Addresses Butterfield Lake Trail issues
Emergency response and utterfield Fire Department information dominated the Butterfield City Council’s Monday, August 10 meeting agenda.
City council members decided to look at the possibility of setting up a first response unit that would be separate from the Butterfield Fire Department. Those initial steps include looking at the costs included and the resources needed. That information will be researched and the details presented at the council’s September meeting.
It was learned by council members that the Butterfield Fire Department has donated $800 to the Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office to assist in covering the charges for newly-purchased underwater sonar equipment that will be utilized county-wide.
In addition, the fire department presented that it is considering burning down the old grocery store as a training exercise. The key will be if it would be safe to do. The building, built in late 1890, is not up to code and contains asbestos and other hazards that must be removed before the property can be purchased or demolished. There has been interest in the site, but not the building on the location.
No golf carts on the lake trail
The council dealt with a couple issues relating to the Butterfield Lake Trail.
The first issue is some rough spots on the south part of the trail. Overgrown tree roots have erupted, violating the trail’s surface, and, resurfacing the trail is not a viable option, nor is the answer for a long-term fix.
Eliminating golf carts from the trail is the second item at which the council has been looking. Golf carts are not permitted, and the city is considering placing blockade gates so that larger vehicles can’t enter without having a key for use.
In other business
* Discussed the purchase of a $3,500 dehumidifier for the basement at Butterfield City Hall.
* Looked at ways of getting more reflective barricades, as the city does not have enough to shut down a road if necessary.
