Port Huron City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Port Huron City Council met on May 11, 2026, to address a police week proclamation, public hearings on the budget and a brownfield redevelopment, and a first-reading ordinance on e-bike sidewalk use. The meeting also included public comments on property concerns, bike safety, and approval of a custom parade float funded by private donations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the regular meeting of April 27, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved Resolution 4: Authorizing an IT employee to purchase 11 months of generic MERS service credit for retirement eligibility.
• Approved Resolution 5: Confirming single lot assessments for fees/charges on foreclosed vacant/abandoned properties.
• Approved Resolution 6: Confirming single lot assessments for blight removal and nuisance abatement.
• Approved submission of a $50,000 grant application to the Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program.
• Approved Ordinance 26-002 (second reading) amending Chapter 48 to add Section 48-155C on sewer readiness-to-serve charges.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing 2 (2026-27 Budget): Ken Harris criticized the budget for including wage increases of 3% or more for city employees while claiming no tax increase, and noted reductions in city council funding. He expressed concern for fixed-income residents.
• Public Hearing 4 (Brownfield Plan for Feed Building):
  • Connor Zook (Triterra consultant) presented the plan: $6.8 million capital investment, $1.4 million in tax increment revenue over 19 years.
  • Bruce Seymour (Brownfield Authority chair) supported the plan, citing 18 new housing units and redevelopment of an obsolete building.
  • Brian Farquhar expressed support for the project but wished rents ($1,000–1,300) were lower; he noted the need for housing and crosswalk improvements.
  • Another speaker advocated for using hemp aircrete building materials.
• Public Comments (Non-Hearing):
  • Linda Pruitt and Joan Fleet opposed Crown Enterprises’ black tarp fencing at the former Dunn Paper Mill, which blocks their river view, and raised concerns about potential aggregate/gravel operations.
  • Florian Maxwell opposed the proposed e-bike ban on sidewalks, citing his disabled veteran wife who uses a motorized tricycle and the lack of bike infrastructure.
  • Craig criticized the city for ADA non-compliance regarding headphones, lack of enforcement on Pine Grove pilot program, and the pocket park design not looking maritime.
  • Brian Farquhar initially supported the e-bike ordinance but changed his position after reading details; he suggested enforcing existing laws instead of a complete ban.
  • Ken Harris reported unattended water/sewer breaks on 17th Street and unkempt construction debris.
  • Nick (homeless) discussed a pretextual stop by sheriff’s deputies and urged council to understand legal doctrines to avoid lawsuits.
  • Randall Red Lows opposed the e-bike ordinance, saying he would ride on the road against traffic, and demonstrated water distillation.
  • Amanda opposed the e-bike ban, noting 20% of the city lives below poverty, and called for bike infrastructure improvements using the SPRINT model.
  • A resident opposed a citywide ban, citing lack of separated bike lanes and noting that people ride on sidewalks out of fear; he supported bringing in experts from SEMCOG for community engagement.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day: Mayor Ashford presented a proclamation observing May 10–16, 2026 as Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Police Chief Brian Kerrigan accepted and thanked the council for support.
• Resolution 3 – Parade Company Float: City Manager James Freed presented a custom float for the Blue Water Festival parade, built by the Detroit Parade Company at a cost of $38,000, funded solely through private donations. Councilmember Peyton described the visit to the Parade Company. After discussion, Councilmember Lamb voted no; the resolution passed 7–1.
• Ordinance – E-bikes on Sidewalks (First Reading): The ordinance would ban motorized bicycle use on sidewalks citywide. Extensive debate followed. Councilmembers expressed that the ordinance needed more study, considering downtown areas versus neighborhoods. A motion to refer the ordinance back to administration passed unanimously (8–0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved the bid from Raymond Excavating for $1,948,313 for the 10th Street Reconstruction project (unanimous).
• Authorized 14 payments (unanimous).
• Approved the second addendum with St. Clair County for network services (unanimous).
• Approved the Brownfield Plan for the Feed Building project at 1635 Poplar Street (unanimous).
• Approved the parade float contract with Detroit Parade Company (7–1; Lamb opposed).
• Referred the e-bike ordinance back to city administration for further community engagement and study (unanimous).
• City Manager announced that USDA will provide free architectural designs for a permanent farmers market structure; beautification and Black River cleanup events scheduled for May 16.