On a split vote of six to two, the Trenton City Council last night authorized an engineering company to proceed with an estimated $4,700,000 worth of improvements at the wastewater plant in Trenton.
Approval came on a voice vote as the city faces a July 2019 deadline to implement disinfection at the wastewater treatment plant per a settlement agreement with Missouri Department of Natural Resources which involves the bypass elimination plan.
The utility committee had recommended approval at a Burns and McDonnel workshop last week attended by six of the eight councilmen and other city officials. The two councilmen not attending that utility meeting, Brad Chumbley and Larry Porter, cast the no votes last night on the motion to proceed with improvements.
Three initiatives will be addressed, to begin with then a fourth is to be evaluated further after the first of the year when more is known about the status of the ConAgra plant – a major water and wastewater user for Trenton.
Burns and McDonnel provided cost estimates of $3,400,000 for disinfection and $1,100,000 for lagoon blending and effluent pumping. $200,000 is the estimate on repairs to the sludge storage basin. These add up to $4,700,000. It was noted TMU has $2,700,000 of financing remaining in certificates of participation from a previous issuance of bonds. $3,500,000 in bond certificates were approved in 2013 for TMU projects with projections then, of another issuance of debt in 2018.
Councilman Brad Chumbley contended the sewer improvements are the same projects which led to sewer rates that were increased earlier this year; with another increase scheduled next year. And he felt at that previous time, that the city wouldn’t be borrowing any more money.
In response, city officials explained at that previous time, the costs for disinfection and other improvements had not been determined. One year ago, the council approved a series of increases in sewer rates to maintain enough revenue to meet minimum debt service requirements from previous borrowing that was used to pay for projects.
Mayor Nick McHargue last night questioned the involvement of Irvinbilt Company, without seeking bids, for work on sewer plant improvements. It was noted Missouri now allows cities to work with engineering companies on a design-build option for public improvement projects in an effort to save money for the municipalities.
The mayor told those attending the city hall meeting that the federal government is mandating sewer system improvements like Trenton is facing.
The council and city officials heard from Gabriella Chrisman who complained about high sewer bills – particularly for a house she said where no one is living there to use any water or sewer services. She was advised to meet with TMU comptroller Rosetta Marsh. At one point in the discussion, Ms. Chrisman said she wants to ask for a state audit of Trenton contending she quote “sees a lot of greed.” While she owns property, Ms. Chrisman does not live in Trenton.
Unanimous approval was given to an ordinance changing zoning for a southern Trenton location to allow for the construction of a new Green Hills Women’s Shelter.
Board President Dave Bain said he hoped construction could begin next spring on a 9,500 square foot facility to be built on three-point seven acres. The zoning changes from heavy industry to mixed usage. Additional funds, Bain stated, are sought through upcoming events and more donations to finish financing the project. All the NAP (Neighborhood Assistance Program) tax credits have been sold.
Regarding usage of water and electricity at the two “Welcome to Trenton” signs, City Administrator Ron Urton said he received a request from a Park board member to see if the city would absorb the cost while the park department would continue to mow and maintain the areas. Urton indicated the expense is about $60.00 a month. Councilman Allan Quilty was asked to obtain information from the park board.
Quilty and Councilman Glen Briggs complimented the work of volunteers for another successful Missouri Day Festival. City administrator Urton recognized department heads and their crews for the work done in preparing for the festival.
Urton displayed certificates Trenton received from Missouri Public Utility Alliance for allowing a city employee to help with power restoration after Hurricane Irma.
Briggs reported the city’s long-range planning committee has determined bringing jobs to Trenton as a general theme.
