Story Courtesy of Mid America Live
At the forefront of the Butler city council last week was again the condition of the Butler fire station as the crumbling infrastructure may be unsafe.
Many years ago, the facility was used to process cow hides and salt used has taken its toll causing corrosion of steel and crumbling concrete. Now what? After a lengthy discussion it was decided that city retained engineering firm Algeier Martin of Joplin Mo will do a full assessment of the structure and provide recommendations. Naturally there are concerns, the building houses hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment that is vital to keeping everyone safe.
In other Butler City council news, the city budget was approved as preparations are made to close out the current fiscal year. Going into the new year, the city budget was approved at $13,696,695.00.
Guest Pat Simons expressed concerns about snow removal in west Butler as one street was missed by crews and while he offered to hire someone to do it, the city promised it will be taken care of next time.
Butler Police Chief Jarret Wheatley addressed the council regarding a joint effort between the Butler Police Department and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office to set up a gun range at the far South side of the Bates County Fairgrounds. Some dirt work will need to be done to make it a reality, and it will serve nicely for training and certification for both departments. Also, during the meeting, $7,000.00 was approved for speed radar units as they are needed, and money was available thanks to surplus funds.
Butler City Council approved some other expenses including new soft start motor starters and a spectrometer needed for the water system. Also approved was replacement of sunshades at the aquatic park and tires for a city truck. Low bids were approved on all items.
During the meeting condolences were paid to the Shobe family and kudos to Butler city crews for their outstanding snow removal efforts following the recent storm.
The Butler city council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 pm, upstairs at city hall.
