Trenton council approves $115,485.97 splash pad contract, adopts development agreement and a 911 youth committee appointment

Trenton City Council on March 20 approved a $115,485.97 contract for splash pad equipment, adopted a development agreement with Local Development LLC and approved a resolution appointing a representative to the Colorado County 911 youth committee during its regular meeting at City Hall.

The splash pad purchase authorizes the city manager to execute a contract with Vortex Aquatic Structures International for the community park splash pad. Parks-related staff said they are planning protective measures for the installation; Parks staff member Mister Baker said staff “will be meeting again next week” and added that the protections “are being taken very seriously,” but that specifics are not being discussed publicly at this time.

Council also voted to suspend the usual two readings and adopt a resolution naming a representative to the Colorado County 911 youth committee and to suspend readings and adopt a development agreement with Local Development LLC concerning construction and installation of public improvements. An ordinance amending certain procurement and contract authority provisions was read by title; the transcript records the reading but does not show a later vote on that ordinance in the available excerpt.

The meeting opened with a sponsor recognition from First Financial Bank and a swearing-in and pinning ceremony for the new fire chief; the council then handled routine business, public comment and the legislation listed above. During audience of the public, residents raised a range of local issues including utility pole placement, tax-department record requests and a citizen petition to permit quail in residential yards.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (work session and regular meeting of March 6, 2025): motion to approve recorded; roll call published in the transcript shows votes in favor with Miss Combs recorded as abstaining. Outcome: approved (recorded as adopted in roll call).

- Contract award — Vortex Aquatic Structures International — splash pad equipment ($115,485.97): motion to authorize the city manager to enter into the contract and sign required documents. Staff discussion focused on protecting the installed equipment from damage; Baker said protections are being developed but “I am not able to discuss any of those measures at this point.” Roll call in the transcript shows all listed members voting yes. Outcome: approved; contract authorized. Contract amount: $115,485.97.

- Resolution — appointment to the Colorado County 911 youth committee: council moved to suspend two readings and adopt the resolution the same night. Transcript records motions and a roll call with affirmative votes. Outcome: adopted (suspended readings and adopted).

- Resolution/Contract — development agreement with Local Development LLC (construction and public improvements; emergency declared): council moved to suspend two readings and adopt the resolution/authorize the city manager to sign the development agreement. Transcript records motions and a roll call with affirmative votes. Outcome: adopted (suspended readings and adopted). Key parties: City of Trenton and Local Development LLC. Further details of the agreement (scope, dollar amounts, schedule) are not specified in the transcript.

- Ordinance (amendment to sections referenced as “4 8 and o 2” on contract authority and procedures): the ordinance was read by title and described as declaring an emergency; the available transcript excerpt does not include a recorded final vote on the ordinance. Outcome: not specified in provided transcript.

- Executive session authorization: council voted to enter executive session to discuss the employment/compensation of a public employee and consult with legal counsel; roll call in the transcript is recorded and the council recessed into executive session at 8:17 p.m. Outcome: adopted (executive session convened).

What the actions mean

The splash pad contract will allow the city to purchase prefabricated aquatic play equipment for a community park; the purchase amount is $115,485.97 and staff said protective measures for the installed equipment are being developed. The development agreement with Local Development LLC was approved on an emergency basis, permitting the city manager to execute documents related to construction and public improvements; the transcript does not include line-item financing or a construction schedule. The Colorado County 911 youth committee appointment was adopted by resolution after council suspended the usual two-reading rule.

Next steps and context

City staff will proceed with contract execution and coordination with the vendor for the splash pad. Council scheduled an executive session at the end of the public meeting to address personnel and legal matters. For the ordinance read by title, the transcript does not show a final recorded vote in the provided excerpt; staff or the city clerk can provide the final legislative record for that item if needed.