BURTON CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES RV PARKING IN CITY, POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIP WITH VET CLINIC
The Burton City Council on Wednesday offered its input on how to handle an RV inside city limits that is receiving city utilities.
During a workshop session, councilmembers reviewed the city’s ordinance that regulates the parking, storage and use of recreational vehicles, utility trailers and livestock transport trailers of property owners within the city. The discussion revolved around an RV that has been hooked up to the city’s sewer system and had a resident living in it for over 30 days.
Burton Mayor Karen Buck said since the city’s ordinance is not being followed here, a letter was sent to the property owner, but the city never received word back. Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Eckhardt then visited with the resident in the RV, who explained that they are not able to move right now and are in a difficult situation.
The council spoke on the need to move the RV, for the purpose of ordinance compliance and in order to prevent any possible health or safety issues, but they also acknowledged that they wanted to maintain some compassion.
While no formal action was taken, the council agreed to send a follow-up letter to the property owner about the RV, indicating the possibility of getting the city attorney involved if the RV is not moved. It also proposed connecting the resident with the Burton Bridge Ministry to offer resources and assistance if needed.
Also during the workshop, the council reviewed a potential agreement with Burton Veterinary Clinic regarding “Feral Cat Friday”, a program for neutering and spaying feral cats in the community. Buck said Dr. Brandon Schulte of the vet clinic spoke with the city about the possibility of partnering to help provide equipment for capturing animals and partial reimbursement for services rendered.
The council voiced interest in exploring a partnership, but several details will still need to be ironed out, such as verifying residency in the city for those who wish to participate in the program and determining what the city would be able to contribute financially toward it.
In other business, the council:
- Removed an item from the agenda concerning an ordinance for specific exemptions to permitting fees, as described in the occupational licenses and business regulations ordinance of 2001. The topic was originally discussed during the council’s October meeting, with City Secretary Angela Harrington saying at the time that the permit fees originally helped cover the city’s cost of providing security at events, but the city no longer provides security. Harrington on Wednesday said the city needs to revisit the ordinance completely.
- Agreed to pay a third of the cost of four or more Plasticade break-away barricades for local Cotton Gin, Chamber of Commerce and city events. The total cost is $2,911, with the city’s portion being $970.
- Approved a resolution adopting the Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Passed a resolution providing for votes allocated to Leslie Boehnemann and Haley Kalkhake for the election of members to the Washington County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
- Approved a proclamation recognizing November 29th as Small Business Saturday.