The most noteworthy element of the meeting was the detailed report on crime statistics presented by Captain Slack of the police department. He noted a decrease in overall calls for service, with a total of 102,358 calls in 2025, down by approximately 4,677 from the previous year. However, specific crime categories such as burglary and theft saw increases, with 152 burglary calls and 672 theft calls in 2025, compared to 127 and 610 respectively in 2024. A notable success was the recovery of firearms, which saw an increase from the previous year with 135 handguns, eight rifles, and seven shotguns retrieved. Captain Slack highlighted a particular operation where officers apprehended suspects during a shots-fired incident, successfully recovering firearms and drugs. He also reported that the homicide task force had closed seven homicide investigations, achieving a 90% clearance rate. Efforts to combat illegal ATV and dirt bike usage were also discussed, with eight vehicles seized and 33 tickets issued. To enhance security, additional cameras are planned for Unity Square Park.

Another topic was the funding and utilization of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources, which are vital for community projects over the next five years. The council urged community members to provide feedback on the consolidated plan through the city website before its submission to HUD by August 15. The announced allocations include $2,527,273 for CDBG in 2025, with additional funding for the HOME program and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), totaling $3,672,434 in federal funding. Previous year accomplishments were highlighted, including nearly $2.5 million spent on the West Ward community center, senior center operations, slum and blight demolitions, and homebuyer assistance programs. Future plans include public facility improvements, such as senior centers, fire engine purchases, sidewalk improvements, and library enhancements. Two rehabilitation programs for residents were also outlined, offering urgent repairs with a focus on structural safety and essential utilities.

Residents also voiced numerous concerns during the public comments section, emphasizing the need for improved city management and responsiveness. Francisco Gera, a retiree, shared his distress over ongoing criminal activity in the apartment above him, expressing a mere “1” for his quality of life due to drug-related disturbances and threats. Laura Harmon, a long-time Temple resident, discussed parking challenges posed by new residents, calling for better cooperation with police. Vera Louise Wescott criticized the city’s cleanliness, describing Trenton as a “trash city” due to inadequate enforcement of ordinances. Former police officer Peter Ziggler highlighted a “broken window syndrome” in his area, with unresolved property complaints and city-planted trees causing sidewalk damage.

The meeting also addressed property management with the introduction of a new program aimed at facilitating the acquisition of city-owned properties, focusing on abandoned and dilapidated structures. The city aims to encourage responsible ownership to revitalize neighborhoods, with around 2,000 city-owned properties available for purchase. Prospective buyers must demonstrate financial capability for renovations, with a $100,000 threshold, and agree to rehabilitation agreements to prevent abandonment.

Environmental and public safety concerns were also raised, with residents urging the city to address faded crosswalks and outdated signalization in high-traffic areas. The negative health effects from environmental neglect and lack of proper property maintenance were highlighted, with some residents describing their frustrations over trash accumulation and inappropriate business operations in residential areas. Calls for more trash receptacles, particularly in the DNR canal area, and improved sanitation services were echoed by multiple speakers.