From the May 20 Butler city council meeting. All present except Timothy Young
Some advancements were in order, Gayle Alexander was promoted to City Clerk from Deputy clerk/HR Administrator and Trish Thomas was promoted from Court Administrator the position left open by Alexander. Congratulations to both.
The long discussed widening/rehab of the rail overpass on West 52 highway was again breached as concerns mount over additional foot/bicycle traffic to businesses on west 52 highway. The current overpass is quite narrow even for vehicles, let alone allow space for pedestrians and with the opening of the new Casey's store the constriction has only worsened the situation.
Representative Dane Diehl is working to help on the project, it was reported he has already reached out to MoDot to get the ball rolling. In today's numbers it appears to be at least a 10 million dollar proposal, thus the more help the better.
As city officials seek answers, it was revealed by Mayor Henry that MoDot does have the overpass on its radar but any work done likely will be many years in the future. In the meantime, the council is still reviewing options to possibly reroute foot and bicycle traffic around the overpass which would include a jaunt along Ohio street, south on Prospect, then west to their destination.
But the added distance may be a request in vain as asking folks to go around as it presents yet another issue, the lack of sidewalks or bicycle lanes from the Prospect intersection/overpass to their destination which could be another mile or so. The implementation of sidewalks through the area will be quite costly leaving the city mostly on the hook and any grant money to help seems to be non existent.
For now, the council will continue to search for answers.
Some good news, John Roberts with the MarksNelson business advisory firm met with the council to discuss drawing new businesses to Butler and making our city "as attractive as possible" to anyone wishing to open shop in Butler. One focal point was the up and coming Hertzog Meat Company retail store which will occupy the former Walmart location, opening date yet to be announced. Roberts will be returning to address the council in upcoming sessions.
The planning commission met and held a lengthy discussion regarding container based homes, to which Councilman Mallatt noted that they will be "top quality" to quell rumors for those worried about urban blight- all of which comes on the heels of approval of smaller homes in Butler earlier this year. The nod is yet to be given to container homes by the planning commission where it then will go to council for recommendations/approval.
City Administrator Corey Snead noted that lifeguards have been trained and ready as the Aquatic Center is officially open for the season. Also noted was that a stone has been placed near the tennis/pickle ball courts honoring John and Judy Daniels for their major contribution (photo elsewhere in this edition).
Butler received a 100% $50,000 grant that will be aimed toward updating and monitoring storm sirens and other emergency management services. Part this includes computer monitoring of storm sirens which will alert crews immediately, as opposed to waiting to find problems during a weekly test.
New lighting has been installed at the airport and is working as it should be. Local pilots including our own LeRoy Cook say "many kudos" to the city for completing the project.
This Christmas season will include an added bonus as some of the white holiday lighting around the square will be replaced with colored bulbs, adding to the festive spirit.
Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.
