BUTLER, Mo – Three entities interested in purchasing the Maple Leaf facility from the City of Butler came before the Council Tuesday evening, outlining plans each had for the facility.
Darin Carter, Butler’s Superintendent, and also representing the Butler School Board, told Council they would like to use the facility as an Early Childhood Center. Plans had been discussed to remodel the alternative school, but the Maple Leaf facility had features that were appealing to the Board such as meeting codes, sprinkler system and the restrooms.
The second gentleman to speak with Council was Fred Benjamin, COO of Medicalodges, Inc. He outlined the key items for Medicalodges opening an assisted living facility in Butler, such as Medicalodge has a proven track record, since they have been part of this community for the past 45 years. Benjamin further stated Medicalodge has other assisted living facilities operating now in various parts of the country and has the knowledge and expertise to make this assisted living facility a viable place in our community. Misty Brooks, Butler Medicalodge Administrator, came before Council and also stated Medicalodges goal is to provide quality care and an alternative to a skilled facility.
Wesley Dirks came before Council and said if purchased he would run the home as a non-profit 501c3 facility to serve, home, community and church. The facility would also provide careful maintenance, follow state regulations and profits or proceeds would go back into the facility, as well as providing a Christian atmosphere for residents. The Council went into closed session for discussion after the regular meeting, and City Clerk Casey Koehn will ask for offers for purchasing the facility from each of those interested in the facility.
In other Council business, a re-inspection of the commercial property at 204/206 N. Mai will be conducted by ALM Environmental. More asbestos was discovered at that property and additional removal was not included in the initial bid. The additional cost will not put the city over their budget. One property has paid their delinquent taxes and two more are scheduled for asbestos removal. Approximately 29 properties are now scheduled for demolition.
The Airport Commission met on Thursday, February 19th to discuss the three Engineering firms submitting SOQ’s for the engineering work at the Butler Airport, interviews will be conducted on March 5th. The Airport Commission also considered a request from an Agricultural Business firm but will seek advice from Engineers and MoDOT on this and report back to Council.
Casey Koehn also told Council about a state statute requiring any municipality that receives revenue from traffic violations send the state any excess of 30% of their City’s general operating budget. The State is now proposing to change the 30% to 10% and if this happens the City could potentially meet the threshold and have to send any excess to the state. Butler’s auditors will pay close attention to the revenue to ensure the City meets state statute.
Butler’s Public Defender has retired and Casey Koehn, Tom Adelman, Butler’s City Attorney and the Judge will meet to discuss the best options for the City and the budget regarding this matter. Casey and Tom will report back to Council on their discussion.
A change in the policy for City regarding employees with 10, 20 and 30 years of service was brought to Council’s attention. The company the city used in the past has stopped production and currently the city has no recognition for those employees. Council voted to approve a day off for the years of service. 10 years of service will receive 1 paid day off; 20 years 2 days off and those with 30 years of service, they will continue to receive a personal gift from the City.
Council adjourned for closed session.
Nothing Decided Yet for Maple Leaf Assisted Living Building
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