City Council Makes Exception To Policy

The Trenton City Council made an exception to its purchasing policy when it approved a bid from Barnes-Baker of Trenton to buy a new truck for the electric distribution department.
During a meeting on Monday night, the council voted 7-1 to accept the bid of $25,529 for a 2017 Ford three-quarter ton truck. The bid was $1,525 higher than the low bid of $24,004, submitted by Pettijohn Auto of Bethany and $325 higher than the purchasing policy that gives the city discretion to buy locally if that bid is within 5 percent of the lowest bid. The Barnes-Baker bid was within 6 percent.
Mayor Dr. Nick McHargue and several council members expressed concerns about purchasing the vehicle from an out-of-town dealer, with Dr. McHargue pointing out that Barnes-Baker supports the community in various ways, including paying taxes, making contributions to various organizations and employing individuals who live in the community. Glen Briggs, the lone no vote, said he felt the city should try to save money where it can and go with the low bid, particularly since the trucks from both dealers were the same.
In addition to the motion to purchase the truck, there had been a second motion to reject all bids and re-advertise. But that motion was made after the first motion and was not voted on after the first motion was approved.
Bids were also received from Barnes-Baker at Chillicothe for a 2017 Chevy Silverado at $31,277 and from Woody’s of Chillicothe for a 2017 Dodge Ram at $31,069.
City Administrator Ron Urton reported information regarding the city storm sirens, which he said were not designed to be heard indoors. He said the company that provided the sirens indicated they were meant to warn individuals who may be outside and allow them to check the radio or television for more information. Urton provided information regarding the cost of one additional siren, that he said could be used on the west side of town, where a concern about not hearing the sirens was expressed. He indicated that cost would be around $20,000.
Councilman Briggs, who also serves as the county’s emergency management director, discussed the possibility of having a countywide Reverse-911 system, which would issue warnings to all persons with telephone land lines. He said persons with cellphones could “opt in” to the system as well. He said that cost would be much less than an additional siren and suggested the city and county visit about sharing costs. The issue was turned over to the city’s administrative committee for discussion.
Also going to the administrative committee was a review of the city’s policy that prohibits fundraising activities being conducted at traffic signals within the city limits. While that was a practice in the past, changes were made to the ordinance after an accident and near-accident occurred during two different events. Several suggestions to make the areas safer were made by those individuals who indicated they would favor changing the ordinance.
The committee will also be reviewing the city ordinance that requires property owners to mow grass to the street. Councilman Brad Chumbley said that while he doesn’t want the city to “look bad,” he is concerned about individuals who may not have the equipment or capability of meeting the requirement. He pointed out an area of Moberly Park that the city has not been mowing and said “we shouldn’t expect the citizens to do something that we don’t do ourselves.”
The committee will also be looking at the city ordinance that requires department heads to be present at council meetings. It was suggested that department heads be asked to attend meetings only if they have a topic on the agenda. Department heads submit written reports to the council, which are included in council packets.
The council voted 8-0 to approve two ordinances, with the first amending the building permit ordinance to require the removal of the foundation on structure demolition projects. The second ordinances amends the minimum standards for maintenance of non-owner occupied dwellings to include ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles in bathrooms and kitchens.
A third ordinance is to be rewritten to cover a city contract with Burns and McDonnell regarding engineering services for water line projects along 17th Street and Harris Avenue. The ordinance had also included repairs to the Iowa Boulevard water tower, however, only one bid on that work was received and the company had indicated it would be at least a year before the work could be completed. Urton said the water tower work will be rebid to also include the Princeton Road tower, with both projects to be done next fiscal year.
The council approved the hiring of Jasmine Diab to be a police officer. She is a recent graduate of the Moberly Police Academy. Her start date has yet to be determined.
The council approved re-appointments to several boards, including Gary Berry, Sarah Allen and Lynda Lynch, park board; Stan Lowrey, building and nuisance board; Rich Hattesohl, planning and zoning/board of adjustments; Venna Hicks and Wenda Seymour, tree board; Dyle Wilson, Gary Hooyman and Gary Shields, airport advisory board; Ann Constant and Greg Geib, TIF Commission; and Diane Lowrey, historic preservation committee. Shanna Norris was appointed to the tree board to fill an unexpired term and Bill and Susie Bear were appointed as “consultants” to the group. One vacancy remains on the historic preservation committee, with Dr. McHargue indicating he would like to see a member of the Grundy County Museum fill that position. There are two positions on the TIF Commission to which changes are to be made, including the representative to the commission for the college and a second representative from the Trenton R-9 School District.
The council heard serveral department reports. Fire Chief Brandon Gibler said a final report regarding the Lakeview fire has not been received, with investigation still ongoing. Street Supervisor Martin Schieb reported asphalt sales being down from a year ago.
An executive session for legal matters was also held with no announcement made.