A sink hole on Heim Avenue that includes 80 feet of damaged storm drain at a depth of 7 feet will be repaired by Bauer Excavating at a cost of $9,690, Butler City Council decided at a meeting Thursday, June 27.

The timeline for the repair is unknown at this time, Councilman Troy Douthett said. The project will be funded using liquid fuel money.

City council also approved a $63,750 proposal from the Pennsylvania Economy League to assist in the preparation of a financial management plan as part of the city’s participation in the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program. As part of the program, officials will undergo training and identify areas of improvement in the city. Mayor Bob Dandoy named collective bargaining as one subject city officials would be looking into. The consultant group, chosen as the Pennsylvania Economy League, will make recommendations to city officials.

“How can we improve things in order to minimize costs in the city, minimize expenses and be able to have money we can reinvest in the city?” Dandoy said. “That’s what we’re looking for.”

The city is responsible for paying $10,000 of the program’s cost. Dandoy said the city submitted an application for a waiver from the DCED, with hopes the program also will receive financial support from the county.

Thursday evening council also approved an ordinance that will help define procedures regarding maintenance of signage and loaned art around the city’s planned arts district.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ralph Pincek, of Butler, addressed council with concerns around Father Marinaro Park, noting that evening spotlights have not been turned on, and that the netting of two basketball hoops had been damaged. He also said there was a lack of enrichment for small children at the park.

Councilman Dan Herr told Pincek he would look into the spotlights to ensure they would be turned on.

Dandoy encouraged residents Thursday evening to store pool, spa and household chemicals properly to prevent leaks in order to avoid exposure to stormwater. Additionally, the mayor reminded community members that the city’s fireworks display will be held July 5. The city building will be closed on the Fourth of July in observance of Independence Day.