Hudson Planning Commission Meeting – February 10, 2025

The Hudson Planning Commission met on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. The meeting included the swearing‑in of new Commissioner Chelsea McCoy, approval of previous minutes, and extensive discussions on revising Appendix A (submittal requirements) of the Land Development Code (LDC), parliamentary procedures and administrative rules, and a proposed City Council ordinance codifying public hearing rules. A subcommittee was formed to study Appendix A, and the Commission agreed to forward comments on the public hearing ordinance to Council.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of January 13, 2025 Minutes: The minutes were amended to add that "the applicant submitted a sample of the vinyl fence product which was inspected by the Commissioners." The amendment passed 5–0–1 (McCoy abstaining). The minutes as amended were then approved 5–0–1 (McCoy abstaining).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the Public Discussion period. The gallery was empty.

Discussion Items

• Council Check‑in and LDC Rewrite Discussion: Chair Norman reported that City Council prefers LDC amendments to be brought in stages rather than a full rewrite. Council also indicated interest in amending the Growth Management Plan. Commissioners and staff discussed the need for an updated LDC, the potential cost of a consultant ($100,000–$150,000 for a full rewrite, with 12–18 months timeline), and the $25,000 threshold for Council‑approved expenditures. A subcommittee (Chair Norman, Mr. Nystrom, and Mr. Sugar) was appointed to study Appendix A and bring recommendations. The Commission agreed to communicate to Council that an allocation of funds is needed for LDC work.
• PC 2025 Discussion of Revisions to Appendix A – Submittal Requirements: Staff explained the current submittal process, including the use of ViewPoint software for digital applications. Commissioners discussed updating requirements to reflect electronic submissions, adding checklists per application type, and requiring bonds or financial assurances. A subcommittee was appointed (see above) to report back, with an anticipated report by summer 2025.
• PC 2025 Discussion of Parliamentary Procedures and Administrative Rules: Chair Norman reviewed key administrative rules, including conflict of interest, succession of chairs (Norman, Smith, Nystrom, Romano), tie‑vote continuation, agenda posting rules, and the right of commissioners to question witnesses. The Commission discussed the adequacy of current public notification for hearings.
• PC 2025 Discussion of City Council Ordinance No. 25‑21 – Codifying the Order and Rules of a Public Hearing: Staff presented the proposed ordinance, which defines a public hearing and sets time limits (e.g., 15 minutes for applicant, 15 minutes for parties of interest, 5 minutes for general public). Commissioners raised concerns about definitions of "public hearing" vs. "open meeting" and "appeal," due process, and the ability to cross‑examine. Chair Norman offered to compile a redline document with Commission comments. A motion to forward that document to City Council passed 6–0.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Amendment to Jan 13 Minutes: Passed 5–0–1.
• Vote on Approval of Jan 13 Minutes as Amended: Passed 5–0–1.
• Subcommittee Appointment: Chair Norman appointed herself, Mr. Nystrom, and Mr. Sugar to study Appendix A and report back. Public notice and minutes will be required for subcommittee meetings.
• Motion to Forward Comments on Ordinance 25‑21 to Council: Passed 6–0. Chair Norman will provide a redline document to staff for transmission to Council.
• Next Meeting: A special meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2025, on the public works property. The regular March 10 meeting may be rescheduled to March 31 to accommodate pending applications.