St. Clair Shores · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Clair Shores public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Flock surveillance camera contract concerns
Twelve residents plus multiple council members opposed the city's 12 Flock cameras, citing hacks, FBI data access, and misuse in other cities. The council directed all cameras be bagged for six months, with a final decision in March 2027.
Board member resignation creates vacancy
Long-serving member Dennis DeWulf is stepping down but will stay until a replacement is found. There's an open question about whether his seat must be filled by an architect.
Police in-car radio replacement
The police department completed its multi-year radio modernization project with 12 new Kenwood radios, since the old Motorola units can't meet new encryption and Phase 2 requirements.
13 Mile Road damaged house demolition
The tree-crushed house at 23105 13 Mile finally sold and is set for demolition — but utility clearances from DTE and Consumers are dragging, frustrating council.
Dog leash enforcement reminder
After an off-leash dog darted into traffic recently, Rusie reminded residents the city's ordinance requires dogs to be leashed off your property — police can educate and cite.
School resource officer for Lake Shore
An 85th police officer will be assigned full-time to Lake Shore schools, funded mostly by a $130,000 state grant with the district covering the gap. Parents get an extra layer of security.
Social District age restriction after 8 p.m.
After a 'teen takeover' incident with smoke bombs and firecrackers, the council required anyone under 18 to be with a parent or guardian after 8 p.m. at Social District events. Critics said it punishes responsible teens and is unenforceable with two officers on site.
Ambulance Equipment Maintenance Agreement
The fire department's five ambulances rely on Stryker power stretchers and loaders. The two-year, $33,731 agreement covers preventive maintenance and repairs, keeping equipment safe for patients and firefighters. Council asked staff to look into a Ferno demo as a possible future alternative.
New Fire Station Opens
The new fire station is open and ran its first call May 13, replacing a building that served 68 years. Built with ARPA funds, it opened with a hose uncoupling ceremony and drew wide praise from council members.
Nuisance Properties on the Commercial Strip
The former nursery site and old Pizza Hut lot are full of trash, brush, and overgrown weeds, and Council Member Vitale wants both held to their site plans and grading requirements.
Harper and Masonic Signal Upgrade Grant
The city will back Macomb County's grant application to modernize the Harper/Masonic traffic signal — safety upgrades that mostly cost the feds, with the city chipping in about $16,000.
Kratom Sales to Minors
The city now bans selling kratom — a psychoactive substance some call 'in-store heroin' — to anyone under 21, with stores required to post signage and check ID. Council acted as a stopgap while the state considers its own ban.
Fire hydrant water pressure concerns
The brutal cold is causing multiple water main breaks a day. Council Member Caron credited the city's investment in pressure regulating valves at Detroit water entry points with preventing far worse — Detroit once had 50 breaks in a single day.
Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud
An AARP representative warned that crypto ATMs at local gas stations are draining seniors' savings — Michiganders lost $125 million in 2024 — and asked the council to adopt daily deposit limits like other cities have done.
FEMA 2025-2030 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Adopting the county's five-year plan keeps the city eligible for FEMA and fire grants and limits liability in a disaster. Flooding and stormwater are the hazards most relevant to St. Clair Shores.
Police body camera expansion
The department is adding 14 cameras to its fleet of 36, bringing it to about 50 so every officer at special events wears one. Council members called cameras a win for both officers and the public.