Port Huron City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Port Huron City Council convened on May 26, 2026, with Mayor Ashford presiding. Councilmembers Archibald and Mosrac were absent. The meeting included updates on the I-94 business loop reconstruction, public comments on safety and housing, adoption of the capital improvement program and annual city budget, and announcements about the Spirit of Port Huron Awards.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from May 11, 2026 (special and regular meetings) was moved by Councilmember Haremza, supported by Lamb, and approved unanimously.
• The following resolutions were passed via consent agenda:
  • Resolution No. 3: Authorizing membership in the West Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) for a minimum three-year period.
  • Resolution No. 4: Approving 2026 request for local millage distribution from the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission.
  • Resolution No. 5: Scheduling a public hearing for June 8, 2026, on the HOME ARP allocation plan substantial amendment.
  • Resolution No. 6: Recognizing Port Huron Town Hall Series as a nonprofit organization.
• City Manager item 1: Accepting bid from Tri-Star Roofing and Sheet Metal LLC ($404,600) for roof replacement at the wastewater treatment plant. Approved unanimously.
• City Manager item 2: Accepting bid from Khyber Columbarium and Construction ($44,800) for two columbaria at Allied Veterans Cemetery. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian (resident): Expressed strong concern about pedestrian safety, citing a recent accident where a child was hit by a bicycle near the city rec department. He urged the council to reduce speed on Grashet Avenue to 25 mph, despite state control. He also complained about a speeding white BMW on 19th Avenue between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, and general speeding near his home and the boat launch. Additionally, he criticized utility companies (Xfinity, DTE, Xtreme) for leaving debris (sand, metal wires, screws) on his property after infrastructure work, requesting the city enforce cleanup.
• Astra (resident): Speaking on behalf of "the creatures," she expressed support for pedestrian safety and urged durable, high-visibility painted crosswalks on Pine Grove, Military, and 24th Street. She advocated for more frequent public transit (bus stops every 20 minutes, more routes). She also raised concerns about the housing crisis, including unsafe conditions by landlords (lack of heat, plumbing, electricity), discrimination, price gouging, and gentrification of downtown lofts. She called for more inclusive housing support, code enforcement, and affordable spaces for youth, as well as arts and entertainment development using empty buildings.

Discussion Items

• I-94 Business Loop Reconstruction and Road Diet Project Update: Thomas Anderson (MDOT project manager) presented two related projects. The first is the reconstruction of I-94 Business Loop from the Black River bridge to Glenwood Avenue, including full pavement replacement, curb/gutter, storm sewer, ADA sidewalk upgrades, traffic signals, and bridge repairs (bascule lift bridge). The second is a road diet and two-way bicycle track trial from Vanderburg Place to Lincoln Avenue (near Pine Grove Park), reconfiguring from two lanes in each direction to one lane plus a center left-turn lane, with a buffer and bicycle track on the east side. Due to funding and material delays, the schedule has shifted: bids in October 2026, road diet construction spring 2027, and main reconstruction in 2028.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adoption (Resolution No. 1): Director Wooder presented the CIP for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2031-32, describing it as a "living document" identifying projected capital needs from all departments. The first column aligns with the current budget request (fiscal year 2026-27), while later years are estimates subject to change. Funding sources include general fund, water/sewer rates, grants, federal funds, user fees, and bond proceeds (e.g., for wastewater plant improvements). The largest priorities are local streets and wastewater plant upgrades. The council adopted the CIP unanimously.
• Annual City Budget Adoption (Resolution No. 2): The budget includes the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) budget, funded through tax increment capture. Mayor Ashford initially abstained, citing insufficient time to review and unanswered questions, but ultimately voted no. The motion carried 4-1 (Mayor Ashford dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent items, city manager bids, and the CIP passed with unanimous votes (5-0). The annual budget passed 4-1 with Mayor Ashford voting no.
• Project Schedule: The I-94 Business Loop road diet and reconstruction project is delayed. Bids now due October 2026; road diet construction begins spring 2027; reconstruction starts 2028.
• Next Steps: The city will consider public input on safety and housing; utility companies may face cleanup requests. The Spirit of Port Huron Awards nominations are open online via the city's website for categories including brotherhood, lifetime achievement, economic development, and good neighbor.
• Items Not Addressed: No non-resident public comments were received. The meeting adjourned without further business.

Announcements

• Mayor Ashford promoted the Spirit of Port Huron Awards, thanking Councilmembers Haremza, Peyton, and Archibald for leading the efforts. Nominations are available online. He also thanked Councilmember Lamb for pinch-hitting in his absence and Councilmember Haremza for participation in the Black River Cleanup despite rain and debris.