Council OKs Fire Training Facility

The Trenton City Council addressed several items during a meeting on Tuesday night at city hall, including issues involving development of a fire training facility on city-owned property behind the fire station.
The council formally approved purchase of a fire training tower from American Fire Training Systems of Lockport, IL. The five five-level, 1,690 square foot module tower is being purchased at a cost of $722,860. The council agreed to a seek financing through Community Leasing Partners, contingent upon final terms of the agreement. The Manhattan, KS firm, which is also financing the city’s recent fire truck purchase, had submitted a proposal to finance up to $1.179 million of the project, which has been estimated at around $1.3 million with the tower purchase, site preparation and other work. The proposal had a fixed rate over a 20-year period.
Fire Chief Brandon Gibler said that in visiting with the firm, the possibility exists that additional funding can be secured at a fixed rate and that the agreement could be extended out, which he hopes to confirm and bring back to the council for its final approval. Gibler said it was possible the rate could even be lowered. Gibler would like to be able to pay for the project over a 24- to 25-year period. The loan would be paid back through funds the city receives from the fire tax approved by voters in 2017.
Bids regarding the city’s new asphalt plant were also approved. The council accepted the lone bid from Dille Crane Service to help with placement of the new plant. Two cranes would be used on the first day at a cost of $2,500 each for eight hours. The cost for day two and beyond would be $250 per hour along with $150 per day for crew to operate the cranes. Street Supervisor Martin Schieb anticipates the work to take around three days.
The council also accepted a bid from Hammel Scale for truck scales at the plant The $48,570 bid was the lowest of three received. The council also agreed to sell four motors from the old plant to Jared Lamma at a cost of $1,050. Lamma has already received the bid for the scrap metal from the old plant.
The council approved several ordinances, including:
• a one-year agreement with Danny Stevens to rent a portion of the large hangar at the Trenton Municipal Airport at a cost of $325 per month. After one year, the agreement would continue on a month-by-month basis until 30 days written notice is given by either party. (Vote 7-1; Lou Fisher voted no).
• an agreement with Customized Environmental Solutions of West Des Moines, IA for the removal, transportation and disposal of lime sludge at the city’s water treatment plant at a cost of $43.39 per dry ton up to 1,500 tons; $41.50 per dry ton over 1,501 tons. The contract runs through April 30, 2019. (Vote 8-0).
• an agreement with Independent Electric Machinery Company of Kansas City, KS for appraisal testing services and maintenance on the city’s switchgear substation equipment at a cost of $10,735. (Vote 8-0).
• accepting and approving 32.999 feet of Riverside Drive and the cul-de-sac located at the end of the drive, including dedication for public use. (Vote 8-0).
An ordinance regarding changes in the city’s building permit ordinance addressing mobile homes was defeated on a 0-8 vote. This came after the council heard from individuals who operate mobile home parks within the city limits, who felt the permit fee was unfair as well as the requirement to have mobile homes inspected prior to being placed within the city limits. Lindsay and Danny Stevens noted that the homes they purchase are inspected by the city once they are placed in the mobile home park as well as being inspected every time occupancy changes, which is already required by ordinance. Fisher, who said he asked if the city had such an ordinance, said he wanted to make sure that the city was protected from having “junk trailers” being brought into the city for rental purposes.
Approval was given for the council to accept property at 111 W. 11th St. being conveyed to the city by the owner, Tammy Posey. The city would be responsible for paying back taxes of just over $1,000 as well as the closing cost to obtain the property. The council had already approved the property for demolition, with that work to be paid for by the city. Building Inspector Donnie Vandevender said money for the costs would come from the city’s 2018-19 demolition fund.
The mayor asked for suggestions regarding replacement of Larry Bailey on the Building and Nuisance Board. He said he has been unable to find an individual willing to serve.
The council was told by Charlie Zitnik of DA Davidson that an independent analyst has upgraded the city’s bond rating from A to A+. Zitnik, who has been working with the city regarding financing of the wastewater treatment plant improvements, credited the city’s efforts to plan for how outstanding bonds would be paid for had Nestle not purchased the former ConAgra plant as key in getting an upgraded rating. The efforts included rate studies and analysis work by city personnel.
Among reports given during the meeting:
• Fire Chief Gibler said that as of Tuesday night, the old fire truck being sold in the Purple Wave website had a bid of $4,000. Bidding will end on Nov. 27.
• City Administrator Ron Urton said paperwork is being finished up on properties recently purchased by the city for the 17th Street Bridge project, with hopes of having all documents signed by Dec. 1. One easement remains to be obtained.
• City Clerk Cindy Simpson reported that $2,430.50 has been released to the Green Hills Women’s Shelter by the city’s Domestic Violence Surcharge Board. The funds come from a fine assessment on city cases related to domestic violence.
• Water Plant Supervisor Steve Reid reported that the Princeton Road water tower is back in service after having repair work done. There was also discussion regarding water taste and odor, which Reid said he believes is due to the disinfection process the city is required to do. He said he will be visiting with the Department of Natural Resources about an option he would like to try that he hopes will improve both the taste and odor. It was also requested to have water lines reflushed in certain areas.
The council also discussed a diesel fuel spill that occurred last week at city power facilities on Industrial Drive. State officials were notified about the 70-gallon fuel spillage and clean-up of the area was completed. It was noted that the fuel did not leave the property.
It was noted the city is working with Nestle to address spot electric outages that have recently occurred and affected plant operation.
An executive session was held for real estate with no announcement made.