While the lack of a quorum prevented official action, several topics were discussed last evening during a meeting of the administrative committee at Trenton City Hall.
It’s expected that at least some of the topics will surface at Monday nights’ regular meeting of the Trenton City Council. Two of the four committee members were present last night: David Mlika and Allan Quilty. Absent were Glen Briggs and Jennifer Hottes Urich.
Two representatives of Green Hills Animal Shelter, Paige Orndorff and Chuck Jones, were present to discuss a new animal control contract with the city of Trenton.
The one-year proposal awaiting action by the city includes a $2,000 administrative fee plus a holding rate of $13 per animal per day up to five days per animal. Both are increases from last year’s contract. After the five days, the city is no longer charged for that animal and the shelter assumes all costs for it. State law requires each impounded animal, that is unowned, be held a minimum of five business days.
Once a maximum number of holding days is reached during the contracted year, any additional animals the city turns in would have a charge of $15 dollars each per day.
City Administrator Ron Urton said the council-approved budget is $13,700 dollars in animal control costs for the year. Police Chief Tommy Wright reported the average number of animals the city has turned into the shelter has been 283 per year over the past four year period. That includes cats as well as dogs.
Since a large number of the animals committed are cats, suggestions were made that the city should stop picking up stray cats thus reducing costs incurred by the city for animal control. This practice got started in 2010.
Another suggestion was made to begin charging individuals a “capture fee” for the city to come out and pick up a cat. The animal shelter charges the public $45 dollars when an animal is relinquished to the facility. The city of Trenton charges $5.00 for a pet license. Urton suggested these funds could go toward costs of the animal control contract. City Clerk Cindy Simpson said only about 120 pet licenses have been sold.
Since only half of the committee members were present last night, no action was taken. It’s expected the city attorney will draft an ordinance for the city councils’ consideration – perhaps next month – to authorize the Mayor to sign a new contract with Green Hills Animal Shelter.
On a related topic, it appears to be the consensus of the administrative committee to again allow for groups to solicit money at intersections with traffic signal lights. Those would be 9th and Main; 9th and Oklahoma; and 28th and Oklahoma.
The practice was stopped by the city a few years due to safety concerns and a near accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the street. Suggestions were made that include participants notifying police of their intentions and to use safety vests as before. Chief Tommy Wright said he feels the good results from such fund-raising outweigh the risks. Paige Orndorff said such collections were one of the animal shelters major fundraisers.
A city employee suggested closing public access at night to the city reservoir in an effort to minimize vandalism, parties, trash, and debris. A possible curfew was suggested in lieu of erecting a gate. Chief Wright said posting of a curfew is reasonable.
While it won’t prevent all problems, it’ll give police some ability to enforce actions against persons causing issues. The topic is expected to be discussed by the council.
The administrative committee also discussed whether to no longer require all department heads to attend the twice-monthly city council meetings. It was noted the department heads submit a written report each month to the council – a practice that apparently began when the TMU Board of Public Works was abolished in 2015.
Urton said he was okay with not requiring department heads to attend unless they have an item for action or discussion on the council agenda.
A discussion also was held on mowing right of way. Then came the announcement that a 1995 street department tractor with mower has been taken out of service.
Martin Schieb said what was first thought to be a hydraulic leak turned into an issue whereby a pump needs replacing. The cost for a used pump, plus labor, could be $10,000 to $12,000. City Clerk Simpson indicated money would have to come out of a general fund balance if repairs are to be made. No commitments have been made.
Committee discussion on a storm siren was tabled until Councilman Glen Briggs could be present in his capacity as Grundy County Emergency Management Director.
