Port Huron City Council Regular Meeting – April 27, 2026

The Port Huron City Council held its regular meeting on April 27, 2026. The meeting included a proclamation for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, a detailed presentation on the marina land use study, public comments on various topics, a report from the city manager, approval of multiple bids and contracts, and the scheduling of public hearings for the budget and capital improvement plan.

Proclamation

• Mayor Ashford presented a proclamation recognizing Saturday, May 9, 2026, as Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day. The proclamation noted that in 2025, 63,000 pounds of food were collected locally. A representative of the letter carriers expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of the drive for the community.

Presentation: Marina Land Use Study

• Andy Wakeland and Matt Schwanitz of Giffels Webster presented concepts for redeveloping the approximately 7-acre site along the Black River (River Street to Black River, 10th to Glenwood). The study explored three concepts: (1) 32 townhouse units; (2) a mix of residential and non-residential buildings with structured parking; (3) a similar mixed-use concept with a central park and trailhead. Key challenges include a 20-inch water main bisecting the site, underground utilities, and the need to preserve public access to the marina. City Manager James Freed noted that any development would require a public vote and that community engagement sessions would be held before issuing a request for proposals. Councilmembers raised questions about parking for marina users, environmental assessments, and preservation of existing trees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ralph Palvich (resident) commended the council for the free tree program and expressed appreciation for the forestry division. He also urged respect for council members, noting that men should remove hats indoors as a gesture of respect.
• Trash (resident) highlighted safety concerns on 24th Street, especially the lack of a pedestrian crossing under the railroad viaduct. She noted that sidewalks stop and restart, forcing pedestrians to use dangerous routes, and called for better pedestrian infrastructure.
• Perry White (resident) described an abandoned house at 1200 block of Cedar Street, citing blight, rodent issues, and safety hazards. He asked the city to address the property, which has been abandoned for five to six years despite taxes being paid annually.
• Crystal (resident) complained about City Manager James Freed blocking her on LinkedIn, citing the Supreme Court case Linky v. Freed. She demanded a formal apology and unblocking, and announced her candidacy for city council and recall petitions for some councilmembers.
• Tanya (resident) criticized the city's handling of animal issues, including stray cats and dogs, and alleged that law enforcement shot dogs unnecessarily. She demanded better animal control and accountability.
• Aidan (non-resident, Emmett, MI) advocated for bicycle-centric infrastructure, specifically a safe crossing at the intersection of Oak/Griswold Street and the 28th Street area to connect the Wadhams-to-Avoca trail. He proposed formalizing a desire path to bypass dangerous intersections.
• Carol (resident of Fort Gratiot) asked about updates on the canal and expressed concern over increased recreation program fees for non-resident children. She also requested a single public comment period for all speakers, regardless of residency.
• Curtis (resident) alleged that his public comment from a previous meeting was edited by the city, violating his First Amendment rights. He claimed $255,000 was needed for a cofferdam (not $1,000 as he said was edited) and stated he was told to sue the city.
• Sarah (resident of Lake Port) shared her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse, describing failures in the legal system, including dismissed charges, unpaid child support, and lack of housing for women leaving abuse. She called for better advocacy and shelters.

City Manager’s Report

• James Freed responded to public comments: He clarified that 24th Street is under the jurisdiction of Port Huron Township and the St. Clair County Road Commission, not the city, but that the city is working with them on possible solutions. He defended his right to block individuals on his personal social media, citing the Linky v. Freed decision. He also explained that the city has never edited public comment videos, calling the accusation false.
• Freed also reported on the budget: A balanced budget for 2026-2027 has been delivered, with a public hearing scheduled for May 11, 2026. The budget is available online.
• Regarding recreation programming, Freed explained that Fort Gratiot Township has refused to pay delinquent bills, so Fort Gratiot residents will now be billed directly for the non-resident rate, while Port Huron Township continues its subsidy agreement.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0) and included:

• Proclamation for Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day (already presented).
• Receiving and filing the appointment of Janet Hazard to the Traffic Study Committee.
• Resolutions (numbers 5–8) scheduling public hearings on the Capital Improvement Program, the DDA budget, the draft master plan, and the Brownfield plan at 1635 Poplar Street.
• Ordinance 26-001 (second reading) rezoning 2213 Bancroft Street from M1 to R1.

Discussion Items and Resolutions

(Items voted on individually)

• Raw Water Intake Valve Replacement (bid from Trojan Development, $335,000): Approved 8-0. Budgeted at $750,000.
• Portable Generator (quote from Wolverine Power Systems, $66,292): Approved 8-0. Budgeted at $126,000.
• Thickener Building Makeup Air Unit (quote from Dependable Heating, $31,850): Approved 8-0.
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (quote from Phoenix Safety Outfitters, $411,485 for 33 units): Approved 8-0. Chief Nicholson presented the need, noting the current fleet is 11 years old and experiencing failures.
• Pavement Marking Services (Metro Markings, estimated $48,494): Approved 8-0. City manager noted enhanced markings around schools.
• Pavement Striping Services (MM Pavement Markings, estimated $31,610.80): Approved 8-0.
• Thickener Tanks Engineering Agreement (TetraTech, $289,640): Approved 8-0.
• Assessing Services Agreement (Assessment Administration Services LLC, three-year agreement, saving $169,478): Approved 8-0. City manager explained it replaces a full-time assessor with contracted services two days per week.
• Annual Action Plan 2026 Submission to HUD: Approved 8-0.
• 2026-2027 Budget and Public Hearing (May 11, 2026): Approved 8-0.
• Ordinance 26-002 (first reading) adding sewer readiness-to-serve charges for customers with valid NPDES permits: Approved 8-0. Applies only to Legacy Paper (former Domtar) which operates its own wastewater plant.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and bids were approved unanimously (8-0).
• A public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 budget and Capital Improvement Program is scheduled for May 11, 2026.
• The city will proceed with community engagement on the marina land use study before issuing an RFP; any development will require a public vote.
• The city manager will continue to work with St. Clair County Road Commission and Port Huron Township on 24th Street pedestrian safety.
• Fort Gratiot Township residents will be billed directly for recreation program non-resident rates due to unpaid delinquent bills.
• The council received multiple public comments on blight, animal control, domestic violence support, and First Amendment concerns, with some topics referred to appropriate departments.