By DON PITTMAN

(LEFT) - Former Mayor Anthony Emanuel

Remaining city leaders make summer plans

The Trenton City Council met Monday night and most people in attendance took time to thank outgoing mayor Anthony Emanuel for his service to the city.

Commissioner Tommy Lawson said he appreciated Emanuel’s dedication to Trenton, and offered his encouragement for Emanuel’s campaign for county chairman.

“We hate to lose him,” Lawson said. “But we thank him for his years of service.” Emanuel had to resign as Mayor to run for Dade County Chairman.

Commissioner Lawson stepped up to serve as the leader of the Monday night city meeting, and called the group to order.

He heard from each of the other city commissioners.

During the police report Commissioner Sandra Gray reported that new police cruisers were being finished up, and should be in the city’s fleet soon.

“We have the new cars in,” she said. “They are at Redline getting the decals put on.”

Peter Cervelli, from the Downtown Development Authority, like everyone who spoke at the forum Monday night, also thanked Emanuel while addressing the meeting.

Cervelli said that Family Fest was a success last month, giving Emanuel a big part of the credit. Cervelli said many volunteers and supporters made the event possible.

“It didn’t hurt to have everyone down there politicking,” Cervelli added. Cervelli said there are plans to hold a concert in Jenkins Park this summer, and possibly a movie, too.

Marshana Sharp announced the kick-off to the summer reading program at the library. There will be a program for young children and teens this year, both starting May 31 at 10 a.m. Storyteller Carman Agra Deedy will be on hand to get the reading club started, and food and drinks will be available. Magician Rick Hasty will also be providing entertainment.

The commission passed a sign ordinance that they have been developing the last few months. Commissioner Barton Harris says the ordinance is to protect the beauty of the city. The ordinance regulates the size, height, number and spacing of signs within the city.

The Commissioners also passed a four percent raise for all full time city employees, citing the rising cost of living as a reason to do so.

Commissioner Harris announced at the end of the meeting that he would be stepping down from his commissionership to run for the vacant mayor position.

“I have enjoyed my position on the commission, and I look forward to serving you in the future,” Harris said.

After making the announcement, Harris promptly gave up his position at the city commission table and took a seat in the crowd of about 15 people in the room.

A special election was approved by the remaining three members of the city board, to fill the two vacant positions. Qualifying for the open mayor and commissioner position will be May 12 -14 with the election taking place in July.

During the citizen participation of the meeting, Emanuel said that he really appreciated the way the city formed a ‘strong collaborative’ during his tenure as Mayor.

“The things we have done will carry forth and improve quality of life for years to come,” he said.