All members present for the March 17 Butler city council meeting
Early in the meeting Mayor Jim Henry presented Years of Service Award Plaques to Matthew Johnson (5 years) and Melvin Ewing (15 years). Others who earned service awards but were not in attendance: Laura Prince (5 years), Max Allen (5 years), and Mike Hawks (10 years). Thank you for your dedication and ongoing service to the city of Butler.
Caroline Jett, representing the Butler Historic Preservation Commission, gave an update on what the members were doing, made some requests, and offered a suggestion. She also thanked the council for their ongoing support. The commission created a walking tour of Butler for visitors who will be attending the Wall that Heals event coming in late April. She also noted that Main Street Park (green space on the Butler square) will now be called Heritage Park where the historic murals are. They are planning to develop a Pocket Park on West Dakota Street with the city’s permission and suggested that the mural at the Power Plant be renovated or torn town at the City’s discretion. Mayor Henry commented that he had attended meetings with them and appreciated all that they do.
Rodney Rom, who was not unable to attend, did forward a statement offering suggestions for trees and sidewalks around Butler. Mayor Henry will be following up and updates will be provided accordingly.
Guest Jami Page appeared before the council for approval for the Wall that Heals parade event to be held on April 28, 2026. She talked about a change in the escort route and asked that the square be closed down. She had met with the Special Events committee who approved the request and requested that the City donate six to eight trash barrels which would need to be emptied daily. She also mentioned that they are looking for volunteers, that porta pottys have been donated, and the Sheriff’s department volunteered signs for the routes. Page's requests were approved by the council.
Scott Mallatt informed the council that the Parks & Recreation Commission had met, but there was no quorum and had nothing to report. Likewise, Denny Rich had attended the Airport Commission meeting, but they also did not have a quorum. They discussed providing competitive aviation fuel prices and were still looking for a manager.
The 2026-2027 Butler city budget was approved unanimously by the council. More information about the city budget can be obtained at city hall for those who are interested.
Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley remarked that the Codes Enforcement department had submitted a report. He also reported that a rubber speed hump has been installed on South Main Street in front of the jail and so far it is effective in slowing the traffic down. Furthermore, if anyone tried to go around the hump, they would get a ticket. In addition to the speed hump, 15 mph speed zones had been installed at all intersections around the square and speed limits had been lowered on nearby streets.
Mayor Henry and the council congratulated Don LeNeve for being in business for seventy-five years before retiring and the Mayor is working on a Proclamation to give him.
It was reported that Hertzog Meat Company will begin processing on March 23rd and will hold a Grand Opening when they open the retail sales department on April 24. City Council has been invited to attend this event as well as the public, more details to be revealed in coming days.
Sadly, it was announced that Butler Glass Company has closed their business after forty-four years of service and wished them well.
Remember, the Butler City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays 7 pm at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.
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