From last night's Butler city council meeting
In Butler City Council news, there's a glimmer of good news concerning that Solar Project for Butler. City Administrator Mark Arbuthnot said more discussion is in order, and he may have more on that at the next Council meeting. Representatives of DDC Energy Resources have told the City Administrator that they would be interested in such a project, if Solar Link does not come through.
The City Council is already working on next years' needs. They're studying a long list from the various departments of the City, and department heads have been given schedules ranging from now, through next March, of meeting times for budget studies already on the agenda.
The Council is still working out the fine details concerning the sales tax on motor vehicles, trailers, boats and motors. The Missouri Supreme Court says local sales tax can't be levied on out-of-state purchases for these items, so the Council is working out the details needed.
It's no small thing...it could cost the city over $20,000 a year if they don't comply. The ruling allows for a voter approved city use tax...just another name for the sales tax...and will be collected at the same rate as the city sales tax. And as we've mentioned to you from other council meetings, Butler's sales tax would remain the same, and is lower than any of the several communities that City Administrator Mark Arbuthnot looked into. Our city sales tax is a little over two cents on the dollar...2.125% to be exact. A public vote would probably come next February 5th. There'll be more on this at the next Council meeting.
Businesses can now buy advertising at the Butler youth baseball and softball fields. The Council approved the list for various sizes and types of banners. The Park and Recreation Commission also updated the 5-K run, that's set to be held October 27th. And they discussed a plan proposed by the Butler Youth Baseball/softball Association to make improvements to the ball fields this fall, which would include donated services for surveying the fields to determine how much material is needed to rebuild them. A-P-A-C will donate labor and equipment, and Butler Bear backers and the City will pay for materials.
Meanwhile, the Airport Commission approved its monthly financial report, and updated a boundary survey. It also discussed renovation of restrooms at the airport. They're also studying needed maintenance for some hangers, electrical boxes, ceiling panels and other repairs. They also approved the plan for the public to have helicopter rides at the Fairgrounds, in connect with the annual Barbecue Contest this October 27th.
No word yet on city Administrator's request for Jefferson Bus Lines to provide their services again, here at Butler. Bus officials said they would do some checking and then advise Butler of their decision.
The Sidewalk project is still on for Butler. The Council may submit a Transportation Enhancement application to MoDOT for a grant of up to $300,000 for a sidewalk along west Fort Scott Street from Orange Avenue, west to Fran Avenue. Thee is still no encouragement for a way for pedestrians to safely walk under the railroad on West Fort Scott Street. The entire underpass needs to be widened, and up to now, the cost has been prohibitive.
Code Enforcement Officer Jim Wheatley, still has a full plate, in taking care of his responsibility for eye-sores around the community. He listed 20 new violations for the past month, with 14 others completed. He had to give out six tickets for various violations, and is working on six problem properties...things like disputes over a boundary line and other problems.
Total fines so far this year come to $1,921.00 and two days jail time has been part of the work. Also six court orders to persons to do community service amounted to 66 hours of work. And that’s the highlights of the Butler City Council’s work up to now. They’re working, even when you’re asleep.
And let’s close with this...our appreciation of Mayor Don Malan and the Council’s saying the Pledge of Allegiance to our Country, at the beginning of each meeting.
-story courtesy FM 92 the Bullet
