Burton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Residential street parking conflicts
Narrow south-end streets with cars parked on both sides create sight-line hazards for drivers backing out of driveways, and council members report near-misses. The committee learned parking restrictions come via traffic control orders adopted by the full council, addressed street by street.
Kelly Lake to For-Mar community walk and trail connectivity
The council hired Elexco Land Services to negotiate the four easements MDOT requires for the Iron Belle Trail — a resident asked whether landowners were contacted earlier in the design process.
Montcalm and Day Street paving / special assessment district
Residents petitioned to pave Sitka Street from gravel to asphalt, and the city will chip in a 50% match. Property owners in the district get a May 4 public hearing before costs are assessed.
Burton Estates subdivision repaving
Council Member Tina Conley thanked DPW crews for grinding through days of pothole filling. DPW Director Abbey said snow, rain and freeze-thaw cycles are wreaking havoc on roads, even newer ones — though he noted conditions are far better than five years ago.
Belsay Road railroad crossing reopening
Belsay Road will close for about two weeks while the Canadian National crossing is rebuilt — plan alternate routes.
MTA Bus Stop
The Jolson and Saginaw bus shelter was replaced with a modified version that offers less protection, and at least one business wanted shelters removed over drug activity complaints.
Winter salt costs surge
With a heavy winter driving up salt and overtime costs, officials expect they'll likely need a budget transfer by year's end for snow removal, after three mild winters.