Port Huron council advances first reading of rule change to prioritize city residents during public comment

The Port Huron City Council on Nov. 10 advanced, by a majority vote, a proposed amendment to its rules of procedure that would prioritize city residents and business owners at the start of the public-comment period. Council members voted in favor of a first-reading action that postponed final adoption until the council’s next regular meeting, allowing additional public notice and further review.

The resolution, read in full by the clerk, said the city seeks to "conduct an orderly meeting that encourages public participation" while maintaining decorum and time efficiency; it also recited a charter section that prohibits adopting rule changes at the same meeting in which they are introduced. City Clerk (S3) read the motion and the text that directs the council to postpone final consideration until the next regular meeting.

Council member Jeff Pemberton (first…