Butler city council guest Linn Bartz took the floor during the regular session of the council meeting opening with a suggestion that a city motto be added "150 year old technology is good enough" as an irritated Bartz told those present that on a regular basis, sometimes several times a week, the power ‘blinks’ or goes off altogether causing havoc with his computers and other equipment. “I’ve talked to business owners on both sides of me and they’re having the same issue” said Bartz who owns a photography studio on the north side of the Butler square. He went on to say that he has gone into city hall several times expressing his dismay only to be told “that’s just how it is”.
As the discussion continued, it was determined that the problem most likely isn’t restricted to just his building, but to many around the square (in fact, the News-Shopper office and those near us on the south side experience similar issues). City Administrator Mike West explained that when something ‘shorts’ the power lines, say by a squirrel for example, the system makes several attempts to reset before going down completely. These reset sequences result in the blips the Bartz was referring to and the city has indeed taken steps to reduce the problem by installing ‘fences’ around some open electric connections that are prone to shorts caused by animals but it appears more needs to be done.
As the discussion wound down, several council members expressed concerns regarding the issue and it is likely future meetings will include what further steps will need to be taken to totally eliminate the problem if it is possible. In the meantime, the power connection at Bartz’s office may the checked just to be sure.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for the development of high efficiency apartments at 113 S. Orange street (former Nelson’s Motel location). Property owner Parker Byron is currently rehabbing the entire facility to meet modern efficiency standards in an effort to provide affordable housing which is desperately needed in Butler.
“When I purchased the property I intended to continue using it as it was marketed to me” said Byron “But it didn’t take long to find out there were some (serious) violations that needed to be dealt with.” He went on to say that the property came with 12 existing leases that must be fulfilled while yet trying to establish new leases with comprehensive guidelines that not only fulfill all legal requirements, but will raise the bar in terms of standard of living there and made it clear it will not be subsidized housing.
“I’ve invested my entire life savings into this property” added Byron who went on to say that the current living conditions are in violation of city code and the ‘fix’ is to convert the dwellings into efficiency units that include a kitchen and limit the amount of people living there.
On top of that, there were lots of other issues to be dealt with including holes in the floors, broken steps, a lack of smoke detectors and electrical issues that needed attention. “There are a minimum of standards that should be met before anyone moves in and I’m taking care of that” added Byron as he also noted that he is using local contractors as much as possible.
Ward 2 councilman Jeff Hall noted that most of the worked outlined by Byron was interior and inquired about plans for the exterior of the facility as it could have a negative impact on adjacent property values. Byron assured the group that a larger cubicle for the dumpster is in the works along with stringent rules for anything stored outside and animals as well. Likewise, security cameras have been installed as well.
As the hearing wound down, a discussion was held regarding the recommendations made by the planning commission and with that, more should be added as more questions arose before the council. City attorney Joe Lauber suggested to speed things up, the council should meet with Byron to firm up details of the conditional use permit and then present the finalized version for council approval in the upcoming October 3rd meeting. The final version likely will include additional oversight by the city to insure all aspects are covered during the construction phase.
Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, upstairs at city hall and the public is highly encouraged to attend. An elevator is available for those with special needs.
