City Council Discusses Vehicle Concerns

There was much discussion, but little action taken by the Trenton City Council during a meeting on Monday night at city hall.
Most of the discussion concerned issues with utility vehicles, with the council agreeing to seek bids for a new motor for a pickup truck used by the electric distribution department. This would be the second engine repair to this vehicle, which is scheduled to be replaced during the 2018-19 budget year. City personnel have received estimates of $5,000 to $8,000 to rebuild and install the engine.
The council received information regarding a sludge truck being used at the wastewater plant, which is in need of repair or replacement. Bobby Hutchinson presented prices for a new truck and said he would have additional information for the council to consider as soon as it is received. One of the options under consideration is selling the current truck and using the money as a down payment for a new truck, but any decisions will not be made until all information has been received and all options have been considered.
A third item on the agenda, discussion of the effect of the federal overtime rule regarding city employees, was not discussed due to a federal judge having blocked the law from going into effect on Dec. 1. The law would have affected five city employees, with the Finance Committee having recommended salary increases ranging from $52 to $2,853 for four of the employees to meet the wage requirement. A fifth employee was to have his status changed from salaried to hourly.
The Finance Committee will consider whether or not to purchase two mowers being offered for sale by the park department, with the mowers to be used by the airport and other departments. It was noted that the park department changes out its mowers every three to five years as they mow an average of 100 acres per week. Airport Supervisor/Code Enforcement Officer Donnie Vandevender said the mowers still have some use left in them and the park department is asking less than what similar used mowers could be purchased for. The park department is asking $10,000 for both mowers.
The council heard several reports, including:
• Fire Chief Brandon Gibler reported on certification classes being held on several topics and announced that the Firefighter I and II classes would begin next month.
• Hutchinson reported that the city has been notified that its new wastewater permit will officially go into effect on Dec. 1.
• Park Superintendent Jason Shuler said two individuals are to undergo the final round of interviews for the assistant park superintendent’s position. He also reported that work continues on updating the tree plan for Moberly Park, with several trees scheduled to be removed. The park department plans to offer the trees at no cost to persons wanting them for wood. Interested persons are to contact Shuler for details.
• Community Developer Ralph Boots said free webinars for small businesses are planned in late February and early March in conjunction with the Small Business Technical Development Corp.
• Police Chief Tommy Wright said plans are under way for the Shop with a Cop program and foster child Christmas dinner in December. A women’s self-defense class is planned in late February or early March.
• City Clerk Cindy Simpson said the city is to receive its new employee insurance rate quotes on Wednesday.
Prior to the start of the meeting, an executive session for personnel was held, with no announcement made. A moment of silence was held for Spence Elbert, who passed away over the weekend and was the father of councilman Travis Elbert. Elbert and Jennifer Hottes were absent . New City Administrator Ron Urton, who begins his duties on Dec. 5, was also present.