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Burton committee approves minutes, discusses code-enforcement form and retail recruitment
Summary
Members of the Burton Economic Development Committee approved minutes and discussed creating a simple form for reporting property code violations, recent retail leads from Retail Strategies, and local business openings and roadwork that could affect recruitment efforts.
Members of the Burton Economic Development Committee approved committee minutes and spent the meeting discussing steps to strengthen local code enforcement, retail recruitment efforts and nearby road and development activity that could affect economic growth.
The committee approved the minutes from Oct. 21 and Jan. 21, 2025; the motion was moved by Mr. Welch (committee member) and supported by Mrs. Miller (committee member), and the chair called for the ayes before the motion passed. "No audience participation," the committee chair said as the meeting moved into committee discussion.
The committee chair said the group had received a confidential, positive email from Retail Strategies and allowed members to read it after the meeting rather than place it into the public record. Committee members described the news as "very positive," but gave no further public details about prospective retailers or specific project leads.
A recurring topic was code enforcement and how the committee can help. Members agreed to draft a simple form that citizens or committee members could use to report properties that may be nuisances or hazards to the building inspector or code-enforcement staff. Committee members emphasized that the town’s code enforcer acts largely on complaints and that a submission form should mirror the checklist staff use to evaluate properties so complaints can be routed and reviewed efficiently. The group discussed routing an initial draft through Skeeter and the mayor for formal review and approval.
Committee members also discussed several local development signals that they said could aid recruitment: the recent opening of a Costco store (members described long lines to sign up and shopping activity), a Home Depot presence in the area, an automotive repair or sales operation undergoing renovations, and broader commercial activity along Genesee Road and nearby exits. One member noted that a GM facility in the region is described on the company web page as employing about 1,000 people; members said they want the committee’s materials to highlight such local anchors for prospective businesses.
Members asked the city to investigate tax-incentive options to attract more businesses, with one member saying the city’s staff and resources could accomplish in weeks what the volunteer committee could not complete in months. The committee did not take formal action on tax policy; members said they would ask city staff (including Keith, by name in discussion) to pursue that research.
Other operational notes included a planning commission update: the commission is working on a master plan update and the committee suggested including current commercial highlights in outreach materials. Members also said Court Street, between Center and Genesee, is scheduled to be repaved this summer, which they characterized as a potential benefit to nearby businesses.
The meeting concluded with members agreeing to follow up on the enforcement form, circulate the Retail Strategies message internally, and request city staff research on tax incentives. The committee adjourned at approximately 5:54 p.m.
Votes at a glance — Minutes approved: Motion to approve minutes of Oct. 21 and Jan. 21, 2025 moved by Mr. Welch (committee member), supported by Mrs. Miller (committee member); outcome: approved (vote tallies not specified).
