On a split vote, the Trenton City Council on Monday night approved a contract for the reconstruction of the Pauper Grade Road sewer lift station in north Trenton. Smico Contracting Group of Odessa was approved for the work at a cost of more than $239,000 ($239,247). The council vote was six in favor and two opposed. Those in favor were Glen Briggs, Calvin Brown, Marvin Humphreys, Tim Meinecke, Duane Urich, and John Dolan. Opposed were Lou Fisher and David Mlika.
It was also a six to two vote on a motion to select Thane Denney of Trenton for mowing at eight city-owned locations and the city cemetery. Denney offered to mow and trim the eight locations twice a month at $20 for each property. The city cemetery is to be mowed every ten days during the fastest-growing season and twice a month when it’s hot and dry. The cost is $160 per mowing. Opposed were Fisher and Briggs. The other six council members voted in favor. Higher bids were submitted by two others, the Spencer Brothers and the McCulloughs.
The council was unanimous in paying $10,000 to the Howe Company, which will be preparing and submitting an application for a MoDOT grant that would provide a sidewalk on one side of Highway 16 between Lord Street and Oklahoma Avenue. The grant will be sought through the Transportation Alternative Program.
Mayor Jackie Soptic recommended, and the council approved, the appointment of Christopher Mengel to the Park Board, replacing Melissa Spencer.
The City Council also approved a property owner’s request to abandon a “broken up” sidewalk at 15th Street and Tindall Avenue. It was noted that a storm drainage tube will be installed in a ditch at that location.
The City Council also moved into an executive session for legal and personnel matters.
At the beginning of the meeting, Director Lauren Dannar of the North Central Missouri Development Alliance presented a report. She highlighted points in a strategic plan. One is to retain the population of Trenton with adequate housing. Another is to address what was called the childcare shortage. Another strategy is to attract businesses that employ from one to 20 persons. The other point is to continue what was called “relationship building” with key organizations that promote growth for the community.
The NCMDA is a not-for-profit that involves a countywide effort and offers a confidential, no-cost service that works to recruit businesses; help existing companies expand, and empower community vitality. The city of Trenton is one of the funding partners for the North Central Missouri Development Alliance. There are also other local investors. Wade Peters is the board president, with ten others serving on the board.
