Burton City Council Regular Meeting – September 10, 2026

This is the summary of the Burton City Council regular meeting held on September 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 4303 S. Center Road, Burton, MI 48519. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Council President Gregory Fenner. All seven council members were present. Mayor Duane Haskins provided administrative reports covering ongoing infrastructure projects, grant funding, and upcoming events. Council members approved seven action items unanimously (7-0), including appointments, contracts, and a budget amendment. Public comments addressed demolition of a clubhouse, traffic safety, and neighborhood concerns.

Consent Calendar

• All agenda items were approved as presented, including seven sets of minutes from the August 17, 2026 special and regular meetings (all approved 7-0).
• The consent calendar motion was made by Council Member Ellenburg with a second by Council Member Miller; all voted yes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Dargel (6119 Hugh Street) requested that the city un-table demolition of the Southmoor clubhouse (4312 South Dort), citing it as a public hazard that could collapse. He also requested the Police Chief state the department's policy on Flock cameras.
• Nicole Ferguson (8049 E. Bristol Road, Davison), representing For-mar park, thanked the city for a new sidewalk connecting Kelly Lake to For-mar. She reported seeing a “huge return on that investment” with increased trail usage.
• Joan Lee (2259 E. Bristol Road, Burton) requested traffic control near Bendle School at the Bristol and Fern intersection. Her home has been struck by vehicles twice in three years, and she expressed concerns about speeding trucks, semis, four-wheelers, and motorcycles running the light.
• Darren Sears (3513 Fern Avenue, Burton) described ongoing drug activity at a rental property (3509 Fern Avenue), stating the house is operated by a “slumlord.” He reported no sleep for two years, refused police response, and safety risks to children. He bought a firearm and security cameras for protection.
• Hailey Sutcliff (3512 Fern Avenue, Burton) echoed concerns about 3509 and 3517 Fern Avenue, including drug activity, blocked mailboxes, and a registered sexual predator at 3517 Fern Avenue near a school. She also reported reckless dirt bike riding on the street.

Discussion Items

• Administrative Reports (Mayor Haskins):
  • Center Road water main project is continuing and expected to be complete before winter.
  • Burton Estates road re-paving will begin soon; letters to residents will go out next week.
  • Police and Fire Memorial is nearing completion.
  • Fire Prevention Open House: October 7, 2026 (Wednesday), 5:00–8:00 PM at Fire Station 2.
  • Blood Drive: September 11, 2026 (tomorrow) at Fire Station 2; sign-up on American Red Cross website.
  • Project Heats On (furnace cleaning/repair assistance) applications due October 2, 2026; event on October 16, 2026. Applications available on city website and at City Hall.
  • The city received $421,000 from the “new gas tax.” The mayor expressed uncertainty whether marijuana revenue is included and stated he has concerns because Burton opted into marijuana sales and may lose some of its approximately $600,000 in marijuana dividends if the law changed.
  • Requested scheduling of a Finance Meeting to discuss updated fee structures, noting the DPW department is “way behind.”
• Committee Reports:
  • Council Member Johns reported that the Parks & Recreation Committee met and is planning holiday events.
  • Council Member Ellenburg reported the 911 Consortium General Membership Meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum; the Executive Board met and is settling 911 operator contracts with salary increases of 2%, 2%, and 3%.
• Council Discussion:
  • Council Member Johns announced that an expectant mother in Burton signed up for RxKids, with a positive experience. He thanked the Clerk and administration for publicizing the program.
  • He also announced a free laundry program (“Loads of Love”) by Families and Children Together (FACT): Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Everclean Laundry (Center Road, north of Meijer). Families can get up to three free loads of washing and drying.
• Council Action Items (all passed 7-0):
  1. Payment of Attorney Odette invoices 1127 and 1128 (8/13/26–9/2/26) for $5,244.75.
  2. Reappointment of Erica Edgington to the Planning Commission (term expires September 2029). Council Members Heffner and Fenner voiced support, calling her a “good commissioner.”
  3. Employment agreement with Jody Grant as Deputy Police Chief, effective September 10, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Council President Fenner expressed impression of Grant.
  4. Professional engineering contract with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) for safety improvements at Belsay and Potter Road intersection, not to exceed $95,795.00.
  5. Construction contract with Zito Construction for paving of Sitka Street, amount $359,893.00.
  6. Authorization for the City Clerk to set a second public hearing for Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM (or later) at City Hall, to hear comments on improvements and special assessments for Sitka Street Project #26-009-P. Council Member Heffner noted approval of the earlier time (6:30 PM vs. 5:30 PM).
  7. Budget amendment within the Major Streets Fund: Increase Safety Project Belsay & Potter by $100,000; decrease Fund Balance by $100,000. Council Member Heffner commented the safety improvements have been needed for 30–40 years.

Key Outcomes

• All seven action items were approved unanimously (7-0).
• A second public hearing for the Sitka Street special assessment district is scheduled for September 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
• Council and administration committed to follow up on public concerns: traffic control at Bristol and Fern, police response to drug activity on Fern Avenue, Flock camera policy, and potential demolition of the Southmoor clubhouse.
• The mayor’s request for a finance meeting to address fee structures (especially in DPW) is pending scheduling.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM.