BURTON CITY COUNCIL HOLDS WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS BALLPARK USE, ECONOMIC SURVEY, SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE

  

Burton City Councilmembers met for two hours in a workshop session on Tuesday to discuss and receive updates on several ongoing projects.

Councilmembers heard news about the city’s efforts to establish an agreement with Burton Friends and Neighbors for the use of the ballpark.  They also talked about how to formulate a survey to get residents’ opinions on city services and economic development opportunities.  In addition, they worked through the options available in crafting a possible subdivision or land division ordinance.

First up for the council was the ballpark use agreement.  Mayor Karen Buck said land was donated over 20 years ago to the city to build the ballpark, which is operated by Burton Friends and Neighbors.  However, a formal agreement does not exist between the two parties, so one is being created to address any potential liabilities and for laying out who is responsible in certain scenarios, such as crime or damage.

Buck said she and Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Kalkhake met recently with Burton Friends and Neighbors and had a “fruitful discussion”.  The agreement is not expected to be ready by next month, but possibly in October. 

Next was the economic survey to determine what the public wants for the future of Burton.  Councilmember Jeff Eckhardt said he personally posted a survey on his Facebook page and in the Burton Chamber of Commerce newsletter, receiving almost 50 responses. 

Buck suggested that the city’s own survey not go out until early next year, so that residents are not exhausted by too many surveys at once.  She also said the survey needs to focus on how to improve quality of life in terms of making services better or more accessible, or adding amenities such as a grocery store, car wash, laundromat or gym.

The last topic to address was the subdivision ordinance, which drew comments at the beginning of the meeting from some citizens who were concerned that the ordinance could restrict their ability to sell property and could stifle development without a larger plan in place. 

Buck said the goal of the ordinance is to create a safe and orderly way to develop the city further while protecting the available land and managing the city’s water supply and water/sewer infrastructure.  Eckhardt said it is important not to rush through when creating the ordinance.

Discussion primarily consisted of councilmembers considering individual aspects of the ordinance, though there was talk about the potential creation of a planning commission made up of appointed members who would, similar to the Brenham Planning and Zoning Commission, review land plats and variance requests and make recommendations to the council. 

A public hearing will be held once the draft ordinance is ready.