Members of the Trenton City Council approved an adjustment to the 2018-19 budget and approval was given to ordinances that will allow a new business to locate in Trenton during a meeting on Monday night.
The council agreed to add $3,500 to the training budget for the police department. The council had put $1,000 in the budget for training, however, it was noted the money was only enough to purchase ammunition for yearly required weapon qualification. Councilman Brad Chumbley last month suggested additional money be made available specifically for training, pointing to liability the city has without adequately trained officers. Police Chief Tommy Wright presented a list of suggested sessions that he felt would benefit his officers, with officers suggesting areas in which they would like to have more training. Training is proposed in the areas of interview and interrogation, crime scene investigation, criminal investigation, an evidence manager certification course (online) and dispatch training courses. Wright noted that three of the training courses would be offered through the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which he said provide quality training at an affordable cost. He thanked the council for its vote for the additional money, noting that he understood “the position in which the city finds itself fiscally.”
Approval was given to an ordinance, allowing a change of zoning for property at 1115 Shanklin Ave., owned by Earl Nance, from I-2 heavy industry to MU mixed use so that a Trenton resident can eventually locate a restaurant business in that area. Justin Collins, who was also approved for a conditional use permit for the property, plans to use a portion of the building to expand his catering business and eventually locate a restaurant at the site. Collins said that as a resident of that area, he would like to see improvements to property and thought that expanding his business while fixing up that building would be a way to do that. He plans to use a 40-foot by 40-foot area of the building in the initial phase of expansion, with plans to eventually have a restaurant at that location. Code Officer Donnie Vandevender praised Collins’ efforts, noting he has presented the city with a business plan and a two-year timeline for the work to be done.
Approval was given to an ordinance, allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Everbridge to provide a Reverse 911 warning system for the city of Trenton. The city, council and Grundy County Health Department are sharing the $5,000 cost for a one-year contract with the company to provide those services, which allow for mass emergency and non-emergency notifications for landline telephones with an opt-in for those with cell phones. The contract is for a one-year period with a second-year option. Councilman Glen Briggs noted the city would be paying $1,800 of the cost, with the council and health department each paying $1,600.
Six ordinances amending the city’s public health, welfare and safety ordinance were approved. The changes were made to reflect state statute based on laws approved by the Missouri Legislature and involved areas dealing with discrimination.
The council approved a bid from Linville Inspections of Richmond to provide asbestos inspection services for structures being taken down under the city’s demolition program. The bid was listed at $200 per house, which Vandevender said is the same cost the company has charged the city for previous work.
All votes taken at the meeting were 8-0.
It was reported that the asphalt work at the airport has been completed and that a replacement motor had to be purchased for the asphalt plant. Councilman Briggs recognized City Administrator/Utility Director Ron Urton for his efforts in making sure information is provided to council members in a timely manner. Chief Wright reminded council members that the annual Guns and Hoses basketball fundraiser would be held this Saturday night at the Trenton High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the game is at 6:30 p.m.
Third Ward Councilman Travis Elbert presided at the meeting in place of Mayor Dr. Nick McHargue, who was out of town.
An executive session was held involving personnel. There was no announcement made.
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