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Council approves MDOT contract, grant submission and schedules budget hearings
Summary
The Port Huron City Council approved a contract with MDOT to reconstruct Lapeer Avenue, authorized a grant request for Lincoln Park access design, and set public hearings on the CIP and Downtown Development Authority budget.
The Port Huron City Council voted to approve multiple resolutions covering street reconstruction, grant applications and public hearing schedules.
At the meeting the council approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to reconstruct Lapeer Avenue from Sixteenth Street to 20 Fourth Street (as described in the contract packet). The project includes utility work, a road-diet conversion from four lanes to three, sidewalk reconstruction to meet ADA standards, and related easements. Construction is expected to start in June or July with substantial completion targeted for November; bids were anticipated to be let in early May.
Council also authorized the submission of a grant request to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund's Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Grant Program for engineering and design costs to improve access within Lincoln Park, connect the waterfront recreational areas to the Blade To Bay Regional Trail and surrounding neighborhoods, and to create ADA-accessible waterfront connections. City staff described the authorization as phase 1 (design/engineering); construction funding would require a separate MDNR or other construction grant application.
Other consent/resolution items approved included receiving the proposed capital improvement program (CIP) and scheduling a public hearing for May 12, 2025; receiving the proposed 2025-26 Downtown Development Authority budget and scheduling its public hearing for May 12, 2025; and recommending a social district applicant to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission pending boundary approval.
Votes at a glance: - Approve MDOT contract for Lapeer Avenue reconstruction — Moved by Council Member Moserak; supported by Council Member Pemberton. Roll call: unanimous yes. Outcome: approved. - Authorize submission of Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant request (Lincoln Park access/design) — Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Archibald; supported by Council Member Moserak. Roll call: unanimous yes. Outcome: approved. - Receive proposed CIP and schedule public hearing for 05/12/2025 — Motion carried. Outcome: approved (public hearing scheduled). - Receive proposed 2025-26 DDA budget and schedule public hearing for 05/12/2025 — Outcome: approved (public hearing scheduled). - Consent appointments: Jason Heilig to Housing Commission (term to June 2028) and Jeffrey Gishman to Beautification Commission (term to 01/30/2028) — Outcome: approved.
Why it matters: The Lapeer Avenue work is a half-mile reconstruction that includes ADA sidewalk upgrades and a lane reduction intended to improve walkability and safety for the pier area. The Lincoln Park design authorization is intended to create the engineering plans needed before seeking construction funding, with the city noting the work would cross Military Street to improve waterfront access and neighborhood connections. Council members said federal aid and MDOT participation substantially reduce the city's local share for the Lapeer Avenue project.
Ending: The council moved several infrastructure and planning items forward and set public hearings for the city’s CIP and DDA budget on May 12, giving residents official opportunities to comment before final adoption.
