• Made Possible by Comm. Dev. Assoc. & U.S. Fibers Donations

– By Tiffani Ireland –

The Trenton Town Council unveiled the town’s new golf cart to representatives of the Trenton Community Development Association and U.S. Fibers — whose donations made the purchase possible — at their monthly meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 19.  The TCDA donated $2,500 and U.S. Fibers gave $1,000 toward the purchase of the golf cart for which council members, as well as Police Chief Deke Tanks, expressed their excitement and gratitude.   The cart was parked in front of Town Hall before the meeting’s start, and one can be sure it will now be seen quite often around the town.

After a short break for photo opportunities with their new aforementioned mode of transportation, Council resumed their meeting and voted unanimously to approve, on first reading, an ordinance regarding the use of the Trenton ball field as well as other town property.  The ordinance, which addresses such behavior as “intoxication,” fighting, and disorderly conduct, spells out resulting suspensions and fines associated with any infractions against it.  Council was told to expect signage with the ordinance to be placed at the ball field and agreed that a copy of the ordinance needed to be included in any facility rental agreements.

Council had hoped to be able to apply for a fire grant through the Municipal Association but, due to technicalities in the type of insurance program in which the town is a member, Trenton is currently ineligible for the $2,000 matching grant.  However, Council does plan to address these issues so that the town can apply for the grant next year.  With the grant money, Council had planned to purchase airbags for the fire department and a controller to operate the bags.  The estimated cost of the purchase of both of these items was given as $2,400.  After discussing the need for the equipment, Council voted as one to go ahead and purchase the two items.  This purchase will be funded by the general fund.

In another matter regarding grants, Council voted all in favor to approve the application for $5,000 in PARD money.  The town must match 20% ($1,000) of this grant if it is awarded.  Possible projects for this money include repairing fencing, benches and stands at the ball field and replacing windows at the gym with plexiglass.   While Councilman Bobby Turner voted in favor of this measure, he did ask Council to remember the younger children in the community and to perhaps use any future PARD money for items for their enjoyment.

Council voted unanimously to donate, as in years past, $1,000 to the Trenton Library.  They also voted as one to continue as in the past and sponsor three children for the Edgefield County First Steps Reading Program.  With Councilman Turner abstaining due to a conflict of interest, the rest of Council voted together to place a $100 ad in Douglas Elementary School’s Year Book.

Before adjourning, Council addressed the most recent winter storm and agreed Trenton was very fortunate when compared to other parts of the county in regards to damage sustained due to the freezing rain and ice.  “We were very lucky,” said Councilman Zeb Ryan and Councilman Turner said he was “very pleased” with how the town handled the disaster.  Compliments were also given to Chief Tanks for keeping the town “looking good.”

Caption for pic:

The Trenton Community Development Association presented the Trenton Council with a check for their portion of a donation that made possible the purchase of the golf cart in which Chief Of Police Deke Tanks is seated.  Kevin Corey from U.S. Fibers, another donor toward the purchase, joined Council and TCDA members in posing with the Town’s new golf cart.