Gabe Stark
Reporter

The Trenton City Council approved demolition-related bids, returned a subdivision proposal for further consideration and discussed changes to nuisance enforcement during its Aug. 10 meeting.

The council accepted a $699-per-structure bid from Red Rock Construction for hazardous-material inspections connected with the 2026 City Demolition Project. Seven houses were included in the bidding process, although available funding and asbestos-abatement costs could affect how many move forward.

The council also accepted a $48,750 bid from Truitt Dirt Work for demolition and clean-up of five properties. City Administrator Matt Harline said the properties are separate from the Community Development Block Grant Demolition Project. The city budgeted $30,000 for the additional demolition work, with costs beyond that expected to be passed on to property owners.

Council members also discussed restructuring nuisance enforcement. The proposal would create a full-time position responsible for nuisance abatement under Building Inspector Wes Barone. Officials are also considering changing Barone’s title to community development director.

Animal control would be handled separately through a proposed agreement with Affordable Vet Care, while the Police Department would retain enforcement responsibilities. The Administrative Committee will consider the proposals further.

In other city action, the council voted 7-0 against an ordinance that would have upheld the Planning and Zoning Commission’s denial of Walter Smith’s request to subdivide property at 1804 Hillcrest Drive. The vote returns the matter to planning and zoning for further consideration. Smith said his proposed lots are about 69.65 feet wide, slightly short of the city’s 70-foot frontage requirement.

The council also approved a $29,700 bid from Diamond Tree Care for tree work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, contingent on permission from neighboring property owners.

A proposed purchase of a Mueller Heat Exchanger for Electric Motive Division Unit 2 at the north substation was tabled after officials discovered a difference between the quoted connection and the size needed.

Preliminary plans were also presented for a sidewalk along the south side of East 16th Street from Lord Street to Oklahoma Avenue, with a crosswalk connecting to the existing sidewalk near Trenton Middle School.

Mayor Jackie Soptic announced a joint city and Grundy County Commission meeting concerning data centers at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, on the third floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Gunner Golden was introduced as interim chief operator of the Water Treatment Plant following the July 31 retirement of Steve Reid.

Winsome and Friends will also perform downtown from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.