Hudson City Council Meeting - October 1, 2024

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Hudson City Council met at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. Six of seven council members were present (Councilmember Heater absent due to flight cancellation). The meeting included proclamations, a public hearing with no testimony, public comments opposing a proposed sign on the Green, updates on flood recovery, and passage of several ordinances and resolutions including the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and the Safe Routes to School Travel Plan. The meeting recessed at 8:32 PM for executive session and adjourned at 9:39 PM.

Consent Calendar

• 24-118: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to bid and award printing services for the Focus on Hudson Newsletter. Passed unanimously.
• 24-119: Resolution authorizing a professional services contract with GPD Group for the design of the Hines Hill Grade Separation Project. Passed unanimously.
• 24-120: Resolution authorizing an agreement with OARnet for VMware software licensing for five years. Declared an emergency and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing (Ordinance 24-86): No public comments were made; the hearing was opened at 7:38 PM and closed at 7:39 PM.
• General Public Comments: Susan Newman (2694 Stonebridge Ct.), on behalf of the Hudson Heritage Association, read a letter opposing the proposed “Hudson” sign on the Hudson Green. She stated that the sign would not be an appropriate fixture in the historic district and urged caution in protecting this valuable community asset.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Mayor Anzevino proclaimed October 2024 as National Colonial Heritage Month and recognized the 175th anniversary of the Hudson Fire Department. Fire Chief Jerry Varnes accepted the proclamation; Council President Foster thanked the department for its service.
• Council Comments:
  • Councilmember Kowalski and Banweg provided updates on the Fire/EMS Study: facility assessment conducted, initial findings expected by end of October, final presentation at the last workshop in January 2025. The Fire/EMS Open House is October 14, 2024 (5:30–8:30 PM) with a fire extinguisher exchange for the first 100 residents.
  • Councilmember Sutton reported on the Tree Commission: spotted lanternfly threat to maple, oak, and tree of heaven; memorial tree plantings at capacity on the Green; suggested shifting to an endowment for general beautification. Requested a future discussion.
  • Councilmember Banweg updated on the Economic Growth Board: engaging with local merchants, business appreciation lunch on November 21st. Also raised concerns about unsafe parking by lawn crews.
  • Councilmember Bird noted the Personnel Advisory and Appeals Board approved minor employee handbook changes, coming to Council next month.
  • Council President Foster reminded of the special meeting on October 5th for Charter Review Commission interviews and noted Councilmember Heater’s absence due to flight cancellation.
  • Mayor Anzevino announced a ribbon cutting at Barrio (Oct 2nd, noon) and the 63rd annual Parade of Bands (Oct 5th, 7 PM at Hudson Memorial Stadium).
• City Manager Report: Tom Sheridan provided an extensive update on flood recovery from the August 8th flood: 351 door-to-door discussions completed; 100% of debris cleared; Summit County made improvements to the Brunswick pump station; planned updates to Brandywine and Tinkers Creek watershed studies. He proposed exploring backflow preventers for county sanitary sewer lines in basements and asked Council if residents affected by flooding should have water/electric bills deferred. Council expressed interest in seeing costs and options for backflow preventers and deferred a decision on utility bills.
• Legislation:
  • 24-76 (Comprehensive Plan): Ordinance adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Council substituted Exhibit A (dated September 26, 2024) and then passed the ordinance unanimously (6-0). Several council members thanked volunteers and staff.
  • 24-86 (Funds-in-Lieu of Sidewalks): Second reading only; no action.
  • 24-103 (Safe Routes to School Travel Plan): Resolution adopting the plan in concept. After discussion, Councilmember Foster opposed, stating the plan creates obligations. Councilmember Banweg had concerns but supported because it is not binding. Councilmember Kowalski and City Manager Sheridan clarified that the plan is required for state grants and does not obligate the city. The resolution passed 5-1 (Foster dissenting).
  • 24-110 through 24-117 (financial ordinances for bond notes and trails): All were second readings; no action taken.
  • 24-121 (Purchase of Norfolk Southern property): First reading; no action.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda (Resolutions 24-118, 24-119, 24-120) unanimously.
• Approved: Ordinance 24-76 (2024 Comprehensive Plan) with substitution, 6-0.
• Approved: Resolution 24-103 (Safe Routes to School Travel Plan), 5-1.
• Deferred: Discussion on backflow preventer program and utility bill deferrals for flood-affected residents; Council requested further information.
• Executive Session: Entered at 8:32 PM to discuss pending and imminent litigation (Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(3) and (5)). Adjourned at 9:39 PM.