Safe Routes to School and an open council seats were the main topics discussed at the Butler Council meeting this week. Streets and bridges as well as the need for an electricity generator were also discussed.
Mayor Kevin Carr thanked council member Wesley Dingus for submitting his application for re-election.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve,” said Dingus.
Carr noted that there were three seats expiring this year and one seat is currently vacant. Residents who are interested in running for election should contact the Board of Elections for an application. The deadline to submit applications is August 7 at 4.pm.
On another topic, council member Joy Stover informed the council that the village would not have to pay an advance for the Safe Routes to School project and that Wilson Street is the primary street being worked on.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped with the project,” said Stover. Stover went on to request that council moved to draft a contract resolution concerning the services of Safe Routes Coordinator Kim Hildreth. Previously serving on a contractual basis since 2010, the resolution would specify her time as an “as needed basis” and with a reduced hourly rate. The council moved to approve the action.
“We need to start thinking about street paving,” said Carr. He also added that reimbursement funds for a bridge project were expected to be released, although the specific amount was not yet known nor when the money would be available. “We are talking approximately two weeks. We have had right-of-way acquisition hold ups and have to wait till that gets done,” Carr stated. The mayor suggested that as soon as the first part of Spring the council could start to receive bids.
Dingus brought forward discussion of the need for a generator for the village hall. “We need an electrician to come in and tell us what we need, what would do the job for our needs,” he said. Dingus explained that for the village, a natural gas generator would best suit their intended use.
Carr made motion to get bids on a natural gas generator for village hall and the council approved the motion.
“I just want to say the boys done a good job with the mess at the sewer plant, all the problems with the flood, fixing water leaks in the pouring rain,” said council member Raymond Swank. Carr added his appreciation as well for everyone who worked to restore the village after the recent storm.
