Burton City Council Regular Meeting - October 19, 2026

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).