The Trenton Utility Committee addressed water fluoridation and other utility updates during its meeting on November 19.
City Administrator and Utility Director Ron Urton reported that Luanne Oneal revisited concerns she had previously raised at a Trenton City Council meeting on October 28. Oneal requested the city stop adding fluoride to its water supply, citing a U.S. District Court judge’s conclusion that fluoridation at 0.7 milligrams per liter could pose an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children. Trenton Water Plant Superintendent Steve Reid had informed the city council that Trenton Municipal Utilities follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s optimal level for fluoride.
Urton presented additional fluoridation information to the Utility Committee for review. He noted the material came from the Grundy County Health Department and a local dentist, with the dentist’s information sourced from the American Dental Association Journal. Retired dentist and former Trenton mayor Nick McHargue also spoke on the matter.
Urton also provided an update on city finances, stating revenues are slightly above 50%, while expenditures are slightly below 50%. He noted that this is a good position six months into the fiscal year.
In other updates, the city’s electric crew has been installing Christmas decorations along Main and Ninth Streets. Preparations are underway to winterize generators, and a contractor will begin applying spray foam insulation on five units at the north substation this week.
The sewer plant is transitioning to winter operations, with maintenance activities underway. Sewer lining work has been conducted near Tractor Supply Company and Kitty Street.
At the water plant, ongoing contractor work has led to progress on the west basin, which is now operational with new components. Work on the east basin has begun, with components being removed for updates.
Original article online at: https://www.kttn.com/water-fluoridation-concerns-addressed-by-trenton-utility-committee/