Port Huron City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

The Port Huron City Council met on September 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM (transcript begins at 22:01:34 UTC) with Mayor Ashford presiding. All councilmembers were present: Archibald, Horemza, Lamb, Moserak, Peyton, Pemberton, and Mayor Ashford. City Manager James Freed was absent due to minor surgery. The meeting included a consent agenda, several discussion items, public comments, and votes on resolutions and ordinances.

Consent Agenda

• The council unanimously approved the minutes from August 10, 2026 (roll call: 7-0).
• Consent agenda items (resolutions #8-#15 and one ordinance) were approved without discussion. These included: an application for out-of-school time program grants (Palmer Park Summer Day Camp and Harvey Center after-school program), an annotation to the city charter regarding oath of office timing (December 1 following election), approval of a qualified license for One Public House in the South Park Social District, scheduling a public hearing for a brownfield plan at 2921 25th Street, reappointments to the Planning Commission (Robert Arnold Jr., Jeffrey Smith), appointments to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (Roberta Seppel) and Local Development Finance Authority (Roberta Seppel, Bruce Seymour II), appointments to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (Becky Genter, Thomas Hall, Roberta Seppel, Bruce Seymour II, and reappointment of Catherine Pertinell), and a zoning ordinance (second reading) to rezone 1222 Water Street from R1 to C1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Public Comment Period:

  • A resident encouraged volunteering through Team Port Huron, citing rewards of helping the homeless and beautifying the city.
  • A pedestrian advocate described dangerous winter sidewalk conditions, proposed an emergency snow shoveler program modeled on New York City's, and called for municipal sidewalk snow removal.
  • A speaker alleged the city manager used his position for preferential treatment from police regarding a PPO and that a judge recused themselves after discussing the matter.
  • A trans woman spoke on gender vs. sex, arguing that transgender participation in sports and bathroom access should not be issues; she supported using bathrooms consistent with gender identity.
  • Barbara Brooks (North Boulevard) addressed a fatal cyclist-motorist collision on Pine Grove Avenue. She stated the city prematurely blamed the cyclist, and argued the true cause was lack of protected bike lanes. She called for a comprehensive bike network and education for all road users.
  • Craig thanked the YMCA for its summer program, requested transparency on audits, praised the recognition of Mr. Wilson at the transit building, and supported the jumbotron at McMoran Place.
  • Trash reported on the recent Trash Bash, where thousands of pounds of litter were collected by a small group. He encouraged community action and noted the city manager attended in costume as Captain Planet.
  • Sue (Prospect Place) thanked council for representing all residents, and stated that not being LGBTQ+ should not preclude recognition of that community.
  • Angela Valdivia (representing Crossroads Solutions) thanked Mayor Ashford, council, and city manager for support of behavioral health services. She described the organization's mission to expand access to mental health care and substance use disorder services through counseling, care coordination, and community resources.
  • Sean Forbes, owner of Crossroads Solutions and Solback, shared his recovery journey, described the need for more services, and requested rezoning of 929 Division Street for an outpatient facility.
  • Rick Albers (Executive Director of Crossroads Recovery Services) outlined partnerships with McLaren, St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, and local employers for second-chance programs. He sought funding from the city to continue work, noting conversations with City Manager Freed about a reimbursable funding opportunity.
  • Martin Lee, a long-time cyclist, opposed proposed bans on e-bikes on sidewalks, citing lack of safe infrastructure. He advocated for education on bike laws and warned that banning e-bikes would deter tourism and harm commuters.
  • Brian Farquhar (19th Avenue) criticized the city manager's pedestrian and bicycle report, recalculating statistics per 100,000 residents. He found Port Huron's crash rate (10.35 per 100,000) was mid-range compared to similar cities (Jackson 6.38, Bay City 18.5). He noted that the boardwalk is a Google Maps bike route and that banning e-bikes would hurt tourism. He cited Chesaning, MI as a model with 6,057 miles of bike routes.
  • Jim Soto (Lake View Avenue) reminded council of the goal-setting session in February that tasked administration with a bicycle/pedestrian safety plan, which has not been delivered. He stated that promised public listening sessions did not occur. He cited 356 bike crashes (2004-2025) and 245 pedestrian crashes in the city, urging safe separated bike infrastructure, traffic calming, and a citywide transportation plan.

• Second Public Comment Period (after ordinances):

  • Julian Rock discussed food insecurity, stating the city is about to destroy his second community garden (Polly's Place). He claimed the city acted in bad faith after canceling a 10-year lease after only 1.5 years. He urged council to make amends and support his efforts to end food insecurity.
  • Alexa Little submitted written materials on Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. She applauded the new ordinance penalizing misuse but raised concerns about data privacy: Flock's service agreements may allow data sharing with federal agencies; cameras can capture Bluetooth/Wi-Fi fingerprints; and the city cannot audit Flock's use of data. She requested the exact contract language be made public.
  • Anthony Curry, a non-resident Christian, argued biblically that condemnation of LGBTQ+ people is based on mistranslations, and that Jesus taught radical inclusion. He urged council to continue supporting Pride Month and marginalized groups.

Discussion Items

• Bicycle and E-bike Ordinance (Ordinance #6) – Councillors debated an ordinance to prohibit bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, and mopeds on sidewalks. Councilmember Peyton opposed the ban, citing lack of protected bike lanes, aggressive drivers, and the need for infrastructure first. She noted that a previous unanimous vote (May 11) directed the administration to study traffic safety and engage the public, but no plan was produced. Mayor Ashford supported the ordinance, stating e-bikes on sidewalks pose dangers to pedestrians, and that alternative routes exist. Councilmember Archibald supported the ordinance as a step forward, citing personal observation of near-crashes downtown. After discussion, the council voted 6-1 (Peyton no) to pass the first reading. Council also agreed to hold a public meeting with cycling advocates and business owners to gather input and potentially amend the ordinance.

• Flock Camera Misuse Ordinance (Ordinance #5) – The council unanimously passed first reading of an ordinance providing penalties for misuse of ALPR technology. Councilmember Pemberton noted the city has had cameras for seven years, and this is the first penalty provision. Mayor Ashford expressed support but said the ordinance does not go far enough; many residents want to remove the cameras entirely. Council agreed to continue discussions.

• Rezoning for Crossroads Solutions (Ordinance #2) – The council unanimously passed first reading to rezone 929 Division Street from R1 to C1 to allow an outpatient behavioral health facility. Public speakers had expressed strong support.

• Jumbotron Purchase – The council approved a $326,879 quote from Watchfire Signs for a jumbotron at McMoran Place Sports and Entertainment Center, along with installation costs ($77,104 from Off Plane Athletic Solutions and ~$90,000 from Peter Elbrich Company). The city will own the jumbotron and receive a percentage of sponsorship revenue. Councilmembers noted the partnership with Prowlers owner Ken Andrews, who contributed significantly.

• Connor Street Reconstruction – The council approved a resolution (Resolution #2) authorizing issuance of municipal securities for reconstruction of Connor Street from Military Street to Electric Avenue, including new street lights from DTE (agreement approved under Resolution #4). The project is supported by the NIA and funded through tax increment financing.

• Moak Street Property Option – The council approved an option agreement with Community Housing Network to purchase a vacant lot at 2025 Moak Street for potential senior housing (16 units) if tax credits are awarded. Councilmember Archibald noted the option runs until January 31, 2028.

• Waterfront Park Acquisition – The council approved a grant application to the Michigan DNR Trust Fund for up to $770,000 to acquire 2.6 acres at 1227 Water Street for a riverfront park and expanded boat launch parking. The city would provide a local match (amount not specified). Councilmember Peyton and Mayor Ashford emphasized public access and fish cleaning station conversion.

• Other Resolutions & Ordinances – Council also approved: a bid for Lee Contracting ($2,904,290) for thickener tank replacement at the wastewater plant; a single source quote for diesel exhaust removal at Fire Station #4 ($41,702); a bid for a 2027 chassis ($111,599) and dump body/upfit ($164,230) for the streets department; a multi-year electrical services agreement with Kingdom Electric LLC; a payment resolution; a Transportation Alternatives Program grant application for the 16th Street reconstruction project (Electric Avenue to Cedar Street); and a PILOT ordinance for OHM Senior Apartments (Ordinance #3) and for the Residences at 256 (Ordinance #4). Both PILOT ordinances were approved unanimously on first reading.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent agenda items passed unanimously. All resolutions passed unanimously (7-0). All ordinances passed on first reading with the following notable votes: Ordinance #2 (rezoning 929 Division) unanimous; Ordinance #3 (OHM Senior PILOT) unanimous; Ordinance #4 (Residences at 256 PILOT) unanimous; Ordinance #5 (ALPR misuse) unanimous; Ordinance #6 (bicycle/e-bike sidewalk ban) passed 6-1 (Councilmember Peyton dissenting).
• Next Steps: Council committed to organizing a public meeting (quorum of council, stakeholders) to discuss bicycle/pedestrian safety and the e-bike ordinance. City administration was encouraged to expedite a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian safety plan and conduct promised listening sessions.
• Announcements: Mayor Ashford reminded residents to properly contain garbage; the city's waste contract (MTER) allows unlimited trash in bags/containers and one bulk item per week. Councilmember Pemberton praised Recovery Fest and neighborhood events. Council also acknowledged the need to follow up with Julian Rock regarding his community garden concerns.