Criteria for small homes a hot topic for Butler council

As the public awaits, the  planning commission is still working on establishing criteria regarding small homes and container homes. Much like mobile homes, there are a lot of things to address such as power, water and sewer requirements as well as lot size, right-of-ways and other. The main focus will be the structure itself, including meeting building codes and overall size. Even as the debate continues, more is likely to be forthcoming in the February 4 council session.

Pricing for opening and closing graves at Oak Hill cemetery has changed, and obviously increased somewhat. It is recommended that if anyone has questions, contact city hall for more information.

A pole attachment agreement with K-PowerNet LLC was renewed which will now be extended until 2044. K-PowerNet offers wholesale and retail fiber-based telecommunication services in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The company is a subsidiary of KAMO Power.

Terry Smalley, who retired as operator of the wastewater treatment plant in December has been re-hired as a consultant to assist with DNR reporting and other tasks that will help insure the plant stays in compliance. His expertise in the field will certainly be of benefit.

City Clerk Malachi Hoover reported that work is ongoing regarding documentation of lead pipes not only within the city but on residential property as well. The tasks include opening a special account related to expenses of same, which was approved. For the record, DNR is 

Preparing for the '25-'26 budget has been a hot topic and City Administrator Corey Snead said that he is awaiting feedback from department heads regarding raises and other info ahead of the February 28 deadline as the city will set a new budget shortly thereafter.

The city of Rich Hill has terminated their agreement with the city of Butler for police and fire dispatch. While not disclosed, it is assumed that the Bates County Sheriff's Office will take over those duties.

Snead went on to say that he recently met with the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission and a lot of topics were covered in preparation for the upcoming year, which included application of grants for the city. One primary recommendation from Kaysinger is to add two generators at the light plant to better meet needs during critical times such as the recent winter storms. Funding for such will likely come in the form of grants; more info is expected soon.

Hometown Grid, a new online reporting system for utility outages has been well received by the public, as Snead again noted. The map can be found at www.hometowngrid.com/butler; the council recommends everyone to use it as outages can be pinpointed to specific neighborhoods and homes. It also notifies the city workers automatically which speeds up the reporting process.

Remember the Butler City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.