Trenton City Council reappoints industrial board members, approves expenditures and hears investigator's resignation

The Trenton City Council met Nov. 14, 2023, at Trenton City Hall and reappointed four members to the Trenton Industrial Board, approved monthly expenditures and received several routine departmental reports including a planned resignation from a long-time investigator.

The council unanimously approved the minutes of its Oct. 24 meeting and then approved the month’s expenditures after Recorder Leigh Reynolds reported totals for the general fund ($136,023.17) and sanitation ($55,815.07). Alderman Graves moved to approve the minutes, Alderwoman Jones seconded; Alderwoman Elam moved to approve the expenditures, Alderman Wade seconded, and both motions carried by voice vote.

Alderwoman Jones moved and Alderman Harper seconded a motion to reappoint Ed Norman, Bill Woods, Richard Hopkins and Amy Greer to six-year terms on the Trenton Industrial Board beginning Jan. 1, 2024; the motion carried by voice vote. The council did not record roll-call tallies; the minutes note both actions passed by voice vote.

Building Inspector Ricky Bailey and Mayor Burriss presented condominium plans submitted by Josh Hazelwood for a 55-and-older development that had previously been approved by the planning commission; Hazelwood was not present. Council members asked questions about the proposal while Bailey and the mayor described the plan and answered procedural questions.

Public works lead Terry Brown told residents the city’s leaf machine is operating and asked that leaves be placed in the street (not left in yards) and that sticks or trash not be mixed with leaves because the machine cannot handle them.

Police Chief Bill Cusson announced that Investigator Jimmy Wilson will resign effective Nov. 24, 2023. Cusson praised Wilson’s 24 years with the Trenton Police Department, noting his roles as a trainer, lead investigator and IT support and saying, "no task was ever too big for him." Investigator Jimmy Wilson, who the chief said began work in Trenton at age 21, reflected on his time with the department and said he hopes he "has done something for someone." Council members offered thanks and best wishes.

During public comment, resident Shirley Penn of 325 East Huntington Street asked the city to repair a pothole in front of her home. Alderwoman Jones also announced that donations for the Shop with a Cop program will be accepted through Nov. 17, 2023.

Mayor Burriss closed by listing upcoming events, including a groundbreaking for Isaiah 117 House on Nov. 16, a Turkey Trot for Jana Hall on Nov. 25 and the Trenton Christmas Parade on Nov. 27; city offices will be closed Nov. 23–24 for Thanksgiving. Alderman Graves moved to adjourn at 6:35 p.m., Alderwoman Holt seconded, and the motion carried.