Three Rivers commission debates housing board appointment tied to ongoing litigation

A largely routine Three Rivers City Commission meeting Tuesday became contentious after commissioners debated appointing a housing board member involved in ongoing legal disputes with Lockport Township.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to appoint Anthony Mayer to a new two-year term on the Three Rivers Housing Development Corporation board following an extended exchange between Mayer and Mayor Angel Johnston over municipal civil infraction and ordinance enforcement cases tied to the township.

The dispute began during board appointments listed near the end of the meeting agenda. Commissioner Torrey Brown questioned why Mayer — whose previous term on the housing board had expired — was not included among the recommended appointments. Brown later moved to appoint Mayer to a new term, arguing the board benefited from members with experience and institutional knowledge.

Johnston said the city had moved away from automatically reappointing board members in an effort to bring in new members and perspectives.

Early in discussion of the motion, City Manager Joe Bippus said Mayer had ongoing legal disputes and multiple civil infractions involving Lockport Township as another reason why his reappointment got “pulled,” though he also stated the issues did not legally disqualify Mayer from serving on the board.

Johnston then repeatedly questioned Mayer about whether he had complied with an order issued by Judge Jeffrey Middleton connected to the litigation.

“One thing that’s already been brought up that isn’t a matter of my opinion is the legal battles between Mr. Mayer and Lockport Township,” Johnston said. “I’d love to ask if you have come into compliance with Judge Middleton’s order?”

Johnston was referring to Mayer’s ongoing legal dispute with Lockport Township involving municipal civil infraction and ordinance enforcement cases in St. Joseph County courts. Court records show Mayer has appealed rulings related to the township’s enforcement of Ordinance 99-11A, which township officials describe in court filings as a police-power ordinance regulating property use, equipment, and vehicle storage. Mayer has separately argued in court that the ordinance effectively functions as zoning and was improperly amended and enforced. 

Court records also show Mayer has challenged the township’s enforcement actions through multiple appeals and a separate lawsuit filed in 45th Circuit Court. 

Mayer, who attended the meeting, had earlier spoken about work he said he had done with the housing development corporation. During that discussion, Brown asked Mayer how long he had served on the board and as board president. Mayer estimated he had held both roles for roughly seven to nine years, though he did not provide exact dates.

“I’m here to talk about the work I’ve done for this community, and I stand by those results,” Mayer said. “As far as how long the appointment might be, I think you should consider the best interest of the board.”

Johnston interrupted to again ask whether Mayer had complied with the order.

“I asked a yes or no question, whether or not you have come into compliance with Judge Middleton’s order,” Johnston said.

“I have not been found in contempt of court or out of compliance by anyone,” Mayer responded.

Johnston again asked whether Mayer had complied with the order.

“I’ve taken the proper legal action to address those issues, but thank you for asking,” Mayer said.

“So we have a non-answer,” Johnston responded. “You might get four people to agree with you tonight, I don’t know.”

At one point during the discussion, Johnston said she felt limited in what she could say publicly about the appointment.

“I wish we had time to speak with the rest of the board as we normally do with appointments,” Johnston said. “But I’ve been asked privately not to share my opinion so I’m going to withhold my opinion and be polite to TJ [Reed, city attorney].”

Commissioners Lucas Allen and Pat Dane later said they believed Mayer’s experience and prior work with the board were valuable and supported his continued service.

Commissioners ultimately voted 4-1 to appoint Mayer to the board. Allen, Dane, Brown and Steven Haigh voted in favor, while Johnston voted against. Commissioners Anthony Stanfill and Carolyn McNary were absent.

Other business

The regular business portion of the meeting proceeded with little debate, with commissioners unanimously approving all the business items on the agenda. 

Commissioners approved more than $1 million in road and paving projects as part of the city’s fiscal year 2026 pavement replacement program. The work includes paving and reconstruction projects on portions of Broadway Street, Bennett Street, Eighth Avenue and South Main Street, along with related curb, sidewalk and storm sewer improvements in several areas of the city. The commission also approved a motor pool fund balance request and a contract for replacement of the shelter roof at Conservation Park.

Commissioners also held a second public hearing and approved amendments to Chapter 5 of the city code governing licensing, registration, and permits. The ordinance amendments previously received a first reading during the commission’s April 21 meeting. 20 days from Tuesday the amendments will go into effect. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.