Photo Courtesy of Tommy Wright
Beatrice Shaw, center, and her daughter, Anita Souders, right, received the Key to the City from the Trenton City Council during its meeting on Monday night. The two women were recognized for their community clean-up efforts. Also pictured is First Ward Councilman Allan Quilty, who presented the key to the women.
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During Monday night’s council meeting, council members voted to have an ordinance drawn up that would allow for the $4 to be added to the municipal court costs already assessed on city-issued tickets, with those monies going to the Green Hills Women’s Shelter in Trenton. City Attorney Tara Walker said state statute allows for the charge, which she said has been discussed with her by Trenton Police Lt. Rex Ross, who is a member of the local shelter board. The charge, which was recently increased at $4, has been allowed for several years, however, the city of Trenton has not collected that fee. Police Chief Tommy Wright anticipates between $1,200 and $2,000 would be generated each year.
It was noted that the county is already looking at a similar increase in its state court costs. A board would need to be appointed to be in charge of the funding and it was suggested both the council and city might have the same individuals appointed to their boards. An ordinance is to be brought back for the council’s consideration at a future meeting.
The council approved an ordinance, allowing for the city to receive $28,616 to cover the costs of electric and lighting repairs at the airport during the flood last year. City Administrator Kerry Sampson said the funds from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will cover 100 percent of those costs.
A second ordinance regarding a name change for the solar farm project being done at the city industrial park was tabled with no discussion.
The council approved Mayor Nick McHargue’s appointments to the park bard of Dr. Andy Cox and Daniel Gott. They replace John Dolan and Robert Shields, who resigned. Those terms end in June of this year and June of 2016 and it will be up to the park board to determine which appointee will fill the terms.
All votes were 7-0 with Chuck Elliott absent.
Sampson reported on efforts to replace the 17th Street Bridge, which are moving forward. He noted that some land acquisition will need to be done and that there will also need to be some easements obtained. Sampson said the project still has a long way to go and that there are certain guidelines those involved in the project will need to follow to complete the bridge work.
The council heard several reports, including:
• Quotes are being obtained to do improvement work at the old landfill, Sampson said, and MoDOT is working to get new signs installed near the intersection of Highway 65 and 28th Street, where the council several months ago approved for the speed limit to be reduced to 45 mph. He also reminded the public that TMU personnel are available to assist individuals with reviewing their bills.
• Fire Chief Rick Morris said the department still has 32 smoke detectors available for installation by the fire department. There is no income requirement to have one installed, however, paperwork will need to be filled out.
• Police Chief Wright reported that the annual “Guns ‘N Hoses” fundraiser basketball game between the police and fire departments will be held on Friday, March 6 at the high school gym. He also announced that all spots are filled in the women’s defense class set for Saturday, March 14.
• Second Ward Councilman Mark Robinson said there has been “good response” in securing “sponsorships” for the proposed disk golf course at Moberly Park. He said a $400/hole charge is anticipated, which includes two “sleeves” to allow for changes in the course layout.
• TMU Director Chad Davis reported that employees continue to work on the electric line extension to the city industrial park and that the utility is working with the Department of Natural Resources on its wastewater operating permit as well as with the EPA on its air permit renewal.
• Community Developer Ralph Boots presented his monthly report and information regarding a proposed community roundtable, both of which were reported on last week following an economic development committee meeting. He also said that between $340,000 and $350,000 in TDIA tax credits remain available for sale. The credits must be sold by the end of 2015.
• Third Ward Councilman Travis Elbert recognized Boots for his efforts in helping to organize the Great Northwest Day activities at Jefferson City.
• Fourth Ward Councilman Larry Huffstutter gave a brief report on the Building and Nuisance Board meeting (see accompanying story) as well as announcing the Purchasing Committee would be meeting on Wednesday and the Finance Committee would meet at noon on Friday to work on the budget.
An executive session was held regarding real estate with no announcement made.