St. Clair Shores · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Clair Shores public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.