The decision to expand an ‘entertainment district’ to include the Butler square plus one block all around it didn’t come easy. Allowing alcohol as part of the deal didn’t sit well with some council members.
Several guests spoke in favor of the project including Joanne Godfrey, owner of Luna Umbra Winery, who made a presentation demonstrating that wine festivals can bring great benefit to smaller towns in Missouri as they have already in Glasgow, Plattsburg and Excelsior Springs. All was good with the exception that alcohol will be served to the public, which drew fire from several council members including Denny Rich, Fawn Alkire and Scott Mallatt who expressed concern that minors could be served, among other issues.
Godfrey explained that the entire operation is carefully controlled to help insure that anyone not age vetted won’t be served- if there is a problem, local police are called. To note, Police Chief Jarrett Wheatley said he didn’t see a problem with it and would enforce the ordinance as they would in any other situation.
Butler Chamber Executive Director Cody Morris also spoke in support of the project as did Electric City Downtown spokesperson Jaylen Watson. But the council still had questions and comments.
“Rich Hill has an event every year that draws a big crowd and they don’t serve alcohol” rebutted Alkire “Same for Adrian and Drexel.” While others agreed that big events can be held without adding alcohol to the equation, the questions kept coming.
Godfrey said that vetted attendees are given a wristband and a special cup to use, giving those in charge a clear perspective on who is consuming, among other precautions.
Councilman Brown expressed concerns that the city could get sued if there was an issue related to the event; councilwoman Behringer pointed out that it would be no different than any other previous event where a beer garden was allowed. She went on to say the only difference is that the area, instead of a tent, would include the square and one block around it.
Cody Morris then took the floor and during his plea to pass the ordinance noted that the city attorney said there would be “zero legal ramifications” in adopting it.
As pro’s and con’s were tossed about for what became a large portion of the meeting, it was finally down to a vote to adopt the ordinance or not with a final tally as follows:
Denny Rich-no; David Brown-yes; Doncella Liggins-yes; Jeff Hall-no; Marlene Wainscott-yes; Fawn Alkire-no; Carmen Behringer-yes and Scott Mallatt-no.
This of course left a split, leaving Mayor Jim Henry with the deciding vote.
“I’ll make one comment” he said “but I’m going to go on record as saying that if we have problems with this, I’ll be the first one to repeal it”.
This was followed by another bill related to fee structure for said events which was passed by the council.
Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7 pm, upstairs at city hall and an elevator is available for those with special needs. The public is strongly encouraged to attend.
