Hudson City Council Regular Meeting – June 2, 2026

The Hudson City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Town Hall, 27 East Main Street, beginning with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. to interview applicants for the Cemetery Board and HCTV Advisory Committee, followed by the public session at approximately 7:45 p.m. Council reviewed routine approvals, heard public comments, debated the appointment of the Acting City Solicitor and Special Counsel, and acted on multiple legislative items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the May 19, 2026 Council meeting and the May 26, 2026 Council workshop (Item 26-0046) by roll call vote.
• Suspended the rules to approve the consent agenda as a block, including items such as Ordinance 26-95 (amending prior legislation regarding the City Solicitor) and the reappointment of Marshal Pitchford as Acting City Solicitor and Special Counsel (Item 26-0048).
• A brief correction was offered by Councilmember Sheridan regarding operating cost figures cited in the legislation: $33,000 in 2027, $35,000 in 2028, and $37,000 in 2029.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident raised concerns about the prior special counsel search and bid process, stating that "99.9% of the citizens of Hudson, when they present this, their project is over," and criticized "Sheridan in charge, he believes his word is more important than the city staff" — a position that some attendees felt was contrary to the recorded record.
• No other public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Marshal Pitchford as Acting City Solicitor and Special Counsel (Item 26-0048): Council discussed the City Manager's appointment of Marshal Pitchford. Councilmember Goetz argued that the city had not exhausted all avenues to hire a full-time, in-house solicitor, and expressed concern that the city did not find a full-time solicitor "as desired." She proposed an amendment to section 5 of Ordinance 26-95 to add language rescinding prior appointments, and noted the resolution would "repeal the previous legislation passed two weeks ago." Councilmember Weinstein highlighted the critical role of the solicitor, noting the position provides daily support to staff, attends council meetings, and ensures continuity. She referenced that between 2020 and 2022, the city averaged approximately 2,300 hours of legal work per year, including the combined work of a full-time solicitor and special counsel, and concluded that "the city really needs is a full-time solicitor." Councilmember Brezovec moved to amend section 5 to add rescission language; the amendment was seconded by Councilmember Getz and passed by roll call. Councilmember Sutton commented that the previous council directed the drafting of legislation allowing council members to bring firearms to Town Hall, and stated that council decisions should be based on qualifications, performance, ethics, and evidence, "not political affiliations." Mayor Anzevino clarified that prior actions were taken at the direction of the previous council majority, and agreed that the appointment should be confirmed.
• Legislation 26-95 (Amending City Solicitor Legislation): Following the amendment to section 5, Council passed Ordinance 26-95, which appoints Marshal Pitchford as Acting City Solicitor and Special Counsel and declares an emergency. The vote carried.
• Postponement of Legislation 26-78 (Fees Study): Council discussed postponing legislation 26-78 to a date certain, September 15, 2026, to allow further study of fees at a later date. The motion passed by roll call.
• Confirmation of HCTV Board Appointment: Council President Byrd's nomination of Steve Lyons to the HCTV Advisory Committee to fill a partial term ending March 20, 2028, was approved by roll call.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda, including the appointment of Marshal Pitchford as Acting City Solicitor and Special Counsel (Item 26-0048) and Ordinance 26-95, as amended, which rescinds prior appointments and directs the appointment of Pitchford.
• Approved a motion to postpone legislation 26-78 to September 15, 2026, by roll call vote.
• Approved the nomination of Steve Lyons to the HCTV Advisory Committee for a partial term ending March 20, 2028.
• Entered a second executive session to discuss economic development matters.

Additional Notes

• The agenda indicated an executive session beginning at 6:30 p.m. solely for applicant interviews; the minutes reflect the meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. for that purpose.
• The minutes note that Mayor Anzevino read a proclamation declaring June 12 and 13, 2026 as "Hudson Festival Days" in conjunction with the city's home & garden tour.
• The meeting was adjourned after the second executive session, with an announcement that no additional public business was anticipated.