Burlton council delays public safety vote to December 7

Burlington city councilors voted 9-3 on Monday night to delay a decision on a controversial public safety resolution. The council set December 7 as the new date for further consideration of the measure.

The resolution was introduced three months ago by Democratic councilors to address safety concerns in the city's downtown area. Progressive members of the council have strongly opposed the proposal, arguing it will cause more problems than it solves.

Before the next hearing, the mayor, the council president, and two caucus chairs will meet as an ad hoc committee. This group is tasked with reviewing the issue and reporting back to the full council.

Council members expressed mixed reactions to the delay. Progressive Councilor Melo Grant questioned the committee's mandate, stating, "I want to have an understanding so what we've had and what we've talked about is a lack of communications, a lack of coordination and a lack of due diligence from some committees. So what is this committee going to report back on."

Council President Ben Traverse, a Democrat, warned that a quick final vote could lead to a veto. He noted, "Pushing this to a final vote is teeing up a showdown where if I was in the Mayor's shoes I will veto this resolution where it stands right now and then it goes nowhere."

Residents attended the Monday session to speak during the public comment period. The council will reconvene on December 7 to hear the ad hoc committee's findings.