Butler looks to put $750,000 toward improving farmers market grounds
Butler City Council is looking to put almost $750,000 toward the Butler City Farmers’ Market to perform sweeping repairs and improvements to the facility.
The topic came to discussion at a city forum meeting on Thursday, July 10. Councilman Daniel Herr presented the motion to accept a bid from Troy J. Construction in the amount of $743,683 for the project.
Mayor Bob Dandoy said projects at the market include fixing the roof, painting, electrical work, lighting, paving of the parking lot and landscaping of some trees outside to make more space for vendors.
He said a chunk of the project’s cost is covered by Community Development Block Grant funds, but that the “lion’s share” would come out of the city’s pocket.
“I’m hoping that, with all these improvements, that leads to more people using that facility,” Dandoy said. “It’s one of those things where you hear ‘we have a farmers’ market?’”
Dandoy added that he appreciates having a dedicated facility for the market.
“Most municipalities have farmers’ markets in the parking lot next to their municipal building. That’s what most of them have, a parking lot. For us to have that, and that was paid for by CDBG money a few years back.”
A second motion by Herr will look to approve a quote from Bronder Technical Services for $21,750 for repairs and pole replacements for two lights at the farmers’ market. Herr said the insurance paid $11,125 toward a pole that was damaged.
The Butler City Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday through the end of October.
The topic will go to a vote at council’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, July 24.
