Hudson City Council Regular Meeting and Workshop – February 17, 2026

The Hudson City Council held a regular meeting and workshop on February 17, 2026, beginning with executive sessions for board interviews and later for real estate and legal matters. The regular meeting opened at 7:30 PM with six of seven members present (Dr. Weinstein absent). Key topics included a public hearing on establishing Zoning District 11 along the South Darrow Road corridor, public comments on accessibility of the downtown gazebo and short-term rentals, appointments to boards, and passage of a concealed handgun ban in city buildings. The consent agenda passed with the exception of the Gazebo Legacy Project resolution, which was postponed to March 3, 2026 after extensive discussion on ADA access.

Consent Calendar

• A motion to acknowledge the January 2026 Monthly Financial Report (26-0014).
• Resolution 26-22 authorizing storm water easement agreements along Baldwin and N. Main Streets.
• Resolution 26-23 authorizing bids for 2026 storm sewer and culvert lining improvements and repair of a 78” storm sewer pipe at Darrow Park.
• Resolution 26-24 authorizing an agreement with Cogent Communications for a redundant internet circuit for Velocity Broadband.
• Resolution 26-25 authorizing bids for aerial fiber cable installation for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) project, not to exceed $500,000.
• Resolution 26-26 authorizing bids for underground fiber cable installation for FTTH, not to exceed $1,000,000.
• Resolution 26-27 authorizing contracts with up to three firms for customer premise equipment installation for Velocity Broadband, not to exceed $1,000,000.
• Resolution 26-28 authorizing contracts with three firms for underground fiber and conduit for customer laterals divided into north, central, and south zones, total not to exceed $1,000,000.
• Resolution 26-29 supporting a technical correction for FY24 Community Project Funds for water infrastructure improvements (Hudson Drive Waterline, Waterline at City Hall, new well at Water Treatment Plant).
• Resolution 26-30 authorizing advances of local taxes from Summit County for 2026.
• Resolution 26-31 amending the fireworks contract to increase the 2026 amount from $26,750 to $51,750 for the 250th anniversary celebration.
• All items A through K were approved unanimously (6-0). Item L (26-32, Gazebo Legacy Project) was pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearing – Zoning District 11 (Ordinance 25-146)

• Andrew Meldrum (290 Aurora St.), representing the Hudson Heritage Association, spoke in opposition, arguing the rezoning contradicts the 2024 Comprehensive Plan which designated the area as light industrial flex. He noted the plan was created with input from over 1,500 residents and that the proposed district would allow hotels, retail, grocery stores, and restaurants that could compete with downtown.
• Marcia Carsten (7481 Herrick Park Dr.), a member of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan steering committee, opposed the ordinance, stating it disregards the public process and could create a second downtown hub that harms the historic district.
• Robert Kahrl (7624 Red Fox Trail) suggested changes to better align with the Comprehensive Plan, specifically removing grocery stores and high-density residential (townhouses and multifamily) since residents preferred ranch-style single-floor homes.
• Sarah Norman (2212 Edgeview Dr.), Chair of the Planning Commission, urged Council to slow down, consider limits on senior housing and residential density, and address the poorly drafted planned development chapter. She noted that 10% of Hudson’s dwelling units are senior living but account for over 50% of emergency calls. She recommended postponing action until summer to revise the code.

General Public Comments

• Megan Higgins (6387 Forest Edge Dr.) urged adding accessibility features to the gazebo, arguing that public spaces must be inclusive for people with disabilities.
• Barbara Hanna (187 Elm St.) asked Council to reconsider short-term rental operations, citing concerns about neighborhood fabric and the proliferation of rentals on Elm Street.
• Sarah Viar (15 Chadbourne Dr.) spoke in favor of ADA accessibility for the gazebo, emphasizing that everyone should be able to enjoy community spaces.
• Tampa Murphy (170 Elm St.) opposed short-term rentals in the historic district, describing the confusion over a recent permit notice and requesting protection of community character.
• Lois Patterson (1708 Edgar Dr.) spoke on behalf of neighbor Anthony Ravida, noting his good character and positive contributions to the neighborhood regarding a fence dispute.
• Anthony Ravida (1746 Edgar Dr.) detailed a prolonged dispute over a fence, alleging that the city spent approximately $50,000 in legal fees on his $12,000 fence issue and that City Council President Foster made false statements that led to a police investigation. He asked for council assistance.

Discussion Items

Gazebo Legacy Project (Resolution 26-32)

• The resolution was pulled from the consent agenda. Community Relations Manager Jenna Stasik presented a new rendering based on public feedback. The updated design repairs the existing structure, adds new concrete plaza, landscaping, underdrains for drainage, and an ADA lift on the south side (flex-step lift) that looks like stairs when not in use.
• Council discussed reliability, cost, and timeline. Councilor Sutton moved to postpone to March 3, 2026, solicit public feedback on the new rendering, and refer it to the Architectural & Historic Board of Review (AHBR). The motion carried 6-0.
• City Manager Sheridan noted that the lift option could be implemented by July 4th deadline, and the plaza and other work could proceed under existing contracts without new bids.

Zoning District 11 (Ordinance 25-146) – Third Reading

• Council postponed action to March 3, 2026, as recommended by staff. Councilor Sutton requested referral back to Planning Commission but Council President Bird declined. Motion to postpone passed 5-1 (Sutton opposed).
• During the workshop, staff (Community Development Director Greg Hannan and Economic Development Manager Katie Behnke) provided updates from the Planning Commission’s February 9 meeting: recommended increasing minimum acreage for planned developments from 10 to 50 acres, reducing residential density from 30 units/acre to 20 (Planning Commission recommended 15), and removing planned development bonuses. Discussion included concerns about allowing grocery stores and potential competition with downtown. Staff argued that any grocery would be at a higher price point and would require plan development approval with high scrutiny.

Concealed Handgun Prohibition (Ordinance 26-13) – Third Reading

• Ordinance 26-13, rescinding the rule allowing elected officials to carry concealed handguns in city buildings, passed on third reading by a vote of 5-1 (Sutton opposed).

Appointments

• Council President Bird established a new Council Safety Subcommittee with members D'Eramo, White, and Bird.
• Appointments approved: Doug Hardtmayer to Cemetery Board (full term, 6-0); Karen Farkas to Environmental Awareness Committee (partial term, 5-1, Sutton nay); Gary Viar to HCTV Advisory Committee (full term, 6-0); Ben Baran and Matt Babika to Military and Veterans Commission (full terms, 6-0).

Other Discussion

• Councilor Goetz announced a future workshop on short-term rental regulations after meeting with Elm Street residents.
• City Manager Sheridan reported the Merry Mulch program collected 992 trees, and the "Budget in Brief" will be mailed to residents in February.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items A-K) approved 6-0.
• Gazebo Legacy Project (26-32) postponed to March 3, 2026; public feedback and AHBR review to be conducted.
• Zoning District 11 (25-146) postponed to March 3, 2026 (5-1).
• Concealed Handgun Prohibition (26-13) passed 5-1 on third reading.
• Appointments approved as listed.
• Council Safety Subcommittee established.
• Future items: Workshop on short-term rentals, and final votes on District 11 and Gazebo on March 3.