Hudson City Council Meeting and Workshop - July 14, 2026

The Hudson City Council held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. followed by a workshop at 8:47 p.m. on July 14, 2026, at Town Hall. All seven council members were present. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments, a cell tower lease, a natural gas aggregation ordinance, and a workshop discussion on land development code amendments regarding density and planned developments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: The minutes from the June 16, 2026 Council Meeting and June 23, 2026 Council Workshop were approved unanimously (7-0).
• Resolution 26-101: Authorized renewal of a 36-month contract with Bluebird Midwest LLC (formerly Everstream Solutions) for a 10 Gig dedicated internet circuit for Velocity Broadband.
• Resolution 26-102: Authorized a police services agreement with Hudson City School District for three school resource officers (one funded by the schools).
• Resolution 26-103: Authorized a storm water easement agreement at 2095 Ravenna Street for maintenance of a new storm sewer system.
• Resolution 26-104: Authorized a $70,939 traffic impact study with TMS Engineers, Inc. for the proposed Clinton Crossing Project.
• Resolution 26-105: Increased purchase order for Acushnet golf equipment at Ellsworth Meadows Golf Club due to increased sales.
• Resolution 26-106: Amended a prior resolution for emergency repair of a 12.47 KV transformer at the South Main Street substation damaged by lightning on August 13, 2025.
• Resolution 26-107: Authorized a contract with Summit County Public Health for NPDES permitted outfall inspection, monitoring, and sampling services.
• Resolution 26-108: Declared a six-month stay on new applications for data centers and related activities, with an option to extend another six months. Councilmember Weinstein noted the stay allows time to define data centers and address utility capacity, noise, and power grid impacts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Papes (553 W. Streetsboro St.): Requested lowering the speed limit on State Route 303 to 35 mph from the current 45 mph to the Boston Heights/Hudson corporate line, citing frequent speeding.
• Todd Zedak (16 Hudson Common): Criticized the handling of District 11 zoning and the council's removal of censures against former councilmember Nicole Kowalski, calling the process unfair.
• Anthony Ravida (1746 Edgar Dr.): Alleged wrongdoing by city staff, specifically claiming City Manager Sheridan and others lied about a sinkhole repair and permit issues. He stated he has provided documentation to support his claims.

Discussion Items

• Legislation 26-96 (Cell Tower Lease): Third reading of a resolution authorizing a lease with Northstar Towers II, LLC for a telecommunications tower on city property to improve cell service in southern Hudson. Councilmember Weinstein expressed support. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0).
• Legislation 26-99 (Natural Gas Aggregation): Second reading of an ordinance to place an opt-out natural gas aggregation program on the ballot. FAQs were posted to the city website on July 9, 2026. Scheduled for third reading on July 21, 2026.
• Workshop – Density and Planned Development Amendments (Item 26-0053): Planning Commission Chair Sarah Norman presented recommendations to adjust density regulations based on a consultant (OHM) report showing Hudson's allowable densities were outliers compared to peer cities. Proposed changes include reducing multifamily density in District 5 from 30 to 15 units per acre and aligning other districts. Discussion included corridor-based density, accessory dwelling units, and the need to define senior housing density. On planned developments, Norman raised concerns about vague standards, conflicts in approval processes, and the lack of defined criteria for 'exceptional design.' A joint council-planning commission meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2026. Councilmember Bird also reported on EMS calls to senior facilities: 40-50% of calls involve transport; only 10-20% are potentially preventable. Meetings with facility leadership are planned.
• Other Workshop Items: The proposed consent agenda for July 21 includes acknowledgment of the June 2026 Financial Report (income tax revenues 2.7% above 2025 and 2.8% above estimate; interest income above estimate; HCTV below estimate due to declining franchise fees), a second appropriations amendment including $150,000 for snow/ice removal and vehicle repairs, increased funding for snow/ice control, and LPA agreements for Boston Mills Road resurfacing and Veterans Rails to Trails 2 project (10-foot asphalt trail from Veterans Way to Barlow Road). Councilmember White requested a future update on the former YDC property and salt dome relocation.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of June 16 and June 23 meetings approved unanimously (7-0).
• Honorary Resolution 26-100 thanking Eric Hutchinson for 35 years of service adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Proclamation recognizing Peg’s Foundation 25th anniversary presented.
• Consent Agenda items 26-101 through 26-108 approved unanimously (7-0) after suspension of rules.
• Resolution 26-96 (Cell Tower Lease) passed on third reading with a unanimous roll call vote (7-0).
• Ordinance 26-99 (Natural Gas Aggregation) advanced to third reading on July 21, 2026.
• Workshop discussion on density and planned development will continue at the August 10, 2026 joint meeting with Planning Commission.
• City Manager will report on communication tools (Notify Me, Code Red) in August and will bring new directional drilling specifications to council on August 11, 2026.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m. after the workshop.