Port Huron City Council Meeting – November 10, 2025

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by veteran Jim Armstrong, followed by roll call and approval of the October 27 minutes. The council heard two presentations, a proclamation, extensive public comment, and debated a proposed amendment to council rules of procedure. The amendment failed to advance after the motion to postpone for final consideration was defeated 3–3.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – October 27, 2025 meeting minutes approved unanimously.
• Proclamation – November 19, 2025 proclaimed as Community Pay It Forward Day. Accepted by Patrick Patterson, Executive Director of Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center.
• Resolutions on Consent Agenda (approved unanimously):
  • Authorizing submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential for the 2026 Out of School Time Program (Palmer Park Summer Day Camp).
  • Making permanent temporary traffic control order No. 1406 (26th Street shall stop for Nern Street).
  • Approving appointment of Judy Bush to the Beautification Commission (term to expire January 30, 2028).
  • Confirming and approving single lot assessments for emergency board-up at 2815 Walnut Street.

Presentations

• Beautification Commission – President Stephanie Romales reported on the commission’s activities: weeding, edging, planting, and mulching of 23 city beds; recognition of over 70 residents via note cards; and presentation of the Steve Revnik Award to Kathleen Coss for her 190 volunteer hours beautifying the city. Coss thanked the council and urged continued support for beautification.
• Discovery City Children’s Museum – Recreation supervisor Katie Gardner and museum director Don Schweihhofer presented first‑year statistics: more than 21,000 children and families visited, including 2,000 students on field trips; nearly 6,000 low‑income guests served through the “Museums for All” program; 975 memberships sold. Of total visitors, 25% came from Port Huron, 27% from surrounding areas, and 48% from outside the area (30% from over 30 miles away). The museum received support from numerous local sponsors and partners.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Harris (1521 Wells St) – Opposed the proposed rules changes, arguing they violate the First Amendment and Michigan Open Meetings Act by requiring sign‑up 30 minutes prior and segregating non‑residents. Cited Attorney General opinions.
• Alan Jowan (708 17th St) – Thanked the city for Le Pierre Avenue improvements and requested replacement of rusted streetlight poles on that road.
• Curtis Carr (Fort Gratiot Township, works at 2401 16th St) – Thanked for tree removal, but strongly criticized the placement of the Children’s Discovery Museum in the Knowlton building, stating his family (the Knowltons) was not consulted. Opposed the public comment changes, asserting that as a taxpayer he deserves equal voice.
• Steve Fernandez (310 Erie Ave, mixed commercial/residential) – Opposed a special use permit for a real estate office in the downtown pedestrian retail overlay district, arguing the master plan is outdated and downtown stakeholders were not consulted. Urged the council to protect retail vitality.
• Jody Parman (1425 Pleasant Pl) – Opposed banning props and visuals during public comment, explaining that as an artist and mother of an autistic son, she needs such tools to communicate effectively. Urged the council not to “quiet” neurodiverse speakers.
• Rachel Farquhar (19th Ave) – Stated that limiting public comment to residents and business owners is unconstitutional under City of Madison v. WERC and that banning profanity is legally risky. Asked the council to vote down the resolution.
• Trash the Clown (3565 24th St, dumpster) – Criticized the proposed decorum rules, arguing that walking out of meetings is a greater breach of decorum. Urged the council to focus on serving the community rather than restricting speech.
• Crystal Mankey (Beard St) – Demanded action against Officer Tristan Shouting, alleging constitutional violations and a pattern of misconduct. Also alleged that Officer Tomless Rumley was allowed to remain on duty after an OWI arrest. Called for the recall of City Manager James Freed and council members.
• Unnamed speaker – Opposed the 30‑minute sign‑up requirement, stating it prevents speakers from reacting to comments made during the meeting. Urged the council to vote no.
• Brian Farquhar (19th Ave) – Argued that the proposed rules undermine the freedoms veterans fought for. Questioned who initiated the resolution and criticized a leaf‑collection contractor for a hit‑and‑run. Urged a no vote.
• Natash Algnack – Reported that her FOIA request for City Manager Freed’s conflict‑of‑interest forms was initially denied, then partially fulfilled after an appeal. Stated the 2024 form remains missing. Called for transparency.
• Dave Days (Thomas Edison Depot Museum site manager) – Thanked the city for completing repairs on the south side of the depot building.
• Craig Schlinker (Stone St) – Opposed the rules changes, citing the First Amendment. Thanked the city for removing street barriers near Pine Grove Park and asked for their return next year.
• Kathleen McCready (4014 14th St) – Urged tolerance and freedom for all speakers, referencing historical filibusters by Anthony America.
• Florian Maxwell (1519 Oak St) – Criticized the proposed rules as classist, noting they could discourage low‑income workers from speaking.
• Parkour (19th Ave) – Opposed the rules, stating they take the voice out of the community.
• Unnamed speaker – Thanked Councilmember Peyton for starting town hall meetings and urged unity. Opposed the rules changes.

Discussion Items

• Resolution No. 2 – First Notice of Proposed Amendment to City Council Rules of Procedure – City Attorney Todd Shouty explained the changes: a sign‑up sheet that remains open until the meeting starts; a public comment period that prioritizes residents and business owners on agenda items, with non‑residents speaking after the agenda; codification of existing rules against profanity (due to FCC broadcast regulations) and requiring speakers to address the council rather than the audience. Shouty stated the rules are viewpoint‑neutral, do not ban props/visuals/costumes, and are consistent with court rulings and the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
• Council Debate – Multiple council members spoke:
  • Mayor Ashford opposed the change, arguing it creates division (“them and us”) and that she has been swayed by non‑resident speakers. She stated she was hearing from residents who do not want the change.
  • Councilmember Lamb supported the change, saying resident safety and comfort have been affected by disruptive behavior, and that many residents have asked for reform.
  • Councilmember Peyton initially expressed concerns about non‑resident input but later, after hearing public comments, opposed the change, noting she was heavily contacted by residents against it.
  • Councilmember Archibald supported the change, citing the need for orderly meetings and noting that rules can be amended later.
  • Councilmember Mojrak supported parts but not all, ultimately voting yes on the motion to postpone.
  • Councilmember Haremza expressed mixed feelings, voting no on the motion.
  • A letter from Councilmember Pemberton (absent due to family surgery) was read, expressing support for the change.
• Motion to Postpone – A motion to postpone final consideration to the next regular meeting was made and seconded. The roll call vote was: Councilmember Peyton (no), Archibald (yes), Haremza (no), Lamb (yes), Mojrak (yes), Mayor Ashford (no). The motion failed 3–3, meaning the proposed rules amendment did not advance.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation – November 19, 2025 declared Community Pay It Forward Day.
• Generator for Harvey Center – Approved $58,700 quote from TMA Electric LLC for purchase and installation of an emergency generator at the Elger Harvey Community Center, to serve as a third emergency shelter. (Vote: unanimous)
• Resolution No. 2 (Rules Amendment) – The motion to postpone for final consideration failed (3–3). The proposed amendment to council rules of procedure will not proceed further.
• City Offices Closed – Announced closure on November 11, 2025 for Veterans Day.
• Upcoming Community Events – Mayor highlighted a successful food distribution at the YMCA (1,365 individuals served) and the NAACP conference.