Port Huron City Council Meeting: March 9, 2026

The Port Huron City Council met on March 9, 2026, for a regular meeting that included a presentation on the Black River Canal, a public hearing on CDBG and HOME funds, and extensive public comments on homelessness and other community issues. The council approved several resolutions, including a notice of intent to issue bonds for the canal repair pending township cooperation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the special council meeting on February 5, 2026, and the regular meeting on February 9, 2026.
• Accepted consent agenda items including resolutions 5-8 (commercial procurement cards, public hearing scheduling for Lincoln Park grants, Historic District Commission reappointments, and single lot assessments).

Presentations

• Proclamation: Black History Month – Mayor Ashford presented a proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month to Kevin Watkins, president of the Port Huron Branch NAACP. Watkins thanked the city for the banner campaign and emphasized the contributions of Black Americans.
• Black River Canal Tainter Gate Update – City Manager James Fried presented an update on the canal, which has been closed for several years. He detailed the damage, the need for a new stronger Tainter gate, and the estimated project cost of $5.6 million. The city’s share is $3–3.6 million, proposed to be funded through a combination of bonds ($3 million over 25 years) and a special assessment district on properties along the Black River ($325–$400 per year). Fried called on Port Huron Township and Fort Gratiot Township to contribute $1 million each, stating that without their participation, the canal will not be fixed. He emphasized that the notice of intent to issue bonds up to $6 million is a legal step to allow negotiation and does not commit the city to spending.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on CDBG and HOME Funds – Several speakers addressed the need for homeless services and affordable housing. Brian Farquhar requested that funds go to new entities to fill gaps. Nick Krasinski, a recent parolee, warned he would become homeless in three months and criticized the practice of parole agents bringing people to Port Huron from other counties. Melissa Jacobs, director of Blue Water Safe Horizons, asked that domestic violence shelter infrastructure and ADA upgrades be prioritized.
• General Public Comments – A large number of residents and non-residents spoke, often expressing frustration with the city’s priorities. Many speakers, including Nicole Tucker, Calvin Graves, and others, directly addressed the homelessness crisis, stating that the canal funding should not take precedence over basic human needs. Several speakers criticized the city’s handling of ICE presence and the lack of affordable housing. A few speakers supported the canal project, noting its economic impact and recreational value. One speaker announced a recall petition against two council members. Another speaker raised concerns about a planned three-quarter house near a daycare.

Discussion Items

• City Manager James Fried reported on a meeting held by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County regarding homelessness resources. He stated that the city provides hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to Blue Water Community Action Agency and that the city will not tolerate threats or political stunts.
• The council discussed and voted on several resolutions.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2 (Notice of Intent to Issue Bonds) – Passed unanimously. The resolution authorizes the city to publish notice of intent to issue up to $6 million in municipal securities for the canal project. Fried assured the council that no bonds will be issued until an agreement with the townships is reached and ratified by the council.
• Resolution 3 (Support for Local Decision-Making on Housing) – Passed unanimously. The council adopted a resolution in support of protecting local control over zoning and housing decisions, opposing state preemption.
• Resolution 4 (City Council Goals for 2026-27) – Passed unanimously. The goals prioritize housing, roads, and other infrastructure.
• Other Resolutions – All items on the consent agenda and regular agenda were approved, including chemical purchases, Sanborn Park Pool parking lot improvements, and the quarterly financial report.

The meeting adjourned after closing remarks from Mayor Ashford emphasizing the importance of listening to all residents and working together to address community challenges.