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| Welcome new city council members Linn Nitsche, Heather Diehl, David Brown (returning) and Dale Newkirk. Corey Snead does the honors. |
The Butler city council met last night with a rather lengthy agenda and things to discuss. First, the 2019-2020 budget hearing was held with city clerk Corey Snead saying there were many things to be considered, some tough decisions had to be made, and plenty of emphasis will be put on being proactive for future budgets as well.
One item in the budget that changed was removal of an across-the-board pay raise for city employees. Instead, everyone will receive an individual evaluation and an according pay change. Snead also remarked that a minimum wage goal of $12 per hour is coming state wide in 2023, and the city needs to be on track.
In the absence of a city administrator, Snead has been wearing two hats. Mike Irick made a motion that Snead be compensated for his extra duties to the tune an additional $2,000 per month for up to eight months or until a new administrator is hired. The council voted unanimously for the pay increase.
Mike Irick was also voted as Mayor pro tem.
Little Joe's Asphalt was the approved low bidder of just over $336,000 to repave Mechanic, Fulton and Dakota streets. Little Joe's was vetted and checked out by our city engineer and public works director, work is expected to begin in a couple of months.
Mayor Henry is pushing for a Town Hall meeting, where citizens can voice their ideas and concerns in an open forum- at the moment, plans for this will be in late May or early June.
The airport commission had to purchase a new mower; plus they are pondering the replacement of runway lights with LED technology, which is more reliable and uses less power.
The Planning Commission met recently and discussed in depth the fact that legal medical marijuana is coming and the city needs to prepare. This includes regulations and zoning for starters, and the city is taking a cue from the city of Peculiar, Mo., who is already on the fast track on dealing with these issues. City attorney Joe Lauber added there will be training available for medical marijuana issues later in June as well.
It was also discussed that the city adopt a policy regarding the use of social media by city employees and departments. Currently, there are several Facebook pages for various city departments and there is a need for consistency, and insurance that things don't get said that could create a liability issue.
Clear plastic bags that are used for curbside leaf pick up are being abused. Some have been filled with dirt, others with grass clippings. These are to be used for leaves only, and not over 40 lbs. There will be clarification about this made to those using the bags, whether in a written statement or other, when the bags are purchased.
The search continues for an economic director per Mayor Henry.
There is also a push to bring a stand alone grocery store to the city. With at least two viable empty buildings available, it's high time to get busy trying to attract one. A few independently owned stores are being looked at now and the obvious concern is that once people leave the area to shop for groceries, their money also goes to everywhere else along the way.
The Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 pm at the Butler City Hall.
