City Council

City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. Ryan Perry Mayor Calvin Woodrey Floyd Croucher Jennie Combs Dale Perry Raymond Nichols Sharon Montgomery Vice Mayor Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member CALL TO ORDER PRAYER 1. Deacon Larry Gronas ROLL CALL Present: Perry, Woodrey, Croucher, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Perry (7) Absent: (0) PRESENTATIONS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the October 2nd, 2025, Regular Council Meeting. Motion –To approve the minutes of the October 2nd, 2025 Regular Council Meeting (Roll Call Vote) 1st__ Vice Mayor Woodrey___ 2nd_____ Mr. Nichols _ YAYS: Perry, Woodrey, Croucher, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Perry (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0) CORRESPONDENCE 1. None. AUDIENCE OF PUBLIC 1. Barry Blankenship First Street- Mr. Blankenship expressed to Council that, as of late, there has been a lot of heavy traffic going down First Street both ways. He noted that there has been a significant amount of tractor-trailer traffic starting early in the morning, and in a couple of instances around Baltimore both ways, he almost ran into a pole because of the tractor-trailers. On his return via First Street, he was nearly forced into the train tracks due to the same issue. Mr. Blankenship asked Council if there is something that can be done to reroute the tractor-trailers, noting that there is a school in the neighborhood, children playing, and cars parked on both sides of the street—all while tractor-trailers are coming from multiple directions at the same time. Mr. Blankenship stated that, in one hour this week, he counted 120 trailers passing his residence. Mayor then asked City Manager Nichols if there was a way the City could change the truck routes. Mr. Perry added that there has been discussion about changing the truck routes, noting that South First is a truck route, as well as Baltimore, and that removing Baltimore from the truck route would benefit the entire area. Mr. Blankenship agreed, adding that the area has become a highly residential City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. neighborhood with many homes and increased traffic from people coming in from Hamilton. City Manager Nichols noted that he has discussed this with several Council members for quite some time and confirmed that it’s something the City can certainly look into. He asked the City Attorney to review and see if there are any ordinances or examples from neighboring jurisdictions that designate and outline specific truck routes. Councilman Nichols added that they should also look into the speed limits, noting that, if he is not mistaken, Third Street is 25 mph while First Street is 35 mph. City Manager Nichols confirmed that the City can look into the limits and roads. Mayor thanked Mr. Blankenship for showing up and inquired whether anyone would be opposed to allowing an audience of the public during work sessions as well, noting that sometimes residents come in at 6:30 PM with a question but have to sit through the work session and wait until the regular Council meeting. He asked if there would be any objection to allowing public comment during the work session so those individuals wouldn’t have to stay through the entire evening. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Motion –That Items 1 and 2 Under Unfinished Business Be Read By Title Only (Roll Call Vote) 1st__ Vice Mayor Woodrey___ 2nd_____ Ms. Montgomery _ YAYS: Perry, Woodrey, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Croucher, Perry (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0) 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 205.03 OF THE CITY OF TRENTON CODE OF ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Second Reading) Motion –The Ordinance Be Approved (Roll Call Vote) 1st__ Vice Mayor Woodrey___ 2nd_____ Ms. Montgomery _ YAYS: Perry, Woodrey, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Croucher, Perry (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0) 2. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1046.01 OF THE CITY OF TRENTON CODE OF ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Second Reading) Motion –The Ordinance Be Approved (Roll Call Vote) 1st__ Mr. Nichols___ 2nd_____ Ms. Montgomery _ YAYS: Perry, Woodrey, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Croucher, Perry (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0) PUBLIC HEARINGS City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. 1. None. NEW BUSINESS 1. A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FOUR SEASONS ENVIRONMENTAL INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,000 TO SERVE AS THIRD-PARTY MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, HVAC, AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS COMMISSIONER. a. Prior to the approval of the Motion, Mr. Nichols inquired noting that the city had another similar thing a couple of weeks ago for $47,000 for under inspection, he inquired if this is all part of the $32,000,000 that council approved or is this on top of that. Mr. Mesisklis added that he will provide a full tabulation of all of those costs for council in the following week, he noted that is within the $32,000,000. Mr. Mesisklis added some clarification adding that technically the amount was $29,000,000 and council has been going with $32,000,000 due to the bond amount that was approved, he added he never requested a real approval to increase that amount from 29 to 32 million, that will be coming back to council along a full tabulation. He confirmed that is within the full service. Motion – Motion To Authorize (Roll Call Vote) 1st__ Mr. Croucher___ 2nd_____ Mr. Perry _ YAYS: Perry, Woodrey, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Croucher, Perry (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0) LEGISLATION 1. None. REPORTS Clerk of Council, Stanislav Beresford- Mr. Beresford noted that the Do Not Knock registry is now live. He added that he has received questions regarding the flyer associated with the registry and affirmed that, even if residents already have a “No Soliciting” sign that is visible, they would still need to register to be included in the official list provided to solicitors. He clarified that the flyer associated with the registry is simply a courtesy for anyone who wishes to hang it on their door or window. City Manager, Marcos Nichols- Mr. Nichols noted that he will be out of the office all of next week, he noted that he will be down in South Carolina watching his son graduate from the Marine Boot Camp. (Congratulations!) City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. AUDIENCE OF COUNCIL Mr. Croucher- Mr. Croucher thanked Deacon for the prayer. He then congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Nichols on their son graduating from Marine Corps Boot Camp. Mr. Croucher thanked Mr. Blankenship for coming to this evening’s Council meeting and discussing the traffic problem on First Street, noting that he appreciates it. Mr. Croucher then discussed the Veterans Memorial 5K fundraiser that will be happening Saturday, November 8th, at Community Park. He added that participants can still register online through a QR code—just look it up on the City website and you will see the advertisement for the 5K. He invited everyone to come out—you can walk, run, or even jog. Mr. Croucher added that he has “Team Croucher” entered, which will include three people, noting that the other two participants are also elderly like him. He encouraged everyone on Council to come out and walk, along with everyone on the Parks Board, the Planning Commission, and every other board in the City, because it is a fundraiser and all proceeds go toward the Veterans Memorial. Mr. Croucher then gave a shoutout to Kelsey Moore for all that she has done for the Parks Board. He concluded by noting that it has been a pleasure to sit with this current Council, adding that it includes some of the best people he has worked with and that he loves Trenton—just like Ms. Montgomery. Ms. Montgomery- Ms. Montgomery thanked Deacon for coming in and leading the prayer, noting that the thing she loves about it is she knows the thought of his heart is coming forth. She added the thoughts and things that God gives him to say in those prayers are beautiful. Ms. Montgomery then thanked Mr. Blankenship for coming in and addressing the situation that he is facing. She added that is what it’s all about—when Trenton residents come and let Council know things. She added that is very important to Council, and that is what they are working for—the residents of Trenton—adding Council wants to do what is best for the residents. Ms. Montgomery then added that she started back to work and it is something else. She added that God has been giving her a lot of strength, and she has been enjoying being a mentor, which means she is kind of like a rooter for all of her team—building them up and helping them feel good about what they are doing—because hospice is a hard job. She added that if you have not worked in it, then you would not know, but you have to be called to do it, and she has been called to do it. She added that she thoroughly enjoys it, but she also enjoys the people that she works with. Ms. Montgomery then discussed that on Saturday, Barn N’ Bunk hosted tractors, noting that Vice Mayor Woodrey was also there with his tractor. She added that she absolutely loves going to events, noting that she loved the last event that was hosted in the park. Ms. Montgomery noted that Mr. Croucher was right about Kelsey, adding that when she was paying her water bill, Ms. Moore showed Ms. Montgomery the pictures from Fall Fest. Ms. Montgomery noted that she got ahold of Mayor Perry, adding that it's amazing to see the amount of support that comes out for any of those events, and you live in the best city because it is just a group of people that care about each other—adding that she should know, because just like Mr. Croucher, she tears up when she thinks about how good the city has been to her and her husband, and she will always say something about it. She City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. added that it is a wonderful place to live, and she tells everyone that they’ll be dragging her out when she is gone because she does not intend to live anywhere else but in Trenton. She thanked everyone for all they do and thanked God the city has wonderful police, the city has good EMTs, a great fire department, a great public works—adding that she thanks God for the parks board, noting that they do things that are so important. Ms. Montgomery then mentioned that she got a call from the Council on Aging, and she did an interview regarding the levy for the elderly. She added to please take it into consideration. She added that it is very, very important. She added she says things to her families in the job that she does about the elderly services program in all counties, but this year and when last year happened, she was able to be a part of getting help and she will never forget it. She added do not forget about that—just remember to vote yes for that because it is a very good program. Mr. Nichols- Mr. Nichols thanked everyone who was part of the events in the park and shared his "popcorn report," noting that he uses popcorn quantities as his personal measure of crowd size. He stated that the crowds have been consistently strong, averaging 12 pounds of popcorn per event, and that a single 50-pound bag can no longer last through an entire season. He added that plans are already in place to continue the events and expressed how much he enjoys participating, noting that there has been additional help with the popcorn distribution beyond just him and his wife. He thanked Mr. Perry, Mr. Proffitt, and Mr. Melloh for assisting with the popcorn and concluded by saying it was a great time. Mr. Perry- Mr. Perry acknowledged the last two events in the park, noting that they were fantastic and drew a big turnout. He added that everything was above and beyond expectations, and credited Kelsey for elevating the events and taking the city to the next level. Mr. Perry then thanked Deacon for the prayer. Ms. Combs- Ms. Combs noted that she appreciated the prayer as well. She added that she was able to attend the event at the park briefly, and while she wasn’t there long, she saw the pictures and acknowledged the great turnout. She also noted that the crowd for Movies in the Park appeared to be another strong showing. She concluded by stating that the city continues to provide a lot for its residents and offers many opportunities for them to enjoy. Vice Mayor Woodrey- Vice Mayor thanked Deacon for his heartfelt prayer, noting that he always impresses him with his words, wisdom, and prayers, which are always fitting for the situation and the group on Council. He then thanked Ms. Moore for the outstanding job she has done this year coordinating park activities, adding that he doesn’t know how she’ll top herself next year, but he’s confident she’s up to the task and will continue to make Council proud. Vice Mayor noted that on Saturday, October 25th, there will be a tire recycling event at the Butler County Fairgrounds, acknowledging that while it may seem like an odd announcement, discarded tires are often seen around garages and residences and are difficult to get rid of. He added that this is a free event held once a year for Butler County residents, with a limit of up to 10 tires. He then announced that Halloween will be observed City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. on October 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, noting that it will be dark before 8:00 PM, which many people appreciate for the atmosphere. He urged drivers to be cautious, practice the utmost safety, and ensure everyone has a fun and safe evening. He concluded by reminding everyone to get out and vote on November 4th and to exercise their right. Mayor Perry- Mayor thanked Mr. Blankenship for addressing traffic concerns on First Street, acknowledging that as a resident himself, he had also noticed the increase in noise and activity. He then thanked Deacon Gronas for the opening prayer and announced the launch of the Trenton Citizens Academy, a nine-week program starting January 22nd at the City Building, which will offer facility tours and a civic project. He reminded residents of the candidate forum on October 22nd at the new high school and praised Kelsey for her work on parks, noting increased sponsorships and strong community partnerships. He shared that during a Miami University Young Republicans forum—humorously introduced by an AI- generated Ronald Reagan—Trenton received praise from several participants for its development and rising visibility. Mayor introduced a new "Ask the Mayor" initiative where residents, especially children, can submit questions via the city website to be answered through video responses. He also proposed holding a town hall at the City Building with roundtable-style discussion to improve communication and reduce misinformation, emphasizing the need to provide accurate updates amidst ongoing city changes. Following the report, Ms. Montgomery shared a positive interaction with a resident grateful for the progress at Bloomfield, adding that she is proud of council’s work to resolve the issue. Mayor agreed, noting the complexity of the situation and expressing his happiness for the residents. City of Trenton REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 16th, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion - That the meeting be adjourned. (Roll Call Vote) 1st__ Mr. Croucher___ 2nd_____ Ms. Montgomery _ Time: 8:02 P.M. YAYS: Perry, Woodrey, Montgomery, Nichols, Combs, Croucher, Perry (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0)