BURTON CITY COUNCIL AGAIN VOTES DOWN SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE

  

For the second time in as many months, the Burton City Council has rejected the adoption of a proposed subdivision ordinance.

The council on Tuesday voted 3-2 against the ordinance, with members voting the same way they did at January’s meeting.  The ordinance, drafted for the purpose of governing the subdivision of land and plats within the city of Burton, was brought back for a second vote because of some councilmembers having questions about the effect of their original vote. 

Councilmembers Paul McLaughlin, Jeff Eckhardt and Tommie Gilmon were in opposition, while Nathan Kalkhake and Macey Tidwell were in favor.  

One change suggested during last month’s council meeting was included in the proposed ordinance to guarantee all existing platted lots would be in compliance, but any new construction on the lots or portions sold off of them would need to adhere to the ordinance. 

Gilmon felt the rules would be too strict on landowners and prevent them from doing as they please with their property.

Mayor Karen Buck said right now, the city has no say in ensuring new residents have access to water and sewer, and that this ordinance is meant to safeguard against development that would be too taxing on the city.

The council’s vote came after a public hearing with comments from four residents who expressed concerns or disapproval of the ordinance.  Some were worried that the restrictions would prevent people from building or making improvements due to lot size, while others believe that the city’s water situation would be enough of a deterrent to unwanted development.