Sour Lake Council strikes out local little league

SOUR LAKE — The Sour Lake City Council voted to terminate a decades-old lease with the local youth baseball and softball league, raising concerns about the future of the organization’s investments at Amico Park, while also returning Police Chief Aaron Burleson to full, normal duty following controversy surrounding a viral arrest video. Barton Sanders, president of the youth baseball and softball league, told council members the organization had spent months negotiating an updated agreement with the city. Sanders explained that the league had operated under a 1995 lease without a fixed expiration date, although either party could terminate the agreement with 30 days’ written notice. For decades, volunteers and families have invested money, labor and resources into developing the park. Sanders reported the league spent approximately $110,000 installing LED field lighting during the past two years alone. Under the city’s proposed agreement, permanent improvements and fixtures would remain city property, something Sanders argued failed to adequately protect the nonprofit organization’s investments. “We want to work with the city and maintain a positive relationship,” Sanders told the council. He urged officials to allow additional time for negotiations, emphasizing the league’s responsibility to protect its facilities for future generations of young athletes. Despite those concerns, council members approved a motion to formally terminate the 1995 agreement and adopt the latest proposed lease. Officials clarified that the decision would begin a 30-day termination period and would not interfere with ongoing baseball and softball activities. The council plans to revisit the matter in December. If a new lease has not been signed, members could consider adopting a park reservation policy. The meeting also drew a large crowd of residents supporting Burleson, whose actions during an arrest captured on video prompted criticism and an investigation by the Texas Rangers. Several speakers urged council members to stand behind the chief, citing his military service, law enforcement experience and years serving the Sour Lake community. Heather Weybright defended Burleson’s character and questioned whether videos circulating on social media accurately represented the entire incident. “He would take the shirt off of his back for anyone,” Weybright said. “He is a kind soul.” Weybright also emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement officers. “We need to back the people we call when we need help,” she said. Another resident encouraged council members to allow the investigation to proceed before reaching conclusions, while acknowledging officers should be held accountable for wrongdoing. Following public comments, council members entered executive session to consult with legal counsel and discuss personnel matters. Burleson was subsequently fully reinstated to normal duty as Sour Lake police chief. The decision allows Burleson to resume his regular responsibilities while the controversy surrounding the arrest continues to draw public attention. The meeting highlighted two significant issues facing the community, with residents expressing concerns about the future of youth recreation facilities and support for local law enforcement.