Butler City Farmers Market to get improvements, repairs
The Butler City Farmers’ Market is set to receive nearly $750,000 in repairs and improvements, including a new bathroom, roof repairs and more.
Butler City Council voted in a 4-1 decision July 25 to accept a $743,683 bid for the Farmers Market Improvement Project. Troy J. Construction was chosen for the project from among three bids.
The project will look to make repairs and improvements, including installing a bathroom, fixing the roof, painting, electrical work, lighting, paving of the parking lot and landscaping outside to make more space for vendors.
Councilman Larry Christy voted against the motion, but his concern focused on the facility itself, not the farmers market.
“It’s a worthwhile project. The building definitely needs a fair bit of work done to it,” Christy said. “I think, for an older building that used to be a picnic shelter at one point, I would like to look at, maybe, some new buildings.”
While the project’s cost is listed at nearly $750,000, Mayor Bob Dandoy clarified the majority of building repairs would be covered by around $228,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, while the cost of parking lot improvements would fall to the city.
“That project really should be looked at in the long-range plan as two projects,” Dandoy said. “There’s the project and money we’re putting into the building, which $228,000 is going to about cover it. Not quite but pretty close.”
According to the city’s long-range plan for the Butler Area Sewer Authority sale proceeds, $750,000 was allocated for the farmers market lot. After block grant funds however, the city will only spend around $515,000 out of pocket on both the lot and building.
“The parking lot will be the major expense in that particular project, so that’s kind of what we’re going to be paying for,” Dandoy explained. “It’s in pretty bad shape, concrete wise. As we have this opportunity to do that, we’re going to be redoing some of the design to make it a bit more attractive, nicer and actually usable.”
Dandoy said work on the facility is expected to begin “as soon as possible.” He also said he would be informing the construction crew of the farmers market hours and other ongoing activities to minimize interruptions.
Scott Bittner, co-owner of Bittner Farms in Eau Claire, is a frequent vendor at the city’s farmers market for a third season. He called his experience thus far at the market wonderful.
“It’s a great place to meet with friends and the community, as well as shop for local food,” he said. “The vendors are great and everyone helps each other out.”
He expressed his appreciation for the city’s facility, as many municipalities do not have a permanent structure to host their own market in.
“Other markets in the area are held in a parking lot and that, of course, make you beholden to the weather. This allows us to open the market earlier in the year and stay open longer,” Bittner said.
Despite his appreciation of the facility, he recognized that work is “badly needed” and said it will ultimately create a better market experience for vendors and the community.
“The addition of spaces outside will help with overflow during peak season and any other time it’s needed,” Bittner said. “The roof is in need of repairs to keep the integrity of the rest of the structure, and who doesn’t like a clean restroom when you need one?”
Bittner took a moment to express his gratitude toward the city for putting the funds toward the facility.
“This is and always will be a farmers market first, but it has also been a great place for the community to gather for socializing, as well as shopping for local food,” he said. “I can’t forget the local farmers like myself that rely on this market to keep our farms going and continue to serve the community as well.”
The Butler City Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday through the end of October.
