Port Huron City Council Regular Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Port Huron City Council met on August 11, 2026, for a regular meeting. All council members were present: Councilmembers Archibald, Haremza, Lamb, Mojrak, Peyton, Pemberton, and Mayor Ashford. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, numerous resolutions, vehicle purchases, a community wellness program partnership, a property acquisition, and public comments on housing, building inspections, surveillance cameras, and neighborhood safety.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the July 13, 2026 regular city council meeting were approved (6-1, with Councilmember Peyton voting no). Peyton attempted to amend the closed session minutes to record a vote that occurred in that session, citing a violation of the Open Meetings Act. After legal advisement, the motion to amend was not formally seconded, and the minutes were approved as presented.
• A public hearing on the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report for the 2025 program year was opened and closed with no public comments.
• The consent agenda, including multiple items, was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Astra (renter at 1402 Military Street): detailed severe landlord negligence (lack of heat, electricity, plumbing, human feces in shower, and verbal harassment). Called for revoking licenses of repeat offenders, stronger building inspection policies, and creation of a human rights commission in Port Huron.
• Brian Farquhar: raised concerns about inconsistent violation notices from the building department regarding his driveway. He reported no clear communication or resolution after 60 days, and alleged harassment by a neighbor.
• Greg DeVoe: opposed the use of Flock surveillance cameras, arguing they violate Fourth Amendment rights and that government transparency should not be reversed. Requested the council remove the cameras.
• Michael Kirchner: described personal experiences with McLaren Hospital and jail, alleging falsified medical records, warrantless raids, and a potential human trafficking or insurance fraud scheme. Expressed inability to access accounts or communicate.
• Sandra: questioned the June gay pride proclamation, asked whether Councilmember Peyton's vote and attire (transgender rights t-shirt) constituted misuse of office. Suggested an ethics investigation. Stated that Christian community is not represented by such proclamations, though she does not oppose LGBTQ+ individuals personally.
• Kathy Newton: echoed criticisms of the pride proclamation, accused the council of being a “democratic machine” that does not represent all citizens. Made comments about gender identity and patriotism. Council asked for respect; police were warned about potential removal.
• Craig (last name not given): defended gay pride, condemned discrimination against LGBTQ+ people who have served in the military. Used strong language against those who suppress LGBTQ+ rights.
• Brandon Huntum (A29 Prospect Place resident): presented neighborhood concerns about traffic safety on Prospect Place and Thomas Edison Parkway. Noted 270 petition signatures, videos of reckless driving, and a city speed study that they argued was flawed. Criticized City Manager James Freed’s response (“try to find some joy”) and the removal of pedestrian yield signs as retaliatory. Asked council for accountability and engagement.
• James (resident): thanked the council and city manager for participating in a trash bash. Expressed concern about safety during the upcoming float down event at the beach, noting recent near-drownings and a prior drowning. Requested lifeguards and extra trash cans.
• Nicholas Bowles: criticized Mterra trash service for refusing to pick up trash, leaking fluids from trucks, and poor equipment. Contrasted with prior service under Marcot.

Discussion Items

• City Manager's Administrative Report for July 2026: Received and filed unanimously. Mayor Ashford highlighted current employment opportunities (full-time and part-time positions) and noted the report is available online.
• 24th Street Road Reconstruction: A motion to accept a bid of $828,987 from Raymond Excavating Company for complete reconstruction and utility replacement from Nern Street to Dove Street was approved unanimously. The project includes a road diet from five lanes to three lanes, with on-street parking near Knox Field.
• Vehicle Purchases (Items 2-6): Six vehicle purchases totaling approximately $425,000 were approved unanimously. City Manager James Freed explained that local dealerships (Northgate Ford, Moran Blue Water CDJR, Todd Wetzel Buick GMC, Truck & Trailer Specialties) were given the opportunity to match the state’s My Deal pricing. Northgate Ford beat the price by 2%, keeping about $300,000 in the local economy. Vehicles include police patrol SUVs, fire department pickup, streets division trucks, a utility van, and a parks division truck with dump body.
• Community Wellness Program Partnership: Approved unanimously. Chief of Police presented the three-year partnership with St. Clair County Community Mental Health, which embeds a clinician (Sarah) with the police department. Key outcomes: overdoses reduced from 54 in 2023 to 24 in 2025; the clinician responds to mental health crises, overdoses within 36 hours, suicides, and child deaths; nearly 400 diversions from criminal justice to services last year. The chief and city manager praised the program and expressed interest in expanding it.
• Purchase of Former All Star Vending Building: Approved unanimously for $1.1 million at 3443 Military Street for use as a centralized storage and materials handling facility. City manager noted the building was purchased below replacement cost (estimated $3–4 million to build today) and will offset $35,000/year in leased storage. The city will hold the property strategically and may sell if a private buyer emerges. Two adjacent residential lots may be developed into homes.
• Zoning Change – First Reading: An ordinance to rezone 1222 Water Street from R1 to C1 (general business) passed first reading unanimously.
• Flock Camera Discussion: Public comments raised concerns about mass surveillance, privacy, and potential misuse of Flock license plate readers. City Manager Freed announced an upcoming informational session with the police department and Flock representatives to educate the public on how the system works, internal controls, and constitutional protections. He stated that a legal opinion was obtained years ago to ensure civil liberties are protected.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes (6-1): Peyton voted no.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously, including liquor license transfer, conflict of interest report, seven resolutions (sale of vacant lot, three MDNR grant agreements for parks improvements, voting delegate appointment, board appointment, police resource officer agreement), and a zoning change (1011 Pearl Street from C1 to R1). Also approved 20 payments.
• 24th Street Reconstruction: Bid of $828,987 accepted.
• Vehicle Purchases: Six bids accepted totaling about $425,000, all from local dealerships.
• Community Wellness Program: Three-year partnership approved.
• Property Purchase: $1.1 million for former All Star Vending building approved.
• Zoning Change (1222 Water Street): First reading passed.
• Flock Cameras: Informational session to be scheduled within two months to address public concerns.
• Next Meeting: Regular meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026. City offices closed Labor Day (September 7).