Guest Niki Jackson approached the council regarding the current chicken ordinance, asking the council if they would consider raising the permitted limit that can be kept inside city limits from 6 to 12.
Jackson provided information and news articles to back up her claim that being able to have additional chickens helps to offset rising egg/grocery costs and would be quite beneficial in many ways. One question arose, "what if egg prices go down?" Jackson said forecasts say it's highly unlikely, as they are predicted to rise 50 percent this year.
Another question asked was if her neighbors had concerns or complaints, to which Jackson replied there have been no major issues regarding her flock so far.
Following a bit more discussion, Mayor Henry suggested the matter be sent to the Public Safety Committee for further review and recommendations. More on this in coming sessions.
Guest Rayland Downey who owns various properties around the area made a pitch to the city about turning the vacant hotels in west Butler into housing units. Downey said he had spoken with the owner who is willing to sell the hotels to him and asked if the city would support the project of turning the now empty units into apartments. He cited other similar projects he has completed that were successful along with his extensive business background.
Downey went on to say that the apartments might be letted on a weekly basis at minimum but he would prefer much longer commitments of course, pointing out that he wouldn't want to directly compete with the Days Inn hotel.
"I personally don't have a problem with what you're trying to do there" said Scott Mallatt "I know you're going to follow all the ordinances and rules". Mayor Henry chimed in, advising Downey to move forward with his plans while working with the building inspector and City Administrator Corey Snead to make sure all requirements will be met.
Downey agreed and mentioned once again that the entire project was still a concept and much work will be needed to make it a reality. "Tonight is just a beginning to let the city know what I'm working on" he added. With that, Henry told him to check back with the council when he has more information.
Next, approval was given to Butler High School for the 2025 homecoming parade, it will be the same route as always.
City Administrator Corey Snead reported that in the latest work session the city budget was completed for the '25-'26 fiscal year. Next will be a pubic hearing at the upcoming council meeting followed by final approval by the council.
Snead also reported that plans are moving forward with the airport lighting and terminal projects. An engineer will be present at the upcoming airport commission meeting to provide an update. Likewise, the council approved a contract with Les Gordon to be the new airport manager.
Tiny homes has been a hot topic as of late, and a long discussion ensued regarding an ordinance to allow them within city limits which started with a public hearing. While a draft of the ordinance has been done, it appears changes need to be made as some of the major questions/concerns include:
Should they be allowed in only one area of the city?
Should lot size play a factor in qualifying a location?
By what standards should construction be?
Should they be allowed to be rented i.e., Airbnb?
Councilman Jeff Hall obtained information regarding tiny homes in other cities which included several factors not yet considered and discussion was tabled pending feedback from the planning commission along with other research that needs to be done.
Public feedback is needed regarding this issue. Please express your thoughts or concerns with your ward councilperson.
Code Enforcement officer Andrew Hutchinson has been busy, his report included some 30 or so properties around town that require action due to various violations. The council readily accepted the report and urged him to move ahead as needed.
Butler utility bills have been on a rollercoaster lately leaving folks to wonder why their bill is higher when the weather seems better... City Admin Snead once again noted that there is about a month of delay when the city is billed from the wholesaler which makes any overages due to cold (or hot) weather is then passed on to residents a month late as well. Just know that at the end of the year everything comes out as it is supposed to and that said, April billing is bound to be a bit higher due to our most recent cold snap a few weeks ago.
Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall. Even as the meetings are livestreamed on Facebook, the public is highly encouraged to get involved by watching or attending.
