Hudson City Council Workshop – June 11, 2024

The Hudson City Council held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. Six council members were present (Banweg, Bird, Foster, Goetz, Kowalski, Sutton); one was absent (Heater). The meeting covered seven discussion items, a proposed consent agenda, and proposed legislation for the June 18 council meeting. No public testimony was heard.

Discussion Items

A. Solar Interconnection Recommendations (24-0056)

• Alex Salimian of the Environmental Awareness Committee presented six recommendations regarding the Hudson Public Power Solar Interconnection Program, including changing the system sizing unit from kilowatt-hours to dollars, disclosing historical reimbursement rates, clarifying net excess generation, resetting credits in spring instead of December, and studying the impact of increased solar adoption on HPP.
• Council and staff discussed the complexities: rates vary monthly, a 25 kW cap exists, and net billing is used (not net metering). Staff noted that no customer has lost credits under the current December reset, but theoretical concerns remain.
• Outcome: Council asked staff to work with the EAC offline, investigate the feasibility of a spring reset, and return with further recommendations. No formal action was taken.

B. Summit County 9-1-1 Plan (TMP-7318)

• Police Chief Tabak explained that the updated plan expands funding eligibility from only the top six PSAPs to all PSAPs, potentially allowing Hudson to receive funds for its dispatch center for the first time. The plan also supports hosted AT&T services already used by Hudson.
• Council noted the plan’s language is “fuzzy” but recognized there is no downside. The resolution was forwarded to the consent agenda for June 18.

C. Future Budgeting of Hudson Community Television (24-0057)

• Assistant City Manager Knoblauch presented a reforecast showing declining franchise fee revenue (5% fee on cable TV bills) due to cord-cutting. The fund is projected to be negative $125,000 by 2028 unless subsidized. Options discussed: fold HCTV into the General Fund or continue the current fund with increased General Fund subsidies (currently $30,000/year).
• Station Manager Gerbracht answered questions. Public access costs are minimal (15–20 staff hours/month); most expenses are for personnel and equipment for city/school coverage. The school provides space and utilities but no direct funding.
• Council requested staff to return with a detailed breakdown of staff time and equipment depreciation costs allocated to city vs. school vs. public access activities.

D. Private Property Storm Project Update (24-0058)

• City Engineer Kosco reviewed the 2024‑2028 program, highlighting three currently unfunded projects: Terex Road ($1.3 M), Argyle Drive ($97,000), and Stone Road ($1.7 M). Terex Road involves potential property purchase due to severe flooding; Stone Road requires cooperation with Streetsboro, which has declined to upsize a culvert.
• Kosco noted three additional emerging projects (Middleton Road, Towbridge subdivision, West Barlow/Weeping Willow) will be proposed during budget discussions. Council discussed the city’s historical prohibition on private stormwater involvement (reversed in recent years) and the unique hydrology of Hudson.
• Outcome: Each project will come back to council before design and construction. No formal action taken.

E. Summit County Fiber Line through Cascade Park and Ellsworth Meadows (24-0059)

• Kosco described a proposed fiber loop that would run through Cascade Park and the golf course to connect City Hall and the water tower. The initial construction would be via a work agreement; a permanent easement would follow.
• Council members expressed concern about creating a new right-of-way through active parks and the golf course, preferring to use existing street rights-of-way and poles. They asked staff to request an alternate alignment from the county.
• Outcome: Staff will work with the county to find a route that avoids parks and golf course.

F. 2024/2025 Residential Driveway Plowing Program (24-0060)

• Public Works Director Powell reported on the pilot program: 46 residents signed up (target 50), 19 used vouchers, total cost $1,071 for one snow event. The only complaint was about the 48‑hour response window. The program serves residents 65+ or with disabilities.
• Proposed additions: sidewalk clearing, mailbox access, and path to detached garages. Estimated cost for 50 participants with these additions is $26,000 (worst case). For 75 participants, about $52,000.
• Council consensus: Continue the program, budget for 75 participants at the higher service level, and bid the added services as alternates to control costs.

G. Comprehensive Plan Adoption (24-76)

• Community Development Director Hannan outlined the adoption process: council referral to Planning Commission, a public hearing on July 22, and a return to council in late August. The draft plan includes recommendations to study point-of-sale inspections and contractor registration.
• Council acknowledged the extensive work by the steering committee. The ordinance was forwarded to the June 18 meeting for first reading and referral.

Proposed Consent Agenda (June 18, 2024)

The following items were forwarded without objection:

• Motion to acknowledge the May 2024 monthly financial report (noting HCTV revenue 7% below projection).
• Resolution adopting the Summit County 9‑1‑1 Plan (TMP-7318).
• Resolution authorizing an addendum to the AECOM contract for Valley View Road/Hines Hill Road sidewalk design (+$161,469).
• Resolution authorizing a sanitary sewer easement through the city parking lot adjacent to Heinen’s grocery store. Council discussed nighttime work and boring to minimize disruption.

Proposed Legislation (June 18, 2024)

The following items were forwarded for further consideration:

• Ordinance adopting a Hudson City flag (third reading).
• Resolution repealing the Boston Heights MOU (third reading).
• Resolution authorizing a cost‑reimbursement agreement with Summit DODD for inclusive playground equipment at Middleton Park (second reading; amendment to be circulated).
• Ordinance establishing uniform qualifications for boards and commissions (second reading; amendments discussed: remove “after the first year,” change attendance to “at least 75%,” and revise action language).
• Ordinance adopting new policies for city real estate transactions (second reading).
• Resolution adopting the 2024 Summit County Hazard Mitigation Plan (second reading).
• Ordinance adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan (first reading and referral to Planning Commission).

Key Outcomes

• Solar: Staff to work with EAC offline; potential spring reset to be explored.
• Driveway Plowing: Council directed staff to budget for 75 participants with added services, bid as alternates.
• Fiber Line: Staff to request an alternate alignment from Summit County that avoids parks and golf course.
• HCTV: Staff to provide a cost allocation breakdown by activity.
• Stormwater: Each project will return to council for approval; three unfunded projects remain on watch list.
• All discussion items were forwarded to the next meeting agenda where applicable.
• Fire Safety Study Ad‑Hoc Committee: postponed until consultant findings are available in late summer.
• A proclamation for David Hudson Days (225th Anniversary) will be on the June 18 agenda.