TRENTON - The Trenton Town Council convened under clear skies Wednesday evening for their first meeting of the New Year.

Mayor Helen Summer opened the meeting with prayer and the pledge to the flag; then welcomed Sarah Schwartz and Lee Holmes, representatives for the Episcopal Church on the Ridge to address the council.

As part of old business, the ECR had requested to rent the space above the Trenton Library as the office and meeting space for their church. After much discussion and new terms, the council voted unanimously to approve the request.

The ECR will pay for any necessary requirements for the building to be rented, including the separation of the electrical and heating from the library.

Under the recommendation of Mayor Summer and Town Administrator Al Harvey, the rental agreement will require a two-year agreement, with a "way-out clause" for both parties.

Next on the agenda was the recent purchase of the aluminum bleachers for the Trenton ball field. The bleachers will be placed on a cement pad foundation for security and easy maintenance.

Councilman Bobby Turner has contacted the school district maintenance department, who put their school bleachers together, to see if Trenton could request the same services.

As reported last month, Police Chief Deke Tanks purchased a new police car, and the town council agreed to offer the old car to the Town of Johnston. Having heard no response from them, Administrator Harvey suggested advertising the vehicle through the municipal association, so it would be seen statewide. Councilman Turner made the motion, while Councilman Billy Padgett seconded it.

As part of new business, Mayor Summer asked Fire Chief Joe Holmes to give a report on the future purchase of an ISO compliant service truck for the fire department.
He reported that he had received a bid for a Chevrolet truck in December 2008, before the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) standards changed. Administrator Harvey reminded the council that state law requires at least two bids and asked Chief Holmes if he would get a second bid.

This will be reviewed again in a later meeting.

The council went into executive session, which resulted in no decision being made.
In other business, Mayor Summer informed the council that Sam Crouch, the County Transportation Director, had contacted her for her "wish list" of roads that needed work in Trenton.

After checking out the roads, Mayor Summer and Administrator Harvey found them to be "in good shape." The Mayor opened the floor to discussion, and several roads were mentioned.

The library parking lot needs resurfacing. Councilman Turner commented on Thurmond Street, adding that "it gets lots of traffic. It would be nice if it was paved."

Councilman Sexton added that it had been considered in the past, but the road was too narrow to have proper ditches for draining. Bank Street was also mentioned. Mayor Summer said she would get in touch with Mr. Crouch about several streets.

As part of the closing business, Mayor Summer commented that she had received a call from the Library system, requesting donations toward the Summer Reading Program.

She told council that Lynn Foster, the Trenton Library Manager said the program was a great success last year. The council agreed to donate $200 to the Summer Reading Program again this year. The council also agreed to purchase new Christmas lights for Harrison Street and also for the square.
The Trenton Community Development Association will also be purchasing lights for the square to compliment the ones the town purchases.

With no more business to discuss, the meeting adjourned and will reconvene next month on February 11, 2009.