The cost for the city of Trenton to provide employee health insurance coverage is to be around $873,000 which is an increase of $174,000 compared to this year. That is a policy increase of nearly 25%.
Much of that increase is to prevent the city from being responsible for the cost of services provided late in the year but are not billed and claims made until the following year. Without that safeguard, the insurance increase would have been six and one-quarter percent.
The insurance coverage is through Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management association.
There are to be three options for employees to choose from. There was a brief suggestion about a need to hold a committee meeting to look at employee responsibilities for the insurance coverage costs but no meeting was scheduled last night.
Executive Director Matthew Brodersen of Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management spoke to the council last night about the insurance coverage.
Brodersen also presented the city and its utilities with grants. The city received nearly $12,000 for various items which are mostly for the Police department. Trenton Municipal Utilities received nearly $1,200 for equipment.
The city council voted to seek sealed bids from persons wishing to purchase a truck that’s been used by the wastewater department to dispose of sludge as there has been some interest expressed in the vehicle. The truck needs a motor replacement or rebuild if it’s to continue to be used by TMU for sludge disposal. The council discussed vehicle and equipment options for how to dispose of the sludge but did not reach a decision.
The council agreed to vacate all of Day Street, which is a short dead end street off Crowder Road in far western Trenton. The property goes to adjoining Landowners. The city received a request from a property owner there to close the street as it was described last night a narrow.
The council approved an ordinance to hold an election April 4 for Trenton voters to choose one person from each of the four wards for two years. It also sets the filing period for persons wishing to run for those positions.
Council members with terms expiring in April are Mark Moore in the First Ward, Larry Porter in the Second Ward, Travis Elbert in the Third Ward, and Jennifer Hottes in the Fourth Ward. Those wishing to run for the positions may file at Trenton City Hall during office hours through January 17.
Trenton Community Developer Ralph Boots reported a presentation is to be scheduled next week regarding efforts to market Trenton and the ConAgra Foods facility to
Potential businesses. An economic development marketing, site selection, and consulting firm, Ady Advantage, has been involved in that effort.
Mayor Nick McHargue was critical of horse manure on Harris Avenue where that plant is located. He suggested the manure is harmful to efforts to attract a business for that building. McHargue wants the council’s Administrative Committee to consider requiring horse bags.
Among other reports, City Clerk Cindy Simpson has sought an explanation for the drop-off in Trenton city sales tax distributions. She indicated a response has not yet been received from the state.
Trenton Police Chief Tommy Wright reported Shop with a Cop activities are scheduled for Saturday, December 17.
Councilman Allan Quilty presented a “Tidy Up” award to the Serve Trenton efforts held in September. Pastor and Trenton firefighter Doug Franklin, and Doctor Kevin Harris attended the city council meeting to accept the award.
Approximately 300 volunteers participated in the Serve Trenton community service projects. Franklin said plans call for Serve Trenton to be held every September and asked for suggestions as to what should be included in next year’s community service projects.
