Residents urge caution as council presses travel-trailer ordinance enforcement

Mayor Karen Buck and council members discussed enforcement of Ordinance No. 20180910B, which prohibits long-term living in recreational vehicles within Burton city limits, after two residents raised concerns during public comment and councilmembers reported on-site inspections.

Resident Susie Tommaney told council she appreciated their work and asked officials to be "mindful in the enforcement of the ordinance," warning that strict enforcement could render a small number of residents homeless. Joe Babb also spoke about nuisance parking behind the White Horse Tavern and said he parks a box trailer in front of his rental home to deter tavern patrons from leaving litter on his lawn.

Councilmember Jeff Eckhardt reported that a travel trailer on a private property appeared to have a 4-inch drain pipe and a garden-hose water connection. After discussing options, council voted to send the property owner another letter giving 30 days to comply with the ordinance before referring the matter to the city attorney. Mayor Buck said the city would contact Bridge Ministry to inquire about social assistance for the occupant. In an email included in the meeting packet, Eckhardt wrote: "I sympathize with Ernest and his situation," and said he had urged the occupant to pursue a faster solution.

Council and staff emphasized the sequence of enforcement steps: a "Hi Neighbor" letter; certified notice from the city attorney if noncompliance continues; and, ultimately, municipal-court action if necessary. The council did not adopt any new ordinance language at the meeting; the City Secretary indicated she was preparing further research before bringing changes forward.