Photo by Melody W. Boylston/County Correspondent

Trenton Mayor Helen Summer and former Councilman Joe Holmes.

TRENTON -- Rain did not deter the Trenton Town Council from convening Wednesday evening for the last meeting of 2008, with all members present.

Mayor Helen Summer opened with prayer and the pledge to the American flag before discussing old business. First on the agenda was the topic of renting the upstairs portion of the Trenton library to the Episcopal Church on the Ridge.

Town Administrator Al Harvey gave a report on the contractorÕs inspection, along with cost estimates for repairs and updates that must be completed before the space can be rented. Some of the required updates included adding two electric mounts, two disconnects, repositioning the A/C unit, and the addition of egress lights.

The estimated costs were $3200, money that has not been originally budgeted.

The town council had previously determined that a reasonable rental for space would be $300/month, but with the necessary updates required to get the building up to code, renting the facility could end up costing the town money. Although the council and Mayor Summer agreed that they would like to help the church, the council decided that Mr. Harvey would meet with Sarah Schwarz to determine what responsibility the church would accept as part of the rental agreement.

Mayor Summer asked for a motion to readdress this issue at the next meeting. The town council was in favor of renting the facility, but said that more review would be necessary before a decision could be made. Mr. Harvey agreed that he would follow up on the matter.

Mayor Summer opened the discussion of the purchase of new aluminum bleachers for the Trenton ball field. Mr. Harvey reported that he had sent out bid invitations to four vendors and the lowest bid received was $6230, which included the purchase of two sets of stationary aluminum bleachers, 15 feet long, with five rows of double planked benches.

Mr. Harvey suggested that the town should have concrete pads poured to serve as a foundation for the bleachers, adding that the addition of the pads would be beneficial in maintaining and securing the bleachers.

Mayor Summer requested a motion be made to purchase the bleachers and add the concrete pads, saying, "The bleachers will be a tremendous addition and must be done right."

Councilman Bobby Turner commented that the school district maintenance department put their school bleachers together and that he would talk to them about installing the Trenton bleachers. The council approved the purchase with a unanimous vote.

As part of the new business, Mayor Summer asked for a motion to adopt the 2009 budget and it passed unopposed. She complimented the council on their hard work, adding, "I am very proud that we could come up with a balanced budget without raising taxes."

Discussion turned to the Christmas bonus, as Mayor Summer asked for a motion to keep it the same amount as last year. Councilman Joe Holmes made a motion for a $25 increase for each council member, with Billy Padgett seconding the motion. All approved the increase.

Mayor Summer then asked Councilman Joe Holmes to stand as she presented him with a plaque in honor of his 25 years of dedicated service to the Town of Trenton. Mr. Holmes resigned his council position last month as he is no longer a resident of Trenton, and lives in Johnston. He joined the council in July 1983, and will continue to serve Trenton as their Fire Chief.

In other business, Mayor Helen Summer congratulated Police Chief Deke Tanks on the purchase of a new police car. Mr. Harvey asked the council for suggestions on what should be done with the old car, proposing that they offer it to the Town of Johnston for $10,000. He added that if Johnston opted not to purchase the vehicle, the council would list it for sale through other avenues.

Mayor Helen Summer asked for a motion to move on the sale of the vehicle. Councilman Keith Sexton made the motion, with Councilman Joe Holmes seconding it. Police Chief Tanks noted that the new car needs some necessary equipment, including two radios and a set of lights. He noted that his research determined the pricing for the equipment would be $4658.

Mr. Harvey asked Mr. Tanks to get one more estimate for the equipment and he agreed that he would do this. Mayor Summer asked for a motion to purchase the necessary package after getting a second estimate. Councilman Billy Padgett made the motion, and Councilman Keith Sexton seconded it, to which the council approved the motion unanimously.

Mayor Summer shared a request from Debbie Huiet Padgett, who represented the Harrison Street residents, to have Christmas lights added to their street. The request would mean the addition of four sets of lights. Councilman Turner suggested if new lights were to be purchased, that they be LED lights, as they were less likely to get broken.

Mr. Harvey said, "The initial cost is high, but over time would last longer."

Mr. Tanks suggested adding LED lighting to the current decorations as needed. Mayor Summer suggested the town needed better lighting for the square also and suggested that the topic be readdressed at the January meeting at the time when the clearance sales were in progress. The council agreed to the suggestion.

Joe Holmes commented that the new emergency warning system should be completed and in place this week as reported by Travis Kinard of Kinard Control Systems. The alarm system will serve to warn the Trenton residents of both fire and tornado.

In closing, Mayor Helen Summer thanked the council for their support in 2008 saying, "It takes all of us working together, which we do here. Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year."

With no more business to discuss, the meeting adjourned and will reconvene next month on January 14, 2009.