Hudson City Council Regular Meeting and Workshop - November 18, 2025

The November 18, 2025 meeting of the Hudson City Council included a public hearing on a land development code amendment, discussions on filling a Ward 2 council vacancy and the unexpired Council President term, approval of several consent items, and readings of multiple legislative items. A workshop followed to review the 2024 state audit and set the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting ran from 7:30 p.m. to 10:27 p.m.

Public Hearing

• Ordinance 25-110 – Removing assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, and institutional residential from allowed uses in commercial-focused districts. Sarah Norman, Chair of the Planning Commission, urged passage, explaining that the Planning Commission had revised the proposal to use an overlay district tied to proximity to first responders, rather than the originally proposed district-based restriction, citing the high burden on EMS from senior facilities and the need to balance development. She noted that over 10% of Hudson's housing units are now senior-oriented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cody Conley (5430 Sullivan Road) – Introduced himself as a 10-year career firefighter paramedic and husband/father, stating he intends to apply for the Ward 2 council vacancy.

Discussion Items

• Ward 2 Vacancy – Council discussed process. Dr. Bird, Dr. Goetz, and Mrs. Kowalski expressed preference to advertise, accept applications, and interview candidates, aiming to fill the vacancy by January 4, 2026, as required by the City Charter. Mr. Sutton and Mrs. Heater preferred letting the residents of Ward 2 decide via a special election. City Manager Sheridan stated applications would be accepted from November 19 through noon on November 26, with an executive session to review on December 2. A simple majority (3 votes) supported the advertising process.
• Election to Fill Unexpired Term of President of Council – The vacancy arose from the resignation of the Council President. Several nomination rounds were held: Mr. Sutton nominated himself; Dr. Bird was nominated by Mrs. Kowalski and Dr. Goetz. Each vote required four affirmative votes (majority of six members); the result in three rounds was 3 votes for Dr. Bird and 2 for Mr. Sutton, failing to elect an Interim Council President. Mayor Anzevino closed the discussion. Later, a motion to elect a chairperson for the executive session and workshop was passed 4-1, with Dr. Bird elected as chair.
• Ordinance 25-110 – Mr. Sutton moved to pass as introduced, then expressed concern about adding non-residential uses in residential districts (D2). He moved to postpone to December 16 for discussion at the December 9 workshop. The postponement motion passed 4-0-1 (Dr. Bird abstained due to a conflict of interest).
• Ordinance 25-157 (Establishing rule for efficient postponement of legislative items) – Third reading. Mrs. Kowalski moved to postpone to December 16; that motion failed 2-3. The main motion to pass then passed 5-0.
• Ordinance 25-146 (Establish Zoning District 11 on South Darrow Road) – Second reading only; staff requested a postponement to February 17, 2026, but Council could not act because the new postponement rule (25-157) had not yet passed. The item was not voted on.
• Resolution 25-174 (Not implementing Growth Management Residential Development Allocation System in 2026) – First reading; referred to the Planning Commission by a 5-0 vote.
• Executive Session – Council entered executive session at 9:16 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and employment of a public employee (the latter was later rescinded by Mr. Sutton). Recessed at 10:02 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved – Minutes of October 21 and October 28, 2025, approved 5-0.
• Consent Agenda Approved (5-0)
  • Motion 25-0130: Directing Clerk to send notice to Ohio Division of Liquor Control for Aladdins Eatery liquor permit membership change.
  • Resolution 25-171: Authorizing purchase of prefabricated public restroom for Oak Grove Park inclusive playground.
  • Resolution 25-172: Authorizing contract with Zupka & Associates for financial audit services for 2025-2029.
• Ordinance 25-157 – Passed on third reading (5-0), effective immediately due to emergency clause, establishing rules for postponement of legislative items.
• Ordinance 25-110 – Postponed to December 16, 2025, for discussion at the December 9 workshop.
• Resolution 25-174 – Referred to Planning Commission (5-0).
• Chairperson Elected – Dr. Bird elected chairperson for the executive session and workshop (4-1).

Workshop Items

• Review of 2024 State Audit – Mr. Knoblauch reported a clean audit opinion, no material non-compliance or internal control weaknesses, and that the city’s AAA credit rating was reaffirmed. A management letter with recommendations was included; staff responded to all points. Dr. Bird requested added timelines for corrective actions.
• Proposed Consent Agenda for November 25, 2025 – All items forwarded without objection:
  • Motion to acknowledge receipt of October 2025 financial report.
  • Resolution for Stow Road sidewalk project (SR 303 to Ravenna Street).
  • Resolution for interior renovation of Fire/EMS building and detached garage construction at 40 S. Oviatt Street.
  • Ordinance amending pay range structure for non-bargaining employees (adjusted by factor of 1.03 for 2026).
  • Ordinance creating Fire Station Renovation Fund (421) – $5 million bond allocated.
  • Resolution authorizing contract with GPD Group for arc flash study (5-year cycle).
• Proposed Legislation for November 25, 2025 – All items forwarded:
  • Ordinance 25-146 (third reading).
  • Ordinance 25-163 (third reading) – Lower speed limit on Hines Hill Road from 45 to 35 mph.
  • Resolution 25-164 (third reading) – Adopt in concept the 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan. Discussion: Staff recommended passing the budget as is and revisiting capital projects in January; new council members will receive a summary workshop.
  • Ordinance 25-165 (third reading) – 2026 appropriations budget.
  • Resolution 25-166 (third reading) – Settlement agreement with Beaver Excavating for temporary construction yard.
  • Resolution 25-169 (third reading) – City Manager employment contract amendment; noted as dependent on having a Council President.
  • Resolution 25-170 (third reading) – Commemorative plaque for Abraham Lincoln’s train stop (Feb 15, 1861).
  • Ordinance 25-173 (second reading) – Creating Clerk of Council Pro Tempore.
  • Resolution 25-180 (first reading) – Submitting library levy renewal (2.9 mills) and increase (0.6 mill, total 3.5 mills) to May 5, 2026 ballot.
• Items Added to Future Agendas – Discussion of Council President election for unexpired term added to November 25 meeting; proclamation for Red Kettle Day added to December 2 meeting.

The workshop adjourned at 10:27 p.m.