After hearing an explanation of additional costs, the Trenton City Council unanimously voted last night to proceed with the headworks project at the sewer plant, financing the nearly $4,000,000 fixed cost is yet to be determined.
Burns and McDonnell Engineering from Kansas City had two representatives meet last night with the city council and answer questions. City leaders previously were working with a three million dollar estimated cost for the headworks, however, Jeff Barnard of Burns and McDonnell admitted a more thorough job should have been done regarding the need to replace the headworks.
Barnard cited several issues with the existing headworks which include safety concerns, corrosion in electrical conduit, and stopping the influx of foreign matter in the sewer stream which ultimately is spread as sludge to farmland.
Councilman Brad Chumbley, who described himself as being conservative when spending taxpayers’ money, stated the existing headworks is in bad condition. City officials plan to meet with a financial adviser regarding paying for the headworks project. The city reaffirmed no increase in sewer rates until 2021.
The council selected Perkins and Sons of Lock Springs for abatement and demolition to make way for the new 17th Street bridge. The $75,000 cost was the lowest among three bids. Addresses for buildings to come down are 1701 Lulu, 300 East 17th, and from 301 to 305 East 17th Street. The bid is contingent on approval from the Missouri Department of Transportation which is to pay a portion of the demolition cost by reimbursing the city.
Other unanimous votes among the eight council members included an agreement with Rapid Removal Disposal of Trenton for once a week residential trash pickup through year 2023, as well as hiring M and M Utilities of Chillicothe for the Normal Street sewer rehabilitation project. It’s between East 9th Street and East 13th Court.
Five other municipal ordinances received council approval as they were described by the city attorney as updates to meet state code, two others were tabled. One would have amended city ordinance against patronizing prostitution. Councilman Lou Fisher requested it be removed from city ordinance because it’s redundant due to the state law that applies to the offense.
Another ordinance would have amended a section on when flashing lights could be used for emergencies. State law applies to Missouri Department of Transportation workers, but some on the council felt the local ordinance should include vehicles of the street department and utility workers. This was referred to the administrative committee.
Also referred to the administrative committee was whether to lower the cost or waive the cost of a permit to install sidewalks. A topic referred to the utility committee is how to assist the park department on the electric rate TMU charges to heat the swimming pool.
Councilman Larry Crawford requested discussion on raising the $5.00 fee for an animal license in the city of Trenton. No action was taken last night. The number of licenses sold is up to 135.
R.S. Electric of St. Joseph was chosen the primary contact for electrical work as needed for SCADA services. Pro Circuit of Kansas City is the second choice.
