About Burlington
CITY OF BURLINGTON’S GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE
Burlington was incorporated as a second class city on December 9, 1882.
The City operates under a non-partisan Mayor/Council form of government. The Mayor is elected on an at-large basis and serves a four-year term.
Six Council Members are elected by Ward (two representing each of three Wards) and serve four-year terms of office. An election for Council Members is held every odd-numbered year, with one representative from each of the three Wards being chosen each election. Ordinance 795 submitted Charter Ordinance #8 to be put on the April 5, 2011 election ballot. Charter Ordinance #8 passed by majority vote of the Electors. -Charter Ordinance #8, section 2.d states, ?Positions that become vacant during the course of the four-year term shall be filled by an eligible resident of the Ward in which the vacancy exists, following a majority vote of approval of the appointment by the Governing Body. However, if after thirty (30) days of the position becoming vacant, no eligible person in that Ward has expressed interest, the Governing Body may appoint a person from one of the other Wards with the understanding the interim Council Member shall not be eligible to be a candidate in the next election for that seat unless having obtained residency in that Ward.
The City Clerk is appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The City Clerk is responsible for the administration of the City’s finances, personnel, purchasing, budget, correspondence, utility service requests, utility billing and public relations.
OVERVIEW OF BURLINGTON
The City of Burlington is a progressive county seat town of approximately 2,800 people and it is growing. Burlington is large enough to offer a variety of activities and services, yet small enough to provide opportunities for person-to-person involvement. You can find all the modern improvements and conveniences found in most larger cities. The main business district is located at the center of the City and recently received a new face lift with the installation of new sidewalks, curbs, colonial street lights, trees, and the surfacing of the streets. Cross Centre Shopping Center is located at the north edge of the City.
Burlington is a classified as a second class city and is governed by a mayor and city council form of government. The governing body is very active in planning for the future. Zoning regulations are in place to guide for an orderly planned growth of the city. The city has three industrial sites located on the south side of the city. Sanitary sewer lines, electric and water services have been extended to areas for immediate use in new development. The City has continued to improve its street Network and 90% of the streets are paved. The Burlington Municipal Police Department provides around-the-clock security, traffic control, and animal control and works very closely with the Coffey County Sheriff’s Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol, both of which have offices in Burlington. The Coffey County Airport has a flight operations building, foot concrete runway (5,500′) and taxiways, a 20-unit T hangar, maintenance facilities, a Ground School, and flight instruction. Chartered flights are available.
For over a decade Burlington has held the honor of being designated a “Tree City USA” for more than a decade. People come from many miles around to use the many parks and recreation facilities in Burlington, including a large modern recreation center and aquatic center and two golf courses. Other Attractions: Burlington and the surrounding area have numerous businesses which are, in themselves, tourist attractions. Burlington has a modern museum and library. Various entertainment facilities, as well as motels and eating establishments are available.
Medical services available in Burlington include: 1) Coffey County Hospital and Coffey County Medical Center, modern facilities with a variety of specialists on the medical staff; 2) Burlington Health Care Center, a nursing unit; and 3)The Meadows, a newly built residential care facility, Also available are various pharmacies and other establishments to provide for medical needs.
Burlington and the surrounding area have many churches representing several denominations, and a variety of clubs and organizations.
Education is of utmost importance the Community. Burlington’s School District, USD 244, is comprised of around 1,000 students in grades K-12 and is served by a staff of 100 teachers, counselors, librarians and administrators, plus 25 special services staff members. The schools offer modern educational programs and extra curricular activities provided for the students and are completely air-conditioned. There are several Colleges, Vo-Tech Facilities, and Universities within short traveling distance of Burlington. Outreach Classes are also available.
Burlington has most everything a city can offer with a reasonable living cost to enhance industrial development and a friendly atmosphere for family living, free of present day problems so prevalent in the large cities.