City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • February 28, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    February 28, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by the Reverend Kimberly van Driel, First English Lutheran Church.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Jean Coulter raised concerns about the police department not following through on her reports of domestic abuse.

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    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 12, 2019. All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities. All voted aye.

    MONTHLY BOARDS AND AUTHORITIES LIAISON REPORTS

    Liaisons gave brief reports from boards and authorities that met in December.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

    Department reports for the month of January were approved by individual, unanimous votes. The administrative report for the month of January from the Office of the City Clerk will be distributed once the monthly cash audit is complete.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to reappoint Edgar Hassler, Jr. to the Butler Area Sewer Authority for a five (5) year term that expires December, 2022. Second by CM Roche.
    2. Motion to reappoint Kenneth L. Henry to the Butler Area Sewer Authority for a five (5) year term that expires December, 2023.

    After discussion, CM Walter made a motion to table both motions 1 & 2.   Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.  Motions 1 & 2 are tabled.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to approve the resignation of John Vissari from the City of Butler Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facility Authority. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the HVAC Maintenance Agreement with Schneider’s One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning for a one-year agreement ending December 31, 2019. Maintenance Contract Price per year is $1,700.00.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to enter into an agreement with Butler County Parks and Recreation Department to provide the administration of the Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant to be used to develop and/or rehabilitate Memorial Park. Second by CM Roche.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment to E C Masonry, Inc. in the amount of $7,715.55 for the masonry work on the city building per the Contractor’s Application for Payment request numbers 3 and 4. LIN 18 469 250. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to accept a bid from Gargiulo Landscaping in the amount of $2,794.51 for the Miller Street/Sullivan Run Scour Protection Project. LIN 18-427-770. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to apply for a grant from the Butler County Bar Association to be used for the Butler City Police K9 Unit.  Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve an amended agreement with County Festivals, LLC for a festival to be held in 2019. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to accept the bid from Van Claypoole for the 2006 Ford Explorer in the amount of $636.00. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    APPOINTMENTS:

    Dustin Orwig has been appointed to the Butler City Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority to fill the term of John Vissari whose term which expires January 1, 2022.

    In the absence of the City Treasurer, Councilman Bonus presented a Monthly Intake Report for January, 2019.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $170,143.01; from the parking fund – $3,553.21; from the capital projects fund – $7,715.55; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $21,799.86; for a grand total of $203,211.63. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith and Councilman Smith
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, March 2nd Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 7:56 PM to have an executive session to discuss personnel issues. Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 8:07 PM
    • Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:08 PM.

    Agenda 28-FEB-19

  • January 31, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    January 31, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Reverend Leigh Benish, Hill United Presbyterian Church.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Alan Milanovich requested dedicated parking spaces on Second Street for Hill United Presbyterian Church.

    Anthony Grenci requested an area in front of 420 S. Main Street to be restrictive parking instead of free parking.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Erin Stinner-ABM presented an overview and preliminary savings from energy costs the City could use towards capital improvements for the City’s facilities.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 8, 2019. All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities. All voted aye.

    MONTHLY BOARDS AND AUTHORITIES LIAISON REPORTS

    Liaisons gave brief reports from boards and authorities that met in December.

    MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

    Department reports for the month of December and 2018 year-end reports were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve a proposal submitted by Maher Duessel Certified Public Accountants for auditing services for Fiscal Year 2018 through 2020 as outlined in their engagement letter of January 8, 2019 and to authorize the City Clerk to sign said letter on behalf of City Council. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a proposal submitted by Caruso & Spencer, PC, Certified Public Accountants for monthly auditing services for Fiscal Year 2019 as outlined in their engagement letter of January 1, 2019 and to authorize the City Clerk to sign said letter on behalf of City Council. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $216,284.89 to Wells Fargo Bank for debt service for the City’s 2005 general obligation bonds. (Note: This payment includes principal of $194,978.64 ($195,000.00 less credit from funds on deposit of $21.36) and interest of $21,306.25; due March 1st.) Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to adopt the City of Butler Website Management/Policy. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to approve the agreement with the YMCA for use of the Christie Avenue Playground for a recreational program to be held from June 17th through August 23rd.  Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the agreement with the Butler County Children’s Center for use of the Butler Memorial Park Miller Shelter for a recreational program to be held from June 1st through August 31st.  Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment for application #6 and #7 (final) to Gregor Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $34,097.29 for the North Monroe Street Culvert Replacement Project.  LIN 18 430 436.  Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to install “Children at Play” signs at both ends of Euclid Avenue on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to accept the bid from Tri-Star Motors in the amount of $52,208.00 for the purchase of (2) two 2019 Ford Interceptor Sedans to be used in the police department. (Costars Contract #013-146)  LIN 01 410 270. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to readopt the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan applicable to the Community Development Block Grant program. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the Citizen Participation Plan and Form for the City of Butler and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler Community Development Block Grant/Home Programs.  Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve the updated Section 504 Grievance Procedure and forms. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the annual Section 504 Policy Regarding of Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability, and Policy on Effective Communication.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to approve the updated Notice of Nondiscrimination to reflect Kerry Dowdy as the City of Butler’s Section 504 Officer. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    7. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1774; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    8. Motion to accept the bid from IbisTek, Inc. in the amount of $20,283.00 for the upfitting of two Ford Interceptor Sedans to be used in the police department. (Costars Contract #012-101) Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    9. Motion to approve the utilization of the Farmers’ Market beginning on April 27th through May 5th for a Bicycle Rodeo to be held on May 5, 2019. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    10. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Susan E. Dowdy for the Meter Violation Monitor position. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    11. Motion to accept the bid from Marshall Offstein for the 2013 Chevrolet Impala in the amount of $400.00. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    12. Motion to accept the bid from Beau Sneddon for the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria in the amount of $311.00. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    13. Due to a tie in bids received for the 2006 Ford Explorer; Motion to reject the bids and re-advertise for the 2006 Ford Explorer. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    14. Motion to approve the promotion of Patrol Officer Caleb Forsythe to the rank of Sergeant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective February 3, 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    The City Treasurer, Councilman Bonus presented a Monthly Intake Report for December, 2018.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $272,033.84; from the parking fund – $4,313.27; from the capital projects fund – $37,232.29; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $50,604.47; for a grand total of $364,183.87. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith and Councilman Smith
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, February 2nd

    Mayor Smith thanked the community for the generous donations that have been made to the police and fire departments.

    Mayor Smith presented his 2018 annual report:

    “2018 was a great building year for Butler’s City Council. I cannot express how thankful I am of the cooperative spirit that each member has shown while also being willing to stick to their beliefs about important issues. Here are just a few of the things that City Council and city officials were able to accomplish by working together.

    Council successfully passed two budgets that were in line with realistic expectations and exercised great fiscal responsibility, allowing the city to be in great financial shape. We are certainly not a wealthy city, but we are a city that is prepared to meet the demands we face head on with financial stability.

    At the end of 2017 all three union bargaining agreements expired. Through a series of level-headed and thought out meetings, we were able to reach agreements with all three of these unions to see great compromise between the city, the IAFF, the FOP, and AFSCME that provided both losses and gains for each party involved. A true compromise is reached when all parties feel like they’ve gained something, and we believe we accomplished exactly that.

    Though the city is still without a ladder truck to help protect and serve our citizens, a problem which must be remedied, we were able to secure vehicles for many of the city’s departments – including three new vehicles for the police department whose vehicles were aging rapidly. We’ve also secured essential vehicles and equipment for other departments in the city that enable them to provide our citizens with the highest service possible.

    John Evans and his team in the office of Business and Community Development have continued to do great work and oversee record amounts of work being done in the city both in building new business and demolishing blighted properties. Together, we’re committed to making Butler more attractive to our current residents and businesses, as well as attracting new ones. In addition, John and his team have overseen long-needed work on the exterior of the City Building and we’ve also seen many systems inside the building be updated or replaced. The mandatory replacement of some curb ramps and sidewalks as well as the slow but sure process of catching up on street paving that fell behind in recent years.

    In collaboration with County officials, we were able to make application and receive an award from the County Infrastructure Bank to go towards long-needed improvements to the Sullivan Run Flood Control Project as well as address our issues with deteriorating light poles and infrastructure on Butler’s Main Street Corridor. We expect these projects to make significant headway in 2019.

    City Council voted and is still actively working towards putting measures in place to help preserve some of our city’s historic homes and buildings in an effort to keep what we have and attract new residents. In addition, we’ve seen a variety of new businesses open and flourish in the city, and are eagerly anticipating more in the coming year.”

    Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 8:23 PM to have an executive session to discuss personnel issues.

    Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 8:49PM

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:50 PM.

     

     

     

     

     

  • February 12, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    February 12, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Mitch Tepper, The Intersection Community Church.

    PRESENTATION:

    Chief O’Neill and Mayor Smith recognized the promotion of Patrol Officer Caleb Forsythe to the position of Sergeant Caleb Forsythe.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 31, 2019. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-02-12; the City of Butler agrees to comply with the requirements of the Butler County Parks Renovation Program for the purpose of obtaining grant funds for the renovation of Butler Ritts Park. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to install a “2 Hour Parking” sign at 420 S. Main Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to install three “Handicapped Parking Only – Sunday” signs on the east side of Second Street in front of Hill UP Church on a 90-day trial basis contingent upon review by the zoning officer. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to install a “Handicapped Parking Only” sign on the east side of Second Street in front of Hill UP Church on a 90-day trial basis contingent upon review by the zoning officer. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to install a “Drop-Off Zone” sign on the east side of Second Street in front of Hill UP Church on a 90-day trial basis contingent upon review by the zoning officer. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to direct ABM to continue gathering information to determine additional savings for the City of Butler. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1774; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a grant application from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to be used in the police department. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to re-adopt the amended Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Action Plan in accordance with Executive Orders 11625, 12138 NS 12432; HUD Acquisition Regulation (HUDAR), PAR 2426.70; Title 24 Part 85.36(E); and Code of Federal Regulations. (Compliance Officer: Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler). Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $404,937.45; from the parking fund – $32,693.45; from the capital projects fund – $775.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $60,385.04; for a grand total of $498,790.94. Motion by CM Roche with second from Mayor Smith to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    Announcements:

    February 16, 2019 – Butler Area Public Library Day, 125th Anniversary

    February 23, 2019 – Butler AM Rotary “Carved in Ice 2019”

    “Men Who Cook” Fundraising Event

    Free parking all day

    Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 7:15 PM.

    Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 7:25 PM.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:33 PM.

     

    Agenda 12-FEB-19

     

     

  • January 8, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    January 8, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Fred Kison, The Intersection Community Church.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 20, 2018. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-01-08; the City of Butler’s Fair Housing Resolution. Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to accept the proposal submitted by Core Compliance Group, Inc in the amount of $3,775.00 to conduct an environmental survey of the Pool Building, contingent upon City Solicitor review and approval. LIN 18 427 221.  Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment for application #5 to Gregor Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $6,604.90 for the North Monroe Street Culvert Replacement Project.  LIN 18 430 436. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to approve a request from Lieutenant Scott Marshall to apply the provisions of the Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act for a work-related injury that he sustained on October 30, 2018. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to approve the request from Springhill Suites, Marriott to install a trailblazer sign on an existing City light pole. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $285,276.71; from the parking fund – $34,669.87; from the capital projects fund – $6,879.90; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $20,473.55; and from the 2015-Series Bonds fund – $235,527.00 for a grand total of $582,827.03. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:37 PM.

     

     

  • December 20, 2018

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    December 20, 2018

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Ben Ogle, Community Life Church.

    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on December 18, 2018:

    City Council, acting as the Board of Health, and under the provisions of the Third Class City Code, Section XXIII, (b) Abatement of Public Nuisances, Section 2321, finds the following subject structures detrimental to public health and orders their removal by demolition:

    522 Forcht Way

    239 Cleveland Street

    Motion by Mayor Smith. Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    John Pro, Butler Old Stone House Region presented a list of public events to council where the Jeep and Huselton were displayed in 2018. He requested support for the purchase of new tires and tubes for the Huselton in 2019.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 15, 2018. All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities. All voted aye.

    MONTHLY BOARDS AND AUTHORITIES LIAISON REPORTS

    Liaisons gave brief reports from boards and authorities that met in November.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council at Tuesday’s Forum Meeting for Review)

    Department reports for the month of November were approved by individual, unanimous votes. The monthly report for October from the City Clerk was also approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1771, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2019. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1772, an ordinance of the City of Butler adopting the annual budget and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the City government as set forth therein during Fiscal Year 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1773, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the wages and salaries of employees of the City in conformance with the budget for Fiscal Year 2019. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to accept a proposal submitted by PNC Bank for a 2019 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $1,000,000.00 at an annual interest rate of 3.13% percent per annum and to adopt the Note Resolution as prepared by PNC Bank.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve City Resolution 2018-12-20, a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the issuance of a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note Series 2019 in the amount of $1,000,000.00. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to designate Veronica Walker as the City’s Fair Housing Officer for 2019. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to approve the recommendation of our consultant (BidURenergy) and enter into the contract with Dynegy Energy Services to be the City’s electrical supplier for a period of 36 months beginning November, 2019 through December, 2022 at a contract rate of $0.04880. Second by CM Roche.  Motion to table by CM Walter.  Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.  Motion tabled.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment for application #2, #3 & #4, to Gregor Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $55,506.20 for the North Monroe Street Culvert Replacement Project.  LIN 18 430 436. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to A. Liberoni, Inc. for Contract #1, curb ramps, in the amount of $88,874.45 and Contract #2, paving, in the amount of $104,974.88 for a total of $193,849.33 for the 2018 Street Paving Project. LIN 18 430 439. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve an additional $3,000.00 to be paid to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the cleanup and repair project as a result of the high water event with Sullivan Run 18 months. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution 2018-12-20A revising the City’s administrative fee schedule and the parking rates as of January 1, 2019. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of two part-time firefighters from the 2018 Civil Service Examinations Certified List. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to approve City Council’s 2019 meeting schedule, a copy of which will be published in a local newspaper to comply with the Sunshine Act and attached to the minutes of this meeting. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to authorize Mindy F. Gall, City Clerk, with official signing authority for the online electronic invoicing forms associated with the CDBG and HOME programs in the event of the Mayor’s absence. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to update the City of Butler’s Open Records Policy Statement. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for sale one used 2005 Ford Crown Victoria from the City’s Bureau of Police that is surplus to the needs of the Police Department. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for sale one used 2006 Ford Explorer from the City’s Bureau of Police that is surplus to the needs of the Police Department.  Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for sale one used 2013 Chevrolet Impala from the City’s Bureau of Police that is surplus to the needs of the Police Department.  Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to designate the 2013 Chevrolet Impala police cruiser – VIN #2G1WD5E36D1259707 to be of no value to the City of Butler and to relinquish the title to Butler Tires for Less. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    8. Motion to approve an agreement with County Festivals, LLC for a festival to be held in 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    9. Motion to approve City Resolution 2018-12-20B, a resolution created by American Promise, calling upon the United States Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to restore constitutional rights and fair elections to the people. Second by CM Walter.

    Councilman Smith commented, “first, I would like to commend Dane Winkler on his advocacy of this issue.   I don’t know Dane well, but I have followed his efforts on a number of projects and recognized his passion for those projects.   But until he brought this resolution forward, I never had the chance to appreciate that, in addition to his passion, he is a very reasoned individual who can articulate his position without losing the ability to listen.

    In today’s world, too many people talk at others rather than to others. People just spout their positions instead of discussing them.   Dane is the exception to that rule.   He is a true example of how advocacy should work and I commend him for it.

    Concerning the resolution. When I ran for City Council, I did it largely on a platform of saving our neighborhoods and growing the residential base of the City in order to make Butler economically viable.  That included finding ways to better fight drugs, to hold absentee landlords to standard that protects all residents from substandard housing, and to encourage more owner-occupied housing.  The majority of the voters agreed with me and I was fortunate enough to be elected to City Council.

    Personally, I cannot vote in favor of this resolution. Not because of the content, but because it is not a City issue.

    If I was to vote in favor of this resolution, it would only be because I personally agreed with it and wanted to further promote it.   And while I do recognize the problems inherent with our political process today, I do not feel that my voice should be heard any louder than any other City resident on purely federal issues.

    To vote in favor of this resolution would, in my opinion, be taking advantage of my position as a Council person to promote a personal agenda. I would be speaking for nearly 14,000 people without their consent as I believe the voters only granted their consent for me to vote on matters pertaining to the City.

    Some of you may have a broader interpretation of your role on Council, and that is OK.

    Finally, out of respect for Dane’s approach to what I believe is a legitimate issue, I am willing to work with him and others to try and arrange a meeting with our Congressman or our Senators to share his resolution.

    They are the people who can affect change and they need to hear it from individuals, not just five members of City Council. Thank you.”

    CM Walter, CM Bonus, CM Roche and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Smith voted no.  Motion passed.

    Appointments:

    Wilma West has been appointed to the Shade Tree Commission to replace Diane Bowman, whose term expires June, 2022.

    In the absence of the City Treasurer, Councilman Bonus presented a Monthly Intake Report for November, 2018.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $330,061.16; from the parking fund – $36,020.12; from the capital projects fund – $259,977.53; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $37,167.53; and from the 2015-Series Bonds fund – $355,955.80 for a grand total of $1,019,182.14. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith and Chief O’Neill
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, December 22nd
    • City Building Closed – December 25th and January 1st

    Jennifer Gilliland Vanasdale, candidate for Judge; Butler County Court of Common Pleas, introduced herself to council.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:46 PM.