The Trenton City Council last night approved a five-year plan for several water distribution system improvements.
The plan is to be submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for a permit, which allows the work to be done without getting a permit for each individual project. It also allows for flexibility in the order in which the work is to be done, and to add projects.
TMU Director Chad Davis also indicated the city would not be subject to a violation if it does not fund all the projects.
The estimated construction costs total nearly three million dollars. However,
$914, 000 worth of that work is targeted to be done sometime after the five year period.
The water main replacements are based on such things as lines with the most breaks, are difficult to repair, are undersized, have dead ends, and have fire protection issues.
Among the work, $474, 000 worth of construction costs are estimated for line replacements in the vicinity of the proposed 17th street bridge project, should the bridge replacement become a reality.
The application for the DNR permit is to include language that says the projects in the first year are to be funded with cash on hand and net profits. Future years are anticipated to be a combination of sources, including net income, cash, and/or debt and rate increases to be considered as needed.
During the discussion, TMU Director Davis mentioned the work likely would be done by a contractor since TMU employees are expected to be focusing on wastewater projects.
All five council members attending last night’s meeting approved the five-year plan for water distribution system improvements.
Council members also approved quotes from Midland GIS solutions of Maryville to provide water meter GPS mapping and electric meter mapping for
The underground electric system. The charges are $14, 500 for the water meter GPS mapping and $10, 000 for the electric meter mapping.
The council’s utility committee last month agreed to send the topic to the full council, although committee chairman Mark Moore voiced opposition to the electric meter quote being over-budget. However, after the utility committee meeting, Midland lowered the price for the electric meter mapping by $3,250 to meet the budgeted amount of $10, 000.
Prior to the vote last night, councilman Brad Chumbley voiced concern about saving money, saying the council has some fairly big decisions to make in the next five years.
He again criticized a council vote last month for purchasing a new pickup truck and a new utility vehicle for TMU.
The council last night approved the low bid for an asphalt roller for the street department. The cost of nearly $36,000 was the lowest of seven bids received. It came from GW VanKeppel company.
Council members also approved an ordinance reaffirming conflict of interest standards for elected and appointed officials and employees of a political subdivision. State law requires this to be done every two years.
Also on the agenda was an ordinance authorizing a block grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to repair cracks and seal the runway and taxiways at the airport.
Mayor Nick McHargue asked for the ordinance to be tabled to obtain more information.
Among various reports, the Trenton Street Department has sold nearly 6300 tons of asphalt this fiscal year, with a profit of nearly $56, 000.
The asphalt sales are nearly double of what they were a year ago at about this time.
Street department supervisor Martin Scheib, in April, told the council that Trenton has lost several asphalt sales by not being able to meet demand. That led to an investigation into silos that could store asphalt up to five days, thereby having a supply available for potential customers. Scheib, last night, told the council the cost for two new silos would be around $770, 000. That’s greater than anticipated, so attempts are being made to find used silos.
Trenton Police Chief Tommy Wright mentioned there was very little problem with fireworks during the July 4th period, indicating complaints about fireworks were about the same as in the past, despite the extra two days to discharge them. He noted there was little impact from adding two days.
Wright said there still are a few openings for the Youth Law Enforcement Academy on July 30th for girls entering ninth through 12th grades, called the Blue Line Ladies Academy.
Chief Wright also mentioned a Christmas in July poker run July 23rd. The poker run, in conjunction with Chumbley’s in Trenton, is a fundraiser for the Shop With a Cop program.
Three citizens voiced concerns about brush or unkempt lots at three locations.
Regarding one of them, along South Main, Police Chief Wright said progress was being made. Wright also talked about the police department’s involvement in dealing with nuisances in recent years without more funding or resources.
City Clerk and interim City Administrator Cindy Simpson said another grant would be sought for the proposed17th Street bridge replacement project. That makes two grants sought for it. She also mentioned the council’s administrative committee meets Tuesday evening, July 12th at 5:15 at city hall regarding rental housing inspections. She said the council’s utility committee meets Thursday evening, July 14th at 5:15.
Following the regular session, the council held a closed meeting regarding legal, real estate, and personnel matters.
