The City of Fraser City Council met on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 10:16 PM and included presentations on the Steffens Park Master Plan, capital improvement projects, several contract approvals, and public comments regarding a community garden controversy. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 8, 2026 City Council meeting minutes. - Received board/commission meeting minutes and the Historical Commission newsletter. - Approved transfer of delinquent payments to winter taxes. - Approved Holly Charest’s application for additional service credit purchase. - Approved a Letter of Understanding with TPOAM establishing the Senior Clerk – Public Safety classification. - Received check disbursements and revenue/expenditure reports. Public Comments & Testimony - Deanna Reiner (15569 Luxembourg) – Lifetime resident leaving Fraser. Asked that the city prioritize public safety, noting the loss of PSOs and a failed PA 33 tax increase. Expressed concern that a larger park would require more police/EMT resources. Suggested residents might use Roseville’s free splash pad instead. Questioned water usage costs for a splash pad given the city’s water contract with Great Lakes Water Authority. - Vanya Apps (31641 York Street, past president, Fraser First Booster Club) – Supported the park master plan, saying a walking path would bring people to the park. Urged the council to start with a phase, noting that McKinley Park started similarly with a $350,000 grant. Stated “Fraser needs to do something” to retain residents and attract families. - Annie St. Clair (Warren resident) – Criticized Mayor Lesich’s involvement with Urban Seed, alleging collusion and silencing of volunteers in the South Warren Community Garden. Called for the Mayor to step down from the Urban Seed board. - Stephanie Scott – Described volunteering with her daughter at East Point and South Warren gardens. Expressed disappointment with Mayor Lesich’s conduct and asked him to step down from the Urban Seed board. - Deanna Reiner (again) – Thanked public safety and DPW. Asked about previous $8,000 from farmers market for a dog park, a pet rainbow bridge, and the status of $50,000 from Sheets. Complained about being blocked from the Enough Facebook page and lack of transparency. Asked about conflict of interest with Mayor Lesich and Councilmember O’Dell on the Fraser First Booster Club board. - Katie Donnelly (East Point resident, volunteer at gardens) – Detailed allegations of a hostile takeover of Urban Seed’s board by Mayor Lesich and others. Claimed statistical evidence of collusion. Called for the Mayor to resign from the board. - Jeff Matthews (co-founder, chair, South Warren Community Garden) – Described a scheme to seize control of Urban Seed and alleged that Mayor Lesich and John Hoffman colluded to vote off volunteers. Stated the gardens are on strike. Asked the city to investigate. - Zachary Carrick (administered 2026 board election, analyzed voting data) – Presented data showing collusion. Accused Mayor Lesich of not volunteering at gardens and taking control of the nonprofit for reputational gain. Asked the Mayor to resign from Urban Seed. - Laura Lesich (15201 Fairview) – Defended volunteering and the city’s progress. Announced upcoming events including Christmas in Fraser and Beautification Club meetings. Supported the park plan. - Ken Immler (Hawk Industrial) – Thanked council for completing the industrial park road project, calling it “shockingly perfect.” Discussion Items - Steffens Park Master Plan Presentation (Item 7a) – AEW consultants presented an eight-phase, $20 million preliminary plan (not construction-ready) based on community survey feedback. Phases include parking, walking loop, splash pad, Fort Fraser renovation, amphitheater, and bridges. Council discussion centered on costs, phasing, maintaining the carnival/fireworks, Fort Fraser replacement, and stormwater management. The plan was received and filed; no motion was taken. - 2025 Capital Improvement Program Update (Item 7b) – Ashley presented water main and storm sewer replacement for Elity, Schoolcraft, Redetta, Cyril, and Linden streets. A new water main on Hanover Street (serving 5 homes) was added at an estimated $500,000 (water main only $330,000). Total project cost about $7 million, with $5 million from the general fund. Council also discussed standardizing street widths and removing unpermitted pavement in rights-of-way. Motion passed 5-0 to approve the project including Hanover and full storm sewer replacement. - Residential Cross Connection Contract Extension (Item 7c) – Approved a three-year extension with Hydro Corp for $129,730 (first year $44,415, with 4% annual increases). Motion passed 5-0. - City Hall Boiler Repairs (Item 7d) – Approved Ingersoll Mechanical quote of $10,352 to complete repairs. Motion passed 5-0. - State-Required Elevator Upgrades (Item 7e) – Approved City Elevator of Michigan proposal of $37,500 for elevator safety upgrades at City Hall and Senior Housing. Motion passed 5-0. - Planning Commission Recommendation on Building Services (Item 7f) – After discussion, council voted 5-0 to direct administration to negotiate a one-year contract with the City of Roseville Building Department for $185,728, effective January 1, 2027, subject to contract details. - Planning Commission Recommendation on Planning Services (Item 7g) – Council heard from three firms: McKenna (incumbent), Wade Trim, and Giffels Webster. After presentations and public comment, council voted 5-0 to award a one-year planning services contract to Wade Trim. Key Outcomes - Steffens Park Master Plan: Received and filed; no immediate funding or action. Council emphasized it is a “vision” and not a commitment. - Capital Improvement Program: Approved (5-0) the full project including Hanover water main and storm sewer replacement on multiple streets. Construction targeted for summer 2027. - Residential Cross-Connection Contract: Approved (5-0) Hydro Corp extension at $129,730 over three years. - City Hall Boiler Repairs: Approved (5-0) $10,352 to Ingersoll. - Elevator Upgrades: Approved (5-0) $37,500 to City Elevator of Michigan. - Building Services: Approved (5-0) directing administration to negotiate with Roseville for $185,728/year, one-year contract beginning January 1, 2027. - Planning Services: Approved (5-0) awarding a one-year contract to Wade Trim. - Closed Session: Council voted to enter closed session to consult with the city attorney on a written legal opinion. After closed session, council voted to direct the attorney as discussed. Meeting adjourned at 10:16 PM. Election Update City Clerk reported a 60.36% voter turnout in Fraser for the recent election. Early voting and absentee ballots accounted for about one-third of votes. Precinct 5 had 70% turnout. The clerk thanked staff and DPW for support. Public Safety City Manager reported that a police vehicle involved in a pursuit-related accident was totaled; a replacement will be pursued.