Burton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sidewalk obstructions and traffic safety on Bristol/Fern
A resident raised recurring complaints about vehicles blocking sidewalks and asked whether Burton should follow other municipalities on sidewalk snow removal and parking rules, suggesting signage.
MERS retirement benefits for firefighters
The mayor announced the city's pension system is now 72.5% funded, which he called very good news for the city's long-term finances.
Abandoned garage sale signage as blight
A board member counted feather flags at numerous businesses along Belsay and Center roads, most standing just feet from the right of way, and suggested the council may want to revisit the sign ordinance — either to allow them with strict rules or to push enforcement.
Foundation certification timing in building-permit process
Board discussion revealed the city doesn't require foundation certification before builders keep constructing — only before the certificate of occupancy. One member argued the process should be fixed so mistakes are caught before a full house goes up.
Loitering and security near Dort Hwy corridor hotel
Commissioners flagged loitering trouble around the hotel next to the store. The owner says he watches five cameras, disperses lingering visitors, and calls Burton Police when needed — and promised more lights and cameras if the pumps are built.
Mini-bike speeding on Fern Avenue
Constituents keep calling about ATVs on Morris Road around 3 p.m. The mayor's answer: call 911, not a council member — that's the only way police get dispatched.
Fire hydrant maintenance
A resident asked about the condition of hydrants citywide, noting two red-tagged hydrants on Court Street including one by the Bentley entrance.
Southmoor Golf Course clubhouse security
A resident again asked the city to fence and sign the abandoned Southmoor clubhouse before cold weather brings break-ins. City leaders said the property is private, so fencing is not the city's call — but demolition is coming if it ever becomes city responsibility.
Southmoor/DSB Golf clubhouse demolition
A resident urged the council to move forward with demolishing the vacant clubhouse at 4312 S. Dort Hwy, calling it a collapse and fire hazard. The owner has asked to demolish it with his own contractor within 90 days; the item was tabled at an earlier meeting.
Drug activity at 3509 Fern Avenue
Neighbors of a rental house at 3509 Fern described two years of suspected drug activity, fights, dangerous driving, and fear for children playing nearby. A neighboring resident also raised concerns about a registered offender at 3517 Fern.
Genesee and Davidson crosswalk signals
A resident flagged that the new crosswalk signals at Genesee and Davidson are installed but not yet operating. The commission chair noted pedestrians should still follow basic traffic laws in the meantime.
Back to the Bricks event follow-up
Burton hoped to host a Back to the Bricks Tune-Up Party on Saginaw Street, which could have brought car fans and business downtown. It looks like the city lost the bid — parking and road-closing logistics were too tough.
Blighted property at 4312 Dort Highway
A resident is pushing for immediate demolition of the old clubhouse at 4312 Dort Hwy, citing constant vandalism and safety risks.
MAFF firefighters contract (2026-2029)
The three-year contract covering roughly 39 part-time firefighters passed 4-3 after a fight over whether the labor attorney should have briefed the council first. Hiring and retention incentives remain separate from the union contract.
Nuisance/hazardous property hearings
Residents pushed back on complaint-driven code enforcement after bushes and wildflowers were flagged or cut. Council members debated whether the city should do proactive enforcement, with a heated exchange over the city's blight record.
Tires stored against Red Baron building on Center Road
A resident flagged tires sitting against the Red Baron building with no fire barrier, raising fire-safety concerns. Staff will send code enforcement and check with the fire department.
Covert Road strip mall condition
Complaints about a deteriorating strip mall at Covert Road and Davison prompted a request for code enforcement to visit the site.
Outdoor warning siren audibility
A resident says he could barely hear today's severe-weather siren from inside his home — he had to shut off his microwave just to hear it. He asked the city to note the problem.
Vacant Buildings and Code Enforcement in the District
A resident detailed plastic-bag litter at Walmart, the old Lowe's, Speedway and BP sites and asked whether the city requires businesses to clean up or can ban plastic bags. Council pointed to the May 2 Day of Service and Beautify Burton cleanups.
Retail fraud task force results
Fenner reported the retail fraud task force is working — other townships want to copy it, retailers are happier, and word is out that Burton takes shoplifting seriously.
Paramedic millage renewal
Dr. Benn urged the council to actively support the Genesee County paramedic millage renewal, saying losing 20-30 paramedics and sheriff's deputies is a real risk in the current economic climate.
Police Department Staffing
Burton leaders are considering adding a deputy police chief whose main job would be tackling violent crime. If approved, it would change how the department is run and add a new line to the city budget. The details—and the cost—aren’t settled yet.
Sheriff/Paramedic millage renewal on the August ballot
Dr. Melinda Benn urged the mayor and council to back the August Genesee County millage renewal that funds the Sheriff/Paramedic Division. She warned that without it, the community loses 30 paramedics and deputies.
New streetlight at Pear Tree and Belsay
A single streetlight will be added at Pear Tree and Belsay Road under the city's lighting contract with Consumers Energy, at about $230.
Police Department Budget & Capital Improvements
The council was scheduled to review the fire department's budget and its capital improvement needs. Outcomes would shape fire protection services and equipment for the whole city.
Attorney barred from nursing home, police called
Longtime Burton attorney Danette Amy says Burton police escorted her out of the Pines of Burton while she visited her client, with an officer saying he 'didn't know anything about' the mental health code. She asked the council to have the city attorney educate the police department that attorneys may visit clients.
Flint tent city near Center Road
Heffner flagged a large homeless encampment on Flint's side of Center Road off I-69; Mayor Haskins said MDOT is aware.
Handicap access to council meetings
Steve Heffner suggested opening the back door during packed meetings so wheelchair users don't have to rely on the aging elevator.
Residential dog-limit ordinance challenged at 5167 Lapeer Road
A resident asked to keep a fourth dog beyond the city's three-dog limit. She ended up putting the dog down mid-hearing, and the board denied the variance 0-7, keeping the ordinance standard intact.
Police Misconduct
A former Burton police officer is accused of embezzling from the department, which means public money and trust are on the line. It’s worth watching because it could affect city finances and how residents view local policing.
Police Department Lawsuit
Burton is facing a second federal lawsuit over its police department, and the city could end up paying a lot to resolve it. The case is also raising bigger questions about how the department is run and who’s accountable.
Police Lawsuit
A group of Burton police officers who were fired or demoted is suing city officials, and the case could end up costing taxpayers while raising questions about how the police department is run. If the lawsuit moves forward, residents may see legal costs and more scrutiny of city leadership.
Emergency Medical Services Contract
Burton just signed a contract with Medstar Ambulance to guarantee emergency response for residents. If you've ever worried about how long an ambulance might take, this deal aims to fix that.