New Butler City Council Members Sworn In

BUTLER, Mo – The Butler City Council opened with Cub Scout Troup 237 leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.


The Troup came before the City Council asking permission to rename the creek that runs beside the Scout Hall. Each of the 6 Scouts spoke eloquently about why they wanted to name the creek. The Council approved the request and the creek will now be known as “Atkeson Fork.”

Hayden Phillips

New Council members were sworn in Tuesday evening by City Administrator Casey Koehn as the April 7th Municipal election was certified by Marlene Wainscott, Bates County Clerk. Sworn in was Brian Phillips from Ward 1; Gayle Stark from Ward 2; Craig Irwin, Ward 3; and Carolyn Jett, Ward 4.


Casey Koehn updated Council on the demolition project. The contract was signed and demo should begin soon. All asbestos has been removed from all properties. There was quite a bit of discussion regarding two separate properties that still have unpaid back taxes. The first property is at 307 E. Pleasant whose taxes are $213 and the old Miller Florist property on Nursery Street, owing $1,167 in back taxes. Motion was made and seconded for the city to pay both property taxes using grant money but the motion failed; some members felt they didn’t want to pay the taxes on the property on Nursery Street. A second motion was made and seconded to just pay the back taxes on the property on Pleasant Street, and that motion passed.

Casey has a contract from Burns and McDonnell regarding the drainage project at the Airport. The Airport Commission will consider the contract at their next meeting and the findings will be reported back to Council in May.

There will be City Council Training on May 2nd with Joe Lauber hosting the training session at Bates County Annex on the Butler Square.

Casey has spoken with Darin Carter and the School Board has the real estate contract for the Maple Senior Living building. There will be an inspection on April 23rd but no problems are expected.

Casey also updated Council on the pole fees Century Link is currently paying in the amount of $8.50; but a bill was passed in Missouri Congress and there will be a review of the costs for poles and this will be reported back to Council upon completion of the survey.

The Council did a reversal regarding reservations in City Parks. Originally it was a first come, first serve except for major holidays but now the reservations will be made at the City Hall and Casey will start the process to take care of reservations.

Brad Vermaas told Council there was some confusion during the last tornado warning regarding designated shelters. He suggested the City place reflective signs on designated shelters for people to know where to go. Signs will be placed on designated shelters.

Council voted to renew their membership in the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission and all council members welcomed the new additions to the Council

New Butler City Council Members Sworn In