Fraser · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fraser public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.