Hudson City Council Meeting - September 3, 2024

The Hudson City Council met on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM in Town Hall, with all seven members present. The meeting included approval of minutes (as amended), a proclamation honoring the Hudson High School Chamber Orchestra, public comments on sidewalk projects and government transparency, a detailed update from the City Manager on the August 8 storm event, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and first readings of three legislative items, two of which were referred to the Planning Commission.

Proclamation

• Special Recognition of the Hudson High School Chamber Orchestra: Mayor Anzevino read a proclamation honoring the orchestra for winning a gold medal at the Bratislava International Youth Music Festival and performing at the International Cantus Salzburg Festival during a trip from June 29 to July 7, 2024. Director Roberto Iriarte accepted the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lauren Brown (7204 Valley View Rd.) expressed support for the Valley View sidewalk segment from State Route 91 to Hines Hill Road. She requested that any further discussion on extending the sidewalks not delay the already-approved and funded initial segment.
• Jim Zockoll (1833 E. Hines Hill Rd.) stated that all residents on the north side of Hines Hill between Granby and Valley View oppose a sidewalk on the north side. He argued for a south-side alignment, citing lower cost and safety concerns, and questioned the benefit of a north-side sidewalk for children on the south side. He provided cost comparisons: north side $1.9M, south side $1.5M, and a hybrid option $1.77M.
• Tracey Mackay, President of the League of Women Voters of Hudson, criticized the Council for discussing a lawsuit against former City Manager Jane Howington in executive session and sealing the case, which a judge later called frivolous and awarded attorney fees. She urged transparency and also asked the Council to find a solution to maintain HCTV services.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the following items (all passed 7-0 after suspending the three-reading rule):

• Resolution 24-99: Authorizing an additional $10,000 to Norfolk Southern for preliminary engineering on the Barlow Farm Park path crossing (total $22,500 already allocated).
• Resolution 24-100: Approving a $56,000 change order to Anthony Allega Cement Contractor for Middleton Road sidewalk Phase 2, to remediate August 8 storm damage and improve stormwater capture.
• Resolution 24-101: Accepting property tax amounts and rates as determined by the County Budget Commission.
• Resolution 24-102: Authorizing a contract with K2M Design for a comprehensive Fire and EMS Staffing and Facilities Needs Study.

Discussion Items

• Sidewalk Discussions (Council Comments): Council members debated contested sidewalk segments, especially on Hines Hill and Valley View. Council President Foster noted the historical failure of earlier sidewalk plans due to lack of community input and stated he would not support the Granby-to-Valley View segment. Councilor Banweg acknowledged hearing residents’ concerns. Councilor Sutton clarified that HCTV discussions aim to balance the budget, not shut down the service entirely.
• Report of City Manager – August 8 Storm Event: City Manager Sheridan provided an update on the 500-year flood event. Key statistics: 246 basement flood reports (red dots on map), numerous green dots for road flooding, 42 communications issued in August, and a damage report submitted to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. Completed actions: curb-side debris pickup, inspection of all affected roads and large culverts, clearance of 90% of debris in public rights-of-way. Ongoing work: door-to-door interviews with affected homeowners (to differentiate storm vs. sanitary sewer flooding), contractor removal of large blockages on private property, modeling studies for Brandywine and Tinkers Creeks, and meetings with Summit County regarding sanitary sewer pump stations and manhole inflow prevention. A preliminary consultant report is expected in October.
• Other Council Comments: Councilor Goetz reported that the Architectural & Historic Board of Review approved a pavilion at Ellsworth Hill using repurposed barn wood. Councilor Bird noted the Personnel Advisory and Appeals Board met to review the employee handbook. Councilor Sutton mentioned the German Family Society’s Oktoberfest. Mayor Anzevino reminded residents about the residential snow plow program application deadline (September 16).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved as Amended: The August 27 workshop minutes were amended to include the phrase: "Council consensus to move forward with the Valley View sidewalk from Hunting Hollow to Hines Hill on the west side, Option A along Valley View Road along the east side, Option D along Hines Hill Road on the north side, and pause design on Option B along Valley View Road and Option C along Hines Hill Road." The motion to amend and the motion to approve as amended both passed 7-0.
• Consent Agenda Approved Unanimously (7-0) after suspension of rules.
• First Reading of Resolution 24-103 (Safe Routes to School Travel Plan) – no action taken.
• Ordinance 24-104 (Setbacks for D6/D8 districts adjacent to residential properties) – first reading; Council suspended rules (7-0) and referred the ordinance to the Planning Commission, postponing Council action to November 19, 2024.
• Ordinance 24-105 (Non-conforming residential uses) – first reading; Council suspended rules (7-0) and referred to the Planning Commission, also postponed to November 19, 2024.
• Meeting Adjourned at 8:23 PM.

*Note: The agenda did not list the referrals for Items 24-104 and 24-105, but Council proceeded at staff request.