Butler City Council on Thursday approved an effort to apply for a grant to improve Ritts Park.

During a Zoom meeting necessitated by coronavirus precautions, council unanimously approved the move to apply for the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program that is run by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

As part of the grant application process, the city will pay the $100 application fee. If awarded, the grant would provide $148,000 for several improvements to the park on McKean Street.

Every year the program provides up to $250,000 for any project. A 15 percent match of the total project cost is required and the city approved spending $22,200 to meet the match.

Councilman Jeffrey Smith said he hopes that private or public groups will step up to fund the matching total needed if the city is awarded the grant.

The grant funds, if awarded, would go toward restoring the seating area around a monument that memorializes John V. Ritts. Additionally, Smith told the others, new trees would be planted, a fitness trail along the walkway would be made, a new walking trail would be put through the park, a pickleball court would be installed and drainage would be increased throughout the park.

Smith said that this is the first time the council has applied for the grant in three years. He was optimistic about the city's chances and noted state Rep. Marci Mustello is an “enthusiastic supporter” of the effort.

“It's a great opportunity,” Smith said.

Officer hired

City council unanimously voted to fully hire patrol officer Korey Zarnick, who successfully completed his probationary period.

On Sept. 26, 2019, the council conditionally hired Zarnick to fill a vacancy in the Butler City Police Department created by the resignation of patrol officer Daniel Rote.

Summer recreation

The council also approved plans hold the summer recreation programs in the parks. For many years, the city has hosted a number of events over the summer in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Food Bank where children could have lunch and participate in activities. The program is hosted by the city's parks department.

“All everyone has read is that things are canceled, but we'll still be having our programs,” Smith said.