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.