Trenton swears in commissioner, mayor

By Cindy Jo Ayers

Trenton Mayor Glen Thigpen and City Commissioner Arlene Wilks were sworn-in last Monday night during the Trenton City Council meeting.
While the mayor had no opposition, Commissioner Wilks defeated a challenge by Eli Hines in December to retain her spot on the commission.
Wilks has been a Trenton City Commissioner for six years.
“I appreciate everyone coming out and voting,” Wilks said.
Only 11 percent of the registered voters within the City of Trenton voted in the Dec. 15, 2009 election. Wilks garnered 93 votes to Hines’ 33 votes in the election.

Mayor Glen Thigpen

Commissioner Arlene Wilks

In other city news:
Kyle Stone, executive director of the Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce, reported to the Trenton City Commission that Christmas on Main Street drew a crowd of 3,000 people, despite the frigid temperatures.
Commissioners watched a video of the 2009 event, which was compiled by local photographer, Bill Kilborn.
The Chamber’s executive director, as well as a group of dedicated volunteers and local inmates worked tirelessly to see that Christmas on Main Street was a successful community event.
Clement Lindsey, commander of SCV John Hance O’Steen Camp 770, was granted a special use permit for Saturday, Apr. 24. Lindsey and his fellow members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans local chapter plan to dedicate the Confederate monument, which is located in the county’s Veterans’ Park across from the Gilchrist County Courthouse. The program will run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Second Avenue will close from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for the firing of the SCV’s cannon.
Commissioner Tim Kinsey made a motion to grant the permit and refund the group’s $75 permit fee. Kinsey went on to say that he is in favor of honoring veterans.
The commissioners also discussed an opportunity to apply for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The grant is part of President Barack Obama’s Stimulus Plan.
Trenton City Manager Jered Ottenwess said there is a slim chance the city will receive the grant for $125,000. Ottenwess suggested the grant be made for solar panels to be installed at the water and sewer treatment plant.
The city also plans to use $10,000 to repair the edges of roads around town. Ottenwess said that $10,000 was all that was budgeted for road work in 2010 and it will not be enough to repair roads that are in really bad shape.
Mayor Thigpen gave the following assignments to commissioners for the year 2010, and the commission agreed. Mayor Thigpen – Finance and Personnel; Commissioner Wilks – Fire; Commissioner Hellams – Parks; Commissioner Rutter – Public Works; Commissioner Kinsey – Intergovernmental.