Council repeals outdated coin-operated amusement device ordinance

Fraser City Council adopted Ordinance No. 397 to repeal Article 4 of Chapter 4 of the City of Fraser Code of Ordinances, removing local regulations and licensing fees that applied to coin-operated amusement devices. Council members described the ordinance as outdated and said it once served to prevent unregulated gambling and to allow inspections. Clerk and public-safety staff reviewed other cities’ approaches and concluded there is no current public-safety reason to keep a separate licensing regimen; police already investigate illegal gambling when necessary. Council member Shornack and others noted that neighboring municipalities have repealed similar rules. Council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance repeal by voice vote. The repeal eliminates a $75-per-machine licensing requirement for coin-operated amusements and is intended to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on small arcades and businesses.