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Friday, June 28, 2019
TRENTON
REPUBLICAN-TIMES
75¢ per copy Check out the Republican-Times on the Internet: www.republican-times.com ©W.B. Rogers Printing Co., Inc.
Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 155th Year - No. 85
Trenton, MO 64683
NORTH CENTRAL MISSOURI COLLEGE
Twelve Pages & 2 Inserts SPECIAL MEETINGS End-Of-Year
Board Of Trustees Meet
2019-20 Budget Shows Small Surplus The 2019-2020 North Central Missouri College budget was approved during a meeting of college trustees on Tuesday, with a small surplus expected at the end of the year. When combining the unrestricted accounts and the auxillary service accounts, the college expects to bring in total revenues of $12,930,419, with expenses estimated at $12,922,660 for an anticipated surplus of $7,759. When looking at the unrestricted (operational) budget, revenues are listed at $10,725,769 and expenses are projected at $10,720,908, resulting in a budgeted surplus of $4,861. Among the revenue included in that amount is $7,283,700 in tuition and fees. While that amount is based on level enrollment, it is $287,300 more than last year due to an increase in tuition rates and fees. State revenues are listed at $2,638,169 and local tax revenue is listed at $342,500 while “other” income comes in at $461,400. On the expenses side of the operational budget, salaries eat up the biggest amount, $5,462,937. Fringe benefits are listed at $1,571,371 and “other” expenses are projected at $3,686,600. The expenses include salary increases averaging between 3 and 4 percent as approved in May, and the addition of dance and esports programs. Budgeted health insurance premium increases total $62,660 and an increase in utility costs is also budgeted. Not included in the budgeted amounts are payments on the notes on the Barton Farm Campus to-
TRENTON CITY COUNCIL
taling $92,508 and a Title IV repayment of $165,507. Those payments are made from designated cash reserves and are not included in the annual operating budget. The FY19 budget for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program, which is administered through NCMC, was also approved, showing total revenues and expenses of $297,890, down from $398,914 actual revenue and expenditures in FY18. It was noted that nearly every expenditure category was decreased this year in order to balance the budget. Salaries were reduced by $25,948 over last year. The board heard reports from administrative staff, including college president Dr. Lenny Klaver who said enrollment for summer 2019 was up 15.7 percent in head count over 2018 and 14.9 percent in credit hours generated over last year. Looking at fall enrollment, Dr. Klaver said applications are up 47 over this time last year. Dr. Klaver updated the board on summer projects, including the demolition of several structures and work at the Ketcham Community Center, and explained upcoming strategic planning and leadership activities. He said that as of Tuesday morning, $1,400 had been raised through the college for Trenton Police Officer Jasmine Diab, an NCMC student who was shot in the line of duty on June 14. Head Start directors Susan Ewigman and Janet Gott presented information on staffing and enrollment
R-T Office Closing Early
Funding Method Change For Wastewater Project
The Trenton Republican-Times will be closing its office early on Friday, July 5. The office will be closed all day on Thursday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday and will then re-open for business from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. With Thursday being a holiday, the Friday, July 5 edition of the Republican-Times will be printed and mailed on Wednesday, July 3. The deadline for submission of news for that newspaper will be 8 a.m. on Wednesday while the advertising deadline will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2.
Linda Crooks to do so. Council members voted 4-4 on the policy, which regulates the use of solar electricity generated by a residential customer and how that usage is credited on a customer’s bill. A change recommended to the policy, and recommended by the utility committee, capped the credit at three cents per kilowatt. Voting in favor of the change were David Mlika, Larry Crawford, John Dolan and Cathie Smith. Opposed were Glen Briggs, Lou Fisher, Danny Brewer and Brad Chumbley, who stated he felt the cap was unfair to those customers using solar power to supplement their electric usage. The policy would not affect current users, only those who come on board after passage. With the tie, Ms. Crooks cast a vote in favor, resulting in the policy change being approved. The council heard a presentation from Craig Woycheese of Toth and Associates regarding an electric rate study. Woycheese outlined what would be included in the study, which he said would take between 90 to 120 days to complete and would cost between $15,000 to $18,000. The council had originally considered having a study done, requesting proposals last year and choosing Toth and Associates to do the work. The council then postponed moving forward, but asked that a representative visit with members to find out more information. No vote was
BUILDING AND NUISANCE BOARD
Commission Agenda The Grundy County Commission will meet in regular session on Tuesday, with only one item listed on the agenda. The commission is scheduled to hold its regular weekly meeting with Ambulance Director Steve Tracy at 10 a.m.
ED Committee To Meet The Economic Development Committee of the Trenton City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2 at city hall. Items on the announced agenda include discussion of Tax Increment Financing, discussion of bed and breakfast businesses and reports from North Central Missouri Development Alliance Director Micah Landes and Main Street Trenton Director Megan Derry.
Blue Smoke For Jasmine
See Council, Page 7
Properties Added To List
More Time Given To Owners The Building and Nuisance Board took action on several items during a meeting on Monday night at city hall. Public hearings were held on three properties, with property at 437 West Crowder Road, owned by Lionel and Bettie McAtee, being removed from the list after the issue was abated. Moved to “findings of fact” were property at 607 W. Crowder Road, owned by John Danks, and 1618 Mable St.,
owned by Joseph Buckner. Moved forward for a public hearing were properties at 112 Kavanaugh, owned by Mike Arnold, and 309 E. Crowder Road, owned by Trent Hansuld. Jeffrey White was given a 90-day extension to continue work on property he owns at 1011 Custer St. Findings of fact were conducted on three properties, with all owners given a 60-day extension to continue work.
The properties include 510 W. Crowder Road, owned by Donald and Twyla Whitney; 812 Grant St., owned by Michael and Ruth Smith; and 3726 E. 28th St., owned by Jeremy Hamilton. A declaration of nuisance was placed on properties at 401 E. Seventh St., owned by Tuyen and Nancy Vu; 1302 E. Eighth St., owned by Michael See Nuisance, Page 7
National Weather Service Mostly sunny skies and hot temperatures are being forecast through the weekend and into next week. High temperatures will be around 90 and lows will be around 70. The high at Trenton on Monday, June 25 was 80, Tuesday’s high was 91 and Wednesday’s high was 86. The overnight low on Wednesday was 67. The high on Wednesday at the Government Weather Station near Spickard was 85, the low was 70.
See NCMC, Page 7
Briefs...
Mayor Breaks Tie In Policy Vote
Financing improvements at the wastewater plant will now be split into two payments, but the city of Trenton will be able to keep the low interest rate promised last week for the project. During a meeting on Monday night, members of the Trenton City Council were told that restrictions on bonds issued in 2007 requires the city to separate the 2018 certificates of participation for the effluent disinfection portion of the project and the headworks project the city is planning to do. The city, which plans to also use $1 million in wastewater reserves to help pay for the headworks, had been looking to borrow just over $6 million to pay for both projects, getting an interest rate of 3.56 percent. However, the 2007 bonds, which came from proceeds of a state revolving fund, will not allow the city to combine the latest projects. Toni Stegeman of the Gilmore and Bell law firm, who is working with the city on the financing, said splitting the two projects will still allow Trenton to receive the 3.56 percent interest rate on both loans. The city is currently paying 4.95 percent on the 2018 certificates of participation. The city will still be responsible for $10,000 in closing costs, with Charlie Zitnik of DA Davidson responsible for any closing costs over that amount. Ms. Stegeman anticipates having the documents available for the council’s approval in two weeks. The city council approved an updated net metering policy, however, it took a vote by Mayor
for the coming year and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tristan Londre reported on approval for the fire science program and technology classes that will be offered at Savannah High School. The college also has joined the National Association of College e-Sports as the college is starting an e-sports program. He also told trustees that Dr. Susan Stull is teaching biology classes in China through the ONPS International Summer School Program. In her report, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kristen Alley reported on the residence halls, noting that Ellsworth Hall is full for the fall semester and Selby Hall is nearly full. She said that at the end of July rooms that have been set aside for athletes will be released and given to those on the waiting list. She said there will be a push on campus this fall to be sure students, faculty and staff are aware of whether or not they have been vaccinated for measles. She also recognized Financial Aid Director Kimberly Meeker, who has been named the treasurer of the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel. Trustees approved the purchase of a Fanuc Robotics system to support the college’s industrial technology program at a cost of $67,717.50, with 75 percent of that cost to be reimbursed through state enhancement grants. Testing supplies were purchased through Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) of Leawood,
In honor of Trenton Police Officer Jasmine Diab, an event, “Fourth of July Blue Smoke for Jasmine,” is being planned for the July 4 holiday. The event will involve blue smoke bombs being set off at 1:05 p.m. (in recognition of Officer Diab’s badge number) on Thursday, July 4 and will be held on Seventh Street between the Grundy County Law Enforcement Center and the Grundy County Courthouse. Seventh Street will be blocked off from Main Street to Washington Street and no parking will be allowed on the south side of the courthouse during the event. Those planning to participate in the activity are asked to gather with their blue smoke bombs at 1 p.m. The Trenton Fire Department’s Engine 10 will be on hand to help ensure that all of the smoke bombs are extinguished after the event. Officer Diab is recuperating at a Kansas City hospital after being shot in Winston while transporting a subject from Trenton to St. Joseph on June 14.
Crowder Park Program Set Crowder State Park will host a “cold blooded animal” program on Saturday, July 13 at the campground amphitheater. The 8:30 p.m. program will feature park staff sharing facts about the different types of cold blooded animals,such as snakes, frogs, toads and fish who make their home in the park. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately and bring insect repellant.
What’s Inside... It’s been a busy summer for the Trenton FFA, with officers attending leadership events and members participating in community cleanup. See page 6 of today’s Republican-Times for photos of the chapter activities.
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R-9, R-6 Boards Approve Budgets The Trenton R-9 Board of Education officially accepted the 2019-20 budget and closed out the 2018-19 year during a special meeting on Wednesday morning. Board members approved the new budget that shows revenues of $19,702,468 and expenditures of $17,921,878. As was noted at the regular June board meeting, $7 million of the revenues come from bonds the district will be selling for its construction project while $5 million in expenditures is the amount of money anticipated to be spent during the year for the project. Superintendent Dan Wiebers said the amount of deficit in the incidental fund projected when the proposed budget was presented earlier this month had actually decreased by around $20,000 due to employment of staff who filled open positions at a salary of less than what the district had been paying. The district is looking at beginning the 2019-20 fiscal year on July 1 with a 27.48 percent fund balance of just over $3.2 million. The current fund balance is $3,080,243, however, special education funds and interest from investments will be coming in before June 30 and will increase that number to the $3.2 million figure. As part of the actualization of revenues and expenditures for the 2018-19 year, the board voted to transfer $902,156.25 from Fund 1 to Fund 2 (the teacher’s fund) to zero out that account to start the new year. In other business, the board approved an agreement with the Missouri Department of Social Services’ Mo Health Net program, allowing the district to continue to receive reimbursement for services provided to Medicaid-qualified students. All votes were 6-0 with Brandon Gibler, Cliff Roeder, Dorothy Taul, Marcie Cutsinger and Dr. David Whitaker present. Doug Franklin was absent. The Pleasant View R-6 Board of Education also met this week to close out the 2018-19 school year and take action on the 2019-20 budget. Pleasant View R-6 During a meeting on Tuesday night, the Pleasant View R-6 Board of Education approved the 2019-2020 budget, which showed a $2,304 deficit. Revenues are anticipated at $1,625,948 while expenditures are projected at $1,628,252. The board also made a fund transfer from Fund 1 to Fund 2 to zero out the Fund 2 account and See R-9, Page 7
What’s Inside Sports.............................page 2 Local News.............page 3 & 7 Op/Ed ............................page 4 Community ...................page 5 Agriculture....................page 6 Comics ...........................page 8 Crosswords....................page 9 Dear Annie ....................page 9 NASCAR .....................page 11