During this week's Butler city council meeting, a formal introduction was made welcoming Mark Mathies as the new City Administrator. Mark hails from Edwardsville, Kansas and enthusiastically introduced himself stating he's "ready to get to work and meet the citizens of Butler."
Seen here is Mark with wife Rhonda and the couple are making their new home on the south edge of Butler. Mid America Live will be releasing more information soon as he officially begins employment on July 1st.
In other news, Butler resident Lindsay Henderson approached the council asking for a waiver for the June mowing of 8 acres she owns between Country Club and the soccer fields. Henderson wishes to continue preserving wildlife including birds, Monarch butterflies and others that inhabit the area. She went on to say that the easement is regularly mowed and maintained per her previous agreement with the city. She was granted the waiver on the condition that if a burn ban is in place, mowing will need to be done as soon as possible.
Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that the Butler police department is now eligible for a Blue Shield grant that will be in the neighborhood of $50,000 to $75,000 and he is moving forward with all the necessary paperwork. He, along with code enforcement officer Brenda Cecil asked the council for permission to buy a used lawnmower to use for abatements. The price was below book value and the council approved the purchase.
It was reported that work has been done that should alleviate future problems related to sludge getting into the filter system at the water plant. It was also said that some galvanized baffling in a clarifier has rusted and fallen to the bottom. Approval was given to begin replacement procedures and something other than galvanized material will be used to help insure it will last longer.
Decorations at Oak Hill Cemetery were the topic of a long discussion as following holidays, the materials can hamper mowing and weed eating around headstones. An update regarding protocol for decorations will be coming soon. On a related note, recent storms left large trees on the ground at the cemetery and cleanup will be done as soon as the ground is solid enough to not cause further damage.
Problems at the pool in relation to children left unattended or otherwise being unruly were also discussed as there have been calls for police to respond to the Aquatic Center. Enforcement of rules will remain a top priority and further action will be taken if needed.
In closing, it was duly noted that NO Butler parks are for sale nor will they be. Your Mid America Live news reporter jumbled a headline, resulting in a correction and damage control by councilman John Dudley. All is well now and I have to admit my plate of crow really wasn't that bad.
Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend and be involved.
