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Port Huron council approves consent agenda and raises nonresident boat-launch fees
Summary
Council unanimously approved the consent agenda including liquor-license notice, appointments and contracts, and passed a resolution to increase seasonal boat-launch permits to $25 for residents and $50 for nonresidents (daily $10/$20) to address an operating deficit.
The Port Huron City Council unanimously approved its consent agenda and several resolutions at the April 13 meeting, including an adjustment to boat-launch fees intended to reduce an operating shortfall.
What passed: The consent agenda (moved by Mayor Pro Tem Archibald, supported by Council Member Pemberton) included communications, a Michigan Liquor Control Commission notification about a transfer application for a Class C license to St. Clair County Community College, and routine appointments. Council then approved several resolutions by roll call.
Boat-launch fees: Resolution #9 raised fees for seasonal boat-launch permits to $25 for city residents and $50 for nonresidents; daily launch fees will be $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. Staff said the adjustment addresses an operating deficit of about $44,000 per year when depreciation is included and noted that neighboring communities have similar tiers. Council Member Pemberton moved the fee adjustment; Mayor Pro Tem Archibald supported it. The roll-call vote was unanimous (Archibald, Harenza, Lamb, Mozurak, Payton, Pemberton and Mayor Ashford voted yes).
Other measures: Council authorized 18 payments (resolution #1) and approved a multi-year agreement with Professional Services Incorporated for construction materials testing and inspection (resolution #2). A newly added consent item approved a security-services agreement (JCL Protection Safety Solutions) to provide guards at Lakeside Beach for the 2026 season; funding will come from the general fund.
Why it matters: The fee change is intended to reduce recurring operating deficits for city-managed boat-launch infrastructure and aligns Port Huron with neighboring jurisdictions' practice of giving resident discounts. The council placed the adjustment on the record by roll call.
Next steps: Fee changes are effective as directed in the resolution; staff will implement updated permit and daily fee collection procedures and return with operational details as needed.
