Guest Ron Jones, owner of Jones Lumber asked what is going to be done to improve the poor condition of the paved section of Rice road that runs alongside his business, stating that it makes navigating vehicles quite difficult due to wavy pavement and potholes.
City Administrator Corey Snead said the is quite aware of the issue and discussions are ongoing with Mount Pleasant township; the primary problem is related to a lack of funds for the township to pay for their share of repaving. That particular stretch would require that the city and township split the costs, and according to the township, gravel would be the most cost effective option. Jones noted that he would prefer it NOT be graveled due to dust issues for those who live nearby.
Snead explained that a good roadbed would help- putting down rock, letting it settle for some time (maybe a year or so) to pack it better before repaving. He went on to say that what ever the fix, it will require an agreement to fully split costs with the township which at this point is the issue. Mayor Henry intervened and said the council would keep the public informed as discussions with the township continue.
Councilman Mallatt reported that the planning commission met in their regular session and discussed an ‘entertainment district’ which would include the Butler square and areas up to just a block off the square. Also discussed was how to properly handle tiny homes in terms of rules and zoning. More about those subjects will be revealed in upcoming sessions.
Also discussed was rezoning of property recently annexed between the Super 8 hotel and I-49 was required as it needed to be upgraded from agriculture (A1) to commercial (C3)status for a new Casey’s store at that location. No completion date has been announced for the new store, it is guessed there will be a lot of loose ends to tie up regarding utilities and other things first. Following a vote, the council agreed to change zoning to C3 status for the property.
SkyDive KC is making a return to the Butler airport as it has new owners ready to take to the skies. Owner Chris Hall announced the sale recently as well as his decision to no longer be airport manager- anyone interested in the position should contact city hall.
Getting fiber internet throughout Butler is slowly making progress and an agreement regarding use of poles was signed with Brightspeed. There are several more steps to this process as a full pole audit will be done to determine exactly which ones belong to the city before any work could begin. Brightspeed has some potential competition, including Socket, and it may still be some time before we actually lure a committed fiber provider to the city of Butler.
Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, upstairs at city hall.
