Charles Rush, representing Cook Insurance, was pleased to report that the city's property and casualty insurance premiums increased by just less than 5 percent. Considering costs are up all over, this was received as very good news.
Guest Kristin Nieder expressed safety concerns regarding the lack of sidewalks along Nursery street as many students walk to school on what is deemed a very busy street. She acknowledged that installing sidewalks is an expensive proposition and asked if there was any help available. Mayor Henry responded
that the city had applied for a TAP grant had been applied for but it had not been granted. He noted that
the city will keep trying for these grants for Nursery Street but so
far had been rejected for lack of enough money available.
Jalyn Watson submitted a request for the annual Homecoming event as she had previously met with the special events committee who gave a thumbs up. To that, the council approved unanimously.
Carmen Behringer spoke on behalf the the Economic Development Advisory Committee and reported that she had attended
the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting on March 24 at
Osage Valley Electric Cooperative. She noted that this is one of the
biggest years for project leads received. Other topics discussed were
getting the county leaders and nearby cities involved in joining the
committee and the opening of Hertzog Meat Company.
Regarding the Butler city wide cleanup, Countywide
Disposal will only do a one-day pickup for the Spring cleanup which
is set for May 11. The City will do the brush and limb pickup during
the week of May 11 through 15, 2026.
Police Chief
Wheatley reported that he and City Attorney Newell were working on an
ordinance that will address the 'gas station drug' problem. Concerns over the drugs began a few weeks back as a concerned citizen reported that he had taken what was supposedly harmless drug for pain and he had a very bad reaction. Manufacturers of such drugs, which includes Kratom and 7-OH, are not FDA regulated and the same manufactures will go to great lengths to skirt laws prohibiting their sale. At this time, city of Butler is considering all steps that need to be taken to prohibit their sale within city limits.
Regarding the water and wastewater plants, Alliance Water manager Danny Lewis conducted a chemical coagulant test trial with Hawkins,
Inc. He noted that he had seen good results with the products. There
had been better removal results and more cost effective than the
current process being used. He will meet with the suppliers and go
over their pricing, effectiveness, and services for the city and
hopefully, by next month he will have good news.
Thirty-two loads of sludge were applied to land from the wastewater plant in March. Likewise, UV banks have been installed and E.coli testing have began. Lewis also requested a new backwash pump and a water check valve for the water plant. The plant has two pumps but is currently only operating with one as the one to be replaced could not be repaired. This is a budgeted item and the council approved $29,806.50 to replace replace the non working pump.
Remember, the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm at city hall and the public is highly encouraged to attend.
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