All members present for the March 3 Butler city council meeting
Guest Tim Lemm spoke before the council regarding his purchase of an over-the-counter pain medication he purchased at a Butler liquor store that left him with serious concerns. The product, called 7-OH, made him feel quite sick overall and highly recommended that others not take it. This began a discussion regarding 'gas station' drugs that are not regulated by the FDA however, are widely available throughout the state of Missouri. Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley agreed that this product, along with many others including Kratom, can be quite dangerous due to the fact they are not regulated; it is likely the city of Butler will ban the sale of 7-OH and possibly a few others in coming days. This may be an ongoing process as companies producing the products often change the formula which will require the city to ban those as well.
Recently someone dumped old furniture and other trash at the city compost site at the fairgrounds prompting the city to remind everyone this location is NOT a dump. Currently, police are trying to find the latest perpetrator(s) and will act accordingly. If the problem persists, the only option will be to close the compost site much to the dismay of those who use it properly.
Mayor Henry reported that the Zoning Board of Adjustment Commission had met earlier to consider a Home Occupation Variance for Thomas O’Connell. The commission determined that there would be a low impact on the neighbors and approved the application.
City Clerk Gayle Alexander reminded the council that she would be attending the MoCCFOA conference next week. She added that this was for City Clerks and that they always have good training.
Police Chief Wheatley gave an update for the Codes Enforcement department. He was disappointed in the results of the court docket because all of the cases were continued, which drags out the process and the city is hopeful this gets better with time.
Alliance Water manager Danny Lewis reported that he had been conducting a test trial with Heartland Environmental for sludge-eating bacteria at the water treatment plant. He saw that the ponds were lowered and could tell that it made a difference; so far the product seems to be working as advertised. This could certainly help in the future as the only other method to remove the sludge is by physical means.
Lewis also asked council about the Hertzog Meat Plant wastewater sampling. He needed to know who would be paying for sampling and whether Hertzog had a wastewater permit. He thought it would be up to the city to create guidelines and consequences if they couldn’t meet the regulations. Attorney Newell replied that he is currently working on a contract with Hertzog and would add this in. Mayor Henry suggested that engineers should be consulted and all should meet together and bring suggestions back to council.
Lewis then went over his February 2026 operations report and reported that a river pump motor starter has an issue and may need to be replaced. He will bring bids for council’s consideration in coming days.
Mayor Henry and other council members said they really enjoyed the Mock City Council meeting held by the Student Advisory Committee last week. Editor's note: this is a wonderful program that gives local students a portal to understanding the inner workings of city government as well as civics in general. Kudos to all involved!
Mayor Henry also went over a proposal from our engineers for preparing drinking water reports for the city. These particular federal regulations were new and our Water Distribution Foreman was not familiar with them. Henry also noted that this was for the Safe Water Act and the report was due by June 30. He asked Manager Lewis if he would check into this and he indicated that would.
City Clerk Gayle Alexander reminded the council that she would be attending the MoCCFOA conference next week. She added that this was for City Clerks and that they always have good training.
Police Chief Wheatley gave an update for the Codes Enforcement department. He was disappointed in the results of the court docket because all of the cases were continued, which drags out the process and the city is hopeful this gets better with time.
Alliance Water manager Danny Lewis reported that he had been conducting a test trial with Heartland Environmental for sludge-eating bacteria at the water treatment plant. He saw that the ponds were lowered and could tell that it made a difference; so far the product seems to be working as advertised. This could certainly help in the future as the only other method to remove the sludge is by physical means.
Lewis also asked council about the Hertzog Meat Plant wastewater sampling. He needed to know who would be paying for sampling and whether Hertzog had a wastewater permit. He thought it would be up to the city to create guidelines and consequences if they couldn’t meet the regulations. Attorney Newell replied that he is currently working on a contract with Hertzog and would add this in. Mayor Henry suggested that engineers should be consulted and all should meet together and bring suggestions back to council.
Lewis then went over his February 2026 operations report and reported that a river pump motor starter has an issue and may need to be replaced. He will bring bids for council’s consideration in coming days.
Mayor Henry and other council members said they really enjoyed the Mock City Council meeting held by the Student Advisory Committee last week. Editor's note: this is a wonderful program that gives local students a portal to understanding the inner workings of city government as well as civics in general. Kudos to all involved!
Mayor Henry also went over a proposal from our engineers for preparing drinking water reports for the city. These particular federal regulations were new and our Water Distribution Foreman was not familiar with them. Henry also noted that this was for the Safe Water Act and the report was due by June 30. He asked Manager Lewis if he would check into this and he indicated that would.
Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, at city hall. The public is highly encouraged to attend.
