Fraser · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fraser public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Where meeting notices get published
Planning Commission Chairman Randy Warunek blasted the city for publishing hearing notices only in the Macomb Daily instead of the widely read Fraser Chronicle, saying residents are being kept in the dark. Fletcher suggested putting notices back in the Chronicle.
Home-Based Business License Fee
A new $100 two-year fee for people running small businesses from home — pet groomers, salons, consultants — passed 5-2. Critics called it unenforceable overreach; supporters called it a fair cost of inspections that protect neighbors.
Rec department budget request: staffing, hours, and software
The commission keeps circling the same problem: there's no software to take event fees online, so free events suffer no-shows and non-residents can't be filtered out. A Civic Plus quote of about $10,600 plus $5,000 annually will be pitched to council in May.
Restoring Fraser youth sports and recreation programs
A first step toward restoring youth recreation: a six-week soccer program for ages 3-12 starting around June 8, costing families about $60 per child. It's just an idea being worked out — the hardest part may be finding instructors — but it's the first programming in years.
PA 33 Police and Fire Millage and Budget Surplus
The council kept the police/fire tax at 1.5 mills even though the city is holding over $3 million above its 25% reserve target. Two council members say that's taxing for taxing's sake; the majority says aging roads and pipes plus a shaky economy make it smart budgeting.
Collective Bargaining Strategy
Council met privately for half an hour with the city's labor attorney on union negotiations — notably the police union contract that expires at year-end.
FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar
The city's proposed budget spends about $18 million from the general fund with millage rates going down slightly. Big-ticket items include finishing the industrial park roads, pension/OPEB obligations of $54 million combined, and proposed staffing additions like a full-time code enforcement officer.
Council Rule on Phones During Meetings
Council debated whether members can use phones and email during meetings. The 4-3 vote rescinded the rule, so members can now use devices freely — supporters say it improves responsiveness; critics worry about transparency.
Free events and registration fees debate
Free events like Family Fun Night sell out in under 24 hours, leaving people scrambling and the city eating costs. Delmele and commissioners keep circling whether to charge nominal fees or use Eventbrite before recreation software arrives — but government payment methods and resident verification complicate it.
2026 CDBG nonprofit funding
Fraser's federal block grant money is going to four nonprofits serving survivors of domestic violence, abused children, low-income seniors, and families facing homelessness. Council debated whether allocations must be in $2,000 increments before landing on $7,750 total.
2026 work plan — master plan review and TIF authority
The coming year's goals include reviewing the 2021 master plan, creating a TIF authority (likely a corridor improvement authority), continuing sidewalk plan implementation, and finishing the zoning update by mid-year.