The city demolition program, construction projects and the city tax levy were among topics tackled by the Trenton City Council during its meeting on Monday night.
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City Administrator Kerry Sampson said paperwork has been completed and signed for work to begin on the next round of demolition and that the contractor, Red Rock of Hamilton, has 10 days to start demolishing the 13 structures on the list. Sampson said the contractor plans to start with buildings in the 100 block of 17th Street owned by Dwayne Garrison. Another list of structures is already being compiled for a third round of demolitions. The project is being funded through a Community Development Block Grant being administered through the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission.
Community Developer Ralph Boots announced that formal purchase of the former Adams Middle School should be completed this week, allowing the city to hold a meeting of its TIF Commission to close out the TIF project for the previous owners and letting Cardinal Developers LLC of Springfield begin renovation of the structure into senior citizen/low income apartments. The company plans to develop 36 units of housing for persons age 55 and over who meet certain income guidelines.
Boots also announced that the National Guard is planning a $1 million expansion of its facility in Trenton, which is located in the Industrial Park area. No other information was presented on the project.
Trenton Downtown Improvement Association Director Debbie Carman said that Lucky Dog Embroidery, owned by Debbie Kinnison, will re-open for business in the downtown area on Wednesday. It is located in the former Brown’s Dress Shop at 922 Main St. Ms. Carman also said that an antique store is to be opened in the downtown area, however, no announcement as to the date has been made.
Ms. Carman also reminded members of a TDIA meeting that will be held at 5:15 tonight at the TDIA offices in the Plaza Apartments. Patrick Hanlon of PGAV Consultants will be present to discuss downtown improvement ideas. He also plans to meet during the day with owners of seven buildings in the downtown area to discuss facade improvements.
The council approved an ordinance setting the city tax levy at $1.0171 on the $100 assessed valuation, which is slightly higher than a year ago due to a drop in assessed valuation. The tax would include $.8585 for general revenue and $.1586 for the park fund. The city anticipates receiving $$524,000 from the tax, of which $430,000 would be for general revenue fund and $84,000 would be for the park fund.
Also approved by the council was an ordinance allowing a conditional use permit for John Ohlberg, who plans to covert the back of a commercial building at 813 Main St. to an apartment unit. Ohlberg he has an individual interested in placing a business in the building and also wants living quarters.
A third ordinance involving a tax settlement agreement with T-Mobile was approved. The city will receive $818.38 from the company in taxes the company failed to collect and distribute.
Sampson gave a report in several items, including the need for the city to issue a request for consultant services for the airport project. Sampson said the state requires that a request be issued every five years on projects such as the one being done at Trenton Municipal Airport. He said a request for proposals will be developed soon. He noted that the current consultant, Snyder and Associates, is finishing up plans to move utilities in the area and lower the road to the airport.
Sampson said that TMU, KCP&L and the Park Department were able to obtain light poles that are being used for the new lighting at Burleigh Grimes Field. NCMC has made a $7,500 donation to that project, which helped pay for the poles and other related costs.
He said the city will also be obtaining information concerning requirements for testing of tradesmen, such as contractors, which is being done in other communities. Information will be turned over to the Administrative Committee for review, however, Sampson does not anticipate any formal decisions until the next budget year.
He said work still continues on the Kitty Street project and that 10th Street on the east side of Main Street remains closed until needed repairs can be made to the American Legion Hall and TDIA building. The road has been closed due to safety concerns.
In other business, the council:
• was told a total of nine lock boxes have been or will be installed by the Trenton Fire Department, with the new hospital being the latest with three boxes. The locked boxes, which are placed on buildings, contain a key that would allow firemen to enter a structure during an emergency. In addition to the new hospital, there are boxes at ConAgra, Friendship Apartments and First Baptist Church.
• heard a report from Boots on a Youth Leadership Trenton program he is putting together in coordination with the Trenton R-9 School District. He also reported plans are under way to organize an ATV race on the Sunday of the Missouri Day Festival and he is working with the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce on this project.
• was told that the Trenton Aquatic Center would close this Sunday afternoon to allow contractors to begin painting the pool once water is drained.
• was told work continues on the city street overlay project, which is anticipated to be completed in mid to late September.
• was told that a Finance Committee meeting is planned for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31 at city hall and that the Safety and Security Committee would meet on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m., also at city hall.
An executive session was held for real estate with no announcement being made.
Prior to the council meeting, the Building and Nuisance Board met, discussing several properties in which action has or hasn’t been taken. Building Inspector Gary Beverlin said he has several properties on the list on which he has not yet made contact with the owners, but will be continuing to do so. No formal action was taken by the board.