Public Meetings - Burton, Michigan

The Burton City Council held its regular meeting on November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included an administrative report on city projects, public comments on trails, veterans' issues, and property rehabilitation, and unanimous approval of most action items. A travel policy for council members was tabled after debate over mayoral approval requirements. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Dargel (6119 Hugh Street) discussed the Kelly Lake trail, snow removal, sidewalk blockages, and parking concerns. - Mona Ballage (2288 S. Term Street) spoke about adding names to the Veterans Memorial and raised a complaint regarding a porta-potty placed in front of Starlite Restaurant by construction crews. - Doug Sepanick (6271 Meadow Wood Lane) stated he purchased two houses at 1409 and 1415 Allen Street and requested their removal from the city's demolition list so he can rehabilitate them. Discussion Items - Administrative Report: DPW Director Charles Abbey updated that the Veterans Day Ceremony will be held November 11 at 11:00 AM. He reported that most projects are wrapping up for the season, with Davison Road from Genesee to Belsay nearly complete and improvements on Sitka Street finished. Coordination with the County Drain Commission resolved a storm drain issue. - Allen Street Homes: Councilman Heffner asked about the two homes on Allen Street. Mr. Abbey explained the previous owner had a buyer who pulled building permits, and recommended removing the homes from the demolition list to allow rehabilitation. The council agreed to add a new agenda item. - Travel Policy: Councilman Heffner objected to section 6.1 of the proposed City Council Travel Policy, which stated reimbursement required approval from the Mayor's Office. He argued the council is a separate branch of government. A motion to table the policy passed 4-3 (Miller, Heffner, Conley, Wright in favor; Fenner, Ellenburg, Johns against). City Attorney Odette clarified the intent was administrative, but the motion carried. Councilwoman Ellenburg noted an upcoming conference and expressed disappointment the policy was not adopted. - Fee Schedule: Councilman Heffner commented that some fees were still low. Mr. Abbey acknowledged they are below county counterparts but said they now cover service costs, and the schedule will be reviewed every two years. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and minutes of October 19, 2026 (7-0). - Approved payment of Attorney Odette invoice 1141 and 1142 for $2,518.00 (7-0). - Approved the mayor's reappointment of Thomas Gorang to the Planning Commission (term to November 2029) (7-0). - Approved the mayor's appointment of Jean Johnson to the Planning Commission (term to November 2029) (7-0). - Approved the 2026 City of Burton Fee Schedule as recommended by the Finance Committee (7-0). - Tabled the City Council Travel Policy (4-3) and sent it back to the Legislative Committee. - Approved the sale of seven city-owned parcels to Premier Properties Holdings: 1332 Martha Ave. ($21,750), 1373 Webber Ave. ($11,251), 2230 E. Judd Rd. ($7,201), 3334 E. Atherton Rd. ($10,001), 4150 Lapeer Rd. ($15,501), 5382 Sitka St. ($7,501), and 1429 Allen St. to Lawrence Green ($4,500) — all 7-0. - Authorized the City Clerk to set a public hearing for November 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM for the 2028-2030 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds (7-0). - Approved the removal of 1409 and 1415 Allen Street from the city's demolition list (7-0). Additional Announcements - Councilman Heffner thanked the Clerk and election workers for a smooth election day. - Council President Fenner reminded of the blood drive at the Fire Department on Black Friday. - Heffner announced the Veterans Honor Run on November 14 at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church; registration available at burtonraceseries.com. - Councilman Johns reported Beautify Burton received a grant for a community garden at Our Risen Lord Lutheran Church. - Councilwoman Conley noted positive feedback on new sidewalks and the Police and Fire Memorial. - Discussion occurred on T-Mobile and AT&T fiber optic work and the need for an ordinance on road standards for utility cuts.

The Burton City Council held its regular meeting on October 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included administrative reports, committee reports, public comments from representatives of the Greenbrier community and a local pastor, and approval of five action items. All action items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda as presented (motion by Councilwoman Ellenberg, support by Councilwoman Conley; carried) - Approval of the minutes from the October 5, 2026 regular meeting (motion by Councilwoman Miller, support by Councilwoman Conley; carried) Administrative Reports - The storm water management program reminder was read. - Three successful events were highlighted: Fire Prevention Day at Fire Station 2, Project Heat On (partnering with Goyette, servicing 40 homes), and the Trick-or-Treat Trail (well-attended with perfect weather). - The 50/50 match money for the road project has been fully used; remaining funds from upfront payments are being transferred to local streets, and continuation of the program would require additional funding. - Reminder that political signs in the right-of-way are being collected and can be retrieved at DPW. - Early voting begins Saturday, October 24, through November 1, from 9 AM to 5 PM at City Hall (different from absentee voting). Committee Reports - Friends of the Burton Library: Final book sale on Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM to 4 PM. - Legislative Committee: A draft travel policy was discussed; Council members requested time to review it, so it will be placed on the November 5 meeting agenda, with the policy distributed in advance. - Finance Committee: The proposed fee schedule updates were approved unanimously; will be addressed at the November 5 meeting. - Parks & Recreation Committee: The Trick-or-Treat Trail was a success; planning continues for Christmas events (Lunch with Santa and tree lighting). Public Comments & Testimony - Christopher Tuma (representing Greenbrier Community, owner): Introduced himself and described the community's growth from 93 homes (27% occupied in 2017) to over 170 new homes, with 720 residents including 254 children. They have added a gate and plan a daycare. They are seeking a resolution regarding TAP fees for the remaining 77 lots, which he said was an obstacle. He expressed appreciation for the city and requested a meeting with the mayor and administration. - Cassandra Willis (residing at 4128 Mulberry Lane, community manager): Stated that the community is well-maintained and safe, with 132 people on a waitlist. She noted many former residents are returning to Burton. She emphasized the goal of helping residents become homeowners. - Tony Denome (asset manager for Greenbrier, address 31270 Stafford Street, Beverly Hills, MI): Provided technical details on the TAP fee issue: the original developer built the water/sewer system in 1996, paying a $500 per lot tap fee. When Greenbrier purchased the community in 2017, no fees were shown owing, but later they were charged over $6,000 per lot for new connections. He argued the ordinance does not define "connection" clearly and asked for a meeting to resolve the matter. He noted that the fee ultimately impacts home affordability. - Pastor Martez Warren (senior pastor, Liberation Church/Church Without Walls Ministries, address 8489 Whatrich Drive, Davison): Announced the purchase of a building at 4075 East Atherton Road in Burton. He introduced the church and invited the council to upcoming events: Harvest Fest/Fall Fest on Saturday, October 24, from 12 PM to 3 PM, and the first worship service on Sunday, October 25, at 10 AM with a ribbon cutting at 9 AM. Council Discussion - Councilwoman Miller thanked the DAV for a generous candy donation for the Trick-or-Treat Trail and praised the event's organization and turnout. - In response to the Greenbrier representatives' request for a meeting with the mayor and city officials, Mayor Haskins confirmed that a meeting has already been arranged and can be scheduled through his office. Council Action (All items approved unanimously) 1. Approve and authorize payment of Attorney Billing (Odette), invoice 1139 & 1140, 10/1/26 to 10/14/26, in the amount of $2,360.00. (Motion by Councilwoman Conley, support by Councilwoman Miller; roll call vote 7-0) 2. Approve and authorize payment of Attorney Billing (Miller Johnson), invoice 2093050, 9/1/26 to 9/30/26, in the amount of $6,125.20. (Motion by Councilman Wright, support by Councilwoman Miller; roll call vote 7-0) 3. Approve and authorize the Adoption of MERS Benefits for MAFF (fire department 401A plan). (Motion by Councilwoman Conley, support by Councilwoman Miller; roll call vote 7-0) 4. Approve a budget amendment within the Local Street Fund: Increase 203-463-818.500 by $565,000; decrease Local Street Fund balance. (Motion by Councilman Hefner, support by Councilwoman Conley; roll call vote 7-0) 5. Approve a budget amendment within the Local Streets Fund: Increase 203-451-802.637 SAD Sitka Paving from $172,557.50 to $409,859; reduce 203-463-818.500 Road Repavement by $237,301.50. (Motion by Councilman Hefner, support by Councilwoman Miller; roll call vote 7-0) Meeting Adjournment The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. A reminder was given about the fire department's blood drive on Black Friday (November 27).

On October 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Burton Finance Committee convened to discuss and vote on a recommendation to the City Council regarding the updated 2026 fee schedule. The meeting was chaired by the Committee Chair, with members Mr. Johns, Mr. Wright, and Mrs. Conley present. The primary agenda item was the first comprehensive update to the city's fee schedule in approximately 14 years. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public offered comments during the designated Audience Participation period. Discussion Items - Administration Justification: An administration representative explained that many fees had not been updated in nearly 14 years. While acknowledging the tough economic climate, the representative stated that the city is not covering its costs for many services due to inflation, rising fixed costs, and increased labor costs. The city had previously managed by leaving positions unfilled and cutting overtime, but administration stated, "you can only kick it so far before you run out of kicks." - Clerk's Office Overview: The City Clerk reviewed changes to administrative fees, noting the goal was to better align with current costs and nearby jurisdictions. Key changes included raising copy fees from $0.50 to $2.00 per page, small map fees from $5 to $10, large map fees from $10 to $20, and notarization fees from $5 to $10. Peddler application fees increased from $30 to $50. The Clerk noted that non-profit organizations located within the city are exempt from peddler fees. - DPW and Other Departments: Mr. Abby presented changes for the Department of Public Works, Police, Fire, Assessor, and Treasurer. He highlighted that many fee increases were minimal (e.g., police accident reports from $5 to $7, deck permits from $25 to $35). A significant restructuring occurred in commercial plan review fees, moving from a flat fee to a tiered system based on square footage and construction costs. The Treasurer's NSF check fee was raised from $25 to $35 to match bank charges. - Competitive Position: Councilman Wright provided an analysis showing that even with the increases, Burton's fees remain competitive compared to neighboring communities such as Davidson Township and Graham Blank Township, and many increases are below the Consumer Price Index. - Future Review Schedule: The committee discussed the frequency of future fee schedule reviews. The administration recommended a review every two years to avoid large, painful adjustments. The committee agreed to aim for a Q1 review in February of 2028 to align with the city's budget preparation cycle. Key Outcomes - Vote on 2026 Fee Schedule: A motion was made to recommend the updated 2026 fee schedule to the City Council. The motion passed unanimously (3-0) with all members (Mr. Johns, Mr. Wright, Mrs. Conley) voting in favor. - Commitment to Future Reviews: The committee agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of fees every two years, with the next review planned for the first quarter of 2028 to inform the upcoming fiscal year budget.

The Burton City Council met on October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for former Police Officer Matthew Bade and Richard Bigsby, followed by an invocation led by Councilwoman Candice Miller. Councilmember John Wright was excused. The council unanimously approved all action items (6-0). Public comments covered fire hydrant maintenance, a minibike safety complaint, a formal complaint about police procedure, and questions about AI facilities. Council discussion focused heavily on potential data center developments, a clarification on the scope of the Dort Highway project, and enforcement against illegal minibikes. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as presented (Motion by Ellenburg, Conley; 6-0). - Minutes from the September 10, 2026 (Public Hearing and Regular Meeting) and September 21, 2026 (Public Hearing and Regular Meeting) were approved (Motion by Miller, Conley; 6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Dargel (6119 Hugh Street) inquired about citywide fire hydrant maintenance, specifically citing two hydrants on Court Street. - Sadonna Meyers (1495 Alberta Ave.) expressed gratitude to Tim Look, the Friends of the Library, and the city for recent improvements including the walking trail and road striping. - Debra Argue (4307 Fern Ave.) expressed strong concern about minibikes speeding (estimated up to 60 mph) on Fern Avenue and requested the city consider speed bumps to address the safety hazard. - Dave Martin (State Representative, 68th District) gave an update on the Dort Highway project. [Discrepancy noted: Mr. Martin’s comments suggested a broader corridor project. Mayor Haskins later clarified that the full reconstruction only covers the section in Grand Blanc Township, while Burton's section is only receiving pothole repairs.] - Donna Glann (1475 Ives Ave.) questioned the city's preparedness for AI/data center facilities, specifically referencing a Racer Trust property on Davison Road, and suggested the city form a committee to study the issue. - Stannette Amy (Attorney, 6128 E. Atherton) formally complained about being denied access to her client at a city facility by police officers, arguing this violated state law, and requested that the Burton Police Department be educated on the relevant statute. Discussion Items - Data Centers and Transparency: Council President Fenner raised the topic of potential data center proposals. Mayor Haskins stated that no data center company has formally approached the city and that no non-disclosure agreement has been signed by his administration. He emphasized the need for thorough education on the topic, distinguishing modern data centers from their older, more harmful reputation. He vowed to be transparent with the public, pledged to hold town hall meetings if proposals arise, and promised not to allow anything harmful to the community. Councilman Heffner supported this position, noting widespread misinformation on social media and the ubiquitous use of data centers via cell phones. - Dort Highway Project Scope Correction: Mayor Haskins corrected the record regarding the Dort Highway project, stating that the section of the road in Burton is only receiving pothole repairs, not the full resurfacing that is happening in Grand Blanc Township (from Maple to Saginaw). He expressed his disappointment and ongoing efforts to secure a full rebuild for Burton. - Minibike Enforcement: In response to a public complaint, Police Chief Ross detailed ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal minibike riders, including impounding vehicles, issuing citations, and conducting undercover operations with unmarked cars. He acknowledged the challenge of repeat offenders who build or purchase new bikes. - Legislative Meeting: The council scheduled a Legislative Meeting for October 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM, immediately preceding the Finance Committee meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved Legal Payment: Payment of Attorney Billing (Odette), invoices 1131 & 1132 (9/17/26 to 9/29/26), in the amount of $2,164.00. (Vote: 6-0) - Approved Stormwater Contract: Professional engineering services with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment (OHM) for a Stormwater Infrastructure Inventory / GIS Development and road cross culvert assessment, totaling $123,000.00. (Vote: 6-0) - Approved Sitka Street Contract: Construction staking services with ROWE Professional Services Company for the paving of Sitka Street, not to exceed $13,300.00. (Vote: 6-0) - Approved Resolution: Resolution 2026-12, accepting the fifth amendment to the Genesee County Phase II Regulations Storm Water Management System Contract. (Vote: 6-0) - Upcoming Events: Fire Prevention event (Oct 7), Project Heats On, Trick or Treat Trail (Oct 17), Dog Park Pupkin Fundraiser, and a free community laundry day (Oct 21) were announced. - Next Meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting is October 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM.