Burton City Council Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

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.