New nuisance ordinance gives investigators
more options to address problem

By Heidi Roman
C & G Staff Writer

FRASER — Fraser’s Public Safety Department now has another tool in its belt to use in its attempt to control the drug and prostitution problems that have been associated with the hotels and motels in the city. A new ordinance can make drug and prostitution activity a nuisance, allowing investigators to padlock a location if the problems are not addressed.

“We’ve had some concerns over the years about the hotels and motels here in Fraser,” said Councilwoman Jan Wilson. “We’d like to tighten the rules and encourage these people to stay out of Fraser and move on.”

Most recently, the body of a 34-year-old Roseville woman was found outside the Flamingo Motel on Groesbeck. The woman was found unclothed in the snow near a Dumpster on March 11 by a contractor.

The body had already been there for a couple of days, police said. The incident is still an active investigation, said Detective Sgt. Len Celletti.

Also at the motel in March, police responded to reports of a woman who had overdosed on drugs while staying there. Investigators believe her boyfriend had injected her with heroin. Inside the hotel room, police found suspected marijuana, heroin and drug paraphernalia. The woman was revived at the scene by paramedics.

The ordinance is meant to be another measure of control investigators can use when issues arise at any location. The ordinance is modeled off of a similar ordinance passed in Grand Rapids, which has held up in court, said Fraser City Attorney Jack Dolan. The ordinance is referred to as a padlock ordinance, he said.

“This essentially will allow us, where there are more than one offense and proper notices given, to conduct a hearing before the city to make a determination that a nuisance exists,” Dolan said.

If the city determines a nuisance exists, the Public Safety Department has the ability to padlock and secure the entire premises or part of the property where the drug or prostitution problem exists. The premises can be padlocked for up to a year.

Fraser is home to several motels, all of which are located along the stretch of Groesbeck Highway through the city.

The ordinance was unanimously approved by City Council last week.