Hudson City Council Workshop – September 9, 2025

The Hudson City Council held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Town Hall. The meeting covered eight discussion items, a consent agenda for the upcoming regular meeting, and proposed legislation. Key topics included a lease agreement for the Western Reserve Community Band, a water line extension request from the Girl Scouts, renewal of the library levy, AMATS funding applications, the 996 Hines Hill Road site authentication project, a 90-day planning commission moratorium, a temporary construction yard, and the residential driveway plowing program. The meeting adjourned at 10:19 PM.

Consent Calendar

• All items under Section 4 (Proposed Consent Agenda for September 16, 2025) were forwarded for further consideration without objection. These include:
  • A motion to acknowledge the August 2025 financial report
  • A resolution accepting property tax amounts and rates as determined by the County Budget Commission
  • A resolution authorizing AMATS grant applications for various road and trail projects
  • A resolution for an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Stow for the Seasons Road/Allen Road traffic signal
  • A resolution for professional services for the Barlow Community Center upper dam repair design
  • A resolution for demolition of the fire-damaged property at 5487 Sullivan Road
  • A resolution establishing a 90-day moratorium on planning commission applications requiring a public hearing (with modifications as discussed)

Public Comments & Testimony

No separate public comment period was held. However, representatives of organizations presented information during discussion items:

• Western Reserve Community Band (Item A): Arnold Kremer (President) and Victoria Putnam (Vice President) described the band’s need for climate-controlled storage at City Hall, citing a 300 sq ft space currently used. They requested an extended lease at a reduced cost, noting financial constraints and the band's 4,500 annual volunteer hours. They stated the Hudson Schools could not provide space.
• Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio (Item B): CEO Jane Christyson and consultant Bob McNutt presented a request to extend a water line from West Streetsboro Street (SR 303) to Camp Ledgewood. They explained the camp’s 80-year-old well is failing, and they seek a connection for fire protection and reliable water supply. The project is estimated at $1 million; the Girl Scouts would fundraise and pay the city’s out-of-city water rate (1.5 times).
• Hudson Library & Historical Society (Item C): Board President Basil Musnuff discussed the need to renew the 2.9-mill operating levy with an additional 0.6-mill increase (total $3.7 million/year) on the May 5, 2026 ballot. He noted updated election procedures making voting accessible to all registered Hudson voters.

Discussion Items

• A. Western Reserve Community Band Lease: Council discussed alternatives, including splitting storage (climate-controlled music vs. non-climate-controlled chairs/stands) and revisiting school options. Council President Foster directed the H.O.M.E. Committee to place this on its October agenda for further discussion with the schools. No lease extension decision was made.
• B. Girl Scouts Water Line Extension: Council expressed support for the concept, noting parity with the Boy Scouts connection. Questions about capacity (Hudson Water Plant capacity: 2 MGD; current average use 1 MGD; Girl Scouts’ peak demand ~50 GPM, similar to 30-40 homes) and funding timeline were addressed. No formal vote was taken; council will continue consideration.
• C. Library Levy: Council noted the need to correct the resolution to reflect the 0.6-mill increase. The item was forwarded to the consent agenda for the September 16 meeting.
• D. AMATS Funding Applications: City Engineer Brad Kosco and Senior Engineer John Szalay presented proposed projects: resurfacing Boston Mills Road and Hines Hill Road, a roundabout at Ravenna Street/Stow Road, turn lanes at Barlow Road/Terex Road, and a signal/turn lane upgrade at Darrow Road/Middleton Road, plus the Rails-to-Trails project. Council discussed benefits and challenges (property acquisition, costs). The funding decision is expected in early 2026 with availability in 2028-2030. No vote; staff will proceed with applications.
• E. 996 Hines Hill Road Authentication: Economic Development Manager Katie Behnke updated on progress toward JobsOhio SiteOhio certification. Completed items: geotechnical study, environmental reviews, and site maintenance. Upcoming: Army Corps wetland determination, mineral rights analysis, and recording protective covenants. Council discussed lot split design, concerns about truck traffic and a through street, and the relocation of the salt dome. The item was forwarded to the September 16 agenda for authorizing protective covenants and site branding (“Hudson Innovation Park”).
• F. Planning Commission 90-Day Moratorium: Planning Commission Chair Ms. Norman requested a moratorium on applications requiring a public hearing to allow the Commission to review and recommend amendments to the Land Development Code. Council debated the scope, timing, and impact. Key outcomes: Council expressed majority support for the moratorium with modifications: exempt city/governmental projects, and consider a 30-day public notice before implementation. The resolution (with emergency clause) was placed on the consent agenda for September 16.
• G. Temporary Construction Yard at Ohio Turnpike/Stow Road: Community Development Director Greg Hannan explained that Beaver Excavating’s lease expires in July 2026, but the city’s permit only allows use until January 2026. City Manager Sheridan negotiated a settlement: permit extension to July 2026 with $500/day liquidated damages for failure to vacate and restore the site. Council generally supported the approach; no formal vote.
• H. Residential Driveway Plowing Program: Public Works Director Powell reported that bidding resulted in an estimated $20,000 cost for 100 participants (5 vouchers each). The program will be advertised September 15-29 with a silent week. Council approved proceeding as presented.

Key Outcomes

• Library levy resolution: Forwarded to September 16 consent agenda with correction to include 0.6-mill increase.
• AMATS applications: Staff authorized to proceed with grant applications; council will later approve agreements if awarded.
• Planning Commission moratorium: To be considered on September 16 consent agenda with modifications (exempt governmental projects, possible 30-day notice before effective date). This will allow the Commission to begin work; council may extend if needed.
• Temporary construction yard: City Manager instructed to finalize a settlement agreement with penalty clauses for council approval at a future meeting.
• Driveway plowing program: Approved to expand to 100 participants with $20,000 budget.
• 996 Hines Hill Road: Protective covenants and site branding resolutions placed on consent for September 16.
• Western Reserve Community Band lease: No immediate action; directed to H.O.M.E. Committee.
• Girl Scouts water line: No vote; council will continue deliberations.