Hudson City Council Regular Meeting – February 3, 2026

The Hudson City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Town Hall, 27 East Main Street. The meeting began with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. to interview applicants for boards and commissions, followed by the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., and concluded with a second executive session. All seven council members were present, forming a quorum. The Council approved the previous meeting minutes, approved most consent legislation, debated and voted on the City Manager's amended employment agreement, and discussed a proposal to prohibit concealed handguns in city buildings.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the draft minutes of the January 20, 2026, Council meeting and the January 27, 2026, Council Workshop (legislative item 26-0009) by a vote of seven in favor to zero against.
• The Council suspended the three-reading rule and approved the consent agenda, less item 26-20, by a vote of seven in favor to zero against. This included:
  • 26-14 – A resolution supporting the Ohio Commission for the United States Semi-quincentennial (America 250 Ohio).
  • 26-15 through 26-19 – Approved as listed on the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The President of the League of Women Voters of Hudson expressed full support for the Council's discussion to rescind the rule allowing City Council elected officials to carry concealed handguns in city buildings, including City Hall and Town Hall.
• Josh Studzinski, 2409 Hudson Aurora Rd., spoke in support of Mayor Anzevino's civility initiative.
• A member of the public raised concerns about work performed without permits, referenced pending criminal and civil actions (including two criminal cases under appeal and one civil action), and stated that the City Manager's salary of $212,000 is $40,000 more than the Governor of Ohio's salary. The same speaker discussed the City Manager's direction for the City Engineer to meet with the City Solicitor over possible sanctions against a company. The speaker was granted a two-minute extension beyond the standard five-minute limit.

Discussion Items

• 26-20 – City Manager Employment Agreement: The Council suspended the three-reading rule by a vote of six in favor and one abstention. After discussion, the Council voted to pass 26-20. Staff had requested that action be postponed to a date certain of March 17, 2026, with a public hearing on March 3, 2026; however, the resolution was ultimately approved as amended. The resolution authorizes the City Council President to enter into a retroactive amendment to the City Manager's employment agreement with Thomas J. Sheridan, with the employment contract (Exhibit A) dated February 3, 2026, version substituted.
• 26-13 – Concealed Handgun Ordinance: The Council discussed the ordinance amending Section 672.02(i)(6) to prohibit the carrying of a concealed handgun in city buildings by Council members. The League of Women Voters had spoken in support during public comments.
• Gazebo Lift/Ramp Project: Council and staff discussed a new hybrid approach for the ramp/lift at the downtown gazebo. Stakeholders indicated that the ramp took away from the gazebo's look and suggested placing the lift on East Main Street, which has less traffic. A lighting committee recommended the East Main Street location. The lift, to be located at the southeast corner of the gazebo, would be priced as a bid alternate (not included in the base estimate) so Council could decide whether to include it. A potential drainage improvement was also discussed as part of the project. Council members asked about an alternate price and a $100,000 budget question, and the City Manager was asked to return to Council for further approval on the project.

City Manager's Report

• City Manager Sheridan reported that a power outage occurred early Tuesday morning and lasted approximately 90 minutes; Hudson Public Power restored electricity, and the cause may be related to Ohio Turnpike debris affecting substation equipment.
• The Park Board meeting was rescheduled to February 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• A brief version of the State of the City address will be presented at the February 10 Council Workshop, with the full report attached.

Executive Session

• The Council recessed at 8:20 p.m. to enter a second executive session. Invited participants included all Council members, the Mayor, both Assistant City Managers, the Police Chief, the City Solicitor, and the City Manager. No additional public business was expected after the session.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the January 20 and January 27 meeting minutes (7–0).
• Approved the consent agenda less item 26-20 (7–0).
• Suspended the three-reading rule on resolution 26-20 (6–0, one abstention).
• Adopted 26-20 as amended, authorizing the City Council President to enter into the retroactive City Manager employment contract amendment dated February 3, 2026.
• The Council adjourned the regular meeting at 9:36 p.m.