By Tiffani Ireland – 

Long-time Mayor of Trenton, Helen Summer, presided over her final council meeting serving in this capacity at the town council’s regularly scheduled meeting, Wed., Mar. 13.  Mrs. Summer, who has decided to retire after nearly thirty years of service to the Trenton community, told Council members how much she has enjoyed her years of service.  “I think we’ve done a real good job of getting along and doing the work for the town,” Mrs. Summer said.  In regards to her tenure, Mrs. Summer stated, “I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”  She went to voice her confidence in the Council and said, “I know y’all will take real good care of the town.”  Mrs. Summer will swear in mayor-elect, Billy Padgett, at next month’s meeting.

At Council’s last meeting, Council voted to postpone plans to convert the former bank building into the new Town Hall.  In response to this postponement, at this month’s meeting, Administrator Al Harvey  recommended that Council also postpone plans to remove asbestos from the building.  Mr. Harvey advised that since there are no immediate plans for the building’s use, there was no need to spend the money for this project at this time especially since requirements regarding the asbestos may change once the building is being used again.  Council agreed unanimously to this recommendation.

In a related matter, Council was advised of an invitation from First Citizens Bank to review and discuss artifacts from the Trenton Bank.  The bank would like the town to be able to go through the memorabilia collected from the former establishment before it is donated elsewhere.  It was decided that Mr. Harvey and Mayor Summer will meet with representatives on Mar. 27 for this purpose.  Other Council members were invited to attend.

In other business, Ann Brown and Rodney Cato were re-appointed to the Trenton Planning Commission.  Their re-appointments fill two of the three open seats for the commission.  Darryl Collins, holder of the third seat, has decided not to serve another term.  Council is hopeful to have names to present for the filling of this position at their next meeting.

Council voted unanimously to donate $81 to Edgefield County First Steps.  This donation, which the Council has done for several years, will help provide books for three children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  Additionally, Council voted  to purchase a half page ad for Douglas Elementary School’s yearbook at a cost of $100.  Council member Bobby Turner did abstain from this vote as he is principal of the school.

Dan Bergtholdt, Vice Chairman of the Edgefield County Planning Commission, gave a presentation to Council pertaining to the Rails to Trails Program.  Mr. Bergtholdt seemed pleased at several Council member’s support for the project.  He advised Council that since he has presented the ideas regarding this project to the different government bodies throughout the county, he will now be moving into the fundraising stage for this endeavor.  Mayor Summer thanked Mr. Bergtholdt for his time and information.

Being no other business to conduct, Council adjourned.