Regular Meeting of Hudson City Council - May 20, 2025

The Hudson City Council met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Town Hall. All seven council members were present. The meeting included honorary resolutions, proclamations, public comments, a public hearing, and action on multiple legislative items, notably the selection of Oak Grove Park for the inclusive playground and passage of an ordinance restricting townhomes to the Village Core District.

Honorary Resolutions

• 25-80: A resolution thanking Brian Battaglia for 25 years of service with the Hudson Police Department was adopted unanimously (7-0). Battaglia spoke about his career and future role with Scouting America.
• 25-81: A resolution thanking John Niemczura for his service on the Military and Veterans Commission was adopted unanimously (7-0). Niemczura and commission members accepted the recognition.

Proclamations

• Poppy Day: Mayor Anzevino proclaimed May 23, 2025 as Poppy Day in Hudson.
• Trike and Bike Hudson: September 20, 2025 was proclaimed as Trike and Bike Hudson, an event benefiting pediatric cancer research. Michael Coburn and the Hudson Velo Board accepted the proclamation.

Public Hearing

• 25-57: Ordinance to establish a permanent prohibition on marijuana facilities. No public comments were made, and the hearing was closed. The ordinance received its second reading; no vote was taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several residents (Asher Jones, Joe Fencicle, Andrea Hall, Parker and Dan Berger) spoke in favor of the Ravenna Street sidewalk, citing safety concerns, limited pedestrian space, and connectivity to downtown.
• Dr. Mimi Becker spoke in favor of Ordinance 25-21 (codifying public hearing rules), suggesting boards receive training, and questioned the financial plan for the inclusive playground.
• Katie Madio spoke in favor of locating the inclusive playground at Barlow Farm Park, citing its central location and potential risks to funding if relocated.
• Anthony Ravida alleged wrongdoing by city staff and Council President Foster, claiming misuse of police and fraudulent city permits.
• Katrina Whited responded to Ravida’s earlier allegations, stating her company does not do city work and defending her integrity.
• Marietta Marquart commented on a social media post by Councilor Banweg, urging focus on issues rather than personal attacks.

Discussion Items

• Inclusive Playground Location: Park Board Chair Linda O’Neil reported a 4-1 vote for Oak Grove Park. Dr. Adam Bartlett (HIP) supported Oak Grove but noted concerns about its secluded feel and urged mitigation through signage and landscaping. Funding details were debated: $680,000 state grant, $400,000 city budget, $411,000 raised by HIP (with $187,000 earmarked for benches and sponsored equipment), and $430,000 in already-purchased equipment. Councilors expressed varying views on fiscal responsibility, the need for diverse housing, and the preference for Barlow. After discussion, a motion by Councilor Banweg, seconded by Councilor Sutton, to move forward with Oak Grove Park and cover any funding shortfall from the General Fund passed 6-1 (Dr. Goetz voting nay).
• Ravenna Street Sidewalk Design: Authorization to proceed with design of a 5’ concrete sidewalk on the north side of Ravenna Street from S. Hayden Parkway to Stow Road was approved as part of the Consent Agenda. Councilors clarified that the project had community support.
• Townhome Zoning Ordinance (25-43): Debate centered on housing diversity. Councilors Bird, Goetz, and Kowalski opposed limiting townhomes to District 5, citing the need for mixed housing. Councilors Foster, Heater, Sutton, and Banweg supported the ordinance, arguing it reflects community sentiment and allows townhomes in planned developments. The ordinance passed 4-3.
• Codifying Public Hearings (25-21): Ordinance was approved with a substitute Exhibit A to define public hearing procedures. Passed unanimously.
• AHBR Consultant (25-28): Allowed the board to consider consultants recognized by the state historic preservation office. Passed unanimously.
• Use of Public Ways (25-56): Amended regulations for service and cable providers. Passed unanimously as introduced.
• Tax Incentive Review Council (25-69): Accepted recommendations to continue CRA agreements. Passed unanimously.
• Keltec Job Creation Grant (25-84): Authorized a 50% income tax credit for 10 years for Keltec LLC relocating to Hudson. Passed unanimously with emergency clause.
• Administrative Appeal Process (25-85): Referred to Planning Commission for review. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Inclusive Playground Location: Directed city staff to proceed with design at Oak Grove Park and to use General Fund to cover any funding gap (motion passed 6-1).
• Consent Agenda Approved Unanimously (7-0): Including April 2025 financial report, liquor permit transfer for Maruti Petroleum, Ravenna Street sidewalk design authorization, SR 303 safety improvements bid authorization, and police vehicle upfitting contract.
• Ordinances Passed:
  • 25-21 (Public Hearing Rules): 7-0.
  • 25-28 (AHBR Consultant): 7-0.
  • 25-43 (Townhome Zoning): 4-3.
  • 25-56 (Use of Public Ways): 7-0.
  • 25-69 (TIRC Recommendations): 7-0.
  • 25-84 (Keltec Grant): 7-0.
• Referred to Planning Commission: 25-85 (Appeal Process) – 7-0.
• Executive Session: Held from 10:20 PM to 10:51 PM to discuss security arrangements; no further public business.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:51 PM.