Butler City Council meeting news

Butler City Council November 15, 2011

In Butler City Council news this week, a kink in the plan for the Solar Farm at the Butler Industrial Park. Word has come that the proposed project has been put on hold until the company can secure new financial backers, and when the sale value of the solar renewable energy credits improve here in the state of Missouri.

The notice said they will continue their efforts to restart the project as quickly as possible and they asked for the City and MoPEP to work on additional courses of action that would help to get the project moving ahead.

Excitement builds as solar farm project heats up

With groundbreaking just a few weeks away, a long awaited solar power project to be located at the Butler Industrial Park is ready to become reality. In last week's city council meeting, final details were hashed out making it official so work can begin of converting a now bare 12 acre field into a green energy power station.

 

Coming soon- panels similiar to these will dominate a 12 acre
spread in the Butler Industrial Park producing quiet,
clean electrical energy

It seems only appropriate that Butler, dubbed 'The Electric City" for being the first city west of the Mississippi to have electric lights in 1881, to receive the green light for a solar farm project- which has been a hot topic at city council meetings  and coffee shop chatter for quite some time.


MC Power Inc. of Lee's Summit is gearing up for installation of around 12,000 sun gobbling solar panels capable of producing 3 megawatts of power that can be put on the grid for surplus sale and local consumption as well. In fact, the city of Butler can use as much as 12 megawatts of power during peak times and typically fires up the Mill street power plant (a costly proposition) when absolutely needed. The solar farm will certainly help fill such needs in a cleaner, more efficient manner offsetting costs of running the Mill street plant.

It is noted that the solar farm, to be completed by Fall, will be quite visible from adjacent roadways, as the projected $14 million dollar project is the biggest around- you'll have to go to Chicago to see one close to the same size.

In the meantime, you can visit the MC Power website to learn more http://www.mcpower.com. More information regarding ground breaking and construction timeline details will be published as they become available.

GROUNDBREAKING MAY 21ST SOLAR POWER PLANT

After nearly two years of planning, design and securing the best possible support team, MC Power Companies, Inc is pleased to announce that construction on the “Butler Solar Power Farm” will commence this spring with the “ground breaking” set for May 21. Full operation of the Solar Farm will be reached before the end of 2013. All of the power generated will be consumed by the citizens and businesses of Butler, Missouri.

At slightly over 3 Megawatts, the Butler Solar Farm will be one of the largest solar power plants in the five state region. Like many municipalities in Missouri, Butler has long owned its electric utility and is a member of the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) which is a member of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA). MPUA, MJMEUC, the City of Butler and MC Power have worked through thousands of complex details to bring this impressive renewable energy production facility to west central Missouri.

With solar panels produced by aleo solar North America, Inc. and state-of-the-art components to convert the energy to match the current and voltage on the Butler power grid, the citizens of Butler will enjoy reduced power production costs and low maintenance costs for at least 25 years. Great Western Bank, another key member of the team, brought its excellent prior experience with solar power projects to help make this project successful. All members of the Project Team have collaborated to bring this innovative project that will control energy cost, increase employment and help the environment through clean energy production to Butler, Missouri.

“MC Power Companies would like to thank the Butler City Council and City Administrator, MJMUEC, MPUA, Great Western Bank, aleo solar, Gibbons Drake & Scott, and everyone who helped bring this exciting project into reality,” said Tony Ross, CEO.

Butler, known as the “electric city” was the first city west of the Mississippi to have electric service. This project brings solar technology to the oldest, continuously operated, municipal utility in the United States.

Courtesy of FM. 92.1

Viability of solar farm project being discussed

BUTLER CITY COUNCL MEETING-JAN 17, 2012

In Butler City Council news, the Council feels it's time to update its agreement with United Telephone, seeing as how the present one is 45 years old, and has been charging the phone company only two dollars per pole for it to lease space here in town.
And besides, it's not even "United" anymore...the company is now "CenturyLink."

That company has indicated it's willing to go to eight dollars per pole, and feels all is necessary between them and Butler, would be an amendment. However, the Council feels a new agreement is in order, so City Administrator Mark Arbuthnot and the city attorney will be holding further discussions. It appears that this can be settled without much trouble.

BUTLER CITY COUNCIL NEWS

In Butler City Council news…Butler has received over 87 thousand dollars, resulting from a nationwide settlement of two class action lawsuits involving atrazine that has been found in water at over a thousand water providers all over the U.S. This comes from millions of pounds of atrazine that’s sprayed on corn and other row crops each year, which runs off into rivers and streams that supply drinking water to community water systems like ours.

The money will help reimburse water systems for the expense of removing atrazine from drinking water in those cities. The money can be used however the cities want to use it. City Administrator Mark Ar-buth-not says Butler will be put on reserve for future replacement of water filters at the water plant. Of course, the atrazine has always been filtered out of our drinking water. The City didn’t want for a reimbursement to take care of the problem!

In other Butler Council news, there has been more discussion on the new electric transmission line that will go out into the West Butler area. It will be about one-point-two miles of power line, running north from Butler’s power plant, then west through the industrial park, then crossing over I-49 (highway 71) and will intersect a KAMO line, over to the west side. It’s not an overnight thing, however…the Council is still waiting for information from the engineers…we’ll have more later on that.

And the Butler City Council is still having meetings concerning the city budget, with the new fiscal year coming up in April. Budgets are important when you’re talking millions of dollars, so our council doesn’t take this lightly. Meanwhile, we never hear anything from Washington on a budget for the nation, and we’re talking trillions of our taxpayer dollars.

Action continues toward Butler’s Solar Farm. It will be on a 12-point-four acre tract of land, located west of the spec building property. More on that as studies continue.

The state of Missouri is wanting a one cent general sales tax, to provide fro road improvements. This is a state-wide thing and would be voted on by Missouri citizens. They’d like for this to be done by 2015. We’ll keep you posted.

An agreement has been reached between Butler and the MC Company concerning  the Solar Farm…

And the Butler City Council passed a resolution for sale of city property to MC Power for that Solar Farm.

And that’s the latest from the Butler Council. It meets each first and Third,  Tuesday at seven p.m. at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend,  but anyone wishing to speak on a subject should advise City Hall, so it can be put on the agenda.

Courtesy of FM 92

Company seeks acreage in Bates county for solar venture

A solar farm similar to this one located near Butler is proposed just south of Amsterdam that would extend west to state line and will cover approximately 1000 acres.

On September 20th, Fiona Bagwell with associates John Felitto and Allen Anderson representing NextEra Energy met with the Bates County Commission to discuss moving forward with a proposed solar energy project in western Bates County. 

According to Bagwell, the scope of the project includes the use of solar panels, not windmills, similar to the solar farm located on the northwest corner of Butler and would encompass something in the neighborhood of 1,000 acres located directly south of Amsterdam and west to state line. 

A similar project is being proposed in Linn county Kansas, all part of a plan to locally provide electricity upon the planned shutdown of the coal fired LaCygne power plant within the next five years (a 50 year project that began in 1972). 

At this juncture, NextEra and the commission are hammering out details regarding fencing, road access and taxes with more details forthcoming.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TUESDAY MAY 21ST

Mayor Don Malan put the shovel (Tuesday) in the ground in the 
groundbreaking ceremony for Butler’s coming Solar Farm.The Solar plant…to be one of the largest in Missouri…will be west of Enterprise Road in Butler’s Industrial Park. And it will be impressive from the start, covering 12 ½ acres with solar panels.

Loren Williamson, Senior Vice-president of Project Development for MC 
Power Companies, opened the activity with a welcome to the sizable 
group, which included the Butler City Council along with the mayor and 
other city personnel. Williamson said this plant, which will get its 
power from the sun, will provide its power to Butler, represents 41 
hundred horsepower and will be comprised of 12-thousand, eight hundred, ninety-two solar panels. It will have 30 miles of wiring and the area will be fenced.

Mayor Malan followed Williamson in welcoming those present and said he was excited over the project. He put the ceremonial shovel in the ground at 11:22, and said the spade will have a place in City Hall. Another MC Power official, noting that Butler is the “Electric City,” having been the first west of the Mississippi with its own power plant, said, “The sun always shines on Butler.”

Work is expected to be actually started on the Solar Farm within the 
next two to four weeks.



Courtesy of FM. 92.1

Weekly meeting reports from the Bates County Commission

 

March 27 The Bates County Commission met with the Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

The Group Guardians of the Children came in asking to place a temporary memorial for child abuse awareness. April is Child abuse awareness month. They will install it and maintain it. As well as remove it in May. This display will have 63 pinwheels. One for each child that passed in 2021. Jim states that the courthouse lawn might not be the place for it. He is concerned with causing any prejudice from any trials at the courthouse. He recommended placing it on the parking lot of the Administration building. Corner of Delaware and Ft. Scott. It was also mentioned to check with White Oak Station to see if they would allow it. Ken made the motion to allow the Child Abuse memorial placed in the Administration lot. If they do not get permission to do it elsewhere. Trent seconded the motion. All votes yes. No opposition. Motion carried.

March 29 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Approved bills. 

The Commission met with Jim Platt, Danyelle Baker, Carl Bettels, Jami Page, Susie Smalley, Lynn Bennett, Daniel Stewart and Brenda Doody to discuss IT services.  The Commission will be putting out a bid for computer and network services.  The bid will exclude the Sheriff’s Office and the courts.  Anyone who wants to bid will be required to take an inventory of computer equipment that is in each office.  They will need to make an appointment with Jami Page to do the inventory.  Bids will be due by April 26th at 2:00.  The bids will be open at that time.  Jim Platt asked if the phones would continue to be with Lumen.  Jim Wheatley said they want to get away from using Brightspeed.  The IT provider we go with will monitor our phone system.  Brenda Doody said she currently does not have a server in her office.  She is backing up her computers to a flash drive.

April 3 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. In accordance with Sunshine Law Section 610.021 Legal Action.

Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney made the motion to go into closed session at 10:25 am. Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson seconded. All voted yes. Motion passed. Closed session started. 

At 10:36 am Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson made the motion to leave closed session and resume normal meeting. Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney seconded. All voted yes. Motion passed. Normal session resumed.  In accordance with Sunshine Law Section 610.021 Legal Action.

Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson made the motion to go into closed session. Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney seconded. All vote yes. Motion carried. Close Session commenced at 1:50pm. 

Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney made the motion to end closed session at 2:00 pm and resume regular meeting. Southern Commissioner seconded. All voted yes. Motion carried.

April 5 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Approved bills.

Bill Stephens with Road and Bridges came in to check in with the Commission. 

NextEra Energy representatives, Fiona Bagwell, John Felitto and Alan Anderson came in to check on the road use and decommission agreements. Jim reported they have spoken with Ivan Schraeder, the county’s legal representation, and he had cleared the agreement. Jim stated he has not read through it all as of  yet but is hoping to have it back to her on Monday. Jim did ask if they were only constructing the solar farm and then selling it. Fiona stated this company is the developer, owner and operator in most cases. Only once did they end up selling the farm to the utilities and even then they remained the operator. They have had 9 projects that all have gone as planned and to time frame. They want the same for our County so we would have a good experience to share.  Ken asked if the lease agreements with the landowner stays with the land or with the owner. Fiona stated they agreements are with the land. The payments could be changed but the agreements and easements stand for the 30 years. Ken also asked if the closing of the Lacygne power plant changes anything for the solar farm. Fiona stated no as the power plant is only the area where they can tie into the power grid. Jim asked about  hydrogen power. Fiona stated that in most cases the hydrogen power plants use renewable energy like solar and wind to fuel their generation. Having a mix of available sources only strengthens the power available on the grid. 

Ray and Nina, county maintenance and custodian, came over to bring to the commissions attention the courthouse camera and security system lease is about up. Currently we are paying $1100.00 to Federal Protection to lease the system. Per the agreement they are supposed to maintain, repair and replace any equipment. Currently they have not replaced the courtroom’s camera or view so that the whole room can be seen. They are also hard to get ahold of or deal with for repairs. Ray mentioned during the Fire Alarm System install with Atronic they provided a quote for owning a system with a maintenance agreement of $490.00 a month. They have been very helpful and available.

April 10 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

They went over the legal document for the NextEra Road Use Agreement. Ken made the motion to accept the road use agreement. Trent seconded the motion. All voted yes. Motion passed no opposition. Agreement was signed by the Commission and Attested by County Clerk, Jami Page. 

They also went over the decommissioning agreement. Ken made the motion to accept the decommissioning agreement. Trent Nelson seconded. All voted yes. Motion passed no opposition. Agreement was signed. Attested by County Clerk, Jami Page.

April 12 The Bates County Commission met with Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley was attending a meeting in Jefferson City.

10:00 am. Josh Framel, with Clearway, came in to update the commission on the Swan Project at Lacygne. This is the second solar project in the area. They are wanting to get conversations started on the Road Agreements and Decommissioning. They have the land they need  in agreements. Around 2000 acres in Missouri and 2000 acres in Linn County, Kansas. They will be moving into the boundary survey and geological testing phase. The design phase will be soon after. Once everything is set it should take about 18 months to complete. They will use a main contractor and hopefully hire local workers. 

11:00 Haley Meyers is wanting to present supplemental insurance to the county workers. This is a non-payroll supplemental insurance that is an owned policy. People keep the policy even if they move to a different job.  These policies are unique in the fact that if the policy is not used in 25 years the premiums up to that point are paid back to the person. The policy is still on-going and premiums still owed. This company is Better Business Bureau A+ and Best A+ rating.

April 17 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

9:00 County Clerk, Jami Page, has the assessor’s reimbursement that needs signed by the commission. She also brought in the ordinance for the Marijuana tax. The department of Revenue needs this soon. She also brought 3 quotes for a new mower for the courthouse.

11:00 Werner Jones, Hometown Tech, came in asking for permission to put a site to site antenna on the tower at the road and bridge barn. There are 2 customers out that way that are having trouble with their signal and this would boost that for them. His insurance would cover any instances this might cause. The equipment only weighs 11 pounds, and he would install it. He is a certified climber. The commission asked for him to come back when the signal he is using is more secure.   2:00 Todd with KC Web. This was rescheduled.

April 19 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present. Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney, joined that day. 

Todd Hanifl and Philp Derr with KC Web came in to discuss installing equipment on the radio tower for internet service. They own their own equipment and have their own carrier. This is needed to provide service to residents south of the tower. Jim stated he didn’t want people out there at all hours and would need to discuss this with the county attorney.  Todd said the equipment needs to be 100 feet up the tower. Trent mentioned the tower may need some maintenance done to it. The Commissions biggest concern                            Continued next page>

is security and liability. Todd assured the commission they were insured. Approved Bills. 

Lindsey Chaffin with Great River Engineering came in to talk about BRO-23 replacement on county road 130041/ 24ft wide bridge with guardrail. Preliminary estimate is $600,000.00. Project will start in 2024. They will start talking to the landowners in the late summer or early fall. 

Ryan Cutter, Meteorologist in Pleasant Hill came in to give a presentation on heavy rain and perform an exercise showing what the National Weather Service does for a watch and a flash flood warning. Those attending were Brenda Cecil, Jason Wix, Mike West, Jerret Wheatley, Dennis Jacobs, Jason Bennett, Jim Roberts, Derick Barr, Trent Diehl, and Brady Gilleland.                                                        

Commission approved for Dewey’s to go ahead and take down the tree on the south side. They want him to check the tree on the east side to see if it needs to come down or just be trimmed. 

Ken made the motion to appoint Wesley Hubbard to fill in the vacant position on the Senior Services Board. Trent 2nd. All in favor. Motion passed. 

The Commission hasn’t decided yet on the mower bid. 

Trent made the motion to approve the 3% marijuana sales tax ordinance. Ken seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance # 2023-01. 

Commission discussed with their legal counsel the use of taxpayer dollars.  They were informed by their legal counsel that according to Missouri State Constitution, Article 4, Sections 23 thru 25, no county, city or other political subdivision of the state shall be authorized to lend its credit or grant public money or thing of value to or in aid of any corporation, association or individual. The commission is to continue to discuss this at their next meeting.

April 24 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley, Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney and Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson present.

Kevin Fischer with PWSD #7 came in to check on the status of the ARPA money. The Commission stated they have been working on it and will make decisions in the next 2 weeks. Kevin says they are starting the work soon and just wants to be assured that they are receiving money from the ARPA. The commission stated they are committed to giving the water districts money for their repairs. 

The Courthouse is having issues with access to and from the building. Once people are in, they can go to any door and exit or let others in. There needs to be one main access point at the security desk. Atronic has submitted a quote to have the doors opened if the fire alarms go off. With this in place all the doors except the security door could be shut off. This would mean the employees would need to go through the security access point as well. 

Ken made the motion due to the structural integrity concerns no private entity is allowed to be on or put any equipment on the radio tower at the bridge barn. Trent seconded. All in favor. Motion passed with no opposition. A phone call was made to Russ at the Hospital, and he stated they use the repeater on the tower for communication with their ambulances. 

Bids for the lawn mower are Golden Valley Tractor in Clinton $13,174.99, Heritage Tractor in Adrian $16,694.00 and Extreme Motors in Butler $8942.00. Ken made the motion to go with Extreme Motors. Trent seconded. All in favor. Motion passed. No opposition.

April 26 The Bates County Commission met with Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley present.  Southern Commissioner Trent Nelson came in later in the day.  Northern Commissioner Ken Mooney was absent. Approved bills.

May 3 The commission approved bills and met with Shayne Simmons regarding courthouse security.

May 8 No meeting, Truman Day holiday.

May 10 Approved bills.

May 15 Depository bid opening.

May 17 Approved bills

May 22 Met with Galen Floyd regarding group benefit services. I.T. bid opening.

May 24 Approved bills and held I.T. meeting.

May 29 No meeting, holiday.

May 31 Approved bills. Met with State Representative Sherri Gallick.

Additional notes regarding May meetings will be provided in an upcoming post.

LOCAL NEWS-BUTLER CITY COUNCIL-MAY 7, 2013

In Butler City Council news, our Mark Arbuthnot, our City Administrator, has dropped the other shoe. Some time ago, he told the City Council that he has plans to retire, but had no precise date in mind, and this would give them time to thank about a change. Mark still has no exact date in mind, but has told the Council to find a replacement. His plan is to retire in Florida. It goes without saying, that we regret his decision, and we’ll have more on this as the Council studies the coming change.

In conjunction with Mark’s coming retirement, the City Council has received a five-page application from the company of Art Davis, to look for a new city administrator. He comes with much information as to his qualifications, and with an estimated cost of an amount not to exceed 11-thousand dollars, but with a list of possible additional expenses, with some amounts such as airfare, trip mileage, overnight expenses and other items unknown at this time. The Council approved the proposal, but will not get down to business until our present City Administrator gives a definite date for his
retirement.

The citywide spring cleanup is picking up at all houses north of Fort Scott Street this week, and all south of Fort Scott Street next week.

Bates County Disposal will pick up old furniture, appliances, paint, batteries and miscellaneous junk, and the City of Butler will pick up your brush and limbs that are placed at the curb.

Have your clean-up items or trash separate from your regular weekly trash, but both should be at the curbside. Have your brush in a pile separate from the rest of your trash, and of course this also must be at the curbside. Leaves must be bagged in City of Butler leaf bags to have them collected.

Have everything ready by six a.m….they will not make return trips after they’ve completed a street.

The second part of the rate increase for sewers will be on your June first bill. You may remember that in order for the adjustment to be easier on you, the first portion was last year on June first…now the second portion will come up on your next bill.
The base rate for Butler residents is $11.40 per month, and $5.30 per thousand gallons of metered water use for all usage.
Outside of Butler city limits, the base fee will be $16.65 per month, and $8.45 per thousand gallons of metered water use for all usage.

For residents outside of Butler’s city limits that are not connected to the city’s waterworks system will be a base fee of $67.50 per month

A report from the Police Department shows 130 actions in March and 125 in April, with the most activity being with vehicle registration…39 in March and 31 last month. Less surprising is that they had to stop 36 speeders in March, and 26 in April. And they had 12 drug related arrests in march, and 16 in April.

The latest word concerning the proposed Solar Farm for Butler, is that MC Power has requested permission to erect an off-site sign on city property, adjacent to I-49/71 for the three-megawatt solar location. It has been recommended for approval, contingent on the purchase of the city property by MC Power, and on approval from the Missouri Department of Transportation.One step closer for the Solar Farm.

The study concerning Bates County and its three largest communities teaming together toward economic development in our area continues. The Butler City Council agreed to participate if the other two towns, Adrian and Rich Hill, will also take part. And of course there will be a final agreement between the cities and the county.

If entered into, the initial budget would be 50-thousand dollars, with the County paying half…Butler a bit over 14-thousand, Adrian almost six-thousand, and Rich Hill a little less than five-thousand dollars into the plan. Of course, economic development is on the minds of every area, and Bates County is as interested as any, in creating new jobs for our people.

Concerning the funding for the demolition of unsafe structures here in Butler, an application will be submitted to the Missouri Department of Economic Development toward that end.The funding would include 35 residential and three commercial properties. Butler has budgeted 50-thousand dollars for this work, with one-thousand dollars going toward each residence and 25% toward commercial demolition costs. More on that as it progresses.

Courtesy of FM. 92

Butler Police Department: Activity Report 1-6 / 1-13/ 2014

01/06/2014 

Medical assist 1200 block of N Orange
Medical assist 500 block of  N Main
Medical assist 700 block of Parkview
Well being check 400 block of W Mill
Warrant service 400 block of Fran
Assist BCSO 1000 block of W Mill Disturbance
Leave without pay Conoco

01/07/2014 

Suspicious person BCMH parking lot
Alarm Max Motors
Well being check
Disturbance Super 8
Noise complaint Ft Scott and Broadway

01/08/2014 
Well being check 500 block of W Lee
Disturbance Wal Mart parking lot
Keep the peace 800 block of W Pine
Fraud report
Assist BCSO 700 block of Country Club
Alarm Max Motors

01/09/2014 
Well being check 800 block of W Pine
Warrant service Ft Scott and Willow
Keep the peace
Animal complaint 300 block of S Delaware

01/10/2014 
Walk in theft report
Warrant service
Out with subjects in the alley on the Square

01/11/2014 
Well being check Wilson st
Disturbance 100 block of Willow
Vandalism report Days Inn
Animal complaint 200 block of S High

01/12/2014 
Disturbance Orange St and Vine
Alarm Solar Farm
Disturbance BCMH ER

01/13/2014 
Noise complaint 300 block of S Olive
Possible fireworks Ft Scott and Broadway
Alarm Typhoon Bay
Leave without pay Filling Station
Alarm Solar Farm
Accident Wal Mart parking lot
Shoplifting call Wal Mart
Warrant service

Butler Police Department Activity Report 6/1 - 6/7 - 2015

• 06/01/2015 

Well being check 200 block of W Vine
Animal complaint Maple St
Well being check 700 block of N Delaware
Open door resident check 400 block of olive
Disturbance BCMH

• 06/02/2015 

Noise complaint S Park
Speak to Officer Days Inn
Animal complaint Fulton and Pine
Theft report S Birch
Assist Water Department 7 S Birch
Disturbance N Maple
Property Damage 400 block of W Harrison
Warrant service
Alarm Solar Farm

Butler City Council news

Courtesy FM 92.1 the Bullet

In Butler City Council news, the Mayor and Council have culled applicants for Police Chief to six, and interviews will be scheduled so each can be studied.

The Council has received a "thank you" letter from the city of Joplin for its help during their tornado tragedy. Butler provided seven firefighters and three vehicles in Joplin's call for help, and Joplin included in the letter, a way for Butler to ask for reimbursement for its help.  However, butler will not ask for pay from Joplin for helping.

Butler is still fortunate that it has an electric plant that can generate power when our electric load exceeds the amount we've agreed to buy from its providing company. The extreme hot weather has caused our light plant to operate several times over the past few weeks. If we did not have our power plant, we would have been charged extremely high rates for going over our allotted amount. Thank your city for this advantage that's saving you money...especially during extremely hot and cold weather. Incidentally, there's a change at the plant, and the new operator, Charles Long, is settling in nicely as he takes over the job.

And speaking of weather...remember our snowstorms last winter? It cost Butler plenty for snow removal and other related expenses. However, it got 75% of that money back, as FEMA came through on a grant to help.

Plans for our Solar Farm continue, but will extend into the August 2nd council meeting. Negotiations are still underway on the Purchase Power Agreement that Butler needs, for buying power from the solar farm when it gets on line.

And good news about our Wastewater Treatment Plant...the annual inspection came up with "no unsatisfactory features found" during the yearly checkup.

Mullinax Funeral Home at ten south High and Fort Scott Streets, has a parking problem at times, due to the "no parking" signs on High Street, which were put there to give school busses space to park before and after school. It was suggested that the signs be covered while a funeral service is going on. It's felt that the problem can be handled.

The Planning Commission are still wrapped up in proper rules and regulations for yards and other spots that can easily become eyesores...a small problem is homes that have playground equipment in their front yards. Normally, this is not permitted, but it may be that a decision will include moving the equipment to the rear when not in use.

That problem will soon by part of the work of Reserve Police Officer James Wheatley, who will be taking over as Code Enforcement Officer. He's replacing Denny Rich, who will continue to perform his duties as an officer in the police department, while Wheatley will also continue to work as a part-time police officer when he's needed.

And they still can't find the leak in the "Lazy River" water ride at the Aquetic Center. The Council has decided to ask professionals to come in to find the problem.

We remind, as usual, that you're welcome to any and all City Council meetings...1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings at seven p.m. at City Hall. Be on time, as the west door entrance is locked when the meeting begins.

Clarification regarding solar farm news release

Earlier this week we reported that company NextEra is proposing a solar farm in the Amsterdam area, in which we incorrectly stated the end of life for the LaCygne power plant to come within 5 years; that estimate should have been 10 years as Evergy has previously stated they would not consider shutting down before 2032. 

Our apologies for any confusion and we will continue to reach out to Evergy for comment regarding this matter. 

Butler solar farm project on hold

Notes from the Butler City Council meeting Tuesday evening:

The Butler City Council has decided that Butler's Christmas lights be turned on December 7th...the same evening as the Christmas Parade. This will add to the Christmas Parade's glamour...always a high-light of the season.

In other Council news, that Visioning Committee from Drury University in Springfield, means business. They are showing that the study they're making to help improve Butler, is not just a school class project.
As we told you after a recent meeting, they are studying our community and are coming up with good ideas, such as a community center, but also of the need for a grocery in the downtown area, and other constructive thinking.

Butler City Council News

Courtesy FM 92.1 The Bullet

In Butler City Council news, our listeners will be pleased to know that the Butler Fire Department helped, following the Joplin tornado. Fire Chief Jim Henry, Assistant Fire Chief Jason Bennett, along with firemen Doug Wix, Jason Wix, Jim Lewis, Dan Robinson and Jeff Hall responded with a pumper truck and a support vehicle. Several other groups and individuals also help after the tornado.
In other Butler City Council news, the solar farm project is in its next stage, waiting on negotiations for the purchase power agreement. Butler buys power through MOPEP, which will be buying power from the solar farm. A tax abatement is also part of the plan. These items should be set by next council meeting.

Work on a county nine-one-one plan is continuing. The County is waiting for an OK on its application for a loan to finance it, and Butler will pay its share over a five-year period.
For those not familiar with countywide 9-1-1, every location in the county gets a number, and when an emergency call comes in, the number shows exactly where it's located, meaning that help is on the way immediately. A very good move for our county. More on that as it develops.
The mold problem at the Butler Police station is getting attention as more problems are cropping up. A study by Steve Hubbard indicates that water penetration needs to be stopped and there are roof problems, as well as termites that need attention from a company that can handle this.
And Steve said he didn't see how the building can be used while this work is taken care of. We'll watch developments on this.

And it's a dog's life. The rules and regulations on the dog situation runs nine pages of fine print, because it covers such things as the annual license, kennel permit, vicious dogs, penalty for violation, conditions declared nuisances, molesting, injuring and interfering with dogs of the police department, number of animals allowed per residence, animals at large, impoundment, and destruction of viscous dogs. There’ll be more study of this.

Additional time will be allowed at the pool for swimming lessons, at a charge of $55 dollars per person. also, life guards providing the lessons will be considered city employees and will be paid their hourly wage while giving lessons.

Also, Park Superintendent Scott Bitner said the new computer system used for daily receipts and checking in swimmers is working well.

A change at the bulk water load station west of the Butler power plant. Some persons or businesses loading water have been inserting the hose into their tanks, leaving unsafe chemical or substance residue on the hose. From now on, users will have to provide their own fill hose, to avoid contamination for other users. This will also help eliminate any liability on the part of the city for someone who receives contaminated water.

The only bid for hay cutting on city property was accepted, at $25 dollars per acre. This is on ten acres west of Oak Hill Cemetery, and ten acres at Butler City Lake.
The sealing of the taxiway and installing a trench drain in front of Spencer’s hanger at the Butler Memorial Airport will be finished now. Work was curtailed last fall, and is now being taken care of.
Highway 71 should be part of the nation’s interstate system by the end of the year. And as we’ve mentioned earlier, Bates County has been re-assigned to the Kansas City MoDot district office, as a money-saver.

That’s the Butler City Council news up to now. You’re welcome to attend any and all meetings, the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, upstairs at Butler City Hall, at seven p.m. But be on time, as the downstairs door is locked, one the meetings start. And if you want to speak to the Council about a matter, let City Hall know ahead of time.

Butler City Council News

In Butler City Council news…you folks who have signed up for email information from the Council can have this service for no charge. The latest information that came across was that the pool was closed due to the wet weather, but would open at six p.m. if the weather cleared. Convenient and free.…just sign up on your computer at butlermo.com.

The Butler City Council meeting saw Shawn McVey and Kyle Dubray take the oath of office as new Council members for Ward 4, to fill two open positions there.

It was a busy night, with a meeting of the Finance Committee and the City Owned Facilities Committees at six, even before the regular session began. Among the things, they discussed the proposed street improvement projects…also the proposed Butler Solar Farm Redevelopment Area Plan, and the Property Tax Levy. Also on their agenda was the 2012-13 City audit. Concerning the street projects, they would include Nursery Street from the Fairgrounds to Business 71/49, Fulton Street from Nursery to Fort Scott Street, High Street from Nursery to Fort Scott, Pine Street from Business 71/49 to Mechanic, and Pine street from Prospect to the railroad. Micro Sealing for 35 blocks is also on tap.

The Parks and Recreation Commission had already had a meeting August 1st to discuss a football storage building south of the pool. The City will help get that done. The fence around the Osage ballfield will get some work, extending the west side and adding some height in places. Really nothing was necessary for changing of the size of the Park Commission…next time persons are named to that Commission, no new names will be necessary, and only six will be necessary for a quorum. A matter of convenience, since it was so hard to get enough people together for a quorum. And they discussed Swim meet finals for next summer, but those plans must wait until the new season. They’ll see that some smoothing will be done at the Skate Park.

The public hearing to consider the Butler Solar Farm Chapter 33 Re-development Area Plan would allow them to receive property tax abatement on the project. More discussion will come concerning that. And the same concerning the Council Ordinance for the approval of the Re-development Agreement and Novation agreement.

The Butler Downtown improvement project is all but complete. One thing that will wait because of a delay in shipping on hand rails and benches. That should be done by the end of the month.

The Council approved a proposal to replace equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, due to age of the present gear. Also, the purchase of two police vehicles was approved.

The Council authorized the taking of bids for Fire Department Equipment, including a replacement vehicle for the Assistant Fire Chief…new sets of replacement bunker gear…and authorizing the taking of bids for a replacement two-thousand gallon tanker truck with a five year lease-purchase agreement. Approved. These items will be financed by the one-eighth cent Fire Protection Sales Tax approved by voters last August. And remember the public meeting set for Tuesday, August 20th at seven p.m. during the next Council meeting, to consider the 2013 Property Tax levy. Actually, no changes are necessary…the same tax rate of just over six cents on the dollar will continue. That’s the picture at the Butler City Council up to now.


Courtesy of FM. 92.1

City's proposed tax increase may appear on April ballot

In Butler City Council news, this is not the most important thing that happened, but we'll put it first, so you can put it on your calendar: The Christmas Lights will be turned on December first, rather than Thanksgiving, to coincide with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.

In other Council activities...City Administrator Mark Arbuthnot says the City has had several meetings with a developer regarding a proposed commercial development on a tract of land in the area of the highways 52 and 71 interchange. The name of the developer, nor the exact area it's interested in, has not been made public.

LOCAL NEWS-BUTLER CITY COUNCIL-MAY 21, 2013

In Butler City Council news, we told you yesterday about the groundbreaking ceremony for the Solar Farm, held in the Industrial Park. All went smoothly, with comment from Mayor Don Malan and dignitaries from MC Power. Work is expected to begin on more than 12 acres of solar panels…one of the largest in Missouri.

An MC Power official, noting that Butler is the “Electric City,” having been the first west of the Mississippi with its own power plant, said of our soon to have a solar plant, the sunalways shines on Butler. Work is expected to begin on construction in two to four weeks.

As for this week’s City Council regular meeting, it was brief, with City Administrator Mark Arbuthnot’s noting that the application for demolition of unsafe structures has been submitted to the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
We have 35 residences and three commercial buildings to be taken down. The application was sent May 15th, but it will probably be three to four months before we will be notified of a decision. Par for the course…when they need information from us, they want it yesterday, but work on their end for us can take months.

And the Council has received notification from the Missouri Department of Revenue that the half percent sales tax for capital improvements will start being collected October first. The sales tax includes Butler, Bates County, and the state of Missouri, and at present is 7.35 cents on the dollar. As of October first, it will rise to 7.85 on the dollar here in Butler.

And the Council has been advised that a new date has been set for Butler’s downtown projects…June 3rd. The Alumni parade will be this Saturday, May 25th., and the Relay for Life activities will be June 1st.




Courtesy of FM. 92.1

Important read: Beef facility 'fills plate' for Butler council

While there were a few technical glitches last night as the Butler city council meeting was held online, the  meeting was chock full of important issues. From the beginning:

First, it was noted that a bill for just over $9,900.00 was explained to council members- it was a $150.00 holiday bonus for city employees that was paid via gift cards. Due to how the cards were purchased and disbursed, the bill was consolidated into one lump sum.

Upon the move of councilman Jeff Hall to another ward, his vacant seat has been filled by Alan J. Mundey by unanimous vote. Also due to the move by Hall, the position of Mayor pro-tem has been filled by Doncella Liggins. Congrats to both.

There was a public hearing regarding the medical marijuana businesses in Butler. This is a rather complicated process, as the grow facility (Local Leaf) and the manufacturing facility (Revival98), although in the same building must have separation in terms of doing business. A conditional use permit will be issued. More details on the dispensary will be forthcoming.

Seats will be open in all four wards in 2021. Those wishing to file may do so beginning December 15th at city hall. However, due to city hall being closed to the public for covid concerns, call for details on how to file.

A long segment of the meeting was devoted to discussion of renewing the lease of the fairground property to the fair board and saddle club. A 30 year lease is on the table; however there is a lot to consider regarding grounds maintenance, ownership of the buildings and more. The city attorney is going to write up a draft of the contract which will be mulled at the upcoming meeting.

For the record, the solar farm does not belong to the city of Butler. The current owner is considering selling the farm and it was brought up that the city should have first option to buy the farm; however, city hall is scrambling to find any contract documents that might contain this information.

Cares Act money was made available to Bates County as reported June 17th of this year- and doling out the available $1.8 million is proving to be a bit tricky. The city would like to receive a portion to cover hazard pay for all city employees; however it looks like the police and fire department may be first on the list to receive any of it. A group of five in the county offices, including commissioners have final say on where the money goes however, they are under a constant audit to verify that the money is handed out per strict rules. From the city's perspective, they must first spend the money then ask the county for reimbursement that could lay the groundwork for an expensive catch-22 if the county does not reimburse due to a technicality. It was suggested that the council meet with the county for some kind of assurance. You can read the June story regarding the Cares Act money here https://batescountynewswire.blogspot.com/2020/06/work-in-progress-doling-out-18-million.html

A Facebook video allegedly showing blood and cow parts outdoors at the Kansas City Beef Company (former Thorco location) began  another long discussion about concerns from neighbors near the facility. As we reported a public hearing held on November 20th by the planning commission, it appears the facility has been in operation since June, unknown by many, including some council members. This of course has sparked discussion about whether or not the plant is operating under the correct guidelines in terms of the city, state and other governance. To add to the confusion, Kansas City Beef has approached the planning commission asking for permission to slaughter at the facility (currently slaughter is off site) and in that, it was discovered there is an issue with zoning that would need to be resolved as well. At this time, it appears Kansas City Beef is operating within their legal bounds; a special meeting will be held December 8th regarding this issue and Mid America Live will provide more details about the meeting in upcoming days.

A short discussion was held regarding the removal of political signs still up in the area. An easy fix would be for property owners to simply drop them in the trash IF candidates don't do the right thing and do it first.