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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Hudson City Council Workshop - August 26, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, August 26, 2025

BodyHudson, Ohio

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, August 26, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 47:03

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:01

30.

0:02

We're gonna go ahead and get started.

0:07

I'd like to call this meeting to order.

0:09

This is a duly noticed workshop meeting of Hudson City Council held in accordance with the sunshine laws of the state of Ohio, Section 121.22 and the City of Hudson Charter Article 3, Section 3.02 for Tuesday, August 26th, 2025.

0:25

It is 730 p.m.

0:27

And per ordinance 220.031 titled workshop meetings and item C would now like to turn the meeting over to Council President Foster so as to continue through the remaining workshop agenda items.

0:38

Council President Foster, the floor and workshop meeting is yours.

0:41

Thank you very much, Mayor.

0:42

We'll move on to section two, which is correspondence and council comments.

0:46

If any council member has anything they would like to share with the public, please get my attention so I can assign you the floor.

0:53

Mr.

0:53

Bandwick.

0:55

Yeah, uh, two just quick updates.

0:57

I was able to with Dr.

0:58

Getz walk um a part of Hudson Road with a resident to look at some traffic issues.

1:04

And just for public awareness, you know, the the question, and we've gotten this.

1:08

I guess I've gotten this over time with downtown areas is do we allow too much parking on the roads?

1:14

Do we want less parking on the roads?

1:16

And I think we've seen that in a lot of um different discussions around landscape vehicles, et cetera.

1:21

So it's a good dialogue to keep going and look at the safety of particular roads.

1:25

On Hudson Road, the question was there's parking allowed on one side.

1:29

Should we not have any parking on that road because of the amount of traffic and things that are there already?

1:36

So it's just open dialogue and for the residents out there.

1:39

Hopefully, we'll be reaching out and getting your feedback as well.

1:42

So it's more holistic view.

1:45

The second thing I wanted to do is remind everybody about the um September 11th Military Venance Commission and Hudson City Schools Stadium Walk at Memorial Stadium at the high school in memory of those emergency responders lost in September 11th, 2001.

2:06

Starts about 8:30.

2:07

So if you're interested, it'd be a I think a great event.

2:11

That's all that I have.

2:14

Other comments.

2:18

Seeing none, we'll move on to section three, which is discussion items.

2:22

Item A.

2:23

TMP 8182 is a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an emergency agreement with Magnetic Industrial Services Incorporated for the inspection and diagnosis of the 12.47 kilovolt transformer at the city's South Side substation and declaring emergency.

2:43

Thank you, Mr.

2:44

Foster.

2:44

Uh as Dave comes up and gets situated.

2:46

Dave Griffith is here from our Hudson Public Power Division and uh came to light on Monday.

2:52

Um Kevin Powell is out of uh town this week.

2:56

But uh on August 13th, we experienced an issue with a large transformer down at the substation right next to the um uh Starbucks on Bard there, and uh we could not re-energize this transformer.

3:11

So uh they the team over in HPP got some prices uh just to have a diagnosed the the issue because they can't get inside of it.

3:21

Uh the actual transformer would have to be uh picked up by a crane and uh hauled away to their uh location where the vendor is at.

3:29

Uh they reached out to get two prices.

3:32

Uh one of the prices got back to us in a timely manner, and somebody we've used before.

3:37

We've also used the other company, uh, but they didn't even get their proposal back.

3:41

Um this first company, which Mr.

3:44

Foster mentioned is mega tech.

3:46

Um, they are able to start this after the uh holiday.

3:50

So I had asked council uh president if it was okay with me and the clerk to put this on the agenda and uh also it's an emergency, and but I also wanted to follow the proper protocol after talking to our staff that you know we could do without this for a week, but we are using another transformer from another substation to help feed this area.

4:11

Uh Dave graciously gave me the area that uh a couple of key points that this transformer feeds is the uh Ramco area and uh Cabelco down south along the uh Drug Mart uh corridor on 91.

4:26

Um and it was I believe 1994 we put it in.

4:31

And it's 30 to 40 year life expectancy.

4:35

So um anyhow, that's why we're asking for the emergency.

4:38

We'd like to get this uh next week yet approved and then uh cut these guys loose with the contractor to get this thing diagnosed and inspected.

4:46

With that, I'll turn it over to Dave, or he'll he's here to answer any questions you guys have too.

4:50

Dave, did you have anything else to offer?

4:53

Uh no, this this is a uh this is an important transformer for us, though.

4:57

It does feed uh that South Industrial type load.

5:00

It it is our largest circuit that we have there as far as loading capacity.

5:05

So uh we would like to have that transformer back in operation as soon as possible.

5:10

As far as I understand it, the repair costs are a guesstimate of about 300, you said ish.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Planned Development█████████████████████████████████33%

Public Works█████████████13%

Transportation Safety██████████10%

Procedural████████8%

Energy and Sustainability████████8%

Water And Wastewater Management███████7%

Fiscal Sustainability███████7%

Land Use Regulation████4%

Budget Equity Analysis███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Hudson City Council Workshop - August 26, 2025

This workshop meeting of the Hudson City Council was held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Town Hall. The council discussed several key infrastructure, planning, and financial items, including an emergency transformer repair, implementation of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, a new zoning framework for the South Darrow Road area, and a waterline extension project. No public comments were heard. All legislative items were forwarded to the September 2, 2025 Council meeting.

Discussion Items

A. Emergency Transformer Repair (Resolution 25-125)

City Manager Thomas Sheridan reported that a 12.47 kV transformer at the Southside Substation was struck by lightning on August 13, 2025, and cannot be re-energized. The affected circuit has been transferred to another substation, reducing system reliability.
Assistant City Manager Dave Griffith explained that the transformer serves the Ramco and Cabelco areas and the SR 91 Drug Mart corridor. The transformer was installed in 1994 with a 30–40 year lifespan.
MagneTech Industrial Services, Inc. provided the only timely quote for diagnosis ($34,000). A full rebuild is estimated at approximately $350,000; a new transformer would cost over $1 million with a nine-month lead time.
Council expressed consensus to support the emergency resolution, emphasizing the critical nature of the utility service. Assistant City Manager Knoblauch noted the city is exploring an insurance claim.
The resolution was forwarded for consideration at the September 2, 2025 Council meeting.

B. Implementation of 2024 Comprehensive Plan

City Planner Nick Sugar and Community Project Planner Emily Fernandez presented the first annual update on the plan's 67 action items.
A tracking system was introduced with a "snapshot" format. As of the update (early), approximately 7% of the plan's points are complete, slightly below a 10% target but not a concern given the early timing.
Most items are on track; a few behind are linked to the "Recenter" (community rec center) subcommittee, which is paused due to financial uncertainties following the Joann Fabrics closure and changing project costs.
Council members appreciated the format and noted the need to address financial feasibility before restarting the rec center subcommittee.

C. South Darrow Council Subcommittee Update

Economic Development Manager Katie Behnke and Nick Sugar provided an update on the subcommittee formed in April 2025 to draft a new zoning district (District 11) for the southern end of town, focusing on the former Joann Fabrics site (1.4 million sq ft).
The subcommittee (Council President Foster, Council Members Sutton and Bird) met four times, including a tour of Valor Acres in Brecksville and discussions with Team NEO and the property owner (IRG).
Proposed District 11 is an office-industrial focused mixed-use zone, allowing limited commercial/service retail, and introduces a Plan Development process that could permit housing with enhanced city controls. The district boundary includes existing uses around the Joann building.
Council Member Goetz requested a written summary of findings from Brecksville and Team NEO, which staff agreed to provide.
A review draft of the text amendment is scheduled for September 9, with first reading and referral to Planning Commission on September 16.

D. Hudson Drive Waterline Extension Project (Resolution 25-113)

City Engineer Brad Kosco presented two route options: the original design (north from Hudson Gate Drive, $850,000) and a loop option from Terex Road south ($1.5 million). The loop would eliminate a dead-end and serve additional commercial properties, but costs nearly double.
Staff noted that commercial properties could alternatively connect to an existing city water line on SR 91 at similar cost.
A new water well failure at the treatment plant (estimated $400,000 replacement) was disclosed. If the Nicholson Drive grant funds ($980,000) are not used by residents, staff recommended using them for the well replacement.
Council Member Sutton requested revenue projections from potential new commercial customers before deciding. Staff will attempt to obtain billing data from Akron (current water provider) for the next meeting.

Proposed Consent Agenda for September 2, 2025

All items were forwarded for further consideration:

A. Motion to acknowledge July 2025 Monthly Financial Report
B. Resolution for preliminary engineering agreement with ODOT and Norfolk Southern for Hines Hill Road grade separation
C. Resolution for amended LPA agreement with ODOT for SR 303 safety improvements (grant reduced from $330,000 to $100,000)
D. Resolution for contract with The PERK Company for SR 303 safety improvements ($162,971.56 total, $100,000 ODOT grant)
E. Resolution for sale of 0.1705 acres at 5431 Hudson Dr. to adjacent owner for $10,416.36 (in place of previously discussed land swap)
F. Resolution for purchase of ADA accessible kayak ramp ($62,700 state grant, no match required)
G. Emergency resolution for MagneTech transformer inspection (same as Discussion Item A)

Proposed Legislation for September 2, 2025

Resolution 25-113 (Hudson Drive waterline) – second reading; discussion continued.
Ordinance 25-119 (Low-speed/utility vehicles) – Council Member Sutton suggested moving to consent agenda due to lack of controversy; Council agreed to pull it to consent.
Resolution 25-126 (Refer inclusive playground at Oak Grove Park to Planning Commission) – Council consensus to move from legislation to consent.
Ordinances for financing (items D through M):
- $740,000 BANs for Owen Brown St. property (refinancing)
- $925,000 BANs for 94 Owen Brown St. (Downtown Phase II)
- $7,100,000 notes for salt storage and bus maintenance facility
- $3,295,000 bonds for acquisition of 5431 Hudson Dr. (Public Works site)
- $31,000,000 notes for construction of Public Works facility
- $2,700,000 bonds for Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club clubhouse ($3.1M total; balance from golf fund)
- $2,700,000 bonds for Boston Mills Road multi-purpose trail and parking improvements
- $1,000,000 bonds for Valley View Road multi-purpose trail
- $5,000,000 notes for Fire/EMS facility remodeling/renovation
- $7,500,000 notes for Velocity Broadband fiberoptic expansion for residential internet All are scheduled for first reading on September 2, 2025.

Key Outcomes

Council reached consensus to support the emergency transformer repair resolution.
The Comprehensive Plan tracking system was accepted; staff will provide annual updates.
The South Darrow zoning framework will proceed to formal review and public hearing.
The waterline extension discussion will continue after revenue data is provided.
Several items were moved to the consent agenda for the next meeting.
A proclamation recognizing Liz Murphy's retirement will be added to the September 2 agenda.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM.

Meeting Transcript

30. We're gonna go ahead and get started. I'd like to call this meeting to order. This is a duly noticed workshop meeting of Hudson City Council held in accordance with the sunshine laws of the state of Ohio, Section 121.22 and the City of Hudson Charter Article 3, Section 3.02 for Tuesday, August 26th, 2025. It is 730 p.m. And per ordinance 220.031 titled workshop meetings and item C would now like to turn the meeting over to Council President Foster so as to continue through the remaining workshop agenda items. Council President Foster, the floor and workshop meeting is yours. Thank you very much, Mayor. We'll move on to section two, which is correspondence and council comments. If any council member has anything they would like to share with the public, please get my attention so I can assign you the floor. Mr. Bandwick. Yeah, uh, two just quick updates. I was able to with Dr. Getz walk um a part of Hudson Road with a resident to look at some traffic issues. And just for public awareness, you know, the the question, and we've gotten this. I guess I've gotten this over time with downtown areas is do we allow too much parking on the roads? Do we want less parking on the roads? And I think we've seen that in a lot of um different discussions around landscape vehicles, et cetera. So it's a good dialogue to keep going and look at the safety of particular roads. On Hudson Road, the question was there's parking allowed on one side. Should we not have any parking on that road because of the amount of traffic and things that are there already? So it's just open dialogue and for the residents out there. Hopefully, we'll be reaching out and getting your feedback as well. So it's more holistic view. The second thing I wanted to do is remind everybody about the um September 11th Military Venance Commission and Hudson City Schools Stadium Walk at Memorial Stadium at the high school in memory of those emergency responders lost in September 11th, 2001. Starts about 8:30. So if you're interested, it'd be a I think a great event. That's all that I have. Other comments. Seeing none, we'll move on to section three, which is discussion items. Item A. TMP 8182 is a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an emergency agreement with Magnetic Industrial Services Incorporated for the inspection and diagnosis of the 12.47 kilovolt transformer at the city's South Side substation and declaring emergency. Thank you, Mr. Foster. Uh as Dave comes up and gets situated. Dave Griffith is here from our Hudson Public Power Division and uh came to light on Monday. Um Kevin Powell is out of uh town this week. But uh on August 13th, we experienced an issue with a large transformer down at the substation right next to the um uh Starbucks on Bard there, and uh we could not re-energize this transformer. So uh they the team over in HPP got some prices uh just to have a diagnosed the the issue because they can't get inside of it. Uh the actual transformer would have to be uh picked up by a crane and uh hauled away to their uh location where the vendor is at. Uh they reached out to get two prices. Uh one of the prices got back to us in a timely manner, and somebody we've used before. We've also used the other company, uh, but they didn't even get their proposal back. Um this first company, which Mr. Foster mentioned is mega tech. Um, they are able to start this after the uh holiday. So I had asked council uh president if it was okay with me and the clerk to put this on the agenda and uh also it's an emergency, and but I also wanted to follow the proper protocol after talking to our staff that you know we could do without this for a week, but we are using another transformer from another substation to help feed this area. Uh Dave graciously gave me the area that uh a couple of key points that this transformer feeds is the uh Ramco area and uh Cabelco down south along the uh Drug Mart uh corridor on 91. Um and it was I believe 1994 we put it in.

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