Ferndale · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ferndale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Storage facility at 1640/1700 E. 9 Mile
A Special Land Use and Site Plan request for an indoor self-storage facility was scheduled for public hearing, including a proposed waiver for curb cut locations along Wanda Street.
Youth sports training facility concept at 1975 Hilton
A prospective developer pitched a concept for turning the vacant industrial site at 1975 Hilton into something new — early-stage conversation only, with no application or action required yet.
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.
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.
Martin Road Park construction and playground equipment
The city accepted a $1.63M construction bid for the Outdoor Recreation Support Facility, plus engineering and testing contracts, funded largely by $2.1 million in grant money. Construction is set for this summer.
West 9 Mile Reconstruction Project
The commission reviewed discussion points on the West 9 Mile reconstruction with an eye toward accessibility. Details of what was raised are not in the minutes.
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.
Lennon Park improvements with county grant
Parks staff will seek DNR grants for new ADA-accessible playground equipment, a walking path, and a renovated basketball court at Lennon Park, which also serves the summer day camp. Council will vote on supporting resolutions at the next meeting.
City buildings could save ~$39,000/year in energy costs
Energy audits of Fire Station 1 and the DPW found potential savings of about $32,000 a year at the DPW and $6,700 a year at Fire Station 1, with projects to be weighed through the city's capital improvement process. Asbestos in the fire station's second-story ceiling is blocking upgrades.
Harding Park skating rink gets $10,000 more
The crowdfunding campaign for the Harding Inline Rink renovation didn't hit its goal, but raised about $30,000. The renovation's path forward remains open.
Special education funding advocacy
Ferndale Schools leaders told the council the district has reset its special education department and is pushing for more state and federal special education funding, including an op-ed in the Detroit News.
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.
DDA Board Training & Strategy Update
With six of eight board members new since 2025, the DDA is bringing in a consultant for DDA 101 training and a refresh of its strategic workplan, covering open-meetings law, FOIA, and tax increment financing duties.
Nine Mile sidewalk and concrete improvements
The DDA is investing in better downtown signage and sidewalk work, and just added nearly $104,000 to the engineering contract to keep it moving.
Accessibility and Disability Pride Month
The commission discussed Ferndale's parks and plans to schedule site visits to evaluate them firsthand. Those visits could shape future recommendations for making parks more usable for residents with disabilities.
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.
Leaf collection fleet modernization
The city is phasing out four leaf vacuum trailers that date back to 1957. The new $112,222 machine is the third of four modern replacements, supports the weekly (rather than every-other-week) leaf pickup, and is safer for workers. The fourth is budgeted for 2028, and DPW also floated future parking restrictions on leaf and street sweeping days.
Martin Road Park service building mural
The service building construction at Martin Road Park includes a mural project. Dana Erickson will lead the Mural Subcommittee and help with the RFP process, with a theme of community, activity, and nature under consideration.
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.
2026 Pavement Marking Program
The city is spending $70,990 to seal pavement joints and cracks citywide, the cheapest of four bids and below the engineer's estimate — preventive maintenance that delays pricier road repairs later.
Surveillance Technology Contract
Ferndale may be joining other Detroit-area cities in cutting ties with Flock Safety, the license plate camera company. If the city does drop the contract, expect a debate over policing tools and privacy—and possibly budget changes.
Revised FY27 tax rate reflects Headlee rollback
The city-issued millage rate sits at 20.58053 mills, and staff confirmed the city kept its promise that the voter-approved override would be offset by cuts — the city share of the rate has stayed neutral since FY25. Ferndale's rate is among the lowest in the region, second only to Royal Oak.
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.
State Revenue Sharing Trust Fund Resolution
The council backed state legislation to create a dedicated revenue sharing trust fund, which could mean more stable funding for services like police, parks, and road maintenance.
IT cost savings — Macro Connect
The city renewed its IT services contract with incumbent Macro Connect for three years at $478,524 in year one. Councilmembers questioned the lack of an independent cybersecurity audit and worried about vendor lock-in before approving it.
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.
Oakland County regional enhancement millage
Ferndale's schools superintendent gave an informational pitch on a 1.5-mill, six-year countywide school funding measure on the August ballot — about $150 a year for a $200,000 home and $781 more per student. The council took no position.