Port Huron City Council Meeting – October 13, 2025

The Port Huron City Council met on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM (noted from the transcript start at 22:01:13 UTC) to address routine approvals, public comments, reports, and several resolutions. Key topics included a proclamation for the Chamber of Commerce, public concerns about police conduct, traffic safety, and a major initiative to plant 200 trees. The council passed four resolutions but failed to pass a resolution to create a reforestation task force.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Archibald, supported by Councilmember Mojerac).
• Consent Agenda Items (Resolutions 6, 7, 8): Passed unanimously:
  • Resolution 6: Confirming and approving single lot special assessments for large brush and branch pickup in the right-of-way.
  • Resolution 7: Confirming the mayor's reappointment of Mary Williams to the Southside Neighborhood Improvement Authority and appointment of Kristen Thompson to fill a vacancy, both with terms expiring October 23, 2029.
  • Resolution 8: Approving the appointment of Aaron Kriner to the Beautification Commission, term expiring January 30, 2028.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Pavlo (350 Scott Road, Smiths Creek, representing 64th district): Discussed state budget issues, the failure to fund the Port Huron canal project, and his upcoming testimony to the State Board of Education regarding proposed curriculum changes. He expressed support for local control and parental rights.
• Donna Drake (2812 Wright Street): Requested an update on the sale of the Dunn Paper Company and asked for the council's position and whether the Michigan environmental agency had been notified.
• Jenna Joseph (no address given): Raised concern about speeding on Garfield Street, especially near the Early Childhood Center and Crawl School. She noted no speed limit signs or school zone signs and requested enforcement and signage.
• Jim Soto (Lake View Avenue): Expressed strong support for Resolutions 25-128 and 25-129 (tree purchase and task force). He advocated for a reforestation task force to help recover from historical tree losses (4,298 trees removed from 1992 to 2016 due to Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch Elm Disease).
• Crystal Mankey (no address given): Provided a detailed account of an incident on March 18, 2025, involving Port Huron Police Officer Tristan Shouty. She alleged unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, and constitutional violations; all charges were dismissed. She called for the officer's removal and investigation of police misconduct.
• Kevin Watkins (NAACP President, St. Clair County): Addressed the recent reprimand by the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners and defended his use of the term "character assassination." He criticized Officer Shouty's conduct and the city's handling of lawsuits. He also read a statement reaffirming his commitment to advocacy.
• Brian Farquhar (19th Avenue): Voiced support for the tree resolutions and suggested using a city-owned parcel at the end of Glenwood to create a pocket park for fishermen and plant trees.
• Curtis (no address given): Thanked the city for tree trimming at the 12th Street Boat Ramp and for starting work on Kearney Street. He expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the pocket park project and questioned the use of marijuana shop revenue (estimated $174,000 in 2024). He also criticized police conduct and expressed fear.
• Austin Wells (Port Huron native): Described dangerous sidewalk conditions on the 24th Street Bridge, with missing concrete and exposed rebar. He urged repairs for factory workers who rely on that route.
• Aaron Kriner (no address given): Thanked the mayor for his appointment to the Beautification Commission. He commented on tree tethering, suggesting it is unnecessary and harmful. He also complained about speeding on Taylor Street and asked for enforcement.
• Ignazio Balsamo (President, Oakwood Building Company, Macomb County): Addressed a payment dispute for work at 515 River Street. He stated he has never encountered such issues in his 36 years in business and requested payment for the June progress application.
• Ashley Balsamo (Ignazio's wife): Supported her husband's statements, arguing that the contract definition of "waste" was misinterpreted. She noted they recycled materials and had proof, but were not paid because materials did not go to the city's designated landfill. She appealed for council involvement beyond the city manager.
• Dawn Falk (Port Huron Township resident): Urged the council to remove fluoride from the public water supply, citing health risks and lack of choice. She thanked Mayor Ashford for responding to her emails and promised to provide more information. She noted that Kimball Township passed a resolution opposing fluoridation.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day: Mayor Ashford read a proclamation declaring October 15, 2025, as "Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day" in Port Huron, recognizing the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce’s 100+ years of service. Two chamber representatives accepted and thanked the council, noting challenges ahead for downtown businesses.
• City Manager's Administrative Report (August 2025): City Manager James Freed provided updates:
  • Traffic safety: Met with school district heads and principals; engineering department will develop traffic calming devices for schools, including Crawl and Roosevelt.
  • Dunn Paper site: Eagle (environmental agency) is aware of the property transfer.
  • Pocket park: Footings and railings will be installed before winter; steel structure to go up in spring 2026.
  • LaPier Road project: MDOT grant with federal funds; subcontractor dropped due to Trump administration rhetoric on funding cuts. Curb, gutter, and sidewalk work to begin next week; project still on schedule for completion before winter.
  • 24th Street Bridge: Under county and CX Railroad jurisdiction; mayor and city manager have met with CX to press for improvements.
  • Central Fire Station demolition: City manager stated the city stands by its decision to withhold payment due to egregious contract violations; city attorney will respond to contractor's letter.
• Tree Planting Presentation: City Manager Freed and Forestry Director Jason Kluman presented a detailed initiative:
  • Current tree canopy: 24.9% (above comparable communities). Goal: 40% in 20 years.
  • Historical losses: 4,200+ trees removed due to Emerald Ash Borer and other diseases.
  • 200 trees to be purchased from Marine City Nursery for $80,000, planted fall 2025 and spring 2026.
  • Total planted since 2021: 481 large (3-4 inch diameter) trees, including those from road projects.
  • Emphasis on diversifying species, right tree/right place policy, and targeting low-canopy areas using SEMCOG canopy study and Justice40 census tracks.
  • Citizens portal launched for residents to request trees on private property.
  • Annual need: 100-150 trees per year to offset loss of 40-60 trees annually.
  • City manager committed to annual reporting of tree removals and plantings.
• Resolution 5 – Reforestation Task Force: Mayor Ashford noted that the resolution was proposed by a resident and requested a status update from the city manager. The motion by Councilmember Peyton lacked a second, so the motion failed. Mayor Ashford expressed disappointment, stating that the council should welcome resident engagement.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: All three items (Resolutions 6, 7, 8) passed unanimously.
• Resolution 1 (Authorizing 24 payments): Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2 (FEMA grant for firefighter training – $116,423.22): Passed unanimously. Councilmember Lamb thanked Fire Chief Nicholson.
• Resolution 3 (Adopting St. Clair County emergency management program): Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 4 (Purchase of 200 trees for $80,000): Passed unanimously.
• Resolution 5 (Reforestation task force): Failed due to lack of a second. Mayor Ashford noted the resolution had been requested by a resident and that she had asked the city manager for a status update, which led to tonight's presentation.
• Next Steps: City manager will provide documentation regarding the 515 River Street contract dispute to the council. City manager committed to reporting tree removal and planting data annually on the citizen portal.
• Announcements: Annual "Cop and Jock" spaghetti dinner on October 14, 2025, at the Masonic Ballroom. Leaf pickup starts week of October 20 through November 29. Twenty vacancies on boards and commissions were announced.