Butler City Council on Thursday voted against advertising a new grant writer's position whose salary would have come from the administrative fees in the annual Community Development Block Grants that are used toward salary of Butler Redevelopment Authority staff.

Council members voted 3-2 against advertising for applicants for the position with Mike Walter, Kenny Bonus and Bob Dandoy voting against the motion and Jeff Smith and Mayor Ben Smith voting for it.

Jeff Smith made the motion to advertise the job with a $55,000 annual salary that would have come from the 18% CDBG administrative fees the authority uses toward salaries. He said the job description was created in April.

City officials estimated that benefits for the grant writer would add another $15,000 to $30,000 to the cost of the position.

Walter suggested waiting until next year to hire someone and adding the salary to next year's budget.

Dandoy said he supports hiring a grant writer, but the salary for the position needs more discussion.

Ben Smith said the grant writer would help the city apply for more grants and work as needed in the treasurer's office.

In recreation matters, Jeff Smith said the city's summer recreation program will get underway June 13 at Institute Hill playground, Rotary Park and Father Marinaro Park from noon to 3 p.m.

The program includes trips to the swimming pool at Alameda Park every Wednesday and Friday beginning June 16.

Other summer activities include “walk and talk” tours through city parks guided by members of the Shade Tree Commission, pickleball and a basketball tournament at four parks in July, he said.

Council approved the South Side Park Group's plan to hold a skate competition and community day at Father Marinaro Park June 26. The event will include a beer garden.

An agreement with County Festivals LLC to put on the Butler Italian Festival from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29 on Main Street was approved.

In an effort to promote bicycle riding and encouraging people to ride their bikes to work, council reappointed three people to the Bicycle Advisory Commission and appointed a new member. Chris Ziegler, B.T. Fullerton and William May were reappointed, and Josh Gilliland was appointed.

Regarding the fire department, council approved the conditional hiring of four part-time fire fighters from the 2021 Civil Service certified list.

A first payment of $427,282 toward a new ladder truck was approved. The Pierce Arrow XT truck is expected to be delivered in October.

Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to borrow $1,329,763 for the truck.

Council accepted a $14,015 state grant to buy a ventilation saw and fan for the new truck and a new thermal imaging camera.