Property at the east city limits of Trenton has been rezoned to allow location of commercial business following action taken on Monday night by the Trenton City Council.
On a 6-1 vote, the council agreed to rezone the property at 142 E. Fourth St., owned by Scott and Carolyn Forman, who were making the request on behalf of the Overland Group LLC, from R-3 one and two-family dwelling lower density to B-2 commercial business. Dollar General has announced plans to construct a new building at that site, located just west of existing storage units already in that area.
Approval came after several minutes of discussion in which two persons, Hunter Treadwell, who owns the home north of where the building is to be located, and Aubrey Kimble, who resides at the same residence, stated their opposition to the project. Treadwell said he was concerned about safety at the intersection where the entrance to the business is to be located (Highway 6), adding that he did not want a business in “his backyard.” Ms. Kimble said having the business located there would block the view she has from her home and was opposed to having anything located at that site. Councilman William Fisher, who was the lone vote against the rezone, said he was also concerned about the intersection’s safety, especially when school was in session. He noted that there are large trucks that park along the road in that area and obscure the view of drivers.
Jay Stauffer, who is developing the project on behalf of Dollar General, said that the company has approval from the Missouri Department of Transportation for location of the proposed entrance, which is staked off and can be viewed. He said that Dollar General wants to be a good neighbor, adding that privacy fencing is planned to the north of the building that would separate the property from the residential area to which it abuts. He said he would also be willing to place trees along the property line, if needed.
Stauffer noted that in addition to the new building, Dollar General plans to leave its current location open as well. That led to a discussion as to whether or not Trenton could support two stores, however, it was noted that it was not the city’s job to make that decision, rather it would be up to the community and their shopping habits.
North Central Missouri Development Alliance Director Micah Landes was at the meeting in support of the zoning and noted that there is already a business in that area (Main Stop) and that the property is located within one and one-half blocks of the downtown historic district.
Voting in favor of the rezoning were Glen Briggs, Larry Porter, Brad Chumbley, Travis Elbert, David Mlika and Jennifer Hottes. Fisher was opposed and Larry Crawford was absent for that vote. Crawford came later and was present for other votes taken.
The council voted 7-0, with Crawford absent, to an agreement with Burns and McDonnell to proceed with Phase 2 of wastewater treatment plant improvements, which would include several projects to meet Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations regarding elimination of sewage bypassing the wastewater treatment plant during wet weather events as well as implementation of disinfection of the discharge into Muddy Creek at the wastewater plant. Work would include construction of an effluent disinfection building and contact basin as well as a pump station that would allow excess lagoon water to be pumped to the contact basin and dispersed once it has been disinfected. In addition, repairs would also be made to an existing sludge holding basin. The work is to be done within 365 days at a cost not to exceed $4.9 million. The city has a DNR-mandated deadline of July 1, 2019 to complete the work.
On a vote of 6-2, the council voted to finance purchase of a wheel loader through US Bank Equipment Finance, LLC. The city is financing $104,000 of the total cost over four years at a rate of 4.37 percent. Voting in favor were Briggs, Porter, Elbert, Mlika, Crawford and Ms. Hottes. Against were Fisher and Chumbley.
Two related ordinances were approved on a vote of 7-1 with Chumbley opposed. They included the purchase of a new asphalt plant from Asphalt Drum Mixers and financing the purchase through Community First National Bank. The city plans to make a $700,000 payment out of general revenue funds, with the remainder of the $1.5 million cost being financed over a 15-year period at a rate of 3.99 percent. The council agreed to go ahead and make the first loan payment in October, which would be prior to the plant being installed.
Three ordinances received unanimous approval. They include purchase of a 60-foot bucket truck from Altec Industries at a cost of $205,000, an agreement for engineering services from Lamp, Rynearson and Associates for waterline replacements/relocation projects along Ninth Street and an agreement with Lamp, Rynearson for engineering services for rehabilitation of sewers on Normal Street. The Ninth Street project cost will be $23,200 and is being done in preparation for overlay work to be done by the state on Ninth street in 2020. The Normal Street work will cost $34,000 and is being done prior to overlay work planned by the city in that area.
The final ordinance was approved on a vote of 5-3 and involved the addition of unlicensed trailers to the list of vehicles that are considered a nuisance if there is more than one located on property. Voting in favor were Briggs, Elbert, Mlika, Crawford and Ms. Hottes. Opposed were Fisher, Porter and Chumbley.
The council voted 7-0 to hire a new officer, Michael Wilson of Maryville, and move one reserve officer to full-time status, Jesse Wills. Wilson began his duties on Tuesday. Wills is a former TPD officer who left the community, then returned and was working for the department as a reserve officer. He is already on duty. That puts the police department at full staff.
In other business, the council:
• approved the appointment of Mary Axtell, Denny Mathews and Harry Kately to the Building and Nuisance Board.
• approved a transformer bid from B&B Transformers at a cost of $7,065. It was the second lowest of three bids received, however, the lowest bid was disqualified as it did not meet specifications.
• approved a bid to purchase wood poles from McFarland Cascade at a cost of $10,446. It was the lowest of four bids received.
• heard information from TMU Comptroller Rosetta Marsh regarding costs to water yards (requested by Mayor Dr. Nick McHargue). It was estimated that the cost to water for one-half hour (510 gallons of water) would be $4.69.
• was invited to attend a meeting on a recent hotel study, scheduled for Wednesday, July 11 at Black Silo Winery.
• was told that asphalt sales were ahead of last year, with 3,056 tons sold so far.
• received required yearly training from City Attorney Tara Walker.
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