The Worsley’s building fire was a primary topic of discussion at Thursday’s Butler city council meeting.

Councilwoman Kathy Kline expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community and emergency services support following the fire.

“I would just like to thank all of the local business and individuals who offered food, drinks, support, throughout the entire evening and the following days,” she said.

“It was truly a community coming together. I have never been so proud to live in this city and to live in Butler County, and to have so many people responding to such a tragedy. We appreciate the mutual support and all of the professionalism afforded to all the fire departments during the event, and commend each and every one who assisted us.”

“Times five,” added Mayor Tom Donaldson, for each member of the city council.

The fire occurred at 161 N. Main St. March 11. Despite more than five hours of effort from, among other services, nine fire departments, the building was condemned.

Patty Schorr, co-owner of the Mystique Moon Antiques & Artisans store, which was destroyed in the fire, addressed concerns about how the condemnation was handled.

Schorr said that she and others were moving things out of the store when building code official John Evans put a condemned sign on the door.

Schorr said at the time, she wasn’t sure if “condemned” meant no one could be in the building.

“A normal person doesn’t understand all that,” she said. “Me, if I saw that sign, I would be afraid.”

Mystique Moon co-owner Kevin Schorr, Patty’s husband, approached Evans and asked how much time they had to get their things out. Evans asked how much time they needed, and Kevin Schorr responded that they needed a few days. Evans said that would be fine.

Patty Schorr was upset that nobody contacted them after the fire.

“My suggestion is to maybe work on interpersonal skills and show more compassion and communication more with the people involved,” she said.

Donaldson responded positively.

“We’ll see if we can address it to make these situations smoother and less traumatic for people in the future,” he said.

Evans and Butler Fire Chief Nick Ban apologized for the lack of communication.

Schorr also asked about the Butler Fire Department’s ladder truck, which was not used at the fire. Ban explained that the truck had been undergoing maintenance, specifically hydraulic repairs, and then needed to be properly inspected.

It was in Eau Claire for inspection at the time of the fire.