Hudson City Council Workshop - April 14, 2026

The Hudson City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 10:32 PM at Town Hall. The meeting focused on a detailed review of the District 11 zoning proposal relative to the Comprehensive Plan, an operational overview of the Fire and EMS departments, and a proposed policy for accepting donations from nonprofit organizations. Several legislative items were discussed and forwarded to the April 21, 2026, regular council meeting.

Correspondence and Council Comments

• Councilmember Brezovec read an email from resident Tom Mayor into the record. Mayor argued that the D11 proposal is "disconnected from the municipality's operative growth management policy" (the Comprehensive Plan) and called for "adult supervision" and improved governance processes.
• Councilmember Goetz reported that the Architectural and Historic Board of Review approved an addition to a dental office on East Main Street on April 7, 2026.
• Councilmember Weinstein noted that the Planning Commission discussed District 11 and the Comprehensive Plan at its April 13, 2026, meeting.
• Council President Bird reminded residents of early voting for the Library Board and the May primary election, and asked staff to share Kinetic’s contact information for Ward 4 residents.

Discussion Items

A. District 11 Zoning Discussion (Item 26-0023)

• Members of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (Rebecca Leiter, Jesse Obert, Fink Henry, Todd Zedak, Bob Kahrl) presented an overview of the plan’s development, including its timeline (November 2022 – May 2024), community engagement methods (two surveys with 1,266 total responses, focus groups, pop-up events), and the values identified by residents: downtown, schools, safety, and traffic as the top concern.
• The Committee presented the Comprehensive Plan’s future land use map for the SR 91 corridor (Stony Hill to Norton Road), which designates the area around the former Joann Fabrics property as light industrial/flex with potential for limited retail frontage, and emphasized that residential use was never intended for that area. They stated that the D11 proposal’s inclusion of mixed-use and up to 200 residential units conflicts with the plan.
• Planning Commission Vice Chair Obert noted that Planning Commission had requested additional time to work on foundational land development code issues (e.g., planned development definitions) before finalizing District 11, and that the 120-day review period was insufficient. He expressed concern that the current code lacks clear guidelines for planned developments, leaving the city open to legal risk.
• Economic Development Manager Behnke provided context on efforts to re-lease the vacant Joann’s building, noting that 70% of commercial leads seek existing facilities, and that the site is being actively marketed by IRG with CBRE. She highlighted challenges such as poor cell service in the area.
• Council members debated whether D11 could be aligned with the Comprehensive Plan by removing residential uses, or whether the plan development code must be revised first. No official action was taken.

B. Fire and EMS Department Overviews (Item 26-0024)

• Chief Jerry Varnes presented a comprehensive update on the Fire and EMS departments’ 2026 operational status, including response times, personnel, certifications, and call volumes.
• EMS Statistics: Average turnout time (NFPA goal: 60 seconds) was 64 seconds in 2025; nighttime turnout averaged 93 seconds. Total EMS calls for service were 2,615 in 2025 and on pace for 3,000 in 2026. EMS experienced 31 resignations/retirements and 25 hires over three years; Chief Varnes characterized the department as a training facility. 46% of all EMS transports in 2025 originated from senior care facilities.
• Fire Statistics: Fire department turnout time averaged 1 minute 58 seconds (NFPA standard: 1 minute 20 seconds), partly due to construction delays. Staffed response (when on-station) was significantly faster than non-staffed. Firefighters averaged 99 hours of training per person in 2025, far exceeding the state requirement of 12 hours/year. The department is hiring 12 new part-time firefighters (to be sworn in by end of April) to staff nighttime shifts once station renovations are complete (projected August–September 2026).
• Chief Varnes clarified that fire and EMS currently operate as separate departments under the hybrid model, with fire staff not required to be cross-trained as EMTs/paramedics, though cross-training is encouraged and offered. Discussion ensued about the long-term model and the potential for a merged department in the future.
• Council discussed the fiscal impact of senior care facility calls, with Finance Director noting approximately $800,000 in annual EMS revenue. Councilmember Bird suggested exploring a bed tax or other compensation mechanisms for future senior facilities.

C. Nonprofit Donations Policy (Resolution 26-73, originally TMP-8567)

• City Manager Sheridan presented a draft policy to create a transparent, legally compliant process for accepting financial or in-kind contributions from nonprofit organizations for city-sponsored public projects. The policy requires nonprofits to be 501(c)(3) organizations (with potential for 501(c)(4)), mandates that the city retain full control over project execution and fund allocation, and requires a signed agreement detailing the project scope and payment schedule.
• Councilmember Weinstein requested clarification that donations channeled through a community foundation (like the Hudson Community Foundation) would be eligible even if the donor group is not itself a 501(c)(3). Sheridan agreed to adjust the language. The item was scheduled for first reading on April 21, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• District 11: No vote was taken; the discussion served as informational input for future council deliberations on the zoning proposal.
• Fire/EMS Overview: No formal action; council will continue to monitor response times and consider policies related to senior care facilities and EMS staffing.
• Nonprofit Donations Policy: Scheduled for first reading as Resolution 26-73 (agenda number TMP-8567) on April 21, 2026. Staff will incorporate requested clarifications.
• Consent Agenda Items Forwarded to April 21, 2026, Council Meeting:
  • Motion to acknowledge March 2026 Financial Report (TMP-8592)
  • Ordinance adopting Federal Funds and Grant Policies (26-65, TMP-8566)
  • Ordinance amending 2026 appropriations (26-66, TMP-8595)
  • Resolution affirming State Capital Budget application (26-67, TMP-8565)
  • Resolution affirming ODPS Priority One and Supplemental Grant application (26-68, TMP-8579)
  • Resolution authorizing three-year contract with Vetro, Inc. for fiber mapping software (26-69, TMP-8581)
• Proposed Legislation for First/Second/Third Readings on April 21, 2026:
  • Ordinance amending street banner regulations (26-51, third reading)
  • Resolution authorizing contract with RDL Architects for Downtown Development Concept Site Plan (26-53, third reading)
  • Ordinance allowing correction of scrivener’s errors by the Clerk (26-64, second reading)
  • Ordinance repealing campaign finance limits (26-70, first reading) — debated; council will seek additional information on constitutionality and alternative caps.
  • Ordinance amending rules for introduction of legislation (26-71, first reading) — staff will discuss concerns about city manager’s authority and agenda addition process.
  • Ordinance creating a public records policy to protect minor and crime victim identities (26-72, first reading)
  • Resolution on nonprofit donation policy (26-73, first reading)
• Future Proclamations (April 21, 2026): Lemonade Day Month, Public Service Recognition Week, Arbor Day, Western Reserve Academy 200th Anniversary.

Note: The agenda item number for the nonprofit donations resolution appears as TMP-8567 in the agenda but as Resolution 26-73 in the minutes. The summary reflects both references for accuracy.