Fraser · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fraser public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Public safety leadership and Cornell University civil case
Filling the DPS captain vacancy was pulled from the agenda until next month.
Police Radio Replacement and Encryption Mandate
Fraser's police radios are nearly 20 years old and can't be repaired, and the state is moving to encrypted radios. Council approved about $401,000 for new Motorola radios at a 35% discount rather than waiting on a countywide purchase that may never come.
Kratom Sales Ban
Higgins flagged that gas stations and party stores in Fraser sell Kratom and synthetic 7-OH products with no age checks or ID requirement, and suggested the city consider its own rules since state legislation may stall.
Code enforcement fines and fee schedule updates
Board members pressed staff about adding escalating fines for repeat ordinance violations and a new inspection fee for home-based businesses. Repeat code violations currently burn staff time with no escalating penalty, and a fee for the new home-based business license requirement is headed to council in September.
Autism awareness window stickers for first responders
A commissioner whose grandson has autism asked whether Fraser Public Safety could offer car window stickers alerting first responders, like Canton does. The coordinator will follow up with the public safety director.
Flock safety cameras contract
A resident asked whether a neighbor's camera aimed at her backyard is legal. The city attorney said there's nothing in local ordinances to stop it — it's a private dispute until state law catches up with automated recording.
Fees and fines for code violations
The city attorney explained how Fraser uses fees and escalating fines ($150 up to $1,000) to push residents to fix code violations like tall grass and property maintenance issues — and how hard it is to enforce when disputes are between neighbors. Council took no action; this was groundwork for possible future policy changes.
Ambulance Transport Fees — Paying Twice?
The city's billing company laid out the numbers: waiving resident co-pays and deductibles would cost the city only about $130,000 a year. Council Member Baranski sees a path to waive resident charges while raising non-resident rates to break even — no decision yet.
Police Shooting Investigation
Fraser police officers have been cleared by the sheriff in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy. It’s a big local story because people were watching whether anyone would be held accountable. The decision closes one review but likely won’t end community questions.
Police Shooting
A Fraser police officer fatally shot a 15-year-old during a domestic dispute call. Expect demands for transparency and a possible police review, and this will dominate local civic conversations.
Priority Waste Service and Ownership Change
Every council member slammed Priority Waste's service — damaged carts, slow replacements — but the contract forced approval of its new ownership. The message to the new owners: improve dramatically before the next bid or lose Fraser's business.
Police Patrol Vehicle Replacement
Scout car #32 hit 131,000 miles and is at the end of its service life; council replaced it with a new 2026 Ford Police Interceptor capped at $75,000.
Firefighter Air Pack Shortfall
When the city bought new Scott air packs last year, spare cylinders got left out — leaving truck one short on bottles during mutual aid calls. Council approved two more packs and seven cylinders, offset $5,000 by selling the old gear to Livonia.
Property Maintenance Code Update
Fraser's property maintenance code is from 2000 and lacks modern requirements like carbon monoxide detectors. Council wants an upgrade but needs to pick the right edition to avoid conflicting with state codes.
December 7 traffic stop and ICE detention of Fraser student
A routine traffic stop of a Fraser teenager led to him and his mother being taken into federal immigration custody and held in Texas, despite pending asylum cases and the mother's valid Michigan license. Higgins said the bodycam shows our officers did their job but the Border Patrol agent's conduct was alarming; speakers split on whether the council should act.