New City Administrator Mark Mathies officially took a seat for his first Butler city council meeting. While his first day of employment was officially July 1st, Mathies has been busy getting acclimated and putting together strategies, which begins with insuring professionalism and quality control, he said while addressing the council. He also spoke of audits, which are not only needed, but are quite necessary in making decisions- the city "simply can't function" without them and audits will before performed on a regular basis.
He also discussed reviewing city operations, insuring that updates are done, making sure job descriptions are up to date, to name a few. Mathies also made it clear that if any areas need "tightening up", it will be done.
Mathies also addressed the situation with the I-49/52 highway overpass at Butler, which has been at the center of much controversy following at least two fatal accidents. He has already been in contact with MoDOT and is coordinating with highway engineers to find the best solutions to increase visibility on the overpass. Installing a stoplight hasn't been ruled out, but other measures likely will be taken first, such as painting lines on the road so drivers know how far to pull up for best visibility when turning onto the overpass.
Some more good news came from Mathies as he said that coordination is underway to rehab the west 52/Fort Scott rail overpass possibly as soon as 2029. He reiterated that the city and MoDOT are on board with what ever changes are needed, but time and patience will be required regarding the railroad doing their part. The overpass has been a long ongoing issue due to flooding and most of all, dangers to pedestrian/bicycle traffic and the push is on to get the situation rectified as soon as possible.
Recent storms have downed trees at Oak Hill Cemetery and city crews have made great strides in getting it all cleaned up. Currently, there are a few 'root balls' and stumps that need to be removed. The plan is to use city equipment to finish the cleanup, thus avoiding paying an outside contractor.
Police Chief Jarret Wheatley announced that as of July 1st, Butler was approved for the Blue Shield Program and a grant of $29,000 is available thanks to the program. Wheatley said the money will go a long way towards much needed equipment.
Mayor Henry said an airport manager has been hired, more details coming soon. The city has been without the manager for quite some time and having someone to fill the position will greatly help with day to day operations at the airport.
A new generator at the wastewater plant has been installed but needs to be connected to the facility and steps have been taken to get it done soon. At the city owned power plant, rainwater found its way into one of the Caterpillar generators and work is needed to get it back on line as soon as possible as the city is contractually obligated to provide power to the grid when needed.
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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