Butler council approves park cameras

Vandalism and other problems have plagued some of the parks around Butler as of late and the decision was made to go ahead and install security cameras at the Sensory Park along Mill street which will hopefully help curb the problems. In recent times vandals have used spray paint to deface some of the equipment, as well as set fire to the porta potty among other things and it is hoped that the cameras will help bring those responsible to justice. New cameras will also be placed at the  police department and Aquatic Center to enhance safety in those areas as well.

On a related note, new playground equipment will be installed at Douglas Park in east Butler at a cost of $78,185.00, which came a half price according to Parks & Rec Director Scott Bitner. 

Rezoning from residential to commercial for a plot adjacent to the city shop on Mill street was approved following a request by Brian Tippie. Plans are to turn the old building into a automotive detailing shop.     (Continued next page)

The decision was met with some opposition as council members Rich, Liggins and Hall voted no with Rich saying that a conditional use permit might be the better solution as "we can't change the rules every time someone asks" however, the three votes were not enough to stop the approval.

All upgrade work is completed at the Butler wastewater treatment plant and a final walk-thru will happen soon to seal the deal. The work included a new generator as well as other improvements that will keep the plant in compliance with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Replacement of the culvert on Fort Scott street near Scout Park has been postponed until next Summer. Councilman Scott Mallatt said that it likely would be safer to do the work when school is not in session which the others agreed. A discussion was held after it was questioned if funding will still be available for the project if done next year- the answer was yes.

A $20,000 grant was received for new radios for the police department and it was reported that all the equipment has been installed, making the project now complete.

While there have been many improvements at the Butler airport, much work is still to be done. Plans are to remove the orange hangar that sits just north of the fuel tanks and replace it with an official terminal that would be more pilot/passenger friendly. Much work lies ahead on that project which includes finding a buyer who would dismantle the structure and move it to another location. Fuel sale woes continue to plague the airport as while the credit card machine is now working, getting avgas out of the tank due to a pump issue is a lingering problem that will hopefully be resolved soon. 

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