John E. Evans

The City Council forum meeting included discussions and potential actions on several key items. These included a motion to approve a tentative agreement with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 114, for a specified duration. Another motion focused on approving the Investment Policy Statement for the City of Butler Fidelity Funds with NexTier/Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC. Actions from the July 24, 2025, Council Meeting were reviewed, including accepting a bid for the Center Avenue and Whippo Avenue Sink Hole Project, accepting a bid for the Farmers Market Improvements Project, approving a quote for repairs and pole replacements at the Butler Farmers Market, and approving a renewal agreement for the Tier Garage fire alarm system. There was also a discussion regarding the Endowment/Rotary Arts District.

The multi-municipal plan focuses on addressing BASA issues, revitalizing downtown Butler, and recruiting specific businesses to the downtown area. It emphasizes the importance of green development, better parks, and managing parking in downtown Butler. The plan also highlights the need for cooperation among municipalities, improved housing options, and enhanced safety services. Key strategies include preserving natural resources, historic sites, and neighborhoods, as well as prioritizing transportation issues and recreational opportunities.

The economic development strategy focuses on enhancing the economic viability and quality of life in the Butler Area Multi-Municipal Plan area. It involves close coordination with the Community Development Corporation of Butler County (CDC) and other organizations to improve business recruitment, retention, and expansion. Key initiatives include identifying and training municipal ED teams, developing a permanent relationship with the CDC, addressing workforce development issues, enhancing databases of available sites and buildings, and diversifying the economic base through various strategies such as recruiting companies, re-using existing buildings, and pursuing specific industry clusters.

The Butler Area Multi-Municipal Plan focuses on enhancing recreational opportunities, parks, and open spaces across five municipalities. Key goals include developing a comprehensive network of safe bicycle and pedestrian access routes, creating a unified method to publicize recreational facilities and programs, fostering partnerships among municipalities and organizations, maintaining high standards for recreational facilities, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The plan emphasizes preserving open space, providing diverse recreational programs for all ages, and promoting green building practices to improve the quality of life for residents.

The Butler Area Multi-Municipal Plan focuses on fostering cooperation among neighboring municipalities to address mutual problems and goals. Key areas include improving communication with the public, promoting economic development through initiatives like downtown restructuring and workforce development, enhancing infrastructure by supporting water access and multi-use trails, and streamlining planning and zoning processes. The plan also aims to improve the quality of life through heritage tourism, coordinated signage, and enhanced parks and recreation facilities, all supported by an Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement (ICA) and an Oversight Committee.