Fraser · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fraser public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
College Avenue pavement failure
A resident reported to Councilmember Perry that newly repaved College Avenue west of Utica is sinking and has cracked driveways residents paid $1,500 each to fix.
Cyril Avenue street and storm sewer condition
A collapsed storm sewer on Cyril has already been excavated by DPW, and a resident warned the council to replace culverts and storm drains during planned street work or risk repeating the damage from heavy garbage trucks.
15 Mile Road lift station repair
The lift station serving three commercial properties has electrical problems that may need about $5,000 in emergency repairs to prevent flooding.
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.
Proposed Pet Sanctuary
A resident proposes a privately funded pet memorial in McKinley Park or Steffen Park where grieving pet owners can reflect and heal. It would cost taxpayers nothing, but the City Council still has to approve it, and Steffen Park's upcoming redesign could complicate that site.
America 250 celebrations and summer events
The Recreation Department is busy this season: joining the Public Safety Open House on October 18, Trunk or Treat on October 24, and putting on Christmas in Fraser December 5 with fire performers, Santa and a tree lighting.
Senior Housing Exterior Improvements
Fraser's senior housing is getting all-new siding, fascia and gutters for up to $512,010 — paid from the complex's own enterprise fund, not the general budget. It caps off recent window, parking lot and door upgrades.
Sidewalk Repair Costs and Tree Damage Policy
Councilmember Schornak called out property owners whose untrimmed trees block sidewalks, forcing kids to bike into the street, and asked DPW to help address trees on city property.
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.
Mister Car Wash monument sign variance at 34625 Utica Road
The ZBA will soon consider whether Mister Car Wash can build a 91-square-foot monument sign when city rules only allow 67.89 square feet. The planner's report found no exceptional hardship justifying the 34% oversize, but the ZBA will make the final call.
Vendor market struggles with attendance
The last vendor market of the season runs Sept. 12, but foot traffic stays low even though vendors love the free booths. The coordinator is banking on new banners and marketing to decide next year whether the market is worth the city's time and money.
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.
Senior bus service expansion to Fridays
Senior programming is booming — Easter party sold out at 45, Tigers games sold out for both April and September, and a new 2025 bus allows an extra rider. A spring bingo with household-prize items returns April 24.
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.
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.
Variances for tax-delinquent property owners
Planning Commissioner Frank Farina wants the city to deny variances to applicants who are behind on their property taxes, saying the steering committee already agreed to that principle. Council didn't act on it tonight.
Redevelopment of Vacant Utica Road Building
Board members flagged the deteriorating former Dairy Queen. The owner applied for a demolition permit but left without paying for it, and there's talk of gutting the building into a shell for a new tenant; an ongoing court case limits what the city can say.
HVAC showroom conversion at 32540 Utica Road
A seven-duplex, 14-unit condo project got a one-year extension because construction costs and trade shortages have stalled it. The developer's five-to-six-month delays on a Warren house project illustrate why he wanted two years, but the commission stuck with one to keep the project in front of it.
GLWA Wholesale Water Contract
Council approved an amendment locking in lower usage factors with the Great Lakes Water Authority — annual volume down from 69,000 to 60,028 million cubic feet — which should temper future wholesale rate increases starting July 2027.
Planning and building services outsourcing RFP
Council is outsourcing planning and building department services via RFP, with bids due September 21 and final approval expected in November.
Drinking water protection — cross connection control
Confusing state-required backflow testing letters frustrated residents. The city pushed the deadline to June 30, moved residential irrigation testing to a five-year cycle, and promised plainer language on social media.
Recreation Commission board size and quorum
The commission is down to four or five seated members with three vacancies, and one member can't make next month's meeting — which would drop attendance below quorum and force a reschedule.
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.
Citywide curb appeal contest and tree planting
Residents can enter the red, white and blue curb appeal contest through July 12, with voting at the city picnic. A community tree planting happens June 6, funded by the Consumers Energy Foundation through Relief Michigan.
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.