Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Replacement of 2019 Horton Ambulance
The fire department's oversized 2019 ambulance doesn't fit current needs, so the city is listing it for sale at $70,000 while the new smaller Braun ambulance arrives in December. Sale proceeds will offset the cost of the new rig.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month proclamation
Council declared November Lung Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting that screening for high-risk people can cut lung cancer deaths dramatically and urging residents to learn about early detection.
AI Acceptable Use Policy for City Operations
Ferndale now has formal rules for how staff, contractors, and volunteers can use AI tools. Copilot is the only broadly approved chatbot, sensitive data like Social Security numbers is off-limits, and the person using the tool owns any mistakes. Council members asked for tweaks on anonymization, accessibility, and source citations before it passed.
Vacant and abandoned building enforcement
A resident again pressed the council on a chronically blighted property at 1963 Symes, reporting abandoned vehicles and years of unresolved code violations, and asked for a status report on vacant properties citywide.
Cyclist Safety and Police Bike Lane Practices
Multiple residents said Ferndale's bike lanes force cyclists and turning drivers into dangerous conflicts, citing a fatal cyclist crash on Woodward. They asked the city to re-examine the design.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Noise
The commission wants the lawn care noise exemption removed and gas-powered leaf blowers phased out over three years. This could mean quieter neighborhoods, but landscapers and residents who use gas equipment would face a gradual transition. The ordinance committee will decide whether to take it up.
Mental Health Co-Responder Program continuation and cost sharing
Ferndale is keeping its mental health co-responder program — clinicians who ride along on mental health 911 calls — at up to $67,437 for the year. Oakland County cut its subsidy from about $180,000 to $60,000, and Ferndale only generates 15% of the four-community referrals versus Royal Oak's 46%, so the council directed the city manager to negotiate a utilization-based cost split.
Emergency alert system (OakAlert) launches in Ferndale
The city's text alert system was down during the recent snow emergency, leaving only social media notices, and over 300 tickets were issued. A resident asked for ticket forgiveness and a fix, and the city manager agreed to confer with the police chief on how to proceed.
Fire Headquarters renovation planning
The city will spend $45,000 in FY27 to update the site and programming study for a possible public safety headquarters, looking at both a new site and the city hall footprint, with phased cost scenarios. A ballot proposal to merge police/fire pensions with general employee pensions could cut pension costs up to 50%.
Noise ordinance and accessibility
The commission planned to take up the city's noise ordinance. The discussion could affect how noise rules are enforced or experienced by residents, including people with sensory sensitivities.
Short-term rental enforcement at 2341 McDowell Street
New rules respond to about 140 complaints against 12 problem properties: licenses must be posted with max occupancy, noise monitors required, six-plus complaints triggers a City Manager meeting, and three violations in 24 months can cost a license. A proposed two-night minimum stay was dropped after owner feedback.
Loss of state-funded free smoke detector program
State budget cuts killed the program that gave the fire department free smoke detectors to hand out. The department is down to about three and will seek grants while continuing home safety inspections.
Replacing aging police patrol vehicles
Two patrol cars that hit the end of their service life are being replaced with new Ford Explorer Police Interceptors, financed over five years to spread the cost.
Citizens Police Advisory and Review Board Extension
The council extended the CPARB sunset by one year to June 30, 2027, so the board can continue its work including leadership on the Racial Impact Assessment.
$500,000 state grant for Fire Station #1 rehabilitation
State Representative Helena Scott delivered a $500,000 check toward rehabilitating Fire Station #1, whose poor conditions prompted a council-arranged legislative tour a year ago. The money will improve working conditions for Ferndale firefighters without raising local taxes.
Controversial Schiffer Park Concert
Multiple speakers criticized a city-permitted June 27 event at Schieffer Park, saying it featured anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric, Hamas flags and hostility toward Jewish counter-protesters, and urged stronger permit review and a public condemnation. Another speaker objected to display of IRGC-associated symbols. The council did not take formal action at this meeting.
Downtown Resource Officer contract
The DDA is paying $60,000 to keep a dedicated police officer serving the downtown district through June 30, 2027. Downtown businesses and visitors get a consistent, familiar police presence.
Delivery drone regulation
Ferndale is one of about ten Amazon drone-delivery beta markets, and Commissioner Manwell says the drones are loud and frequent. The commission asked staff to find out whether the city can regulate flight times, routes, or privacy impacts, though FAA airspace rules may limit local control — state policy work is underway.
Open Burning Ordinance Concerns
A resident since 1977 asked the council to restrict wood-burning fires to smokeless or propane pits, saying smoke from neighbors' backyard fires forces her to keep windows closed.
Off-Leash Dogs in Public Parks
A 30-year resident described a dog charging a child at Harding Park and asked for stronger leash law enforcement and signage at park entrances.
Code Enforcement and Litter Concerns
Two residents called out open dumpsters, scattered trash, rodents, and unresponsive code enforcement, questioning what taxpayer dollars pay for.
Public comment rules and pending litigation
A speaker blasted the council over pending litigation alleging First Amendment violations and criticized a proposed rules-of-procedure change as still content-based and unconstitutional. The speaker warned candidates who join the council they could be named personally in the lawsuit.
Fire Department Training and Response Equipment
The fire department gained an augmented-reality fire extinguisher trainer ($17,474) and a UTV ($28,898) for reaching medical emergencies in parks and at events, plus $11,950 in emergency apparatus repairs.
Microchip Scanning Station at City Hall
A free pet microchip scanning station will be installed near City Hall's west entrance, donated by Second Chances Animal Resources — helping lost pets get home faster.
Animal sales ordinance amendment
Council tightened the rules on animals offered for sale at businesses where pet sales aren't the main function, targeting loopholes like 'puppy yoga' events, while preserving things like dog agility training.
Public Safety / Terrorism Prevention
Ferndale’s police chief says the FBI helped stop a terror plot that could have hit close to home. For anyone who lives or works in Ferndale, that’s a direct public-safety win.
Police Misconduct Settlement
Ferndale is paying to settle a case with a Muslim woman who says police forcibly removed her hijab during an incident. It’s a taxpayer-funded deal, so the cost and the police-conduct questions are the story. The settlement closes a controversial case but may not end debate over how officers handle religious attire.
Police Lawsuit
A Muslim woman is suing Ferndale after police allegedly made her remove her hijab for a booking photo. The case could cost the city money, damage its reputation, and force changes to arrest procedures.
Fire Chief Appointment
Ferndale has a new fire chief: Teresa Robinson. That matters because the chief runs emergency services, shapes department priorities, and oversees how fire and EMS resources are used. Most residents won’t feel an immediate change, but leadership decisions will play out over time.