By Brenda Higgins
Butler City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 2, 2023 with all members present along with several in the audience.
Police Chief Kenny Hale answered a total of 65 calls during the past month with one physical arrest, two state citations and two city citations. Hale also asked council to consider approving the purchase of LifeVac equipment to be equipped in the police car. LifeVac is a device to aid if a person is choking.
The maintenance report was presented with concern of a problem with some of the water pumps that are in the process of being taken care of. Also, the park has been cleaned up and some picnic tables have been painted.
There was a follow up to last month's meeting regarding the new playground equipment with council voting to spend $40,000 on it, along with a matching grant of 50 percent, which will put the cost of the new playground at $80,000. This will include swings and a large unit used for climbing and hanging. The basketball court will remain intact.
In an attempt to use all of the designated money on the equipment, the city will be recruiting help in assembling the equipment for the City of Butler. If there are any clubs, organizations, church groups, etc willing to help, get in touch with Mayor Mason Taylor and share your interest in helping. Once construction is completed, there will be a dedication ceremony.
With the second reading of Ordinance 448 regarding Jake braking, the Ordinance was introduced and will be enforced as soon as the new signs are installed coming into Butler from both the SR 17 and the U.S. 27 sides. The first violation will be a $50 fine, and second and other violations will be $100.
Red Cross Director, Mary McDowell was present to report the activities of the past month. Red Cross provided at one accident scene, a fire in Butler and assistance was provided in a Sadieville incident.
Ms. Val Jansen was present at the meeting and was recognized and appreciated for the many contributions she has made to the community. Jansen will be moving to California with her daughter. She will be missed.
Also present was Mr. Jessie Combs, a county resident and President of PC Youth Sports. Combs explained about the youth sports program and the attempt to add more opportunities for even more students to be able to participate during the year. This program is designed to prepare kids in kindergarten through sixth grade to be more knowledgeable when playing on school sport teams. The youth program is currently working to add a wrestling team and is in need of practice mats and practice areas. There are currently 48 football players and 36 cheerleaders participating in PC Youth Sports.
Ms. Shirley Merrill with KRT was also present in the audience to follow up with a written request for a donation for programs from the City of Butler. The city has in the past has donated $500; however, this year that was increased to a one-time donation of $750.
The final city audit was concluded with all audit items having been submitted. The vendor hold has been removed and the city may now seek and use grant money.
There will be a Citywide Yard Sale on October 21st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spaces will be available to set up at the community center area for a $10 fee upon registration. If you need electricity for your space, please register at City Hall and make them aware of your need. Council is contemplating this being a recurring monthly event.
TRICK OR TREAT will be on Tuesday, October 31st from 6 to 8 p.m.
There is a new pastor at Butler Christian church, come by, introduce yourself, and welcome him.
An audience member, Maggie Clemons, asked and shared concern over a house at the end of Doyle Street that is vacant and full of birds. The Mayor will begin a Nuisance Ordinance right away.
The mayor’s report addressed Taylor’s attendance at the KLC expo where annexation was the topic of discussion. More to come on that matter as more information is available. He will be looking to secure block grants as well as economy grants in order to make improvements in the city.
The need to re-do an area of the street on Main was brought up due to the fact that not only have tires been damaged, but now a gas tank was destroyed and torn off of a vehicle due to the street damage.
Weigh scales will be brought in soon with testing being conducted. Weight limits will be strictly enforced.
A sneak peak at the City’s new website was presented and is about to be released.
Following all business, Council recognized council member Alice Smith’s birthday with song and a cake.
The next meeting will be on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7 pm. All are welcome to attend.