler said the best approach would likely be to “step” the fields and he was directed to look into what that would cost. Parking was also listed as a concern, but Shuler said he feels there is room to create more space for parking.
Board members heard a report on the recent ATV races held in Trenton. Preliminary figures show that the event made $783.41 and brought in 109 riders, 148 family members and 339 other spectators. Expenses included $3,700 to construct the track, $965 for advertising and $171.59 for utilities, for a total of $4,836.59. Trenton Economic Developer Ralph Boots said he hopes to hold another race this fall. Board members were made aware of a letter complaining of the noise at the race. Boots said that despite getting a late start, the event was over by 11 p.m., which organizers feel is reasonable. He noted that the group that put together the July 17 race is not affiliated with the North Central Missouri Fair Board, which held races last year. Board President Mike Bosley said the park board is sensitive to the feelings of those who live in the area and will continue to see that the main issues, dust and noise, are monitored.
In his report, Shuler said the Trenton Street Department has milled out a section of the walking trail at the entrance of Eastside Park that is holding water. He said asphalt was to be placed on the area today and it hoped that this will put an end to the ponding of water in that area. He also reported on other projects in the park system, including the installation of sun screen on the backstop of Griffin Ball Field due to the angle of the sun during evening ball games. He thanked Trenton Municipal Utilities for their use of a trencher/backhoe for the installation of electrical wiring to all the new metal poles at Eastside Park that are allowing for enhanced lighting of the basketball courts, horseshoe court and tennis court. He said he still needs to pour the switch pole bases and mount them. Shuler discussed the portable restroom trailers that are owned by the city. The board had the option of “buying in” to them at a one-time cost of $1,000 and being able to use them at no cost or paying $225 each per event if they are needed. The board voted to pay the $1,000, although the cost will be split between the current year’s budget and next year’s budget.
Board members reorganized, as is required by the group’s by-laws. Bosley was re-elected president, while Mitch Dougan was re-elected vice president and Pam Hattesohl was re-elected secretary.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1. The meeting will be held at city hall, but may include a tour of the city’s park system after the regular meeting.