Trenton council approves memorial upgrades, multiple contracts and labor extensions; schedules events study session

Trenton — The Trenton City Council on Nov. 3 approved a series of motions covering public memorial upgrades, capital projects, insurance renewals and labor contracts, and scheduled a study session on special events policy after sustained public comment about downtown road closures.

Most notable votes included authorization for the city administrator to execute contracts and purchases to support the VFW Post 1888 memorial project with an amount not to exceed $35,000. City administrator Dean Creech told the council the work would include lighting, two benches and infrastructure pads, and extension of pavers at the Veterans Memorial Library. The council moved, supported and approved the request unanimously.

The council also approved several capital and service contracts tied to the city’s bond projects and routine operations: a $235,000 low bid from North American Construction Enterprises for Veterans Memorial Library entrance upgrades (with a 10% contingency), an elevator modernization with TKE for $171,983.82 (plus 10% contingency), and a late contract with Campo Brothers for temporary parking and handicap access and a $33,885 hydrant installation tied to the police station project (total Campo Brothers amount presented $144,011). All were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Operational and routine approvals included an annual liability and property pool renewal with the Mission Municipal League in the amount of $350,109; a Tyler Technology cloud renewal for Trenton’s share of $29,560.51 for law-enforcement software; and a stop‑loss insurance renewal for the city’s self-insured medical plan. The council also approved converting Traffic Control Order 2025‑01 (a no-turn-on-red at West & Manning) from a temporary 90-day order to permanent based on a safety review.

On finance and administration the council approved an interfund transfer of $40,032 from the general fund to the Kennedy Recreation Fund to cover short-term liabilities; authorized disbursements totaling $4,091,937.33; and received a resignation from the Civic Commission for placement on file.

Labor agreements were extended in a package of collective bargaining agreements through June 30, 2028: the inspectors and lieutenants association (TILA), the Trenton Police Officers Association, Trenton Firefighters Local 2701, and the technical/professional/office workers association (TPOAM). The extensions include wage and fringe updates and allow contract reopeners on non-economic items after Jan. 1. Council also adopted a resolution under PA 152 of 2011 to enable negotiation of health-care premium contribution arrangements for 2026 and approved extending the economic fringe benefits negotiated in those contracts to eligible nonunion employees.

Appointments and personnel actions included approval of Mark Angelotti to the Planning Commission and the reappointment of Jeff Wager to the Historical Commission (roll call recorded two abstentions on that item). The council approved removal of Trenton Lions Club signage following the local club’s disbanding.

Several smaller capital items were approved: Cornerstone Fence ($14,708) for fencing at the Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center; library security camera installation not to exceed $23,837 (server migration and 14 cameras total); and a 10% contingency authorization on eligible bond projects.

The council scheduled a study session on special events policy for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in response to public comment from downtown business owners about last‑minute changes to permitted road closures and the need for clearer, more consistent event procedures.

What’s next: many approved contracts include contingency funds and procurement steps before work begins. The council’s Dec. 1 study session will examine special events policy and permitting procedures relevant to downtown road closures and event planning.