Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

The Trenton City Council approved the hiring of a new police officer, adopted planning documents required for grant eligibility and advanced work tied to the city’s lead service line program during its recent meeting.

Council members approved the recommendation of the Police Personnel Board to hire Anthony Hecker, who was described during the meeting as a current police officer in Brookfield. The hire brings the department to full staffing, though a start date had not yet been finalized.

Additionally The council adopted a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, a document officials said is required every five years to maintain eligibility for hazard mitigation grant funding. City officials emphasized the plan does not obligate the city to spend money, but preserves eligibility if grants become available.

Council also approved a resolution authorizing the city to file an application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ State Revolving Fund program under the Missouri Clean Water Law as the city works to identify and replace lead service lines. City officials reported the city’s assistance status for the initial phase of the program was upgraded to 100% grant funding for the required inventory of lead service lines.

Following discussion that began at the council’s Dec. 22 meeting, council members removed a previously tabled ordinance from the table and approved it. City officials said the measure clarifies that private water service laterals are the responsibility of property owners, while the city plans to consider a separate policy to help offset costs for residents. The council discussed a reimbursement approach that, in a worst-case scenario without outside funding, would cover at least one-third of replacement costs.

The council also approved an ordinance authorizing an agreement with Howe Company, LLC, for engineering work tied to the 16th Street sidewalk Transportation Alternatives Program grant. City officials said the current funding covers engineering and preconstruction work, with construction funding expected later, and that the city will be responsible for a 20% local match.

In unfinished business, council members received updates on airport hangars and a salt storage project. Scott Wrighton said the hangar project is expected to be substantially complete this month, with the airport advisory board expected to bring recommendations on hangar rental rates in February.

Council members also discussed reviewing the city’s police academy training and compensation policy following a recent departure, noting limitations on recovering wages already paid. Officials said they are reviewing options.

Additional discussion included concerns about delays in nuisance enforcement and a request for staff to address conflicting city ordinances related to keeping livestock or farm animals within city limits. Officials said options and additional information will be brought back to the council for consideration.